JP2006279565A - Array speaker controller and array microphone controller - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To set the sound beam of an array speaker box automatically. <P>SOLUTION: When a user sits on a chair 40 in the vicinity of array speaker boxes 1-1 to 1-4 or a plug is inserted into an outlet 41, it is detected and the focal position of a sound beam is determined near the position of face of the user. Parameters are then supplied to the array speakers box 1-1 to 1-4 such that a sound beam is formed at the focal position thus determined. Consequently, a sound beam is formed toward the user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for easily setting an acoustic beam focus of an array speaker and a sound collection point of an array microphone.

  Various array speakers that can form an acoustic beam have been developed. This array speaker is designed to attach a plurality of speakers to a single cabinet with the same wavefront, and to control the delay amount and level of sound emitted from each speaker, generate an acoustic beam, and efficiently at a desired position. Can tell the sound.

  In addition, array microphones based on the same principle have been developed. By adjusting the output signal level and delay amount of each microphone, the sound collection point can be set arbitrarily, so that efficient sound collection is possible. It has become.

  When configuring a conference system or the like using this type of array speaker or array microphone, it is desirable to set the focal point of the acoustic beam and the sound collection point of the microphone at the positions of the participants' faces. Setting is complicated because it requires many parameters for setting the delay amount and level.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 describes a device that drives a speaker to attach a sensor to a user (listener), detect the position of the sensor, and direct the main axis of directivity of the speaker to the detected position. According to this apparatus, the directivity of sound is automatically formed toward the user who attached the sensor.
JP-A-9-238390

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, since a sensor must be attached to the user's body, for example, when applied to a conference system, the sensor must be attached to all participants in the conference. The configuration becomes extremely complicated. Further, since the technique described in Patent Document 1 directly rotates the speaker box, there is a problem that it cannot be applied to control of the acoustic beam of the array speaker.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances. An array speaker control apparatus and an array microphone that can set the focal point of an acoustic beam and the position of a sound collection point of an array microphone without attaching a sensor or the like to the user. An object is to provide a control device.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention detects a cable together with identification information for identifying the connection portion when detecting that the cable is connected to the connection portion and the connection portion to which the cable of the device is connected. Based on connection state detection means for outputting a signal, arrangement data storage means for storing arrangement data indicating the positional relationship between the array speaker and the connection section, cable detection signals output from the connection state detection means, and identification information The acoustic beam setting means for obtaining the focal point of the acoustic beam to be formed by the array speaker with reference to the stored contents of the arrangement data storage means, and the acoustic beam is formed at the focal point obtained by the acoustic beam setting means. And an acoustic beam generating means for controlling the array speaker.

  In addition, when detecting that the user is seated in a chair, seating detection means for outputting a seating detection signal together with an identification signal for identifying the chair, and layout data for storing layout data indicating the positional relationship between the array speaker and the chair Acoustic beam setting means for obtaining the focal point of the acoustic beam to be formed by the array speaker by referring to the storage content of the arrangement data storage means based on the storage means, the identification signal output from the seating detection means and the seating detection signal And acoustic beam generating means for controlling the array speaker so that an acoustic beam is formed at the focal point obtained by the acoustic beam setting means.

  Also, template storage means for storing a template in which the positional relationship between the position of the focal point of the acoustic beam to be formed by the array speaker and the array speaker is set, and condition data indicating the conditions under which the array speaker is used are input. Condition data input means, acoustic beam setting means for obtaining a focus of the acoustic beam to be formed by the array speaker based on the condition data input from the condition data input means and the template, and the acoustic beam setting means And an acoustic beam generating means for controlling the array speaker such that an acoustic beam is formed at a focal point.

  In this case, a plurality of the templates are provided corresponding to the installation situation of the array speaker, and the template selection means for selecting the template is provided, and the acoustic beam setting means is provided by the condition data and the template selection means. The focal point of the acoustic beam to be formed by the array speaker may be determined based on the selected template.

  Further, in the present invention, a connection state in which a cable detection signal is output together with identification information for identifying the connection part when detecting that the cable is connected to the connection part and a connection part to which the cable of the device is connected Based on the detection means, arrangement data storage means for storing arrangement data indicating the positional relationship between the array microphone and the connection section, the arrangement data storage means based on the cable detection signal and identification information output from the connection state detection means. The sound collection point setting means for obtaining the sound collection point of the array microphone with reference to the stored content of the array microphone, and the array microphone is controlled so as to have a directivity for collecting sound from the sound collection point obtained by the sound collection point setting means And directivity generation means.

  In addition, when detecting that the user is seated in a chair, seating detection means for outputting a seating detection signal together with an identification signal for identifying the chair, and layout data for storing layout data indicating the positional relationship between the array microphone and the chair A sound collection point setting means for obtaining a sound collection point of the array microphone by referring to a storage content of the arrangement data storage means based on an identification signal output from the storage detection means and a seating detection signal; Directivity generation means for controlling the array microphone so as to obtain directivity for collecting sound from the sound collection point obtained by the sound collection point setting means may be provided.

  Also, template storage means for storing a template in which the positional relationship between the array microphone and the sound collection points to be formed by the array microphone is set, and condition data input for inputting condition data indicating the conditions under which the array microphone is used Means, sound collection point setting means for obtaining sound collection points to be formed by the array microphone based on the condition data input from the condition data input means and the template, and the sound collection point obtained by the sound collection point setting means Directivity generating means for controlling the array microphone so as to obtain directivity for collecting sound from a point may be provided.

  In this case, a plurality of the templates are provided corresponding to the installation state of the array microphone, and a template selection unit for selecting the template is provided, and the sound collection point setting unit includes the condition data and the template selection unit. The sound collection points of the array microphones may be obtained based on the template selected by (1).

  If comprised as mentioned above, the focus of the acoustic beam corresponding to the said user and the position of the sound collection point of an array microphone will be automatically set based on the detection result of a user's seating state or apparatus use state. Therefore, the directivity of the acoustic beam and the array microphone can be controlled without attaching a sensor to the user and without inputting a parameter for setting the acoustic beam.

  In addition, the directivity of the acoustic beam and the array microphone can be automatically set in consideration of the usage status with respect to the contents of the template, so a plurality of array speakers and array microphones can be concentrated using a personal computer or the like. Can be managed.

A: First embodiment (configuration of the embodiment)

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numerals 1-1 to 1-4 denote array speaker boxes. The array speaker boxes 1-1 to 1-4 have the same configuration, and the appearance is shown in FIG. The array speaker boxes 1-1 to 1-4 are collectively referred to as an array speaker box 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the array speaker box 1 has a plurality of speakers SP attached to a baffle plate 2 a of a cabinet 2 in a line. A microphone M is provided in the vicinity of each speaker SP. These microphones M, M... Function as array microphones having strong directivity by controlling the signal level and the delay amount.

  This embodiment functions as a call system used when a conference is held with a large number of people, and transmits the voices of participants in the conference to each other. That is, by arranging the array speaker boxes 1-1 to 1-4 with microphones side by side, the voices of the participants in the conference were efficiently collected from the utterance position (almost mouth position) and collected. Sound is transmitted by acoustic beams to the ear position of each participant in the conference.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view of the present embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 30 denotes a table having a top plate formed in a rectangular shape. The array speaker boxes 1-1 to 1-4 are arranged in two rows along the longitudinal direction of the table 30 as shown in the center of the conference table 30. A chair 40 is arranged near the long side of the top plate of the table 30. In this case, four chairs 40 are arranged on one side of the long side of the top plate, and four are arranged on the other side of the long side of the top plate so as to face these. Furthermore, the position of each chair 40 is a position where two legs are respectively arranged in front of each array speaker box 1-1 to 1-4.

  Next, FIG. 4 is a side view of the chair 40. As shown in the figure, the pressure sensor PS is embedded in the seat surface. When a person is seated, the pressure sensor PS outputs the pressure as a signal S1. Yes. That is, the value of the signal S1 of the pressure sensor PS can be used to determine whether the chair 40 is empty or seated. The pressure sensor PS outputs an identification signal ID1 that uniquely identifies the pressure sensor PS together with the signal S1.

  Further, an outlet 41 is provided in a portion corresponding to the chair 40 on the top plate of the table 30, that is, a portion corresponding to a position where a person is seated. As a result, two outlets 41 are located in front of each of the array speaker boxes 1-1 to 1-4.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the table 30 in the vicinity of the outlet 41. As shown in this figure, the outlet 41 has a top plate with the end face of the insertion slot coinciding with the height of the top face of the top plate of the table 30. Embedded in. In addition, an insertion sensor PD is provided in the outlet embedding space of the top plate. The insertion sensor PD has a coil L that goes around a power cord extending from the outlet 41. When a power plug of a device such as a personal computer is connected to the outlet 41 and a current flows through the power cord of the outlet 41, Induced power due to current is generated in the coil L. When the insertion sensor PD detects that the power plug of the device is connected to the outlet 41 by the induced power of the coil L, the insertion sensor PD outputs the detection signal S2 together with the identification signal ID2 for uniquely identifying the outlet 41.

  The output signal S1 of the pressure sensor PS, the identification signal ID1, the output signal S2 of the insertion sensor PD, and the identification signal ID2 are input to the corresponding array speaker boxes 1-1 to 1-4.

  6 is a block diagram of a control circuit provided in the array speaker box 1. In the figure, SPA is a speaker driving unit for driving the speakers SP, SP. The speaker drive unit SPA is provided with an amplifier and a delay circuit corresponding to each speaker SP, SP..., And their output level and delay time are set by a parameter SPP. By adjusting the parameter SPP, the number of acoustic beams and the focal position (the direction of the beam) are controlled. MCA is a microphone input unit that performs processing on output signals of the microphones M, M. The microphone input unit MCA is provided with an amplifier and a delay circuit corresponding to each of the microphones M, M... And an arithmetic circuit for performing addition, and the output level and delay time thereof are set by the parameter MCP. It has become. By adjusting the parameter MCP, the directivity shape of the array microphone, the position of the sound collection point, and the like can be controlled.

  Next, the interface unit 3 controls transmission / reception of signals between the speaker driving unit SPA and the microphone input unit MCA and the centralized management circuit 5 and the echo cancellation circuit 6 shown in FIG.

  The centralized management circuit 5 outputs parameters SPP and MCP to the array speaker boxes 1-1 to 1-4. The sound collected by the microphones M of the array speaker boxes 1-1 to 1-4 is input to the echo cancellation circuit 6 as a sound signal via the microphone input unit MCA and the interface unit 3. At this time, the interface unit 3 assigns an ID code that uniquely identifies the array speaker box. The audio signal input to the echo cancel circuit 6 is supplied to the encoder / decoder 7 together with the ID code, and is encoded into a signal of a predetermined format, and then supplied to the centralized management circuit 5. The LAN interface 8 is also connected to an external network. The centralized management circuit 5, the echo cancellation circuit 6, the encoder / decoder circuit 7, and the LAN interface 8 constitute an array speaker control device.

  The centralized management circuit 5 analyzes which array speaker box 1-1 to 1-4 is a signal transmitted from the ID code in the supplied signal, and sends a signal to be transferred to the array speaker box 1- Output to 1-1-4. In this case, the ID code is also included in the signal output from the centralized management circuit 5, and the signal is transferred to the array speaker box specified thereby. The signal transferred from the centralized management circuit 5 is supplied to the array speaker boxes 1-1 to 1-4 and also transferred to the array speaker box connected to the network 10.

  A signal transferred from the centralized management circuit 5 to the array speaker box 1 is decoded by the encoder / decoder circuit 7 and supplied to the interface unit 3 in the array speaker box 1 via the echo cancellation circuit 6. The audio signal supplied to the interface unit 3 is supplied to each speaker SP via the speaker driving unit SPA, and is thereby emitted as a predetermined acoustic beam.

  With the above configuration, the conference participants in the vicinity of the array speaker boxes 1-1 to 1-4 can talk with each other and also use the devices connected to the network 10 as well. A meeting can be held.

  In addition, the sound emitted from the speakers SP of the array speaker boxes 1-1 to 1-4 circulates from the microphone M in the vicinity thereof to cause howling. In the present embodiment, the microphone is operated by the echo cancel circuit 6. The sound that wraps around M is canceled and howling is prevented.

  With the above configuration, each participant can hold a conference in a hands-free state without having a handset or the like.

  Here, the configuration of the centralized management circuit 5 will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, 20 is a CPU for controlling each part of the circuit, and 21 is a ROM in which programs used by the CPU 20 are stored. Reference numeral 22 denotes a RAM used as a work area for the CPU 20.

  An operation unit 25 inputs various instructions and commands to the CPU 20 and is operated by an operator. Reference numeral 26 denotes an interface for exchanging signals between the CPU 20 and the array speaker boxes 1-1 to 1-4.

  In the RAM 22 in the present embodiment, the correspondence relationship between the array speaker boxes 1-1 to 1-4 and the corresponding pressure sensor PS in the chair 4 is stored, and the array speaker boxes 1-1 to 1-4 are stored in the RAM 22. The correspondence relationship of the corresponding insertion sensor PD is stored. This correspondence relationship is the same as the table TBL in which the identification signals ID1 of the two pressure sensors PS and the identification signals ID2 of the two insertion sensors PD are associated with each of the array speaker boxes 1-1 to 1-4. It is stored as shown in the figure.

  The stored contents of the table TBL are displayed on the display unit 28, and the contents can be rewritten by the operator operating the operation unit 25.

  The RAM 22 stores acoustic beams (shape and focus) to be formed by the array speaker boxes 1-1 to 1-4. Here, FIG. 8 shows the acoustic beam stored for the array speaker box 1-1 by a broken line. In the table TBL in the RAM 22, the coordinates of the focal points P1 and P2 are stored as relative positions with respect to the array speaker box 1-1. In this case, the focal points P <b> 1 and P <b> 2 are set near the position of the ear when a person sits on the chair 40. The table TBL stores the positions slightly below the focal points P1 and P2 (the position of the mouth) as the positions of the sound collection points of the array microphone. Similarly, the focal points (P3, P4) (P5, P6) (P7, P8) are stored for the array speaker boxes 1-2, 1-3, and 1-4, and the positions slightly below these focal points are the sound collection points. It is stored as a point.

(Operation of the embodiment)
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. First, the operator connects cables for transmitting signals to the speakers SP of the array speaker boxes 1-1 to 1-4 to the array speaker boxes 1-1 to 1-4. A cable connected between the echo cancel circuit 6 and the output signal of the microphone M of the array speaker boxes 1-1 to 1-4 is connected to each of the array speaker boxes 1-1 to 1-4 and the echo cancel circuit. 6 is connected. Also, the parameters SPP and MCP are transmitted to the array speaker boxes 1-1 to 1-4, and the cables to which the ID codes of the array speaker boxes 1-1 to 1-4 are transferred are connected to each array speaker box 1. The connection is made between −1 to 1-4 and the interface 26 of the centralized management circuit 5.

  Then, it is assumed that the conference participant 50 sits at a position indicated by a circle in FIG. That is, two seats 40 corresponding to the array speaker box 1-1, a right seat 40 when viewed from the array speaker box 1-2, a left seat 40 when viewed from the array speaker box 1-3, and an array speaker box Assume that the participant 50 sits in the right seat 40 as viewed from 1-4.

  As a result, the value of the signal S1 output from the pressure sensor PS provided in the chair 40 on which the participant sits corresponds to the weight of the person. The signal S1 and the identification signal ID1 are respectively supplied to the centralized management circuit 5 via the interface unit 3 shown in FIG. 6, and the CPU 20 of the centralized management circuit 5 participates in which chair from the value of the signal S1 and the identification signal ID1. Recognize if the person is sitting.

  When each participant 50 inserts the power plug of the personal computer (not shown) into the outlet 41 corresponding to the seat, the detection signal S2 and the identification signal ID2 are output from the insertion sensor PD, and the interface unit 30 is connected. It is supplied to the centralized management circuit 5. When the CPU 20 of the centralized management circuit 5 recognizes that the signals S2 and ID2 have been supplied, it refers to the table TBL in the RAM 22 to determine which array speaker box corresponds to the signal, and the array speaker. Determine which side (or both sides) from the box.

  Then, the CPU 20 reads the focal position corresponding to the determination result from the RAM 22 (see FIG. 8), generates a parameter SPP corresponding to the focal position, and transmits the parameter SPP to the array speaker boxes 1-1 to 1-4. The transmitted parameter SPP is supplied to the speaker driving unit SPA via the interface unit 3 of each of the array speaker boxes 1-1 to 1-4, whereby the focus of the array speaker is placed at the ear position of each participant 50. Positioned. Further, the CPU 20 reads the set sound collection point positions from the RAM 22, generates corresponding parameter MCPs, and transmits them to the array speaker boxes 1-1 to 1-4. The transmitted parameter MCP is supplied to the microphone input unit MCA via the interface unit 3 of each of the array speaker boxes 1-1 to 1-4, thereby collecting the sound collected by the array microphone at the mouth position of each participant 50. A point is positioned.

  As described above, the focal point and the sound collection point are automatically set. After that, when each participant 50 starts the conference, each sound is collected from the mouth and transmitted to the ears of other participants. . Thereby, each participant can hold a conference in a hands-free state.

  In the above-described embodiment, both the pressure sensor PS and the insertion sensor PD are used. However, any one of the pressure sensor PS and the insertion sensor PD may be used to recognize the seating of the participant.

  Further, as shown by an arrow in FIG. 4, when the backrest of the chair 40 has a mechanism that swings back and forth, a sensor 60 that detects the angle is provided, and the focus is based on the output signal S3 of the sensor 60. The position of P1 may be adjusted. With this configuration, the position of the participant's face moves away from or approaches the table 30 depending on the angle of the backrest, and the vertical position of the participant also varies.

B: Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
(Configuration of the embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is common in 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment described above, the focus of the acoustic beam and the sound collection of the array microphone are performed by the personal computer 70 connected to the network 10 without using the pressure sensor PS and the insertion sensor PD. Set a point.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the personal computer 70. In the figure, 71 is a CPU for controlling each part of the circuit, and 72 is a ROM in which programs used by the CPU 71 are stored. Reference numeral 73 denotes a RAM used as a work area for the CPU 71.

  An operation unit 75 inputs various instructions and commands to the CPU 20 and is operated by an operator. Reference numeral 76 denotes an interface for exchanging signals between the CPU 20 and the network 10.

  In the RAM 73 in this embodiment, the shape of the table used for the conference, the positions of the participants who arrive at the table, the installation state of the array speaker box, and the like are stored in advance as a plurality of templates. Each template is set in advance according to the installation status of the table and the array speaker box in the conference room that is actually used. The template is displayed on the display unit 78, and the operator can select any template by operating the operation unit 75 while viewing the screen of the display unit 78.

  Here, FIG. 12 is a display example of the display unit 78, and tabs for selecting a template are displayed as “one column”, “face-to-face”, “U-shaped”, and “others”. The example illustrated in FIG. 12 illustrates a case where the “face-to-face” tab is selected and a face-to-face meeting table template is displayed.

  The template shown in FIG. 12 is a template corresponding to the above-described installation state (long table, four array speaker boxes, and eight chairs) shown in FIG. Is set to sit. In the figure, numbers 1 to 8 are assigned to the seating positions of the participants. In FIG. 12, a circle mark (white circle and black circle) is drawn as a symbol representing the participant. A window W1 is displayed below the position where the table is displayed, and the depth (short side length) of the table can be selected here. In the present embodiment, three types of lengths are set in advance as short (for example, 80 cm), standard (for example, 100 cm), and long (for example, 120 cm), and any one of them can be selected by an arrow cursor C. It has become. That is, the template shown in FIG. 12 can cope with three types of depths.

  In addition, a window W2 is displayed at the lower right of the screen, and the number of seated persons is input here. In the case of the installation example shown in FIG. 12, the maximum number of seated persons is 8, but a numerical value smaller than that can be input to this window W2.

  The RAM 73 in FIG. 11 stores data constituting each template (hereinafter referred to as template data).

  The template data includes display data for displaying the template, focus position data, sound collection point position data, and installation state data relating to the installation state such as the depth of the table. The template data TPD1 corresponding to the “face-to-face” template shown in FIG. 13 is shown. As shown in the figure, the template data TPD1 includes display data TPD1a, focal position data TPD1b (focal positions corresponding to P1 to P8 in the first embodiment), and sound collection point position data TPD1c (each of the first embodiment). (Indicates the same position as the sound collection point). The stored contents of the template data TPD1 can be rewritten by the operator operating the operation unit 75.

(Operation of the embodiment)
Next, the operation of this embodiment configured as described above will be described. First, the operator selects a template corresponding to the installation state of the conference room where the focal point of the acoustic beam and the position of the sound collection point of the array microphone are to be set. That is, the screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the display unit 78, and a desired tab is clicked with a mouse or the like. As a result, the template data is read from the RAM 73 and the image of the corresponding template is displayed on the display unit 78.

  Here, it is assumed that the focal point of the acoustic beam is set in the installation state shown in FIG. The operator clicks the “face-to-face” tab and reads the template data TPD1. That is, a face-to-face template is displayed as shown in FIG. Then, the depth (condition data) is selected in the window W1, and the number of participants in the conference (condition data) is input in the window W2. For example, enter 6 people.

  As a result, the CPU 71 performs a process of selecting the seating positions for the six persons based on the program in the ROM 72. For example, the seating position is determined at the black circled portion shown in FIG. Thus, when the seating position is determined, the CPU 71 selects one corresponding to the seating position from the focus position data TPD1b and the sound collection point position data TPD1c in the template data TPD1, and these are input in the window W1. Correction is made according to the numerical value of the depth (because the optimum focal position changes depending on the depth). Next, the CPU 71 generates a parameter SPP corresponding to the focal position corrected as described above, and transmits it to the array speaker boxes 1-1 to 1-4. The transmitted parameter SPP is supplied to the speaker driving unit SPA via the interface unit 3 of each array speaker box 1-1 to 1-4, thereby setting the focus of the array speaker at the position of each participant's ear. Is done. Also, the parameter MCP corresponding to the sound collection position is generated and transmitted to the array speaker boxes 1-1 to 1-4. The transmitted parameter MCP is supplied to the microphone input unit MCA via the interface unit 3 of each array speaker box 1-1 to 1-4, whereby the sound collecting point of the array microphone is placed at the position of each participant's mouth. Is set.

  It should be noted that by storing a large number of templates in the RAM 73, it is possible to deal with various installation situations. FIG. 14 shows an example of a conference room seated in a row. Array speaker boxes (also provided with an array microphone as in the case shown in FIG. 2) SAB-1 and SAB-2 are arranged in a row for a maximum of four people. This shows a template in the case where the participants are seated in the vicinity of the long side of the table T. In this template, the relative positional relationship between the array speaker boxes SAB-1 and SAB-2 and the focal points P1 to P4 is stored. The sound collection points of the array microphone are also stored in the same manner.

  FIG. 15 shows an example of a U-shaped conference room. Array speaker boxes SAB-1 to SAB-5 are arranged along a table T array on a table T arranged in a U-shape. Also in this case, the template stores the relative positional relationship between the array speaker boxes SAB-1 to SAB-5 and the focal points (and sound collection points).

  As described above, if the data for specifying the table in the conference room to be used, the installation state of the array speaker (array microphone), and the focal point (and the sound collection point) are stored in the template, for example, various data can be obtained via the Internet. When a conference is held between different types of conference rooms, the acoustic beams and sound collection points in each conference room can be intensively set from a single personal computer simply by selecting a template. In addition, by inputting condition data corresponding to the conditions under which the array speaker and the array microphone are used, such as the number of participants and the size of the table, settings suitable for the use situation can be made.

  In the embodiment described above, the number of participants is input to the template as shown in FIG. 12, but instead, by clicking the position (circle) where the participant is seated, The number and positions of participants may be specified.

C: Other Embodiments The present invention can be implemented in various modes other than the above-described embodiments.
(1) The acoustic beam shape of the array speaker is the acoustic beam output from the entire width direction of the array speaker in each of the above-described embodiments. For example, as shown in FIG. The acoustic beam may be output from the width a or the width b in the direction. For example, a plurality of acoustic beam shapes may be set in the table TBL or template and selected from them. The same applies to the array microphone. The parameters SPP and MCP may be generated according to the shape of the selected acoustic beam and the directivity characteristics of the array microphone.

(2) The signal output from the pressure sensor PS or the insertion sensor PD may be configured to be received by the speaker array box or the centralized management circuit 5 wirelessly. Radio waves, infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, and the like can be used as the wireless medium. Moreover, what the insertion sensor PD detects is not limited to the insertion of the power plug. For example, it may be configured to detect insertion of a USB plug or an Ethernet (registered trademark) plug. Further, the seating on the chair is not limited to the pressure sensor PS. An infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor may be used to detect the seating state from the light or sound shielding or reflection state. Further, the seating state may be detected by photographing the vicinity of the chair with a CCD camera or the like and analyzing the image. You may comprise so that it may detect.

(3) In the above-described embodiment, each array speaker box has an array microphone. However, the present invention can also be applied to the case of only the array speaker, and also to the case of only the array microphone. can do. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which has the structure of 1st and 2nd embodiment mentioned above together.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the array speaker box in the same embodiment. It is a top view of the conference room to which the embodiment is applied. It is a side view which shows the structure of the chair 40 used in the embodiment. It is sectional drawing of outlet socket 41 vicinity in the same embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the control circuit in the array speaker box 1 in the same embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the centralized management circuit 5 in the same embodiment. It is a top view which shows the example of the focus of the array speaker in the embodiment. It is a top view which shows the example of the situation of the seating in the same embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the principal part of the personal computer 70 in the embodiment. It is a front view which shows the example of a display of the display part 78 in the embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the content of the template data TPD1 in the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the other template in the same embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the other template in the same embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the shape of the acoustic beam in 1st, 2nd embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  1-1 to 1-4 ... array speaker box, 5 ... centralized management circuit, 20 ... CPU, 21 ... ROM, 22 ... RAM, 25 ... operation unit, 70 ... personal computer, 71 ... CPU, 72 ... ROM, 73 ... RAM, 75 ... operation unit, TBL ... table.

Claims (8)

A connection to which the cable of the device is connected;
Upon detecting that the cable is connected to the connection unit, a connection state detection unit that outputs a cable detection signal together with identification information for identifying the connection unit;
Arrangement data storage means for storing arrangement data indicating the positional relationship between the array speaker and the connection section;
Based on the cable detection signal output from the connection state detection means and the identification information, an acoustic beam setting means for obtaining the focal point of the acoustic beam to be formed by the array speaker with reference to the storage content of the arrangement data storage means;
An array speaker control apparatus comprising: an acoustic beam generation unit configured to control the array speaker so that an acoustic beam is formed at a focal point obtained by the acoustic beam setting unit. A seating detection means for outputting a seating detection signal together with an identification signal for identifying the chair when detecting that the user is seated in the chair;
Arrangement data storage means for storing arrangement data indicating the positional relationship between the array speaker and the chair;
An acoustic beam setting means for obtaining a focal point of an acoustic beam to be formed by the array speaker with reference to the storage content of the arrangement data storage means based on the identification signal and the seating detection signal output by the seating detection means;
Acoustic beam generating means for controlling the array speaker so that an acoustic beam is formed at the focal point obtained by the acoustic beam setting means;
An array speaker control device comprising: Template storage means for storing a template in which the positional relationship between the position of the focal point of the acoustic beam to be formed by the array speaker and the array speaker is set;
Condition data input means for inputting condition data indicating conditions under which the array speaker is used;
Acoustic beam setting means for obtaining a focus of the acoustic beam to be formed by the array speaker based on the condition data input from the condition data input means and the template;
Acoustic beam generating means for controlling the array speaker so that an acoustic beam is formed at the focal point obtained by the acoustic beam setting means;
An array speaker control device comprising:   A plurality of the templates are provided corresponding to the installation situation of the array speaker, and have a template selection means for selecting the template, and the acoustic beam setting means is the template selected by the condition data and the template selection means 4. The array speaker control apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a focal point of an acoustic beam to be formed by the array speaker is obtained based on the method. A connection to which the cable of the device is connected;
Upon detecting that the cable is connected to the connection unit, a connection state detection unit that outputs a cable detection signal together with identification information for identifying the connection unit;
Arrangement data storage means for storing arrangement data indicating the positional relationship between the array microphone and the connection unit;
Sound collection point setting means for obtaining sound collection points of the array microphone with reference to the stored contents of the arrangement data storage means based on the cable detection signal and identification information output by the connection state detection means;
An array microphone control apparatus comprising: directivity generation means for controlling the array microphone so as to obtain directivity for collecting sound from the sound collection point obtained by the sound collection point setting means. A seating detection means for outputting a seating detection signal together with an identification signal for identifying the chair when detecting that the user is seated in the chair;
Arrangement data storage means for storing arrangement data indicating the positional relationship between the array microphone and the chair;
A sound collection point setting means for obtaining a sound collection point of the array microphone by referring to the stored contents of the arrangement data storage means based on the identification signal and the seating detection signal output by the seating detection means;
An array microphone control apparatus comprising: directivity generation means for controlling the array microphone so as to obtain directivity for collecting sound from the sound collection point obtained by the sound collection point setting means. Template storage means for storing a template in which the positional relationship between the array microphone and the sound collection point to be formed by the array microphone is set;
Condition data input means for inputting condition data indicating conditions under which the array microphone is used;
Sound collection point setting means for obtaining sound collection points to be formed by the array microphone based on the condition data input from the condition data input means and the template;
An array microphone control apparatus comprising: directivity generation means for controlling the array microphone so as to obtain directivity for collecting sound from the sound collection point obtained by the sound collection point setting means.   A plurality of templates are provided corresponding to the installation status of the array microphone, and have a template selection means for selecting the template, and the sound collection point setting means is selected by the condition data and the template selection means 8. The array microphone control apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a sound collection point of the array microphone is obtained based on a template.

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