JP2018139384A - Method for outputting voice, wireless device, wireless speaker, and computer executable program - Google Patents

Abstract

When a wireless device carried by a user is used to output sound from another wireless device, the sound is output at a suitable volume according to the position of the user. An audio output system including at least two devices configured to be able to perform wireless communication with a predetermined communication method outputs audio, and outputs audio from a speaker of one of the two devices. And a step of detecting a distance between one device and the other device, and a step of adjusting a volume of sound output from one speaker according to the distance detected in the detecting step. In the adjustment step, if the detected distance is smaller than the threshold, the greater the detected distance, the higher the volume of the sound output from the speaker of one device, and the detected distance is greater than or equal to the threshold Stops the output of sound from one speaker. [Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for outputting sound, a wireless device, a wireless speaker, and a computer-executable program.

  Recently, various wireless devices such as smartphones, notebook PCs, tablets, wearable devices, wireless speakers, and (Web) TVs have become widespread. For example, using a playback application on a wireless device (for example, a smartphone or wearable device) that the user is carrying (for example, in a breast pocket or wearing on a wrist), the voice (for example, Music In many cases, the audio signal is wirelessly transferred to a high-quality or high-output wireless speaker (for example, a wireless speaker device or a tablet) and the sound is output from the speaker.

  In this case, the volume of the sound output from the wireless speaker is the same even if the user moves and the distance from the wireless speaker that is outputting the sound changes. It may be difficult. For example, the volume may be too low when the user is away from the wireless speaker. On the other hand, if the user is far away from the wireless speaker, for example when the user moves to another room, the user often does not want to hear the audio from the wireless speaker, In many cases, the sound output from the wireless speaker is troublesome.

JP 2014-147090 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and when a wireless device carried by the user is used to output sound from another wireless device, the sound is output at a suitable volume depending on the position of the user. An object of the present invention is to provide a method for outputting audio, a wireless device, a wireless speaker, and a computer-executable program that can be executed.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a method for outputting audio by an audio output system including at least two devices configured to be able to perform wireless communication using a predetermined communication method. Outputting the sound from the speaker of one of the two devices, detecting the distance between the one device and the other device, and depending on the distance detected in the detecting step, Adjusting the volume of the sound output from one speaker, and in the adjusting step, when the detected distance is smaller than a threshold, the larger the detected distance, Increase the volume of the sound output from the speaker, and stop the output of the sound from the one speaker when the detected distance exceeds the threshold And wherein the door.

  Further, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, when the adjusting step stops outputting the sound from the speaker of the one device, the other device outputs the sound from its own speaker. It is desirable to include.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, in the step of adjusting, when the output of the sound from the speaker of the one device is stopped, the other device in which the other device is nearby is capable of wireless communication. It is desirable to include a step of outputting sound from the speaker.

  According to still another preferable aspect of the present invention, it is desirable that the step of outputting the sound includes a step of transmitting an audio signal from the other device to the one device.

  Further, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, it is desirable that the one device output audio from its own speaker, wherein the one device transmits an audio signal to the other device.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, in the step of outputting sound from a speaker of another device capable of wireless communication in the vicinity of the other device, the one device transmits an audio signal to the other device. It is desirable to include the process to do.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, it is desirable that the threshold value can be set in response to a user operation.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the predetermined communication method is Bluetooth (registered trademark), and in the detecting step, radio wave intensity is measured and the one device and the other device are measured. It is desirable to detect the distance.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is a wireless device configured to be able to communicate with a wireless speaker by a predetermined communication method, and outputs audio from the connected wireless speaker. Adjusting the volume of the sound output from the speaker according to the distance detected by the distance detection means, the distance detection means for detecting the distance between the voice output means to be connected, the connected wireless speaker And when the detected distance is smaller than a threshold, the adjustment means increases the volume of the sound as the detected distance is larger, and the detected distance becomes equal to or greater than the threshold. In the case, the wireless device stops outputting the sound from the speaker of the wireless speaker.

  Further, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, it is desirable to provide switching means for outputting sound from its own speaker when the adjusting means stops outputting sound from the speaker of the wireless speaker.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, when the adjusting unit stops outputting the audio signal from the speaker of the wireless speaker, the adjusting unit includes a switching unit that outputs the audio signal from another nearby wireless speaker. It is desirable.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, it is desirable that the audio output means includes means for transmitting an audio signal to the wireless speaker.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, it is desirable that the threshold value can be set in response to a user operation.

  Further, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the predetermined communication method is Bluetooth (registered trademark), and the distance detection unit measures a radio wave intensity to determine a distance between the wireless device and the wireless speaker. It is desirable to detect.

  Further, in order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is a wireless speaker configured to be able to communicate with a wireless device by a predetermined communication method, and an audio received from the connected wireless device. Audio output means for outputting sound from the speaker based on the signal, distance detection means for detecting the distance between the connected wireless devices, and output from the speaker according to the distance detected by the distance detection means And adjusting means for adjusting the volume of the sound to be output. When the detected distance is smaller than a threshold, the adjusting means increases the volume of the sound output from the speaker as the detected distance increases. When the detected distance is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the output of the sound from the speaker is stopped.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is a program mounted on a wireless device configured to be able to communicate with a wireless speaker by a predetermined communication method, and is connected to a wireless device. The step of outputting sound from the speaker, the step of detecting the distance to the connected wireless speaker, and the volume of the sound signal output from the speaker are adjusted according to the distance detected in the detecting step And in the adjusting step, when the detected distance is smaller than a threshold, the volume of the sound output from the speaker is increased as the detected distance is larger, When the detected distance is equal to or greater than the threshold, the output of sound from the speaker is stopped.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when using a wireless device which a user carries and outputting audio | voice from another wireless device, it becomes possible to output an audio | voice with suitable sound volume according to a user's position.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an audio output system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the first and second wireless devices in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the outline of the operation of the audio output system of FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a usage example of the user of the audio output system of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another functional configuration example of the audio output system of FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the outline of the operation of the audio output system of FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic external configuration of the wireless speaker according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a schematic hardware configuration example of the wireless speaker of FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an appearance of the smartphone according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the smartphone of FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of the setting screen of the speaker application. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a process in which the smartphone adjusts the volume of the wireless speaker in accordance with the distance from the wireless speaker.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a method for outputting sound, a wireless device, a wireless speaker, and a computer-executable program according to the present invention will be described. Although the components of the present invention are generally illustrated in the drawings herein, it can be readily understood that they may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of configurations with various configurations. Accordingly, the following more detailed description of the apparatus, method, and program embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims, but merely to select selected embodiments of the invention. It is intended as an example only, and is merely illustrative of selected embodiments of an apparatus, system and method consistent with the present invention as set forth in the claims herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be implemented without one or more of the specific details or with other methods, components, and materials.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an audio output system according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the audio output system 1 includes a first wireless device 10 and a second wireless device 20 that are configured to be capable of wireless communication with each other using a predetermined wireless communication method. . Hereinafter, a case where, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, or the like is used as the predetermined wireless communication method will be described.

  In FIG. 1, the first wireless device 10 includes at least a sound reproduction function such as a smartphone 10A that can be carried or worn, a mobile phone terminal 10B, and a wearable terminal (for example, smart watch, smart glass, etc.) 10C. Device. The second wireless device 20 is a device having a sound output function having a speaker capable of outputting sound to the outside, such as a wireless speaker 20A, a notebook PC 20B, and a tablet 20C. Note that the first wireless device 10 and the second wireless device 20 may each have a sound reproduction function and a sound output function.

  The first and second wireless devices 10 and 20 are configured to be able to wirelessly communicate with other Bluetooth (registered trademark) devices using Bluetooth (registered trademark) 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, or the like. Yes. Also, the first and second wireless devices 10 and 20 are assumed to support A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) and AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile).

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of a main part of the first and second wireless devices 10 and 20 in FIG. FIG. 2 shows only the minimum configuration necessary for explanation. As shown in FIG. 2, the first wireless device 10 plays, for example, an audio signal stored in storage or streaming, and transmits the audio signal to the second wireless device 20 that is wirelessly connected. The sound reproducing means 11 for outputting the sound from the speaker 21, the distance detecting means 12 for detecting the distance between the first wireless device 10 and the second wireless device 20, and the distance detecting means 12 are detected. Adjusting means 13 for adjusting the volume level output from the speaker 21 of the second wireless device 20 according to the distance between the first wireless device 10 and the second wireless device 20;

  Further, the first wireless device 10 may further include an audio output unit 15 that outputs the audio reproduced by the audio reproduction unit 11 from its own speaker 15a.

  For example, the distance detection unit 12 can detect the distance between the first wireless device 10 and the second wireless device 20 by a known method. For example, in Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, radio wave strength (RSSI ( The method of detecting the distance between the two by measuring the Received Signal Strength Indication value, or the method of detecting the distance between the two using a distance measuring sensor (for example, a method using infrared rays) is used. be able to.

  For example, the adjusting unit 13 can adjust the volume of the speaker 21a of the second wireless device 20 by remote control. When the distance S between the first wireless device 10 and the second wireless device 20 detected by the distance detection unit 12 is smaller than the threshold value N, the adjustment unit 13 increases the second distance as the detected distance S increases. When the volume of the sound output from the speaker 21a of the wireless device 20 is increased and the detected distance S is equal to or greater than the threshold N, the output of the sound from the speaker 21a of the second wireless device 20 is stopped. May be.

  In addition, when the detected distance S is equal to or greater than the threshold value N, there may be provided switching means 14 that switches the audio output destination from the speaker 21a of the second wireless device 10 to its own speaker 15a. As a result, the sound being reproduced is stopped from being output from the speaker 21a of the second wireless device 20 and is output from the speaker 15a of the user, so that the user can listen to the sound without interruption.

  When the detected distance S is equal to or greater than the threshold value N, the switching unit 14 stops (temporarily) the reproduction of the audio signal of the audio reproduction unit 11, and then wirelessly connects with the second wireless device 20 ( (Pairing) is set to OFF, wireless connection is established with another wireless device closer to the second wireless device 20, and the audio reproduction means 11 reproduces the audio signal from the paused position, from the speaker of the other wireless device. Audio may be output.

  Note that when audio output from the speaker 21a of the second wireless device 20 is stopped, whether to output audio from its own speaker 15a or to output audio from the speaker of another wireless device is determined by the user's UI. It is good also as a structure which can be set according to operation.

  Further, when the detected distance S is equal to or greater than the threshold value N, the adjusting unit 13 stops (temporarily) the reproduction of the audio signal of the reproducing unit 11 and the audio from the speaker 21a of the second wireless device 20 , And when the distance S between the first wireless device 10 and the second wireless device 20 becomes smaller than the threshold value N, the reproduction of the audio signal of the reproduction means 11 is resumed, and the second The audio output from the speaker of the wireless device 20 may be resumed. In addition, when the distance S becomes smaller than the threshold value N again, it is possible to set whether or not to resume the sound output from the speaker 21a of the second wireless device 20 according to the user's UI operation. Also good.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the second wireless device 20 includes audio output means 21 that outputs audio based on audio signals received from wirelessly connected wireless devices from a speaker 21 a. The audio output unit 21 may set the volume level of the speaker 21 a in accordance with an instruction from a button (not shown) or the adjustment unit 13 of the first wireless device 10.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the outline of the operation of the audio output system 1 of FIG. In FIG. 3, the first wireless device 10 is wirelessly connected to the second wireless device 20 (steps S11 and T11). In the first wireless device 10, the audio reproduction means 11 starts reproducing the audio signal (step S12), and transmits the audio signal wirelessly to the second wireless device 20 (step S13). The second wireless device 20 receives the audio signal (step T12), and the audio output means 21 outputs the audio from the speaker 21a based on the received audio signal (step T13).

  Next, the distance detection means 13 of the first wireless device 10 detects the distance S between the first wireless device 10 and the second wireless device 20 (step S14), and the detected distance S is based on the threshold value N. It is determined whether it is small (step S15).

  When the detected distance S is smaller than the threshold value N (0 ≦ S <N) (“Yes” in step S15), the adjustment unit 13 of the first wireless device 10 turns the output unit 21 of the second wireless device 20 on. Then, the volume level of the sound output from the speaker 21a is set to increase as the distance increases (step S16). The processes in steps S14 to S16 may be repeatedly executed while the sound is being reproduced.

  When the detected distance S is equal to or greater than the threshold value N (threshold value N ≦ S) (“No” in step S15), the adjusting unit 13 of the first wireless device 10 outputs the sound from the speaker 21a of the second wireless device 20. Is stopped (step S17).

  The method of stopping the output of the sound from the speaker 21a of the second wireless device 20 is, for example, stopping (temporarily) the playback of the sound signal of the sound playback means 11 and setting the volume level of the sound output from the speaker 21a to zero. And the wireless connection with the second wireless device 20 is canceled.

  When stopping the output of the sound from the speaker 21a of the second wireless device 20, the switching means 14 may switch the output destination of the sound from the second wireless device 20 to its own speaker 15a. The wireless connection with the second wireless device 20 may be canceled, and the wireless connection with another wireless device closer to the second wireless device 20 may be made, and the sound may be output from the speaker of the other wireless device. (Step S18).

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a usage example of the user of the audio output system 1 of FIG. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, a case where the first wireless device 10 is the smartphone 10 </ b> A and the second wireless device 20 is the wireless speaker 20 </ b> A is illustrated as an example. It is assumed that the user is carrying (possessing) the smartphone 10A and the wireless speaker 20A is placed on a table or the like. Since the user carries the smartphone 10A, the distance between the user and the wireless speaker 20A can be equated with the distance between the smartphone 10A and the wireless speaker 20A. In addition, it is assumed that the user is reproducing sound from the smartphone 10A through the speaker of the wireless speaker 20A. Note that the second wireless device 20 may be a notebook PC 20B, a tablet 20C, or the like instead of the wireless speaker 20A.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the user is near the wireless speaker 20A and the smartphone 10A is close to the wireless speaker 20A, the volume level of the speaker 21a of the second wireless device 20 is decreased. To do. When the user is near the wireless speaker 20A, the sound volume can be heard even at a low sound volume, so the sound volume level is not so high.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the volume level of the speaker of the wireless speaker 20A is increased as the user moves away from the wireless speaker 20A, that is, as the distance between the smartphone 10A and the wireless speaker 20A increases. When the user leaves the wireless speaker 20A, the sound level becomes difficult to hear, so the volume level is increased.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4C, when the user is further away from the wireless speaker 20A and the distance S between the smartphone 10A and the wireless speaker 20A is equal to or greater than the threshold value N, the audio output from the speaker of the wireless speaker 20A is stopped. .

  This is a nuisance to others if the volume level becomes too high, and if the distance S is more than the threshold value N, for example, the user may have moved to another room, so the speaker of the second wireless device 20 Audio output from 21a is stopped. The threshold value N can be set by the user as described above, and may be set according to the size of his / her room, for example. For example, when using Bluetooth (registered trademark) Class 2 (communication distance is about 10 m), the threshold value may be set to about 4, 5 m, for example.

  In addition, when the voice output from the speaker of the wireless speaker 20A is stopped, the smartphone 10A may output the voice from its own speaker as illustrated in FIG. Thereby, the user can listen to the voice continuously.

  When the audio output from the speaker of the wireless speaker 20A is stopped, the smartphone 10A searches for another wireless device 30 nearer to the wireless speaker 20A, wirelessly connects to the other wireless device 30, and others. Audio may be output from the speaker of the wireless device 30.

  In addition, after the distance between the smartphone 10A and the wireless speaker 20A becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value N and the smartphone 10A starts outputting sound from its own speaker or another wireless device 30, the user approaches the wireless speaker 20A again and then returns to the smartphone 10A. When the distance between the wireless speaker 20A and the wireless speaker 20A is less than the threshold value N, the sound output may be stopped from the speaker of the smartphone 10A or another wireless device, and the sound may be output again from the speaker of the wireless speaker 20A.

In the first wireless device 10 configured as described above, the sound reproduction means 11,
The distance detection unit 12, the adjustment unit 13, the switching unit 14, and the audio output unit 15 are, for example, modules of hardware and software (programs such as OS, API, service, utility, library, driver, and application), or It can be configured by the combination. Further, the functions of the sound reproduction means 11, the distance detection means 12, the adjustment means 13, the switching means 14, and the sound output means 15 may be realized by a computer executing a program.

  In the second wireless device 20 configured as described above, the audio output means 21 is, for example, a module of hardware or software (program such as OS, API, service, utility, library, driver, and application). Or a combination thereof. Further, the function of the sound reproduction means 21 may be realized by a computer executing a program.

  As described above, according to the first wireless device 10 of the present embodiment, the second wireless device 20 is configured to be communicable with other wireless devices by a predetermined communication method. The sound reproduction means 11 that transmits an audio signal and outputs it from the speaker 21a, the distance detection means 12 that detects the distance from the wireless device 20, and the distance detected by the distance detection means 12 are output from the speaker 21a. Adjusting means 13 for adjusting the sound volume of the sound to be detected, and when the detected distance is smaller than the threshold, the adjusting means 13 increases the sound volume of the sound as the detected distance increases, and the detected distance Since the output of the sound from the speaker 21a is stopped when the value exceeds the threshold, the first wireless device carried by the user is stopped. From the scan 10 by playing back, when outputting the audio from the second wireless device 20 a speaker 21a, depending on the position of the user, it is possible to output a sound in a suitable volume.

  In other words, as the distance between the user and the second wireless device 20 increases, the volume level of the speaker 21a of the second wireless device 20 is increased to make it easier for the user to hear the sound. If the volume is increased as the distance from the wireless device 20 increases, it may be annoying to others. Therefore, when the distance is a predetermined distance, the audio output from the speaker 21a of the second wireless device 20 is stopped, so that the user It is possible to achieve both ease of hearing and prevention of inconvenience to others.

  Further, in the first wireless device 10 according to the present embodiment, when the output of the sound from the speaker 21a of the second wireless device 20 is stopped, the switching means 14 reproduces the sound reproduced by the sound reproducing means 11. Since the output destination of the signal is switched to the own speaker 15a, even when the user leaves the second wireless device 20 and the sound output from the speaker 21a of the second wireless device 20 stops, the first It is possible to hear sound from the speaker 15a of the wireless device 10.

  The first wireless device 10 of the present embodiment is closer to the second wireless device 20 when the switching unit 14 stops outputting the sound from the speaker 21a of the second wireless device 20. Since the audio signal is reproduced by the audio reproduction means 11 and the output destination of the audio signal is switched to the speaker of the other wireless device, the user moves away from the second wireless device 20. Even when the sound output from the speaker of the second wireless device 20 is stopped, it is possible to listen to the sound from the speaker of another wireless device.

  Further, since the threshold value N can be set in response to a user operation, it is possible to set an appropriate distance for stopping the audio output of the second wireless device 20 in accordance with the layout of the residence or the like.

  In addition, the predetermined communication method is Bluetooth (registered trademark), and the radio wave intensity is detected to detect the distance between the first wireless device 10 and the second wireless device. The distance between the first wireless device 10 and the second wireless device 20 can be detected.

  In the above configuration example, since the first wireless device 10 detects the distance to the second wireless device 20 and instructs the setting of the volume level of the speaker 21 a of the second wireless device 20, The wireless device 20 does not need to be provided with a special mechanism (including an application), and can be configured by, for example, a normal Bluetooth (registered trademark) speaker.

  In the configuration example of FIG. 2, the detection of the distance between the first wireless device 10 and the second wireless device 20 and the instruction to set the volume level of the speaker 21a of the second wireless device 20 are sent to the first wireless device. 10, the second wireless device 20 detects the distance between the first wireless device 10 and the second wireless device 20 and adjusts the volume level of the speaker 21 a of the second wireless device 20. You may decide to do it.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another functional configuration example of the audio output system 1 of FIG. FIG. 2 shows only the minimum configuration necessary for explanation. In FIG. 5, parts having the same functions as those in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the first wireless device 10 plays the audio signal stored in the storage or streaming, and transmits the audio signal to the second wireless device 20 connected wirelessly. The audio reproduction means 11 to be output from the speaker 21a, the switching means 14 for switching the output destination of the audio signal reproduced by the audio reproduction means 11, and the audio output means 15 to output the audio signal from its own speaker 15a are provided. ing.

  The second wireless device 20 determines the distance S between the audio output means 21 that outputs the audio signal received from the connected first wireless device 10 from the speaker 21 a and the connected first wireless device 10. Distance detecting means 22 for detecting, and adjusting means 23 for adjusting the volume of the sound output from the speaker 21a according to the distance detected by the distance detecting means 22 are provided. When the detected distance S is smaller than the threshold value N, the adjusting unit 23 increases the volume of the sound output from the speaker 21a as the detected distance S increases, and the detected distance S becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value. In the case, the output of the sound from the speaker 21a is stopped.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the outline of the operation of the audio output system 1 of FIG. In FIG. 6, the first wireless device 10 is wirelessly connected to the second wireless device 20 (steps S21 and T21). In the first wireless device 10, the audio reproduction means 11 starts reproduction of the audio signal (step S22), and wirelessly transmits the audio signal to the second wireless device 20 (step S23). The second wireless device 20 receives the audio signal (step T22), and the audio output means 21 outputs the received audio from the speaker 21a (step T23).

  Next, the distance detection means 22 of the second wireless device 20 detects the distance S between the first wireless device 10 and the second wireless device 20 (step T24), and the detected distance S is based on the threshold value N. It is determined whether or not it is smaller (step T25).

  When the detected distance S is smaller than the threshold value N (0 ≦ S <N) (“Yes” in step T25), the adjusting unit 23 of the second wireless device 20 sets the volume level of the sound output from the speaker 21a. The larger the distance S, the larger the setting (step T26).

  When the detected distance S is equal to or greater than the threshold value N (threshold value N ≦ S) (“No” in step T15), the adjusting unit 23 of the second wireless device 20 cancels the wireless connection with the first wireless device 10, for example. Then, the audio output from the speaker 21a is stopped (step T27).

  The switching means 14 of the first wireless device 10 switches the output destination of the audio signal reproduced by the audio reproducing means 11 to its own speaker 15a when the wireless connection with the second wireless device 20 is released. Alternatively, the wireless connection may be established with another wireless device closer to the second wireless device 20, and the sound may be output from the speaker of the other wireless device (step S24).

  In FIG. 1 to FIG. 6, the audio signal is transmitted from the first wireless device 10 to the second wireless device 20 and output from the speaker. An audio signal may be transmitted to the wireless device 10 and output from the speaker. In this case, the second wireless device 20 is equivalent to the audio reproduction means 11, the distance detection means 12, the adjustment means 13, the switching means 14 and the like included in the first wireless device 10 shown in FIGS. You may decide to provide a function.

(Example)
Next, referring to FIG. 7 to FIG. 12, an example when the first wireless device 10 and the second wireless device 20 according to FIG. 2 of the above embodiment are applied to a smartphone and a wireless speaker. explain.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic external configuration of the wireless speaker according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the wireless speaker 50 includes a housing 51 having a substantially quadrangular prism shape. Various electronic components, a battery, and the like are mounted inside the casing 51. A speaker 52 is disposed on the front surface 51 a of the housing 51. An operation unit 53 including a power button 53a, a plus button 53b for adjusting the volume, a minus button 53c, and the like is disposed on the upper surface 51b of the casing 51.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a schematic hardware configuration example of the wireless speaker 50 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the wireless speaker 50 includes a controller 55, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit 56, an operation unit 53, a signal processing unit 57, an audio amplifier 58, a speaker 52, and the like. .

  The controller 55 is constituted by a microcomputer or the like provided with a processor and a recording medium storing a program for operating the processor. The controller 55 controls the entire wireless speaker 50, and controls the operation of each unit based on an operation signal input from the operation unit 53 and a control signal input via the Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit 56. . For example, the controller 50 performs signal processing in the signal processing unit 51, adjustment of the volume level of the audio amplifier 52 (adjustment of the volume level of sound output from the speaker 52), control of the Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit 56, and the like. Do.

  The signal processing unit 51 performs various signal processing such as D / A conversion and sound quality adjustment on the audio signal input from the controller 55 according to the control of the controller 55. The audio amplifier 58 adjusts the volume of the audio signal input from the signal processing unit 57 by amplifying the audio signal with an amplification factor according to the volume value input from the controller 55, and the audio signal after the volume adjustment is adjusted to the speaker 52. Output to. The speaker 52 outputs the sound input from the audio amplifier 58 to the outside.

  The Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit 56 is a device for performing Bluetooth (registered trademark) wireless communication with other Bluetooth (registered trademark) devices under the control of the controller 55. Searching for Bluetooth (registered trademark) devices , (Multi) pairing setting / cancellation, connection, etc.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an appearance of the smartphone according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the smartphone 60 includes a substantially hexahedral-shaped housing 62. One surface of the surface of the housing 62 is a front surface 62A, the other surface facing the front surface 62A is a back surface, and the surface between the front surface 62A and the back surface of the surface of the housing 62 is a side surface 62B. In the smartphone 60, a touch display unit 63 including a touch panel 63 </ b> A and a display unit 63 </ b> B on which various icons and images are displayed and a receiver 67 are disposed on a front surface 62 </ b> A of the housing 62. A microphone 65 and a built-in speaker 66 are arranged on the side surface 62B on the front side of the housing 62. In addition, operation units such as a power button and a volume adjustment button (not shown) are arranged on the right side surface 62B.

  The touch display unit 63 displays information such as icons, characters, graphics, and images, and performs various operations performed on the touch panel 63A using a finger, stylus, pen, or the like (hereinafter referred to as “indicator”). To detect. As a method for detecting various operations by the touch panel 63A, a capacitance type, a pressure sensitive type, or the like can be adopted.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the smartphone 60 of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the smartphone 60 includes a control unit 70, a memory 71, a storage unit 72, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit 75, a communication unit 76, a power supply unit 74, and a touch display unit 63 ( A touch panel 63A, a display unit 63B), an operation unit 73, a microphone 65, a built-in speaker 66, and the like are provided.

  The touch display unit 63 includes a display unit 63B and a touch panel 63A superimposed on the display unit 63B. The touch panel 63 </ b> A detects various operations performed on the touch panel 63 </ b> A using an indicator such as a finger or a pen together with the position on the touch panel 63 </ b> A where the operation is performed, and notifies the control unit 70. The operations detected by the touch panel 63A include a touch operation, a slide operation, and a pitch operation. The display unit 63B includes, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL (Organic Electro-Luminescence) panel, and the like, and displays characters, graphics, and the like.

  The operation unit 73 receives a user operation through a power button, a volume adjustment button, or the like, and transmits an instruction signal corresponding to the received operation to the control unit 70.

  The power supply unit 74 supplies power obtained from the storage battery or the AC adapter to each unit of the smartphone 60 including the control unit 70 according to the control of the control unit 70.

  The communication unit 76 establishes a radio signal line with the base station via a channel assigned by the base station, and performs telephone communication and information communication with the base station. The Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit 75 performs short-distance wireless communication with a Bluetooth (registered trademark) device in the Bluetooth (registered trademark) system. The built-in speaker 66 outputs the sound signal transmitted from the control unit 70 as sound. The microphone 65 collects user's voice, ultrasonic waves, and the like and outputs them to the control unit 70.

  The memory 71 is composed of, for example, a RAM, a DRAM, or the like, and serves as a work area for temporarily storing a program executed by the control unit 70, data referred to by the control unit 70, a calculation result of the control unit 70, and the like. used.

  The storage unit 72 is, for example, a nonvolatile memory (for example, EEPROM, SSD), and stores programs and data used for processing in the control unit 70. The program stored in the storage unit 72 includes an OS 72a (for example, iOS, Android, Windows (registered trademark)) for realizing basic functions of a smartphone including Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, and hardware control of the device. A driver 72b for performing, a speaker application 72c for adjusting the volume level of the speaker 52 of the wireless speaker 50 according to the distance between the smartphone 70 and the wireless speaker 50, a sound reproducing application 72d for reproducing an audio file, And other applications 72e such as a telephone application for realizing a telephone function, a mail application for realizing an electronic mail function, a browser application for realizing a WEB browsing function, a file browsing application, and a word processor application, and Various data It is included. An OS 72a intervenes in communication between various applications and devices.

  The control unit 70 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a DSP, and the like, and implements various functions (modes) by comprehensively controlling the operation of the smartphone 50. Specifically, the control unit 70 executes instructions included in the program stored in the storage unit 72 while referring to the data stored in the storage unit 72 and the data expanded in the memory 21 as necessary. Various functions (modes) are realized by controlling the touch display unit 63, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit 75, the communication unit 76, and the like. Note that the program executed by the control unit 70 and the data to be referenced may be downloaded from the server device or updated through communication by the communication unit 73.

  The speaker application 72c is an application for adjusting the volume level of the speaker 52 of the wireless speaker 50 according to the distance between the smartphone 70 and the wireless speaker 50, and various settings are possible on the setting screen. .

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of the setting screen of the speaker application 72c. In the setting screen shown in FIG. 11, the user can set the distance S (threshold N) with the wireless speaker 50 when the audio output from the wireless speaker 50 is stopped. In the example shown in the figure, 4.5 m is set as an example. In the setting screen shown in FIG. 11, regarding the processing after the audio output from the wireless speaker 50 is stopped, the user performs a first mode in which no audio is output, a second mode in which audio is output from the speaker of the own device, and the like. One of the third modes in which sound is output from the speaker of the wireless device can be set.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a process in which the smartphone 60 adjusts the volume of the wireless speaker 50 according to the distance from the wireless speaker 50. In FIG. 12, first, the smartphone 60 performs wireless connection (pairing) with the wireless speaker 50 via the mutual Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication units 75 and 56 (steps S31 and T31).

  In the smartphone 60, the audio reproduction application 72 starts reproduction of an audio signal in response to a user operation (step S32), and transmits the audio signal to the wireless speaker 50 via the Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit 75 ( Step S33).

  The wireless speaker 50 receives an audio signal via the Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit 56 (step T32), and the controller 55 outputs the received audio signal from the speaker 52 via the signal processing unit 57 and the amplifier 58. (Step T33).

  Next, in the smartphone 60, the speaker application 72c detects the distance S between the smartphone 60 and the wireless speaker 50 via the Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit 75 (step S34). Specifically, for example, the speaker application 72c receives the RSSI value (the radio wave intensity) of the radio wave between the Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit 75 and the Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit 75 and the Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit 56. And the distance S between the smartphone 60 and the wireless speaker 50 can be calculated (detected) with reference to a table that defines the relationship between the RSSI value and the distance. The speaker application 72c determines whether or not the detected distance S is smaller than the threshold value N (step S35).

  When the detected distance S is smaller than the threshold N (0 ≦ S <N) (“Yes” in step S35), the speaker application 72c determines the volume level of the sound output from the speaker 52 of the wireless speaker 50. The larger the value, the larger is set (step S36). More specifically, the speaker application 72 c sends a volume level remote control signal to the wireless speaker 50 via the Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit 75. In response to this, in the wireless speaker 50, when the controller 55 receives the remote control signal via the Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit 56, the controller 55 sets the gain of the amplifier 58 according to the remote control signal. Thereby, the volume level of the sound output from the speaker 52 is changed.

  When the detected distance S is equal to or greater than the threshold value N (threshold value N ≦ S) (“No” in step S35), the speaker application 72c stops outputting the sound from the speaker 52 of the wireless speaker 50 (step S37). .

  The method for stopping the output of sound from the speaker 52 of the wireless speaker 50 is, for example, setting the sound volume level of the sound output from the speaker 52 of the wireless speaker 50 to zero, which causes the sound playback application 72d to stop (temporarily) playback. The wireless connection of the wireless speaker 50 is disconnected.

  Next, the speaker application 72c determines the mode set on the setting screen (step S38). When the first mode is selected, the speaker application 72c does not switch the output destination of the sound signal, and stops the sound output. If the second mode is selected, the speaker application 72c switches the audio output destination to the built-in speaker 66 (step S39). When the third mode is selected, the speaker application 72c cancels the wireless connection with the wireless speaker 50 and wirelessly connects with another wireless device nearer to the wireless speaker 50. Then, sound is output from the speaker of the other wireless device (step S40).

  According to the above embodiment, for example, only by installing the speaker application 72 c on the smartphone 60, the wireless speaker 50 can output from the wireless speaker 50 according to the distance from the wireless speaker 50 without providing a special mechanism. It becomes possible to adjust the volume level of the sound to be played.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Audio | voice output system 10 1st wireless device 11 Audio | voice reproduction | regeneration means 12 Distance detection means 13 Adjustment means 14 Switching means 15 Audio | voice output means 15a Speaker 20 2nd wireless device 21 Audio | voice output means 21a Speaker 22 Distance detection means 23 Adjustment means 50 Wireless speaker 51 Housing 52 Speaker 53 Operation unit 55 Controller 56 Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit 57 Signal processing unit 58 Amplifier 60 Smartphone 62 Housing 63 Touch display unit 63A Touch panel 63B Display unit 70 Control unit 71 Memory 72 Storage unit 72a OS
72c Speaker application 72d Audio playback application 73 Operation unit 74 Power supply unit 75 Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit 76 Communication unit

Claims (16)

There is a method in which an audio output system including at least two devices configured to be able to perform wireless communication with a predetermined communication method outputs audio,
Outputting sound from a speaker of one of the two devices;
Detecting a distance between the one device and the other device;
Adjusting the volume of sound output from the one speaker according to the distance detected in the detecting step;
Including
In the adjusting step,
If the detected distance is less than a threshold, the greater the detected distance, the greater the volume of audio output from the speaker of the one device,
When the detected distance is equal to or greater than a threshold, output of sound from the one speaker is stopped.   2. The audio according to claim 1, further comprising: outputting audio from a speaker of the other device when output of audio from the speaker of the one device is stopped in the adjusting step. Method.   A step of outputting sound from a speaker of another device capable of wireless communication in the vicinity of the other device when the output of the sound from the speaker of the one device is stopped in the adjusting step. Item 8. A method for outputting the sound according to Item 1.   The method for outputting sound according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the step of outputting the sound, the other device includes a step of transmitting an audio signal to the one device.   The method of outputting sound according to claim 2, wherein the other device outputs sound from its own speaker, and the one device transmits a sound signal to the other device.   4. The audio according to claim 3, further comprising: outputting audio from the speaker of another device capable of wireless communication in the vicinity of the other device, wherein the one device transmits an audio signal to the other device. How to output.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the threshold value can be set in response to a user operation.   The predetermined communication method is Bluetooth (registered trademark), and in the detecting step, a radio wave intensity is measured to detect a distance between the one device and the other device. A method for outputting sound according to any one of claims 1 to 7. A wireless device configured to be able to communicate with a wireless speaker using a predetermined communication method,
Audio output means for outputting audio from a connected wireless speaker;
Distance detecting means for detecting a distance to the connected wireless speaker;
Adjusting means for adjusting the volume of the sound output from the speaker according to the distance detected by the distance detecting means;
With
The adjusting means includes
If the detected distance is less than a threshold, the greater the detected distance, the greater the volume of the sound,
When the detected distance is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the wireless device stops outputting sound from the speaker of the wireless speaker.   10. The wireless device according to claim 9, further comprising a switching unit that outputs sound from its own speaker when the adjusting unit stops outputting the sound from the speaker of the wireless speaker.   10. The switching device according to claim 9, further comprising: a switching unit that outputs an audio signal from another nearby wireless speaker when the adjusting unit stops outputting the audio signal from the speaker of the wireless speaker. Wireless devices.   The wireless device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the audio output means includes means for transmitting an audio signal to the wireless speaker.   The wireless device according to claim 9, wherein the threshold value can be set in response to a user operation.   The predetermined communication method is Bluetooth (registered trademark), and the distance detecting unit measures a radio wave intensity to detect a distance between the wireless device and the wireless speaker. 14. A wireless device according to any one of claims 13. A wireless speaker configured to be able to communicate with a wireless device by a predetermined communication method,
Audio output means for outputting audio from a speaker based on an audio signal received from a connected wireless device;
Distance detecting means for detecting a distance to the connected wireless device;
Adjusting means for adjusting the volume of the sound output from the speaker according to the distance detected by the distance detecting means;
With
When the detected distance is smaller than a threshold, the adjusting means increases the volume of the sound output from the speaker as the detected distance is larger,
When the detected distance is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the wireless speaker stops outputting sound from the speaker. A program installed in a wireless device configured to be able to communicate with a wireless speaker using a predetermined communication method,
Outputting audio from a connected wireless speaker;
Detecting a distance to the connected wireless speaker;
Adjusting the volume of the audio signal output from the speaker according to the distance detected in the detecting step;
To the computer,
In the adjusting step,
When the detected distance is smaller than a threshold, the volume of the sound output from the speaker is increased as the detected distance is increased,
A computer-executable program for stopping output of sound from the speaker when the detected distance is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

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