Information processing system and storage medium

An information processing system including a recognizing unit configured to recognize a given target on the basis of signals detected by a plurality of sensors arranged around a specific user, an identifying unit configured to identify the given target recognized by the recognizing unit, an estimating unit configured to estimate a position of the specific user in accordance with the a signal detected by any one of the plurality of sensors, and a signal processing unit configured to process signals acquired from sensors around the given target identified by the identifying unit in a manner that, when output from a plurality of actuators arranged around the specific user, the signals are localized near the position of the specific user estimated by the estimating unit.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an information processing system and a storage medium.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, various technologies have been proposed in data communication fields. For example, Patent Literature 1 below proposes technology related to a Machine-to-Machine (M2M) solution. To be specific, the remote management system written in Patent Literature 1 uses the Internet protocol (IP) multimedia subsystem (IMS) platform (IS), and through disclosure of presence information by a device or instant messaging between a user and a device, an interaction between an authorized user client (UC) and a device client is achieved.

On the other hand, in acoustic technology fields, various types of array speakers that can emit acoustic beams are being developed. For example, Patent Literature 2 below describes array speakers in which a plurality of speakers forming a common wave front are attached to a cabinet and which control amounts of delay and levels of the sounds given out from the respective speakers. Further, Patent Literature 2 below describes that array microphones having the same principle are being developed. The array microphones can voluntarily set the sound acquisition point by adjusting the levels and amounts of delay of output signals of the respective microphones, and thus are capable of acquiring the sound more effectively.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

However, Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 described above do not mention anything about technology or a communication method that is understood as means for achieving an augmentation of a user's body by placing many image sensors, microphones, speakers, and the like over a large area.

Accordingly, the present disclosure proposes an information processing system and a storage medium which are novel and improved, and which are capable of causing the space surrounding the user to cooperate with another space.

Solution to Problem

According to the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing system including a recognizing unit configured to recognize a given target on the basis of signals detected by a plurality of sensors arranged around a specific user, an identifying unit configured to identify the given target recognized by the recognizing unit, an estimating unit configured to estimate a position of the specific user in accordance with the a signal detected by any one of the plurality of sensors, and a signal processing unit configured to process signals acquired from sensors around the given target identified by the identifying unit in a manner that, when output from a plurality of actuators arranged around the specific user, the signals are localized near the position of the specific user estimated by the estimating unit.

According to the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing system including a recognizing unit configured to recognize a given target on the basis of signals detected by sensors around a specific user, an identifying unit configured to identify the given target recognized by the recognizing unit, and a signal processing unit configured to generate signals to be output from actuators around the specific user on the basis of signals acquired by a plurality of sensors arranged around the given target identified by the identifying unit.

According to the present disclosure, there is provided a storage medium having a program stored therein, the program being for causing a computer to function as a recognizing unit configured to recognize a given target on the basis of signals detected by a plurality of sensors arranged around a specific user, an identifying unit configured to identify the given target recognized by the recognizing unit, an estimating unit configured to estimate a position of the specific user in accordance with the a signal detected by any one of the plurality of sensors, and a signal processing unit configured to process signals acquired from sensors around the given target identified by the identifying unit in a manner that, when output from a plurality of actuators arranged around the specific user, the signals are localized near the position of the specific user estimated by the estimating unit.

According to the present disclosure, there is provided a storage medium having a program stored therein, the program being for causing a computer to function as a recognizing unit configured to recognize a given target on the basis of signals detected by sensors around a specific user, an identifying unit configured to identify the given target recognized by the recognizing unit, and a signal processing unit configured to generate signals to be output from actuators around the specific user on the basis of signals acquired by a plurality of sensors arranged around the given target identified by the identifying unit.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present disclosure as described above, a space surrounding a user can be caused to cooperate with another space.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The description will be given in the following order.

1. Outline of acoustic system according to embodiment of present disclosure

3. Operation process3-1. Basic process3-2. Command recognition process3-3. Sound acquisition process3-4. Sound field reproduction process

<1. Outline of Acoustic System According to Embodiment of Present Disclosure>

First, with reference toFIG. 1, an outline of an acoustic system (information processing system) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.FIG. 1is a diagram illustrating an outline of an acoustic system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG. 1, in the acoustic system according to the present embodiment, let us assume the situation in which a large number of sensors and actuators such as microphones10, image sensors (not shown), and speakers20are arranged everywhere in the world such as rooms, houses, buildings, outdoor sites, regions, and countries.

In the example shown inFIG. 1, on a road or the like in an outdoor area “site A” at which a user A is currently located, a plurality of microphones10A are arranged as examples of the plurality of sensors and a plurality of speakers20A are arranged as examples of the plurality of actuators. Further, in an indoor area “site B” at which a user B is currently located, a plurality of microphones10B and a plurality of speakers20B are arranged on the walls, the floor, the ceiling, and the like. Note that, in the sites A and B, motion sensors and image sensors (which are not shown) may further be arranged as examples of the sensors.

Here, the site A and the site B are connectable to each other through a network, and the signals output from and input to the respective microphones and the respective speakers of the site A and the signals output from and input to the respective microphones and the respective speakers of the site B are transmitted and received between the sites A and B.

In this way, the acoustic system according to the present embodiment reproduces in real time a voice or an image corresponding to a given target (person, place, building, or the like) through a plurality of speakers and a plurality of displays arranged around the user. Further, the acoustic system according to the present embodiment can reproduce around the user in real time the voice of the user that has been acquired by a plurality of microphones arranged around the user. In this way, the acoustic system according to the present embodiment can cause a space surrounding a user to cooperate with another space.

Further, using the microphones10, the speakers20, the image sensors, and the like arranged everywhere, indoor sites and outdoor sites, it becomes possible to substantially augment over a large area the body such as the mouth, eyes, ears of the user, and to achieve a new communication method.

In addition, since microphones and image sensors are arranged everywhere in the acoustic system according to the present embodiment, the user does not have to carry a smartphone or a mobile phone terminal. The user specifies a given target using a voice or a gesture, and can establish connection with a space surrounding the given target. Hereinafter, there will be briefly described the application of the acoustic system according to the present embodiment in the case where the user A located at the site A wants to have a conversation with the user B located at the site B.

At the site A, a data collection process is continuously performed through the plurality of microphones10A, the plurality image sensors (not shown), the plurality of human sensors (not shown), and the like. Specifically, the acoustic system according to the present embodiment collects voices acquired by the microphones10A, captured images obtained by the image sensors, or detection results of the human sensors, and estimates the user's position on the basis of the collected information.

Further, the acoustic system according to the present embodiment may select a microphone group arranged at the position at which the user's voice can be sufficiently acquired on the basis of position information of the plurality of microphones10A which are registered in advance and the user's estimated position. Further, the acoustic system according to the present embodiment performs a microphone array process of a stream group of audio signals acquired by the selected microphones. In particular, the acoustic system according to the present embodiment may perform a delay-and-sum array in which a sound acquisition point is focused on the user A's mouth and can form super directivity of an array microphone. Thus, faint vocalizations such as the user A's muttering can be also acquired.

Further, the acoustic system according to the present embodiment recognizes a command on the basis of the user A's acquired voice, and executes an operation process according to the command. For example, when the user A located at the site A says “I'd like to speak with B,” the “call origination request to the user B” is recognized as a command. In this case, the acoustic system according to the present embodiment identifies the current position of the user B, and causes the site B at which the user B is currently located to be connected with the site A at which the user A is currently located. Through this operation, the user A can speak on the telephone with the user B.

An object decomposition process such as sound source separation (separation of a noise component around the user A, a conversation of a person around the user A, and the like), dereverberation, and a noise/echo process is performed on audio signals (stream data) acquired by the plurality of microphones at the site A during a telephone call. Through this process, stream data in which an S/N ratio is high and a reverberant feeling is suppressed is transmitted to the site B.

Considering a case in which the user A speaks while moving, the acoustic system according to the present embodiment can cope with this case by continuously performing the data collection. Specifically, the acoustic system according to the present embodiment continuously performs data collection on the basis of the plurality of microphones, the plurality of image sensors, the plurality of human sensors, and the like, and detects a moving path of the user A or a direction in which the user A is heading. Then, the acoustic system according to the present embodiment continuously updates selection of an appropriate microphone group arranged around the moving user A, and continuously performs the array microphone process so that the sound acquisition point is constantly focused on the moving user A's mouth. Through this operation, the acoustic system according to the present embodiment can cope with a case in which the user A speaks while moving.

Further, separately from stream data of a voice, a moving direction and the direction of the user A or the like is converted into metadata and transmitted to the site B together with the stream data.

Further, the stream data transmitted to the site B is reproduced through the speakers arranged around the user B located at the site B. At this time, the acoustic system according to the present embodiment performs data collection at the site B through the plurality of microphones, the plurality of image sensors, and the plurality of human sensors, estimates the user B's position on the basis of the collected data, and selects an appropriate speaker group surrounding the user B through an acoustically closed surface. The stream data transmitted to the site B is reproduced through the selected speaker group, and an area inside the acoustically closed surface is controlled as an appropriate sound field. In this disclosure, a surface formed such that positions of a plurality of adjacent speakers or a plurality of adjacent microphones, are connected to surround an object (the user, for example) is referred to conceptually as an “acoustically closed surface.” Further, the “acoustically closed surface” does not necessarily configure a perfect closed surface, and is preferably configured to approximately surround the target object (the user, for example).

Further, the sound field may be appropriately selected by the user B. For example, in the case where the user B designates the site A as the sound field, the acoustic system according to the present embodiment reconstructs the environment of the site A in the site B. Specifically, for example, the environment of the site A is reconstructed in the site B on the basis of sound information as an ambience acquired in real time and meta information related to the site A that has been acquired in advance.

Further, the acoustic system according to the present embodiment may control the user A's audio image using the plurality of speakers20B arranged around the user B at the site B. In other words, the acoustic system according to the present embodiment may reconstruct the user A's voice (audio image) in the user B's ear or outside the acoustically closed surface by forming an array speaker (beam forming). Further, the acoustic system according to the present embodiment may cause the user A's audio image to move around the user B according to the user A's actual movement at the site B using metadata of the moving path or the direction of the user A.

The outline of voice communication from the site A to the site B has been described above in connection with respective steps of the data collection process, the object decomposition process, and the object synthesis process, but of course, a similar process is performed in voice communication from the site B to the site A. Thus, two-way voice communication can be performed between the site A and the site B.

The outline of the acoustic system (information processing system) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above.

Next, a configuration of the acoustic system according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 2 to 5.

FIG. 2is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of the acoustic system according to the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 2, the acoustic system includes a signal processing apparatus1A, a signal processing apparatus1B, and a management server3.

The signal processing apparatus1A and the signal processing apparatus1B are connected to a network5in a wired/wireless manner, and can transmit or receive data to or from one another via the network5. The management server3is connected to the network5, and the signal processing apparatus1A and the signal processing apparatus1B can transmit or receive data to or from the management server3.

The signal processing apparatus1A processes signals input or output by the plurality of microphones10A and the plurality of speakers20A arranged at the site A. The signal processing apparatus1B processes signals input or output by the plurality of microphones10B and the plurality of speakers20B arranged at the site B. Further, when it is unnecessary to distinguish the signal processing apparatuses1A and1B from one another, the signal processing apparatuses1A and1B are referred to collectively as a “signal processing apparatus1.”

The management server3has a function of performing a user authentication process and managing a user's absolute position (current position). Further, the management server3may also manage information (for example, IP address) representing a position of a place or a building.

Thus, the signal processing apparatus1can send a query for access destination information (for example, IP address) of a given target (person, place, building, or the like) designated by the user to the management server3and can acquire the access destination information.

Next, a configuration of the signal processing apparatus1according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.FIG. 3is a block diagram showing a configuration of the signal processing apparatus1according to the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 3, the signal processing apparatus1according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of microphones10(array microphone), an amplifying/analog-to-digital converter (ADC) unit11, a signal processing unit13, a microphone position information database (DB)15, a user position estimating unit16, a recognizing unit17, an identifying unit18, a communication interface (I/F)19, a speaker position information DB21, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC)/amplifying unit23, and a plurality of speakers20(array speaker). The components will be described below.

The plurality of microphones10are arranged throughout a certain area (site) as described above. For example, the plurality of microphones10are arranged at outdoor sites such as roads, electric poles, street lamps, houses, and outer walls of buildings and indoor sites such as floors, walls, and ceilings. The plurality of microphones10acquire ambient sounds, and output the acquired ambient sounds to the amplifying/ADC unit11.

The amplifying/ADC unit11has a function (amplifier) of amplifying acoustic waves output from the plurality of microphones10and a function (ADC) of converting an acoustic wave (analog data) into an audio signal (digital data). The amplifying/ADC unit11outputs the converted audio signals to the signal processing unit13.

The signal processing unit13has a function of processing the audio signals acquired by the microphones10and transmitted through the amplifying/ADC unit11and the audio signals reproduced by the speakers20through the DAC/amplifying unit23. Further, the signal processing unit13according to the present embodiment functions as a microphone array processing unit131, a high S/N processing unit133, and a sound field reproduction signal processing unit135.

Microphone Array Processing Unit

The microphone array processing unit131performs directivity control such that the user's voice is focused on (a sound acquisition position is focused on the user's mouth) in the microphone array process for a plurality of audio signals output from the amplifying/ADC unit11.

At this time, the microphone array processing unit131may select a microphone group forming the acoustically closed surface surrounding the user which is optimal for acquisition of the user's voice, on the basis of the user's position estimated by the user position estimating unit16or the positions of the microphones10registered to the microphone position information DB15. Then, the microphone array processing unit131performs directivity control on the audio signals acquired by the selected microphone group. Further, the microphone array processing unit131may form super directivity of the array microphone through a delay-and-sum array process and a null generation process.

High S/N Processing Unit

The high S/N processing unit133has a function of processing a plurality of audio signals output from the amplifying/ADC unit11to form a monaural signal having high articulation and a high S/N ratio. Specifically, the high S/N processing unit133performs sound source separation, and performs dereverberation and noise reduction.

Further, the high S/N processing unit133may be disposed at a stage subsequent to the microphone array processing unit131. Further, the audio signals (stream data) processed by the high S/N processing unit133are used for voice recognition performed by the recognizing unit17and are transmitted to an outside through a communication1/F19.

Sound Field Reproduction Signal Processing Unit

The sound field reproduction signal processing unit135performs signal processing on the audio signals to be reproduced through the plurality of speakers20, and performs control such that a sound field is localized around the user's position. Specifically, for example, the sound field reproduction signal processing unit135selects an optimal speaker group for forming the acoustically closed surface surrounding the user on the basis of the user's position estimated by the user position estimating unit16or the positions of the speakers20registered to the speaker position information DB21. Then, the sound field reproduction signal processing unit135writes the audio signals which have been subjected to signal processing in output buffers of a plurality of channels corresponding to the selected speaker group.

Further, the sound field reproduction signal processing unit135controls an area inside the acoustically closed surface as an appropriate sound field. As a method of controlling the sound field, for example, the Helmholtz-Kirchhoff integral theorem and the Rayleigh integral theorem are known, and wave field synthesis (WFS) based on the theorems is generally known. Further, the sound field reproduction signal processing unit135may apply signal processing techniques disclosed in JP 4674505B and JP 4735108B.

Note that the shape of the acoustically closed surface formed by the microphones or the speakers is not particularly limited as long as it is a three-dimensional shape surrounding the user, and, as shown inFIG. 4, examples of the shape may include an acoustically closed surface40-1having an oval shape, an acoustically closed surface40-2having a columnar shape, and an acoustically closed surface40-3having a polygonal shape. The examples illustrated inFIG. 4show as examples the shapes of the acoustically closed surfaces formed by a plurality of speakers20B-1to20B-12arranged around the user B in the site B. The examples also apply to the shapes of the acoustically closed surfaces formed by the plurality of microphones10.

The microphone position information DB15is a storage unit that stores position information of the plurality of microphones10arranged at the site. The position information of the plurality of microphones10may be registered in advance.

The user position estimating unit16has a function of estimating the user's position. Specifically, the user position estimating unit16estimates the user's relative position to the plurality of microphones10or the plurality of speakers20on the basis of the analysis result of the sounds acquired by the plurality of microphones10, the analysis result of the captured images obtained by the image sensors, or the detection result obtained by the human sensors. The user position estimating unit16may acquire Global Positioning System (GPS) information and may estimate the user's absolute position (current position information).

(Recognizing Unit) The recognizing unit17analyzes the user's voice on the basis of the audio signals which are acquired by the plurality of microphones10and then processed by the signal processing unit13, and recognizes a command. For example, the recognizing unit17performs morphological analysis on the voice of the user “I'd like to speak with B,” and recognizes a call origination request command on the basis of the given target “B” that is designated by the user and the request “I'd like to speak with.”

The identifying unit18has a function of identifying the given target recognized by the recognizing unit17. Specifically, for example, the identifying unit18may decide the access destination information for acquiring a voice and an image corresponding to the given target. For example, the identifying unit18may transmit information representing the given target to the management server3through the communication I/F19, and acquire the access destination information (for example, IP address) corresponding to the given target from the management server3.

The communication I/F19is a communication module for transmitting or receiving data to or from another signal processing apparatus or the management server3via the network5. For example, the communication I/F19according to the present embodiment sends a query for access destination information corresponding to the given target to the management server3, and transmits the audio signal which is acquired by the microphone10and then processed by the signal processing unit13to another signal processing apparatus which is an access destination.

The speaker position information DB21is a storage unit that stores position information of the plurality of speakers20arranged at the site. The position information of the plurality of speakers20may be registered in advance.

The DAC/amplifying unit23has a function (DAC) of converting the audio signals (digital data), which are written in the output buffers of the channels, to be respectively reproduced through the plurality of speakers20into acoustic waves (analog data). In addition, the DAC/amplifying unit23has a function of amplifying acoustic waves reproduced from the plurality of speakers20, respectively.

Further, the DAC/amplifying unit23according to the present embodiment performs DA conversion and amplifying process on the audio signals processed by the sound field reproduction signal processing unit135, and outputs the audio signals to the speakers20.

The plurality of speakers20are arranged throughout a certain area (site) as described above. For example, the plurality of speakers20are arranged at outdoor sites such as roads, electric poles, street lamps, houses, and outer walls of buildings and indoor sites such as floors, walls, and ceilings. Further, the plurality of speakers20reproduce the acoustic waves (voices) output from the DAC/amplifying unit23.

Heretofore, the configuration of the signal processing apparatus1according to the present embodiment has been described in detail. Next, with reference toFIG. 5, the configuration of the management server3according to the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 5is a block diagram showing a configuration of the management server3according to the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 5, the management server3includes a managing unit32, a searching unit33, a user position information DB35, and a communication I/F39. The above-mentioned components will be described below.

The managing unit32manages information associated with a place (site) at which the user is currently located on the basis of a user ID transmitted from the signal processing apparatus1. For example, the managing unit32identifies the user on the basis of the user ID, and stores an IP address of the signal processing apparatus1of a transmission source in the user position information DB35in association with a name of the identified user or the like as the access destination information. The user ID may include a name, a personal identification number, or biological information. Further, the managing unit32may perform the user authentication process on the basis of the transmitted user ID.

The user position information DB35is a storage unit that stores information associated with a place at which the user is currently located according to management by the managing unit32. Specifically, the user position information DB35stores the user ID and the access destination information (for example, an IP address of a signal processing apparatus corresponding to a site at which the user is located) in association with each other. Further, current position information of each user may be constantly updated.

The searching unit33searches for the access destination information with reference to the user position information DB35according to the access destination (call origination destination) query from the signal processing apparatus1. Specifically, the searching unit33searches for the associated access destination information and extracts the access destination information from the user position information DB35on the basis of, for example, a name of a target user included in the access destination query.

The communication I/F39is a communication module that transmits or receives data to or from the signal processing apparatus1via the network5. For example, the communication I/F39according to the present embodiment receives the user ID and the access destination query from the signal processing apparatus1. Further, the communication I/F39transmits the access destination information of the target user in response to the access destination query.

Heretofore, the components of the acoustic system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure have been described in detail. Next, with reference toFIGS. 6 to 9, an operation process of the acoustic system according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

FIG. 6is a flowchart showing a basic process of the acoustic system according to the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 6, first of all, in step S103, the signal processing apparatus1A transmits an ID of the user A located at the site A to the management server3. The signal processing apparatus1A may acquire an ID of the user A from a tag such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag possessed by the user A or from the user A's voice. Further, the signal processing apparatus1A may read biological information from the user A (a face, an eye, a hand, or the like), and acquire the biological information as an ID.

Meanwhile, in step S106, the signal processing apparatus1B similarly transmits an ID of the user B located at the site B to the management server3.

Next, in step S109, the management server3identifies the user on the basis of the user ID transmitted from each signal processing apparatus1, and registers, for example, an IP address of the signal processing apparatus1of the transmission source as the access destination information in association with, for example, the identified user's name.

Next, in step S112, the signal processing apparatus1B estimates the position of the user B located at the site B. Specifically, the signal processing apparatus1B estimates the user B's relative position to the plurality of microphones arranged at the site B.

Next, in step S115, the signal processing apparatus1B performs the microphone array process on the audio signals acquired by the plurality of microphones arranged at the site B on the basis of the user B's estimated relative position so that the sound acquisition position is focused on the user B's mouth. As described above, the signal processing apparatus1B prepares for the user B to utter something.

On the other hand, in step S118, the signal processing apparatus1A similarly performs the microphone array process on the audio signals acquired by the plurality of microphones arranged at the site A so that the sound acquisition position is focused on the user A's mouth, and prepares for the user A to utter something. Then, the signal processing apparatus1A recognizes a command on the basis of the user A's voice (utterance). Here, the description will continue with an example in which the user A utters “I'd like to speak with B,” and the signal processing apparatus1A recognizes the utterance as a command of the “call origination request to the user B.” A command recognition process according to the present embodiment will be described in detail in [3-2. Command recognition process] which will be described later.

Next, in step S121, the signal processing apparatus1A sends the access destination query to the management server3. When the command is the “call origination request to the user B” as described above, the signal processing apparatus1A queries the access destination information of the user B.

Next, in step S125, the management server3searches for the access destination information of the user B in response to the access destination query from the signal processing apparatus1A, and then, in step S126that follows, transmits the search result to the signal processing apparatus1A.

Next, in step S127, the signal processing apparatus1A identifies (determines) an access destination on the basis of the access destination information of the user B received from the management server3.

Next, in step S128, the signal processing apparatus1A performs the process of originating a call to the signal processing apparatus1B on the basis of the access destination information of the identified user B, for example, an IP address of the signal processing apparatus1B corresponding to the site B at which the user B is currently located.

Next, in step S131, the signal processing apparatus1B outputs a message asking the user B whether to answer a call from the user A or not (call notification). Specifically, for example, the signal processing apparatus1B may reproduce a corresponding message through the speakers arranged around the user B. Further, the signal processing apparatus1B recognizes the user B's response to the call notification on the basis of the user B's voice acquired through the plurality of microphones arranged around the user B.

Next, in step S134, the signal processing apparatus1B transmits the response of the user B to the signal processing apparatus1A. Here, the user B gives an OK response, and thus, two-way communication starts between the user A (signal processing apparatus1A side) and the user B (signal processing apparatus1B side).

Specifically, in step S137, in order to start communication with the signal processing apparatus1B, the signal processing apparatus1A performs a sound acquisition process of acquiring the user A's voice at the site A and transmitting an audio stream (audio signals) to the site B (signal processing apparatus1B side). The sound acquisition process according to the present embodiment will be described in detail in [3-3. Sound acquisition process] which will be described later.

Then, in step S140, the signal processing apparatus1B forms the acoustically closed surface surrounding the user B through the plurality of speakers arranged around the user B, and performs a sound field reproduction process on the basis of the audio stream transmitted from the signal processing apparatus1A. Note that the sound field reproduction process according to the present embodiment will be described in detail in “3-4. Sound field reproduction process” which will be described later.

In steps S137to S140described above, one-way communication has been described as an example, but in the present embodiment, two-way communication can be performed. Accordingly, unlike steps S137to S140described above, the signal processing apparatus1B may perform the sound acquisition process, and the signal processing apparatus1A may perform the sound field reproduction process.

Heretofore, the basic process of the acoustic system according to the present embodiment has been described. Through the above-described process, the user A can speak on the telephone with the user B located at a different place by uttering “I'd like to speak with B” without carrying a mobile phone terminal, a smartphone, or the like, by using the plurality of microphones and the plurality of speakers arranged around the user A. Next, the command recognition process performed in step S118will be described in detail with reference toFIG. 7.

FIG. 7is a flowchart showing the command recognition process according to the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 7, first of all, in step S203, the user position estimating unit16of the signal processing apparatus1estimates the user's position. For example, the user position estimating unit16may estimate the relative position and direction of the user to each microphone, and the position of the user's mouth on the basis of sounds acquired through the plurality of microphones10, captured images obtained by the image sensors, an arrangement of the microphones stored in the microphone position information DB15, or the like.

Next, in step S206, the signal processing unit13selects the microphone group forming the acoustically closed surface surrounding the user according to the user's relative position and direction, and the position of the user's mouth that have been estimated.

Next, in step S209, the microphone array processing unit131of the signal processing unit13performs the microphone array process on the audio signals acquired through the selected microphone group, and controls directivity of the microphones to be focused on the user's mouth. Through this process, the signal processing apparatus1can prepare for the user to utter something.

Next, in step S212, the high S/N processing unit133performs a process such as dereverberation or noise reduction on the audio signal processed by the microphone array processing unit131to improve the S/N ratio.

Next, in step S215, the recognizing unit17performs voice recognition (voice analysis) on the basis of the audio signal output from the high S/N processing unit133.

Then, in step S218, the recognizing unit17performs the command recognition process on the basis of the recognized voice (audio signal). There is no particular restriction to concrete content of the command recognition process, but for example, the recognizing unit17may recognize a command by comparing a previously registered (learned) request pattern with the recognized voice.

When a command is not recognized in step S218(No in S218), the signal processing apparatus1repeatedly performs the process performed in steps S203to S215. At this time, since steps S203and S206are also repeated, the signal processing unit13can update the microphone group forming the acoustically closed surface surrounding the user according to the user's movement.

Next, the sound acquisition process performed in step S137ofFIG. 6will be described in detail with reference toFIG. 8.FIG. 8is a flowchart showing the sound acquisition process according to the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 8, first of all, in step S308, the microphone array processing unit131of the signal processing unit13performs the microphone array process on the audio signals acquired through the selected/updated microphones, and controls directivity of the microphones to be focused on the user's mouth.

Next, in step S312, the high S/N processing unit133performs the process such as dereverberation or noise reduction on the audio signal processed by the microphone array processing unit131to improve the S/N ratio.

Then, in step S315, the communication I/F19transmits the audio signal output from the high S/N processing unit133to the access destination (for example, signal processing apparatus1B) represented by the access destination information of the target user identified in step S126(seeFIG. 6). Through this process, a voice uttered by the user A at the site A is acquired by the plurality of microphones arranged around the user A and then transmitted to the site B.

[3-4. Sound Field Reproduction Process]

Next, with reference toFIG. 9, the sound field reproduction process shown in step S140ofFIG. 6will be described in detail.FIG. 9is a flowchart showing a sound field reproduction process according to the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 9, first, in step S403, the user position estimating unit16of the signal processing apparatus1estimates the position of the user. For example, the user position estimating unit16may estimate the relative position, direction, and position of the ear of the user with respect to each speaker20on the basis of sound acquired from the plurality of microphones10, captured images obtained by the image sensors, and arrangement of the speakers stored in the speaker position information DB21.

Next, in step S406, the signal processing unit13selects a speaker group forming the acoustically closed surface surrounding the user on the basis of the estimated relative position, direction, and position of the ear of the user. Note that, steps S403and S406are executed continuously, and thus, the signal processing unit13can update the speaker group forming the acoustically closed surface surrounding the user in accordance with the movement of the user.

Next, in step S409, the communication I/F19receives audio signals from a call origination source.

Next, in step S412, the sound field reproduction signal processing unit135of the signal processing unit13performs given signal processing on the received audio signals such that the audio signals form an optimal sound field when output from the selected/updated speakers. For example, the sound field reproduction signal processing unit135performs rendering on the received audio signals in accordance with the environment of the site B (here, arrangement of the plurality of speakers20on a floor, wall, and ceiling of a room).

Then, in step S415, the signal processing apparatus1outputs the audio signals processed by the sound field reproduction signal processing unit135from the speaker group selected/updated in step S406through the DAC/amplifying unit23.

In this way, the voice of the user A acquired in the site A is reproduced from the plurality of speakers arranged around the user B located at the site B. Further, in step S412, when the audio signals received in accordance with the environment of the site B is subjected to rendering, the sound field reproduction signal processing unit135may perform signal processing so as to construct the sound field of the site A.

Specifically, the sound field reproduction signal processing unit135may reconstruct the sound field of the site A in the site B on the basis of a sound as an ambience of the site A acquired in real time and measurement data (transfer function) of an impulse response in the site A. In this way, the user B located at the indoor site B, for example, can obtain a sound field feeling as if the user B were located at the outdoor, which is the same outdoor as where the user A is located, and can feel more affluent reality.

Further, the sound field reproduction signal processing unit135can control an audio image of the received audio signal (user A's voice) using the speaker group arranged around the user B. For example, as the array speaker (beam forming) is formed by the plurality of speakers, the sound field reproduction signal processing unit135can reconstruct the user A′s voice in the user B's ear, and can reconstruct the user A's audio image outside the acoustically closed surface surrounding the user B.

Heretofore, each operation process of the acoustic system according to the present embodiment has been described in detail. Next, a supplement of the present embodiment will be described.

[4-1. Modified Example of Command Input]

In the embodiment above, a command is input by a voice, but the method of inputting a command in the acoustic system according to the present disclosure is not limited to the audio input and may be another input method. Hereinafter, with reference toFIG. 10, another command input method will be described.

FIG. 10is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the signal processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 10, a signal processing apparatus1′ includes, in addition to the components of the signal processing apparatus1shown inFIG. 3, an operation input unit25, an imaging unit26, and an IR thermal sensor27.

The operation input unit25has a function of detecting a user operation on each switch (not shown) arranged around a user. For example, the operation input unit25detects that a call origination request switch is pressed by the user, and outputs the detection result to the recognizing unit17. The recognizing unit17recognizes a call origination command on the basis of the pressing of the call origination request switch. Note that, in this case, the operation input unit25is capable of accepting the designation of the call origination destination (name or the like of the target user).

Further, the recognizing unit17may analyze a gesture of the user on the basis of a captured image obtained by the imaging unit26(image sensor) disposed near the user or a detection result acquired by the IR thermal sensor27, and may recognize the gesture as a command. For example, in the case where the user performs a gesture of making a telephone call, the recognizing unit17recognizes the call origination command. Further, in this case, the recognizing unit17may accept the designation of the call origination destination (name or the like of the target user) from the operation input unit25or may determine the designation on the basis of voice analysis.

As described above, the method of inputting a command in the acoustic system according to the present disclosure is not limited to the audio input, and may be the method using the switch pressing or the gesture input, for example.

[4-2. Example of Another Command]

In the embodiment above, there has been described the case where a person is designated as a given target and a call origination request (call request) is recognized as a command, but the command of the acoustic system according to the present disclosure is not limited to the call origination request (call request), and may be another command. For example, the recognizing unit17of the signal processing apparatus1may recognize a command in which a place, a building, a program, a music piece, or the like which has been designated as a given target is reconstructed in the space at which the user is located.

For example, as shown inFIG. 11, in the case where the user utters requests other than the call origination request, such as “I'd like to listen to radio,” “I'd like to listen to the music piece BB sung by AA,” “is there any news?,” and “I'd like to go to the concert currently being held in Vienna,” the utterances are acquired by the plurality of microphones10arranged nearby and are recognized as commands by the recognizing unit17.

Then, the signal processing apparatus1performs processes in accordance with the respective commands recognized by the recognizing unit17. For example, the signal processing apparatus1may receive audio signals corresponding to the radio, music piece, news, concert, and the like that are to be designated by the user from a given server, and, through the signal processing performed by the sound field reproduction signal processing unit135as described above, may reproduce the audio signals from the speaker group arranged around the user. Note that the audio signals to be received by the signal processing apparatus1may be audio signals acquired in real time.

In this way, it is not necessary that the user carry or operate a terminal device such as a smartphone or a remote control, and the user can acquire a desired service only by uttering the desired service at the place where the user is at.

Further, particularly in the case where audio signals acquired in a large space such as an opera house are reproduced from a speaker group forming a small acoustically closed surface surrounding a user, the sound field reproduction signal processing unit135according to the present embodiment is capable of reconstructing reverberation and localization of an audio image in the large space.

That is, in the case where an arrangement of a microphone group forming an acoustically closed surface in a sound acquisition environment (for example, opera house) is different from an arrangement of a speaker group forming an acoustically closed surface in a reconstruction environment (for example, user's room), the sound field reproduction signal processing unit135is capable of reconstructing the localization of an audio image and the reverberation characteristics of the sound acquisition environment in the reconstruction environment by performing the given signal processing.

Specifically, for example, the sound field reproduction signal processing unit135may use the signal process using the transfer function disclosed in JP 4775487B. In JP 4775487B, a first transfer function (measurement data of impulse response) is determined on the basis of a sound field of a measuring environment, an audio signal subjected to an arithmetic process based on the first transfer function is reproduced in a reconstruction environment, and thus, the sound field (for example, reverberation and localization of an audio image) of the measuring environment is reconstructed in the reconstruction environment.

In this way, as shown inFIG. 12, the sound field reproduction signal processing unit135becomes capable of constructing a sound field in which an acoustically closed surface40surrounding the user located in a small space can obtain localization of an audio image and reverberation effects so as to be absorbed in a sound field42of the large space. Note that, in the example shown inFIG. 12, out of a plurality of speakers20arranged in the small space (for example, room) at which the user is located, a plurality of speakers20forming the acoustically closed surface40surrounding the user are selected appropriately. Further, as shown inFIG. 12, in the large space (for example, opera house) which is a reconstruction target, a plurality of microphones10are arranged, the audio signals acquired by the plurality of microphones10are subjected to an arithmetic process based on a transfer function, and are reproduced from the selected plurality of speakers20.

Further, the signal processing apparatus1according to the present embodiment can also perform, in addition to the sound field construction (sound field reproduction process) of another space described in the above-mentioned embodiment, video construction of another space.

For example, in the case where the user inputs a command “I'd like to watch a soccer game of AA currently being played,” the signal processing apparatus1may receive audio signals and video acquired in a target stadium from a given server, and may reproduce the audio signals and the video in a room in which the user is located.

The reproduction of the video may be space projection using hologram reproduction, and may be reproduction using a television in a room, a display, or a head mounted display worn by the user. In this way, by performing video construction together with the sound field construction, the user can be provided with a feeling of being absorbed in the stadium, and can feel more affluent reality.

Note that a position (sound acquisition/imaging position) at which the user can be provided with a feeling of being absorbed in the target stadium can be appropriately selected and moved by the user. In this way, the user does not only stay at a given spectator stand, but is also capable of feeling the reality such as being in the stadium or chasing after a specific player.

[4-4. Another System Configuration Example]

In the system configuration of the acoustic system according to the embodiment described with reference toFIG. 1andFIG. 2, both the call origination side (site A) and the call destination side (site B) have the plurality of microphones and speakers around the user, and the signal processing apparatuses1A and1B perform the signal process. However, the system configuration of the acoustic system according to the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2, and may be the configuration as shown inFIG. 13, for example.

FIG. 13is a diagram showing another system configuration of the acoustic system according to the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 13, in the acoustic system according to the present embodiment, a signal processing apparatus1, a communication terminal7, and a management server3are connected to each other through a network5.

The communication terminal7includes a mobile phone terminal or a smartphone including a normal single microphone and a normal single speaker, which is a legacy interface compared to an advanced interface space according to the present embodiment in which a plurality of microphones and a plurality of speakers are arranged.

The signal processing apparatus1according to the present embodiment is connected to the normal communication terminal7, and can reproduce a voice received from the communication terminal7from the plurality of speakers arranged around the user. Further, the signal processing apparatus1according to the present embodiment can transmit the voice of the user acquired by the plurality of microphones arranged around the user to the communication terminal7.

As described above, according to the acoustic system according to the present embodiment, a first user located at the space in which the plurality of microphones and the plurality of speakers are arranged nearby can speak on the telephone with a second user carrying the normal communication terminal7. That is, the configuration of the acoustic system according to the present embodiment may be that one of the call origination side and the call destination side is the advanced interface space according to the present embodiment in which the plurality of microphones and the plurality of speakers are arranged.

As described above, in the acoustic system according to the present embodiment, it becomes possible to cause the space surrounding the user to cooperate with another space. Specifically, the acoustic system according to the present embodiment can reproduce a voice and an image corresponding to a given target (person, place, building, or the like) through a plurality of speakers and displays arranged around the user, and can acquire the voice of the user by the plurality of microphones arranged around the user and reproduce the voice of the user near the given target. In this manner, using the microphones10, the speakers20, the image sensors, and the like arranged everywhere, indoor sites and outdoor sites, it becomes possible to substantially augment over a large area the body such as the mouth, eyes, ears of the user, and to achieve a new communication method.

In addition, since microphones and image sensors are arranged everywhere in the acoustic system according to the present embodiment, the user does not have to carry a smartphone or a mobile phone terminal. The user specifies a given target using a voice or a gesture, and can establish connection with a space surrounding the given target.

For example, the configuration of the signal processing apparatus l is not limited to the configuration shown inFIG. 3, and the configuration may be that the recognizing unit17and the identifying unit18shown inFIG. 3are not provided to the signal processing apparatus1but are provided on the server side which is connected thereto through a network. In this case, the signal processing apparatus1transmits an audio signal output from the signal processing unit13to the server through the communication I/F19. Further, the server performs the command recognition and the process of identifying a given target (person, place, building, program, music piece, or the like) on the basis of the received audio signal, and transmits the recognition results and the access destination information corresponding to the identified given target to the signal processing apparatus1.

An information processing system including:

a recognizing unit configured to recognize a given target on the basis of signals detected by a plurality of sensors arranged around a specific user;

an identifying unit configured to identify the given target recognized by the recognizing unit;

an estimating unit configured to estimate a position of the specific user in accordance with the a signal detected by any one of the plurality of sensors; and

a signal processing unit configured to process signals acquired from sensors around the given target identified by the identifying unit in a manner that, when output from a plurality of actuators arranged around the specific user, the signals are localized near the position of the specific user estimated by the estimating unit.(2)

The information processing system according to (1),

wherein the signal processing unit processes signals acquired from a plurality of sensors arranged around the given target.(3)

The information processing system according to (1) or (2), wherein the plurality of sensors arranged around the specific user are microphones, and

wherein the recognizing unit recognizes the given target on the basis of audio signals detected by the microphones.(4)

wherein the recognizing unit further recognizes a request to the given target on the basis of signals detected by sensors arranged around the specific user.(5)

The information processing system according to (4),

wherein the sensors arranged around the specific user are microphones, and

wherein the recognizing unit recognizes a call origination request to the given target on the basis of audio signals detected by the microphones.(6)

The information processing system according to (4),

wherein the sensors arranged around the specific user are pressure sensors, and

wherein, when a press on a specific switch is detected by the pressure sensors, the recognizing unit recognizes a call origination request to the given target.(7)

The information processing system according to (4),

wherein the sensors arranged around the specific user are image sensors, and

wherein the recognizing unit recognizes a call origination request to the given target on the basis of captured images obtained by the image sensors.(8)

wherein the sensors around the given target are microphones,

wherein the plurality of actuators arranged around the specific user are a plurality of speakers, and

wherein the signal processing unit processes audio signals acquired by the microphones around the given target in a manner that a sound field is formed near a position of the specific user when output from the plurality of speakers, on the basis of respective positions of the plurality of speakers and the estimated position of the specific user.(9)

An information processing system including:

a recognizing unit configured to recognize a given target on the basis of signals detected by sensors around a specific user;

an identifying unit configured to identify the given target recognized by the recognizing unit; and

a signal processing unit configured to generate signals to be output from actuators around the specific user on the basis of signals acquired by a plurality of sensors arranged around the given target identified by the identifying unit.(10)

A program for causing a computer to function as:

a recognizing unit configured to recognize a given target on the basis of signals detected by a plurality of sensors arranged around a specific user;

an identifying unit configured to identify the given target recognized by the recognizing unit;

an estimating unit configured to estimate a position of the specific user in accordance with the a signal detected by any one of the plurality of sensors; and

a signal processing unit configured to process signals acquired from sensors around the given target identified by the identifying unit in a manner that, when output from a plurality of actuators arranged around the specific user, the signals are localized near the position of the specific user estimated by the estimating unit.(11)

A program for causing a computer to function as:

a recognizing unit configured to recognize a given target on the basis of signals detected by sensors around a specific user;

an identifying unit configured to identify the given target recognized by the recognizing unit; and

a signal processing unit configured to generate signals to be output from actuators around the specific user on the basis of signals acquired by a plurality of sensors arranged around the given target identified by the identifying unit.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST