Patent Publication Number: US-2007121989-A1

Title: Audio output device

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to an audio output device.  
      2. Description of the Related Art  
      Conventionally, audio output speakers include, for example, a voice coil, a permanent magnet, and a diaphragm among other components, and have a box-like exterior shape. To achieve an effect of surround sound with such speakers, a plurality of speakers is arranged to encircle a user. Furthermore, in the event low pitched sounds (i.e., bass) are desirable, a separate device such as a woofer is employed.  
      In addition, conventionally, in a plurality of speaker cabinets, treble, midrange, low midrange, and bass speakers are installed inside each cabinet. On the front of each cabinet, outwardly facing ports at an oblique angle are installed to enable a broader carrying of the sound and within the cabinet, a plurality of acoustic filters are installed to dampen resonance frequencies of sound waves generated toward the back of the speaker. Moreover, on the top and bottom ends of cabinets, saddle brackets and corresponding components are equipped to enable vertical stacking of the cabinets as well as detached arrangement of the cabinets. Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2000-308169 is an example for reference.  
      With conventional technology (inclusive of the above cited example), there are problems in the event of indoor installation, e.g., awareness of the existence of the speaker is said to be accentuated affecting a confined, stifling feeling in the user. Furthermore, in the event a plurality of speakers is arranged in order to obtain the effect of surround sound and a separate woofer is employed to accentuate the bass, the aforementioned effect is intensified.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      It is an object of the present invention to at least solve a problem in the conventional technologies.  
      An audio output device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a speaker unit that is provided in each of slats constituting a slat curtain.  
      The other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention are specifically set forth in or will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of an audio output device according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of a speaker system according to a first example of the embodiment;  
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a portion of the speaker system;  
       FIG. 4  is a sectional view illustrating a structure of a speaker unit;  
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram of the speaker system;  
       FIG. 6  is a reference drawing that illustrates an application example of the speaker system; and  
       FIG. 7  is a front view of a speaker unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      Exemplary embodiments according to the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.  FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of an audio output device according to embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , an audio output device  100  according the exemplary embodiments includes a speaker unit  120  that is installed in a slat  111 . The slat  111  constitutes a part of a slat curtain  110 .  
      The slat curtain  110  includes a plurality of slats  111 . More specifically, for example, the slat curtain  110  may be a set of blinds, shutters, and alternatively any other such structure. The slats  111  of the slat curtain  110  are arranged intermittently in an identical plane, such that opposing longitudinal ends of each slat  111  are aligned with opposing longitudinal ends of adjacent slats  111  to form an array. As a result, a gap  112  between the slats  111  is created.  
      The slat curtain  110 , for example, is able to be installed and utilized along a window. Thus, natural light enters a room through the gaps  112  in the slat curtain  110 . When window is opened, introduction of outdoor air through the gaps  112  is possible. Furthermore, utilization of the slat curtain  110 , for example, is also possible wherein the slat curtain  110  is hanging from the ceiling of a room. In this case, despite a division of the room by the slat curtain  110 , the ambience of the entire room is able to be gained through the gaps  112 .  
      The slats  111  may be enabled to slide along the plane in which the slats  111  are arranged in the slat curtain  110 , in a direction that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the slat  111  formed by a straight line connecting the center of two opposing longitudinal ends of the slats  111 . In this case, the slats  111  may slide independent of one another. Alternatively, with one action, all of the slats  111  may slide simultaneously. The gap  112  between the slats  111  expands and contracts corresponding to the direction of movement of the slats  111 .  
      Meanwhile, the slats  111  may be constructed of an optically transparent material. In this case, in an open space, such as a room, that is divided by the slat curtain  110 , regardless of the presence of the gaps  112  in the slat curtain  110 , natural light is able to pass from one side of the divided space to another by passing through the slat curtain  110 .  
      The speaker unit  120  is an audio output component, and includes a speaker and an amplifier. The amplifier of the speaker unit  120  may be constructed to enable the output audio range, volume, and alternatively output timing and such to be controlled. In this case, a control unit to control each amplifier may be integrated into the audio output device  100 , and alternatively, it may be separately installed. This type of speaker unit  120 , specifically, for example, is compatible with the Pioneer Digital Sound Processor (PDSP), a product manufactured by Pioneer Corporation.  
      The speaker unit  120  is provided such that between speaker units  120 , the gap  112  is created. In the event that a plurality of speaker units  120  is installed in a single slat  111 , a space (reference symbol omitted) between each of the speaker units  120  in the single slat  111  may also be created.  
      The speaker units  120  are provided such that output of each speaker unit  120  is from an identical plane. Specifically, the speaker units  120  are aligned such that the speakers equipped in the speaker unit  120  are positioned in the same plane. The plane of audio output is parallel to the plane formed by the slats  111  of the slat curtain  110 , and alternatively, it may be an identical plane.  
      The direction of audio output from the speaker unit  120  may be variable for each of the slats  111 . Specifically, the slat  111  is constructed to enable rotation thereof such that the front and the rear are reversible. As a result, when a portion of the slats  111  in the slat curtain  110  is rotated, the direction of audio output is switched enabling audio output to be delivered to both sides of the slat curtain  110 .  
      The speaker units  120  may vary in size among slats  111 . The size of the speaker unit  120 , for example, varies according to the audio range to be output. Specifically, speaker unit  120  size is increased until low range output is accommodated. In this case, according to the size of the speaker unit  120 , an increase in the size of the slat  111  arrangement is desirable in the columnar direction of the array.  
      The size of the slats  111  may vary according to the size of the speaker unit  120 . Specifically, the size of the slat  111  in which a large-sized speaker unit  120  is installed is increased according to the size of the speaker unit  120 . The size of the slats  111  may also vary according to the weight of the speaker unit  120 . Furthermore, in the event a plurality of speaker units  120  is installed in a single slat  111 , the size of the slat  111  may vary according to the quantity of speaker units  120  installed.  
      The slat curtain  110  may be constructed to be rolled up and unrolled. For example, the slat  111  positioned at an end of the array of slats  111  in the slat curtain  110  can serve as an axis for the slat curtain  110  to be rolled up around. In this case, of the slats  111  rolled up, a slat at an exterior end of the slat curtain  110  is pulled, thereby enabling a sequential release of the interconnected slats  111  and unrolling of the slat curtain  110 . Rolling and unrolling of the slat curtain  110  may be conducted manually or automatically by electrical and other means.  
      As described above, with the audio output device  100 , the speaker units  120  are provided in each of the slats  111  constituting the slat curtain  110 , thereby enabling the audio output device  100  to be handled in a similar manner to the slat curtain  110 . Therefore, in the event that the audio output device  100  is hung on a wall, from a window frame, a ceiling, and any other such structure, a function similar to that of the slat curtain  110  can be realized in conjunction with audio output, thereby enabling a user to listen to audio output without conscious awareness of the existence of the audio output device  100 .  
      Further, with the audio output device  100 , there are gaps  112  between the speaker units  120 . As such, in a space divided into two subspaces by the slat curtain  110 , light and sound can pass to and from either subspace through the gaps  112 . Therefore, through the audio output device  100 , the conditions on one side of a space divided by the slat curtain  110  is able to be conveyed to a user on the other side of the slat curtain  110 , thereby enabling a user to be aware of the ambience of a subspace on an opposing side of the audio output device  100 . Hence, without a stifling or confined feeling, the user is able to listen to audio output.  
      In addition, with the audio output device  100 , the slats  111  slidable and by the sliding action of the slats  111 , the size of the gap  112  is adjustable. Therefore, the audio output device  100  outputs sound while realizing the function of the slat curtain  110  in which the degree of natural lighting allowed to pass is adjusted by the size of the gap  112 . As a result, a user can listen to audio output while utilizing the function of the slat curtain  110 .  
      Further, with the audio output device  100 , the speaker unit  120  is provided such that audio output is from an identical plane, which, for example, enables planar installation of the audio output device  100  along a window, a wall, a ceiling, and other such structures. Therefore, audio output is possible without the installation of the audio output device  100  affecting a user impact much different from that derived from such structures as a window, a ceiling, and a wall. As a result, a user is able to listen to audio output without any sense of incongruity in ambience.  
      Moreover, with the audio output device  100  according to the exemplary embodiment, the speaker unit  120  is provided to enable the direction of audio output to be switched by the slat  111 . As such, output direction is variable by the slat  111 . Therefore, with the audio output device  100 , a plurality of output directions is possible. As a result, in a space divided by the slat curtain  110 , the same audio output can be heard by a user on either side of the slat curtain  110 .  
      Also, with the audio output device  100  according to the exemplary embodiment, the size of the speaker unit  120  varies among slats  111 . Hence, a size for the speaker unit  120  can be adopted according to output audio range, thereby enabling the audio output device  100  to deliver a wide spectrum of audio ranges, and consequently enabling a user to listen to a wide spectrum of audio ranges without being conscious of the existence of the audio output device  100 .  
      Furthermore, with the audio output device  100 , the size of the slat  111  varies according to the size of the speaker unit  120 . Hence, regardless of the output audio range, the speaker unit  120  can be stable and supported, and the audio output device  100  can deliver a stable, expansive scope of audio ranges, factors that consequently enable a user to listen to a wide spectrum of audio ranges with peace of mind.  
      In addition, with the audio output device  100 , the slat curtain  110  can be rolled up and unrolled. As such, for example, depending on the needs of a user, the form of the slat curtain  110  is changeable. Therefore, for example, utilization, wherein the audio output device  100  is kept rolled up except during periods of use, is possible. As a result, a user is able to enjoy the slat curtain  110  function while listening to the audio output.  
      A first example of the embodiment is an application of the aforementioned audio output device  100  according to the embodiment as a speaker system installed indoors. First, an exterior of the speaker system of the first example shall be described.  FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram illustrating a speaker system  200  of the first example. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the speaker system  200  includes a plurality of slats  202  that constitute a slat curtain  201 , a frame  203  that supports the slats  202 , and a speaker unit  204  that is provided in the slats  202 .  
      Next, the slat  202  shall be described. Each of the slats  202  of the slat curtain  201  has a long and narrow configuration. In each of the slats  202 , each of the speaker units  204  that includes a speaker and an amplifier (not illustrated in  FIG. 2 ) are provided. The slats  202  are arranged in an array such that the slats  202  are longitudinally parallel. The slats  202  are positioned intermittently, and as a result, a gap  205  is formed between the slats  202 . Open space on opposing sides of the speaker system  200  that face the length of the slats  202  is connected by the gaps  205 .  
      The frame  203  is a support structure that encompasses the perimeter of the speaker system  200 . The frame  203  supports the slats  202  by sandwiching the slats  202  with a support  206  that is coupled to the frame  203  and runs facing the opposing longitudinal ends of the slats  202 .  
      Specifically, for example, provided on each opposing longitudinal end portion of the slats  202  is a male component of a connecting fixture (not illustrated in figure) that protrudes in the direction of the support  206 . At the same time, along the length of the support  206  is a plurality of female components that correspond to the connecting fixture (not illustrated in figure) provided on the slats  202 . By engaging the male and female components of the connecting fixture, the slats  202  can be supported in particular positions. In this case, the position of each slat  202  along the length of the support  206  is determined by the position of the female components along the length of the support  206 .  
      Furthermore, the frame  203  supports the slats  202  such that the slats  202  are able to rotate about an imaginary longitudinal axis. Specifically, for example, in the event that the slats  202  are supported by the aforementioned method, the slat  202  is rotatable about a longitudinal axis that is formed by a straight line passing through the two points of the connecting fixture engagement specific to the slat  202 .  
      Each of the slats  202  is independently rotatable. As such, a portion of the total slats  202  can be rotated.  FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a portion of the speaker system  200  and illustrates a portion of the slats  202  in a rotated condition. Regarding the position of a speaker in the speaker unit  204  that is installed in a rotated slat  301 , wherein the rotated slat  301  has been rotated 180 degrees, the speaker assumes an orientation that is 180 degrees from its initial orientation. In other words, the audio output of the speaker unit  204  in the 180 degree-rotated slat  301  is oriented 180 degrees opposite that of the speaker unit  204  in a slat  202  that is oriented in an identical direction as the initial direction of the rotated slat  301  prior to rotation.  
      Moreover, the frame  203  supports the slats  202  such that each slat  202  is able to slide along the length of the support  206 . Specifically, for example, the support  206  is provided with a rail (not illustrated in figure) that runs along the length of the support  206 . In this way, opposing longitudinal ends of the slat  202  are guided along the rail, thereby, enabling the slats  202  to slide along the length of the support  206 .  
      For example, if each slat  202  is connected to the support  206  by the aforementioned connecting fixture, the connecting fixture may be constructed such that in the event an external force applied against the slat  202  exceeds a given intensity, the connecting fixture is disengaged. Specifically, for example, the male component of the connecting fixture and alternatively, the support  206  may be constructed of a flexible material. Hence, by a deformation of the male component and alternatively, of the support  206 , the connecting fixture is disengaged.  
      Furthermore, the speaker system  200  includes a motor (omitted from  FIG. 2 ) to initiate a motive force to rotate and slide the slats  202  (refer to  FIG. 5 ) as well as a mechanism to transfer the motive force of the motor to each slat  202 .  
      Also, the frame  203 , for example, is constructed of an optically transparent material that has a transparency similar to that of glass, plastic, and other such materials. Wiring to provide power and control signals for each of the speaker units  204  is installed in the frame  203  (refer to  FIG. 4 ). Further, this wiring is also constructed of an optically transparent material that has a transparency similar to that of glass, plastic, and other such materials.  
      In the frame  203 , a contact for the speaker (frame contact  406 ) is provided in positions to correspond to the slats  202  (refer to  FIG. 4 ). The frame contact  406 , through the support of the slats  202  by the support  206 , forms an electrical connection with a contact for the frame  203  (a speaker contact  405 ) that is provided on each slat  202  (refer to  FIG. 4 ), and distributes power and control signals for each slat  202  to the speaker unit  204 .  
      Each slat  202  is assigned an identification code and based on this identification code, power and control signals are distributed to the target slat  202 . In this case, the slat  202  is assigned the position where the speaker contact  405  and the frame contact  406  make contact and as such, even in the event that the slat  202  has slid along the support  206 , regardless of the position of the frame contact  406 , the control signal is able to be sent to the target slat  202 .  
      In addition, an identification code may be assigned for each frame contact  406  and based on the position of each frame contact  406 , control signals are delivered to the target speaker unit  204 . In this case, without differentiating the speaker contacts  405  provided on the slats  202 , control signals are distributed according to the position of the frame contact  406 .  
      Further, distribution of control signals may also be conducted by identification of each frame contact  406  and each slat  202 . In this case, when the speaker contact  405  provided in a particular slat  202  makes contact with a particular frame contact  406 , control signals are distributed to the target slat  202 . Limited to the event wherein the each slat  202  is positioned in a given position, the speaker unit  204  in the slat  202  can be controlled to output sound. As a result, for example, in the event given speaker units  204  are dedicated to given audio ranges, each speaker unit  204  can be reliably controlled.  
      The speaker units  204  are provided in one slat  202 . A speaker and an amplifier (not illustrated in the figure) are each included in the speaker unit  204 . The arrangement of the speaker units  204  within a single slat is such that the speakers are positioned in the same plane. A surface of the each speaker unit  204 , i.e., the surface wherein the speakers are facing exteriorly relative to the speaker system, is covered by a speaker grill net  408  (refer to  FIG. 4 ). Furthermore, the grill net  408  may cover an aspect of speaker system  200 , i.e., the aspect wherein the speakers of the speaker units  204  are facing exteriorly relative to the speaker system.  
      Further, size of the speaker unit  204  varies according to the output audio range. Specifically, the lower the audio range to be output by the speaker unit  204 , the greater the size of the speaker unit  204 . Specifically, for example, the technology utilized by the PDSP unit is applicable for use as the speaker unit  204 . The speaker unit  204  that applies the technology employed by the PDSP unit shall be herein described for the first example.  
       FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the speaker unit  204  along the length of the slat  202 . The speaker unit  204  includes a PDSP unit  401 , a speaker wiring  402 , and a speaker cabinet  403 .  
      The PDSP unit  401  includes a permanent magnet, a diaphragm, a voice coil, and an amplifier, and outputs the audio signal that is amplified by the amplifier as sound from a speaker  404  (refer to  FIG. 5 ). Specifically, with the PDSP unit  401 , an audio signal that is in the form of an electrical current is applied to a voice coil and a magnetic force is induced, the interaction between the induced magnetic force and the magnetic field of a permanent magnet that surrounds the voice coil, oscillates a diaphragm and consequently air is vibrated resulting in the output of sound.  
      The speaker wiring  402  connects the amplifier and the speaker contact  405 . The speaker contact  405  is provided on the slat  202 . The slat  202  is supported by the support  206 , which is coupled to the frame, and hence, the speaker contact  405  is connected with the frame contact  406 . In this way, an electrical connection is made between the speaker contact  405  and the frame contact  406 . Also, in  FIG. 4 , the wiring (omitted from the figure) runs in a plane perpendicular to aspect of the slat  202  depicted in the figure.  
      The speaker cabinet  403  houses the PDSP unit  401 , the speaker wiring  402  and other such parts. An inlet is provided in a portion of the speaker cabinet  403  where the speaker  404  is located.  
      Next, each of the electrical connections included in the speaker system  200  shall be described.  FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating each of the electrical connections. As illustrated in the figure, the speaker system  200  includes a central processing unit (CPU)  501 , a read only memory (ROM)  502 , a random-access memory (RAM)  503 , a communication interface (I/F)  504 , a digital/analog (D/A) converter  505 , an amplifier  506 , a voice coil  507 , and a motor  508 . Although not illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the D/A converter  505 , the amplifier  506 , and the voice coil  507  are each provided in the PDSP unit  401 .  
      The CPU  501  governs overall control of the speaker system  200 . The ROM  502  records various control programs. Further, the RAM  503  is used as the work area of the CPU  501 . In other words, while using the RAM  503  as a work area, the CPU  501  refers to various data recorded in the ROM  502  and implements various programs to govern overall control of the speaker system  200 .  
      Furthermore, the ROM  502  stores control data employed when movement of the slats  202 , e.g., sliding, rotation, is conducted. Specifically, in the event that control signals are distributed based on identification codes assigned to each slat  202  as mentioned above, the ROM  502  stores the identification code of each slat  202  and control data that indicates the sequence of the slats  202  in the speaker system  200 . On the contrary, in the event that control signals are distributed based on the position of each frame contact  406 , the ROM  502  records the identification code for each of the frame contacts  406  and control data that indicates the sequence of the frame contacts  406  in the support  206 .  
      In addition, in the event that distribution of the control signal wiring is conducted by identification of each frame contact  406  and each slat  202 , wherein the speaker contact  405  provided in a particular slat  202  makes contact with a particular frame contact  406  to control signal distribution, the ROM  502  records the identification code of each slat  202 , the identification code of each frame contact  406 , and control data that indicates the sequence of the frame contacts  406  in the support  206 .  
      Content-related data is associated with the control data of the ROM  502 . Content-related data, for example, includes information indicating the genre of the audio output. Specifically, for example, “Classical”, “Japanese Pop”, “Children&#39;s Narrative” and such classifications are included. The CPU  501  refers to the data associated with the control data that is stored in the ROM  502  and adjusts the arrangement and audio output direction of each slat  202 .  
      For example, in the event the genre of audio output is “Classical”, the arrangement and audio output direction of each slat  202  is adjusted such that sound can be heard coming from all around a user as in a concert hall. Furthermore, for example, in the event the audio output is a “Children&#39;s Narrative”, the arrangement and audio output direction of each slat  202  is adjusted such that the sound comes from in front of a user as if a story teller is speaking.  
      The communication I/F  504 , for example, receives various instructions, such as audio output instructions and instructions regarding arrangement of the slats  202 , that are input via a remote controller (not illustrated in  FIG. 5 ). Instructions regarding the arrangement may be instructions for the sliding of the slats  202  along the support  206 , or for the rotation of a slat  202  in a particular position.  
      For example, in the event instructions are received by the communication I/F  504  regarding slat  202  arrangement, the CPU  501  controls the motor  508  according to the instructions, and slides and rotates the slats  202 . When sliding and rotating each slat  202 , the CPU  501  refers to the control data stored in the ROM  502 .  
      In addition, the communication I/F  504 , for example, is connected to an audio signal transmitting device, such as a compact disc (CD) player, and via cable or wireless communication, receives the audio signals transmitted by the device. The CPU  501 , based on the audio signal received by the communication I/F  504 , generates a digital signal to which audio output quality, output timing and other such properties has been coupled. The generated digital signal is sent to the D/A converter  505  of the PDSP unit  401 .  
      The D/A converter  505  converts the digital signal sent by the CPU  501  into an analog signal and sends it to the amplifier  506 . The amplifier  506  amplifies the analog signal sent by the D/A converter  505  and sends it to the voice coil  507 . The voice coil  507  vibrates at an amplitude corresponding to the analog signal sent by the amplifier  506 , thereby generating audio output.  
      In addition, each component involved in the control of the PDSP unit  401 , such as the CPU  501 , the ROM  502 , the RAM  503 , and the communication I/F  504  among other parts, may be provided on the frame  203  for integration of the speaker system  200 . The aforementioned parts may also be separate entities connected by cables and other such wiring.  
       FIG. 6  illustrates an example of application of the speaker system  200 , wherein the speaker system  200  is hung in a room from a frame  601  of a window  602 . In this case, sunlight passing through the window  602  passes through the gaps  205  in the speaker system  200  and enters the room. In the event that the window  602  is opened, fresh, outdoor air may also be introduced into the room.  
      In this way, the sun light entering the room can to be softened. By sliding the slats  202  to adjust the gap  205  size, the amount of natural lighting is adjustable. For example, by moving all of the slats  202  to one side, creation of a single large gap is possible. By rotating a portion of the slats  202  in the array such that the speakers  404  are facing outdoors, indoor and outdoor audio output is possible.  
      In the event that the speaker system  200  is hung from an arbitrary position on a ceiling (omitted from figure), with the speaker in the center, division of a room into two subspaces by the speaker system  200  is possible. In this case, through the gaps  205  in the speaker system  200 , a user in a subspace on one side of the speaker system  200  can get a feeling for the ambience of the subspace on the opposing side as well. Specifically, a user on one side, for example, through the gaps  205 , is able to see the layout of the subspace on the opposing side, hear sounds emanating from there and know what event is taking place there.  
      By sliding the slats  202  and widening the size of the gap  205 , a user on one side of the speaker system  200  is able to get a better understanding of the conditions on the opposing side. Furthermore, a portion of the array of slats  202  can be rotated such that the speakers  404  contained in the rotated slats  202  face the opposite direction, thereby enabling audio output to both subspaces of the speaker. Therefore, a user on either side of the speaker system  200  can equally enjoy excellent sound quality.  
      As mentioned above, with the speaker system  200  of the first example, each of the slats  202  that compose the slat curtain  201  is provided with speaker units  204 , thereby enabling the speaker system  200  to be handled like the slat curtain  201 . Therefore, in the event that the speaker system  200  is hung from the window frame  601 , a ceiling, on a wall, and any other such structure, functions similar to those of the slat curtain  201 , such as adjustment of natural light entering a room, division of open space, among other functions can be realized along with audio output, thereby enabling a user to listen to audio output without being consciously aware of the existence of the speaker system  200 .  
      Further, with the speaker system  200  of the first example, as there are gaps  205  between the speaker units  204 , light, sound and such entities is able to pass back and forth through the gaps  205  to either side of the slat curtain  201 . Hence, when used as the slat curtain  201  to divide a space, the speaker system  200  is able to convey the appearance of the space on the side of the slat curtain  201  opposing the side of a user. In this way, a user is able to get a feeling for the ambience of the subspace on the other side of the speaker system  200  and hence, a user is able to listen to audio output without a confined a feeling.  
      In addition, with the speaker system  200  of the first example, the ability of the slats  202  to slide along the support  206  enables adjustment of the gap  205  size, thereby affording the speaker system  200  with the function of the slat curtain  201 , e.g., the adjustment natural light permitted to pass via adjustment of the size of the gap  205  in addition to the function of audio output. In this way, a user is able to utilize the speaker system  200  as the slat curtain  201  while listening to audio output.  
      Moreover, with the speaker system  200  of the first example of the exemplary embodiment, for example, the degree of freedom in slat layout can be improved such as by sliding the slats  202  to an optimal position to suit utilization needs. In this way, a user is able to freely layout the slats  202  according to preference, intended purpose and other such factors. Furthermore, for example, by moving all of the slats  202  toward the one side of the slat curtain  201  when not in use, any confined feeling affected by the speaker system  200  can be further reduced, thereby enabling a user to enjoy the function of a slat curtain, while listening to audio output.  
      Also, with the speaker system  200  of the first example, the speaker units  204  are provided such that the audio output of each speaker unit  204  is from an identical plane, enabling, for example, planar installation along the window  602 , a wall, a ceiling and other such structures. Therefore, the speaker system  200 , for example, can conduct audio output without affecting much of a difference in the impact derived from its installation compared to the impact derived from the window  602 , a wall, a ceiling and any other such structure. In this way, a user, without any sense of incongruity in ambience caused by the installation of the speaker system  200 , is able to listen to the audio output of the speaker system  200 .  
      Furthermore, with the speaker system  200  of the first example, the speaker units  204  are provided such that their audio output direction is changeable among slats  202 , i.e., output direction is variable among slats  202 , thereby enabling the speaker system  200  to output sound in a plurality of directions. Hence, with utilization of the speaker system  200  as the slat curtain  201  to divide a space, a user on either side of the speaker system  200  is able to listen to the same audio output without any sense of confinement caused by the installation of the speaker system  200 .  
      In addition, with the speaker system  200  of the first example, the size of the speaker unit  204  varies among the slats  202 . As such, a size for the speaker unit  204  corresponding to the output audio range can be adopted, thereby enabling the speaker system  200  to output a wide spectrum of audio ranges. Hence, a user is able to listen to a wide spectrum of audio ranges without conscious awareness of the existence of the speaker system  200 .  
      Further, with the speaker system  200  of the first example, the slat  202  varies in size according to the size of the speaker unit  204 . As such, regardless of the output audio range, the speaker unit  204  can be stable and supported, thereby enabling the speaker system  200  to deliver a stable, expansive scope of audio ranges. As a result, a user is able to listen to a wide spectrum of audio ranges with peace of mind.  
      A second example of the embodiment shall be described, wherein the audio output device  100  according to the embodiment is applied as a display device. A portion of the reference characters are identical to those in the aforementioned first example and their description is omitted.  FIG. 7  is a front view of a speaker according to the second example.  
      As show in  FIG. 7 , a display device  700  includes slats  202  that compose the slat curtain  201 , the frame  203  that supports the slats  202 , the speaker unit  204  that is provided in the slats  202 , and a display  701 . For the display  701 , for example, a plasma display, a liquid crystal display, an organic light emitting display, and any other such flat-panel type display may be employed.  
      Although not illustrated in the figure, the display device  700  includes the parts illustrated in  FIG. 5  and an image I/F that controls the motor drive of the display  701 . The image I/F is connected to the display  701 . The image I/F, for example, includes a graphic controller that conducts overall control of the display  701 , a memory such as video RAM (VRAM) that temporarily stores instantaneously displayable image data, and a control integrated circuit (control IC) that controls image display of the display  701  based on image data output from the graphic controller.  
      Furthermore, information regarding the contents to be displayed on the display  701  is associated with control data that is stored by the ROM  502 . Content related information, for example, includes a genre of the contents to be displayed on the display  701 . For example, for a content genre called “sports” that is categorized, the CPU  501  adjusts the position and direction of audio output of each slat  202  such that audio output can be heard coming from all around a user as if the user were sitting in the stands of a sports arena. For example, for a content genre called “news” that is categorized, the CPU  501  adjusts the position and direction of audio output of each of the slats  202  such that audio output is able to be heard coming from in front of a user as if a news caster were sitting in front of the user.  
      Content related information may be set according to content genre. It may also be set according to content. For example, for the same “news” genre, the position and direction of audio output of each slat  202  may be adjusted such that the origin of sound corresponds to the situation in which the news is being reported, e.g., a studio broadcast, a live onsite report, and other such situations.  
      As mentioned above, with the display device  700  of the second example, wherein the display device  700  divides a space into two subspaces, the ambience of each of the subspaces can be shared between the subspaces through the gaps  205 . Therefore, even in the event that the display  701  with a large display surface area is employed, the sense of confinement affected the installation of the display device  701  can be reduced.  
      As described above, with the speaker system  200  of the first example and the display device  700  of the second example, a user is able to listen to audio output without conscious awareness of the existence of the speaker system  200  or the display device  700 .  
      Although the invention has been described with respect to a specific embodiment for a complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims are not to be thus limited but are to be construed as embodying all modifications and alternative constructions that may occur to one skilled in the art which fairly fall within the basic teaching herein set forth.  
      The present document incorporates by reference the entire contents of Japanese priority document, 2005-346053 filed in Japan on Nov. 30, 2005.