Vehicle Capable of Low Noise Runs

Abstract

A vehicle comprises electric motor, generator of simulated engine sounds, decider of whether or not to generate simulated engine sounds and controller of the level of simulated engine sounds. The controller smoothly increases level of simulated engine sounds upon decision of sound generation on detection of pedestrian, crosswalk, narrow road, or road with no sidewalk. The decider is responsive to vehicle navigation system, or ETC, or camera of EDR. EDR records the decision as circumstantial evidence. The decision may be optionally possible, but is forcibly made upon necessity. Simulated engine sounds can be greater than, or equal to, or less than real engine sounds. The controller makes a soft peak of simulated engine sound upon brake or accelerator operated. Balance of simulated engine sounds among front, rear, right and left of vehicle is changeable in response to shift lever or blinker lever operation. The decision is visually indicated inside vehicle.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates to a vehicle capable of low noise runs[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]In this field of the art, various attempts have been done with respect to a vehicle capable of low noise runs. Examples of vehicles capable of low noise runs include hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles which are favorable to quiet environment. On the other hand, the almost silent run of a hybrid or electric vehicle at lower speed means a problem for visually impaired pedestrians who rely more on audio inputs to know what is going around them have a problem. To solve the problem, it is proposed to mount speakers externally with a controller tied to the accelerator pedal. The system generates simulated engine sounds that will allow people in the vicinity hear the car approach.[0005]On the other hand, Japanese Publication No. 2005-289175 proposes a fuel cell car capable of generates simulated engine sounds that will ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]Preferred embodiments of this invention provide a vehicle capable of low noise runs in which warm and safe coexistence of both vehicles and pedestrians is possible.

[0008]Preferred embodiments of this invention provide a vehicle capable of low noise runs in which the original advantage of low noise runs is harmonized with the safety of pedestrians.

[0009]Preferred embodiments of this invention provide a vehicle capable of low noise runs with a possible misunderstanding between the driver inside and pedestrian outside of the vehicle avoided.

Problems solved by technology

On the other hand, the almost silent run of a hybrid or electric vehicle at lower speed means a problem for visually impaired pedestrians who rely more on audio inputs to know what is going around them have a problem.

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