Information processing apparatus, vehicle, and information processing method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with a first speaker, a data communication device, and an information processing device. The information processing device implements: receiving a user operation that inputs a change in volume of sound output from the first speaker to a volume adjustment section; and, during a period in which the data communication device outputs sound from a second speaker, notifying the data communication device of the change in volume caused by the user operation input to the volume adjustment section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to information processing devices, vehicles, and information processing methods. Background Technology

[0002] An emergency notification device for vehicles has been disclosed that, in the event of an accident, sends an emergency notification signal to a management center outside the vehicle (e.g., Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-030481). Summary of the Invention

[0003] The subject of this disclosure is to provide an information processing apparatus, vehicle, and information processing method that allows a user to change the volume of sound output by a data communication device through a speaker.

[0004] One aspect of this disclosure is an information processing apparatus equipped with a control unit that performs the following control:

[0005] The system receives user input to the volume adjustment unit to change the volume of the sound output from the vehicle's first speaker; and

[0006] During the period when the data communication device outputs sound from the second speaker, the data communication device is notified of volume changes caused by user operations input to the volume adjustment unit.

[0007] Another aspect of this disclosure is a vehicle equipped with:

[0008] First loudspeaker;

[0009] Data communication devices; and

[0010] An information processing device performs the following processing:

[0011] Receives user input to the volume adjustment unit to change the volume of the sound output from the first speaker; and

[0012] During the period when the data communication device outputs sound from the second speaker, the data communication device is notified of volume changes caused by user operations input to the volume adjustment unit.

[0013] Another aspect of this disclosure is an information processing method, wherein,

[0014] Information processing device

[0015] The system receives user input to the volume adjustment unit, indicating a change in the volume of the sound output from the vehicle's first speaker.

[0016] During the period when the data communication device outputs sound from the second speaker, the data communication device is notified of volume changes caused by user operations input to the volume adjustment unit.

[0017] According to this disclosure, the volume of the sound output by the data communication device through the speaker can be changed by user operation. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals denote similar parts, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the system structure of a vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 This is an example of the hardware architecture of a DCM and a multimedia ECU.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of a DCM and a multimedia ECU.

[0022] Figure 4 This is an example of a flowchart for volume adjustment processing in DCM.

[0023] Figure 5 This is an example of a flowchart for the DCM volume adjustment process of a multimedia ECU.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing sequence in a vehicle 100 that processes volume changes of sound output from a DCM according to the first embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Connected cars with communication capabilities have data communication devices. These devices communicate with external devices to provide various services to passengers. While providing communication services, the data communication device sometimes receives audio data and outputs corresponding sound from the vehicle's speakers. However, because the data communication device lacks an interface for users to directly adjust the volume, it is difficult for users to adjust the volume of the sound output from the speakers.

[0026] In one embodiment of this disclosure, while the data communication device is outputting sound from a vehicle-mounted speaker, an information processing device connected to the volume control unit notifies the data communication device of a user operation input to the volume control unit. This enables user operations to change the volume of the sound output from the speaker by the data communication device.

[0027] Specifically, one aspect of this disclosure is an in-vehicle information processing device. The information processing device is equipped with a control unit. The information processing device is, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that controls multimedia within the vehicle. The control unit is, for example, a processor located within the ECU.

[0028] The control unit receives user input to the volume adjustment unit, requesting a change in the volume of the sound output from the vehicle's first speaker. The volume adjustment unit may be, for example, a volume control button, switch, knob, or a button displayed on a touchscreen. However, the volume adjustment unit is not limited to these. While the data communication device is outputting sound from the second speaker, the control unit notifies the data communication device of the volume change caused by the user input to the volume adjustment unit.

[0029] The data communication device outputs sound from a second speaker. The second speaker can be the first speaker, or it can be a different speaker. When the second speaker is different from the first speaker, it is connected directly or indirectly to the data communication device and outputs sound corresponding to the sound data output from the data communication device. When the second speaker and the first speaker are the same speaker, the data communication device shares the first speaker with other devices in the vehicle, such as information processing devices, and outputs sound from the first speaker.

[0030] Because the control unit is connected to the volume adjustment unit, the volume of the sound output from the first speaker is changed according to the volume change caused by user operation input to the volume adjustment unit during the period when sound is output from the first speaker. On the other hand, since the data communication device is not connected to the volume adjustment unit, it was previously unable to receive volume adjustments caused by user operation input to the volume adjustment unit, whether the second speaker and the first speaker were the same speaker or different speakers.

[0031] However, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the control unit notifies the data communication device of volume changes caused by user operations input to the volume adjustment unit. Consequently, the data communication device adjusts the volume of the sound output from the second speaker based on the volume change caused by the notified user operation, and outputs the changed volume sound to the speaker. Therefore, according to one embodiment of this disclosure, the volume of the sound output from the speaker by the data communication device can be changed via user operation.

[0032] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the data communication device may also output a notification of the start of sound output to the information processing device upon initiation of sound output. The information processing device may also, upon receiving the notification of the start of sound output from the data communication device, begin notifying the data communication device of volume changes caused by user operation of the volume adjustment unit. Thus, the object of volume changes caused by user operation of the volume adjustment unit can be switched from the information processing device to the data communication device.

[0033] The data communication device is capable of communicating with external devices. Furthermore, when initiating communication with an external device, the data communication device can also output a notification to the information processing device indicating the start of sound output. This is because, in one example of the data communication device outputting sound, there is a situation where sound data is received from an external device via communication.

[0034] The data communication device, for example, can also initiate communication with external devices upon detecting an emergency. For instance, an emergency might be detected when a collision is detected by other devices within the vehicle. Alternatively, the data communication device can be equipped with an emergency notification button, which, when pressed, initiates communication with external devices. Thus, in the event of an emergency, the volume of the sound output from the data communication device, controlled by the volume adjustment unit, can be changed.

[0035] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the data communication device may also output a notification of the end of sound output to the information processing device when the sound output is terminated. The information processing device may also terminate notifications to the data communication device of volume changes caused by user operation of the volume adjustment unit upon receiving the notification of the end of sound output from the data communication device. Thus, the object of volume changes caused by user operation of the volume adjustment unit can be switched from the data communication device to the information processing device.

[0036] Another embodiment of this disclosure is a vehicle equipped with a first speaker, a data communication device, and an information processing device. The volume control unit receives user input indicating a change in the volume of sound output from the first speaker. The data communication device is not connected to the volume control unit. The information processing device is connected to the volume control unit and, while the data communication device is outputting sound from a second speaker, notifies the data communication device of the volume change caused by the user operation input to the volume control unit.

[0037] As another aspect of this disclosure, it may also be specified as an information processing method including the processing performed by the aforementioned information processing apparatus, and an information processing method including the processing performed by the aforementioned information processing apparatus and the aforementioned data communication apparatus. Furthermore, as another embodiment of this disclosure, it may also be specified as a program for performing the aforementioned processing in the aforementioned information processing apparatus, and a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium for recording the program.

[0038] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The structures of the embodiments described below are illustrative, and this disclosure is not limited to the structures of the embodiments.

[0039] <First Implementation Method>

[0040] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the system structure of a vehicle 100 according to the first embodiment. The vehicle 100 is equipped with a DCM (Data Communication Module) 1, a central ECU (hereinafter referred to as C-ECU) 2, a multimedia ECU 3, a volume control unit 4, an OHM (Over Head Module) 5, speakers 6, speakers 7, an emergency call button 8, and other ECUs 9. However, in... Figure 1 In this document, only the hardware structures related to the processing according to the first embodiment are extracted and shown. In addition to the C-ECU2 and the multimedia ECU3, the vehicle 100 also has various ECUs and other driving-related hardware structures.

[0041] DCM1 is a device that communicates with external devices. DCM1 is, for example, a computer. DCM1 connects to network N1 wirelessly and communicates with central server 500 through network N1. Central server 500 is, for example, a server managed by the manufacturer of vehicle 100. Central server 500, through communication with DCM1, provides services to the occupants of vehicle 100, such as voice-activated operation, navigation, and emergency notifications. Network N1 is, for example, a public network such as the Internet.

[0042] DCM1 is connected to OHM5. OHM5 is connected, for example, to speaker 6 and emergency notification button 8. However, it is not limited to this; for example, in addition to speaker 6, OHM5 can also be connected to a microphone, etc. OHM5 is, for example, an ECU that controls speaker 6 and emergency notification button 8, etc. Emergency notification button 8 is a button pressed by occupants of vehicle 100 to notify central server 500 of an emergency. When emergency notification button 8 is pressed, an emergency notification signal is input to DCM1 via OHM5, and DCM1 notifies central server 500 of the emergency. Afterwards, DCM1 communicates with central server 500, for example, through conversation between occupants and the operator of central server 500.

[0043] DCM1 is connected to C-ECU2. C-ECU2 controls the connected ECUs. Multimedia ECU3 and other ECUs 9 are connected to C-ECU2. C-ECU2, DCM1, and Multimedia ECU3 are connected via, for example, CAN (Controller Area Network) or Ethernet.

[0044] The multimedia ECU 3 is connected to, for example, the volume control unit 4 and the speaker 7, and controls them. The multimedia ECU 3 includes, for example, a car navigation system and an audio system, which output their sound to the vehicle 100 via the speaker 7. The volume control unit 4 is, for example, a button, handle, or knob operated by the user when changing the volume of the sound output from the speaker 7. Alternatively, the volume control unit 4 may also be, for example, a button, handle, or knob displayed on a touchscreen display that the user operates when changing the volume.

[0045] The multimedia ECU3 receives user input for volume adjustment from the volume adjustment unit 4, adjusts the volume according to the content of the volume change caused by the user operation, and outputs the changed volume sound from the speaker 7.

[0046] Other ECUs 9 include, for example, various ECUs that perform driving-related controls such as engine control and transmission control, and various ECUs that perform controls related to advanced safety driving assistance technologies such as collision damage mitigation brakes and acceleration suppression devices in case of erroneous accelerator pedal depressing. These other ECUs 9 are connected to the C-ECU 2, for example, via CAN (Controller Area Network) or Ethernet.

[0047] When outputting sound, DCM1 outputs sound data to OHM5. OHM5 outputs the sound data input from DCM1 to speaker 6. Speaker 6 converts the sound data input from OHM5 into sound and outputs it. Since DCM1 does not have an interface, such as a volume adjustment unit 4, for users to change the volume of the sound output from speaker 6, directly or indirectly connected, the volume of the sound output from DCM1 cannot be changed by user operation. For example, the same problem occurs when DCM1 shares a speaker with other devices and outputs sound through that speaker, even without speaker 6.

[0048] In the first embodiment, while the DCM1 is outputting sound from the speaker 6, the multimedia ECU3 notifies the DCM1 of a user operation to change the volume input to the volume adjustment unit 4. Based on the volume change notification from the multimedia ECU3, the DCM1 adjusts the volume of the sound data and outputs the adjusted sound data to the OHM5. Thus, the volume of the sound output by the DCM1 can be changed via user operation.

[0049] Multimedia ECU3 is an example of an "information processing device". DCM1 is an example of a "data communication device". Speaker 7 is an example of a "first speaker" and a "second speaker" when the "first speaker" and the "second speaker" are the same speaker. When the "first speaker" and the "second speaker" are different speakers, speaker 7 is an example of a "first speaker" and speaker 6 is an example of a "second speaker".

[0050] Figure 2 This is an example of the hardware structure of DCM1 and Multimedia ECU3. First, DCM1, as a hardware structure, is equipped with a CPU 101, a memory 102, an external storage device 103, a wireless communication unit 104, an interface 105, and an interface 106. The memory 102 and the external storage device 103 are recording media that can be read by a computer.

[0051] External storage device 103 stores various programs or data used by CPU 101 during program execution. External storage device 103 is, for example, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM) or a hard disk drive. Programs stored in external storage device 103 include, for example, an operating system (OS), a volume control program, and various other applications.

[0052] Memory 102 is a storage area and working area that provides the CPU 101 with a place to load programs stored in external storage device 103, or it can be used as a cache. Memory 102 includes, for example, semiconductor memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0053] CPU 101 performs various processes by loading the OS, which is stored in external storage device 103, and other operating programs into memory 102 and executing these OS or programs. CPU 101 is not limited to one and multiple CPUs can be provided.

[0054] The wireless communication unit 104 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit based on mobile communication methods such as 5G, 6G, 4G, and LTE (Long Term Evolution), as well as wireless communication methods such as WiMAX and WiFi. The wireless communication unit 104 is connected to the network N1 via wireless communication and can communicate with the central server 500.

[0055] Interface 105 is the interface for connecting to OHM5. Interface 106 is the interface for connecting to C-ECU2. Interfaces 105 and 106 may be equipped with circuitry for ports for Ethernet (registered trademark), CAN, or other network connections. The hardware structure of DCM1 is not limited to... Figure 2 The structure shown.

[0056] The multimedia ECU3, as a hardware structure, is equipped with, for example, a processor 301, a memory 302, an external storage device 303, an input interface 304, an output interface 305, and an interface 306. However, the hardware structure of the multimedia ECU3 is not limited to this. Figure 2 The structure shown.

[0057] Processor 301 is, for example, a CPU, a microprocessor, or a DSP (digital signal processor). Processor 301 performs various processes by executing commands from a program expanded in memory 302. Since memory 302 and external storage device 303 are the same as memory 102 and external storage device 103 respectively, their description is omitted. External storage device 303, for example, stores a DCM volume adjustment program. Processor 301 is an example of a "control unit".

[0058] Input interface 304 is the interface for connecting to volume control unit 4. Output interface 305 is the interface for connecting to speaker 7. Interface 306 is the interface for connecting to C-ECU2. Interface 306 may be equipped with a circuit for example, a port for connecting to Ethernet (registered trademark), CAN, or other networks.

[0059] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates an example of the functional structure of DCM1 and Multimedia ECU3. DCM1 is equipped with a control unit 11 and a communication unit 12 as part of the functional structure. These functional elements are implemented, for example, by executing a volume adjustment program through the CPU 101 of DCM1.

[0060] Upon detecting the start of sound output from the DCM1, the control unit 11 notifies the multimedia ECU 3 of the start of sound output. The control unit 11 detects the start of sound output from the DCM1, for example, by initiating communication with an external device. Initiation of communication with an external device includes, for example, sending an emergency notification to the central server 500, initiating communication through user operation, guiding the user to perform a program update via OTA (Over-The-Air) technology, and receiving an emergency notification from the central server 500. Sending an emergency notification to the central server 500 includes, for example, inputting a pressed signal for the emergency notification button 8 from the OHM5, and receiving a collision notification detected by other devices within the vehicle 100. Furthermore, in addition to initiating communication with external devices, the control unit 11 also detects the start of sound output from the DCM1 when an emergency notification cannot be sent due to an malfunction within the DCM1, or when the DCM1 uses sound for guidance, or when reproducing the sound data held by the DCM1.

[0061] Furthermore, the control unit 11's detection of the start of sound output is not limited to the above-described cases. Additionally, the control unit 11 can also detect the start of sound output based on the type of communication protocol used. For example, when communication begins using streaming protocols such as RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol), MMS (Microsoft Media Server), and HLS (HTTP Live Streaming), or voice communication protocols such as SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) and RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol), the control unit 11 detects the start of sound output and notifies the multimedia ECU 3 that sound output has begun.

[0062] When the control unit 11 detects the end of sound output, it notifies the multimedia ECU 3 that the sound output has ended. For example, the end of sound output is detected when the output sound data has ended or when communication with an external device has ended.

[0063] During the period from the notification that sound output has started to the multimedia ECU3 until the notification that sound output has ended to the multimedia ECU3, the control unit 11 receives input from the multimedia ECU3 of user operations and their content regarding volume changes to the volume adjustment unit 4. Based on the content of the user operation regarding volume changes input from the multimedia ECU3, the control unit 11 changes the volume of the output sound data, outputs the changed sound data to the OHM5, and outputs sound from the speaker 6.

[0064] The communication unit 12 serves as an interface with external devices. One of the communication devices for DCM1 is the central server 500. The communication unit 12 sends data input from the control unit 11 to the central server 500, or outputs data received from the central server 500 to the control unit 11. For example, when the emergency notification button 8 is pressed from OHM5 to the control unit 11, the communication unit 12 sends an emergency notification to the central server 500 according to the instruction from the control unit 11.

[0065] Secondly, the multimedia ECU3 is equipped with a control unit 31 and an operation receiving unit 32 as a functional structure. These functional structural elements are implemented, for example, by the processor 301 of the multimedia ECU3 executing the DCM volume adjustment program.

[0066] The operation receiving unit 32 receives user operation input from the volume adjustment unit 4. The user operation input to the volume adjustment unit 4 is a volume change. The content of the volume change user operation is, for example, either increasing or decreasing the volume, and a value indicating the amount of change. The volume change amount can be, for example, an increase or decrease value, or a value indicating the changed volume level. The operation receiving unit 32 outputs the notification of the volume change user operation and its content to the control unit 31.

[0067] The control unit 31 receives a notification of a user's volume change operation and its content from the operation receiving unit 32. Normally, the control unit 31 changes the volume of its own output sound data according to the content of the input volume change user operation and outputs the changed sound data to the speaker 7.

[0068] The control unit 31 receives inputs from the DCM1 indicating the start and end of sound output. During the period from receiving the start of sound output notification from the DCM1 to receiving the end of sound output notification, if the control unit 31 receives a user operation notification for volume change and its content from the operation receiving unit 32, it outputs the user operation notification for volume change and its content to the DCM1. The period from receiving the start of sound output notification from the DCM1 to receiving the end of sound output notification is the period during which the DCM1 is currently outputting sound.

[0069] in addition, Figure 3 The functional structure of DCM1 and Multimedia ECU3 shown is an example, and the functional structure of DCM1 and Multimedia ECU3 is not limited to this. Figure 3 The structure shown.

[0070] <Processing Flow>

[0071] Figure 4 This is an example of a flowchart for the volume adjustment process in DCM1. During the operation of DCM1, that is, during the operation of vehicle 100, the process is repeatedly implemented at predetermined intervals. Figure 4 The processing is shown. Figure 4 The main processing unit shown is CPU101, but for convenience, the explanation will focus on its functional structural elements.

[0072] In OP101, the control unit 11 determines whether the start of sound output from DCM1 has been detected. The determination in OP101 is affirmative, for example, if communication with an external device is detected to have started, or if sound data playback has started in DCM1. If the start of sound output from DCM1 is detected (OP101: "Yes"), the process proceeds to OP102. If the start of sound output from DCM1 is not detected (OP101: "No"), Figure 4 The processing shown has ended.

[0073] In OP102, the control unit 11 notifies the multimedia ECU 3 that sound output has started. In OP103, the control unit 11 begins to output sound data to the OHM5, and sound output begins from the speaker 6. Figure 4 In this context, "MMECU" is short for Multimedia ECU.

[0074] In OP104, the control unit 11 determines whether a user operation and its content have been input from the multimedia ECU3. If a user operation and its content have been input from the multimedia ECU3 (OP104: "Yes"), the process proceeds to OP105. If no user operation and its content have been input from the multimedia ECU3 (OP104: "No"), the process proceeds to OP106.

[0075] In OP105, since a user operation and its content for volume change are input from the multimedia ECU3, the control unit 11 changes the volume of the sound data according to the input user operation and outputs the changed sound data to OHM5. Thus, the volume of the sound output from the speaker 6 is changed to the volume specified by the user operation.

[0076] In OP106, the control unit 11 determines whether the sound output by DCM1 has ended. For example, if communication with an external device has ended, or if the regenerated sound data has ended, OP106 determines it as positive. If the sound output by DCM1 has ended (OP106: "Yes"), the process proceeds to OP107. If the sound output by DCM1 has not ended (OP106: "No"), the process proceeds to OP104.

[0077] In OP107, since the sound output from DCM1 has ended, control unit 11 notifies multimedia ECU3 that the sound output has ended. Afterwards, Figure 4 The processing shown has ended.

[0078] Figure 5 This is an example of a flowchart illustrating the DCM volume adjustment process of the multimedia ECU3. During the operation of the multimedia ECU3, that is, during the operation of the vehicle 100, the process is repeatedly implemented at predetermined intervals. Figure 5 The processing is shown. Figure 5 The processing shown is implemented by the processor 301 of the multimedia ECU3, but... Figure 5 For the sake of convenience, the explanation will focus on functional structural elements.

[0079] In OP201, the control unit 31 determines whether a notification of the start of sound output has been received from DCM1. If a notification of the start of sound output has been received from DCM1 (OP201: "Yes"), the process proceeds to OP202. If no notification of the start of sound output has been received from DCM1 (OP201: "No"), Figure 5 The processing shown has ended.

[0080] In OP202, the control unit 31 determines whether it has received a user operation and its content for volume change input to the volume adjustment unit 4 from the operation receiving unit 32. If a user operation and its content for volume change is received from the operation receiving unit 32 (OP202: "Yes"), the process proceeds to OP203. If no user operation and its content for volume change is received from the operation receiving unit 32 (OP202: "No"), the process proceeds to OP204.

[0081] In OP203, the control unit 31 notifies the DCM1 of the user operation and its content regarding the volume change input to the volume adjustment unit 4. In OP204, the control unit 31 determines whether it has received a notification of the end of sound output from the DCM1. If a notification of the end of sound output is received from the DCM1 (OP204: "Yes"), Figure 5 The processing shown ends. If no notification of the end of audio output is received from DCM1 (OP204: "No"), the processing proceeds to OP202.

[0082] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure in a vehicle 100 that handles volume changes of sound output from a DCM according to a first embodiment. Figure 6 The following example illustrates the situation where an emergency is reported by pressing the emergency notification button 8 by a passenger in vehicle 100.

[0083] In S1, a passenger in vehicle 100 presses the emergency notification button 8 on DCM1. In S2, DCM1 initiates an emergency notification to the central server 500 upon pressing the emergency notification button 8. Communication begins, and DCM1 detects the start of sound output. Figure 4 OP101: "Yes"). When an emergency notification is sent from DCM1 to the central server 500, a call is then initiated via DCM1 between the operator of the central server 500 and the passengers in the vehicle 100 to confirm their status.

[0084] In multimedia ECU3, DCM1 notifies multimedia ECU3 that sound output has started. Figure 4 OP102). The multimedia ECU3 receives a notification from DCM1 indicating the start of audio output. Figure 5 OP201: "Yes"). In S4, DCM1 outputs sound starting from speaker 6 ( Figure 4 (OP103). In S5, sound is output from speaker 6. The volume of the output sound at this time is, for example, a preset value, which is large among the three levels of large, medium, and small. In addition, the sound output in S6 is, for example, the voice of the operator received from the central server 500.

[0085] In S6, for example, if the volume of the sound output from speaker 6 is too loud, the occupants of vehicle 100 operate volume control unit 4 to change the volume to low (out of three levels: high, medium, and low). Multimedia ECU 3 receives the user's volume change operation input to volume control unit 4. Figure 5 OP202: "Yes"). In S7, the multimedia ECU3 notifies the DCM1 of the user's operation to change the volume and its content. Figure 5 OP203). DCM1 receives user input for volume changes and notifications of their content from the multimedia ECU3. Figure 4 OP104: "Yes"). Additionally, in S7, the user action notified to DCM1 regarding a volume change is to decrease the volume.

[0086] In S8, DCM1 will decrease the volume of the output audio data. Figure 4 (OP105). In S9, the volume of the sound output from speaker 6 is changed to a lower volume. After that, until the conversation between the occupants of vehicle 100 and the operator of central server 500 ends, multimedia ECU3 notifies DCM1 of the user operation and content of the volume change input to volume adjustment unit 4.

[0087] <Effects of the First Implementation Method>

[0088] In the first embodiment, during the sound output of DCM1, the multimedia ECU3 notifies DCM1 of the user operation and its content regarding volume change input to the volume adjustment unit 4. DCM1 then adjusts the volume of the sound data according to the notified user operation. Thus, a user within vehicle 100 can change the volume of the sound output from DCM1.

[0089] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0090] The above-described implementation is merely an example. This disclosure can be implemented with appropriate modifications without departing from its spirit.

[0091] The hardware structure within the vehicle 100 can be appropriately modified depending on the type of vehicle 100. For example, in the first embodiment, the vehicle 100 is equipped with a C-ECU2; however, the technology described in the first embodiment can be applied even to vehicles that are not equipped with a C-ECU2. Furthermore, the connection method of the speaker used by the DCM1 to the DCM1 can also be appropriately modified depending on the structure of the vehicle 100. In the first embodiment, a speaker 6 is provided for the DCM1; however, this is not a limitation. For example, the speaker 7 can be shared by the DCM1 and the multimedia ECU3. Even when the speaker 7 is shared by the DCM1 and the multimedia ECU3, the user operation of volume change and its content can be notified to the DCM1 by the multimedia ECU3, as described in the first embodiment, allowing the user to operate the sound output from the DCM1.

[0092] The treatments or methods described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as they do not create technical contradictions.

[0093] Furthermore, although the process is described as being performed by a single device, it can also be implemented by multiple devices. Conversely, although the process is described as being performed by different devices, it can also be implemented by a single device. In a computer system, the hardware architecture (server architecture) used to implement each function can be flexibly changed.

[0094] By providing a computer program with the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having the program read and executed by one or more processors of the computer, this disclosure can also be realized. Such a computer program can be provided to the computer by a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the computer's system bus, or it can be provided to the computer via a network. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media include, for example, any type of storage disk such as a magnetic disk (floppy disk, hard disk drive (HDD)), optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-ray disc, etc.), read-only special-purpose memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic cards, flash memory, optical cards, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions.

Claims

1. An information processing device, wherein, The information processing device is equipped with a control unit, which is a processor located within the information processing device. The control unit performs the following control: The system receives user input to the volume adjustment unit to change the volume of the sound output from the vehicle's first speaker; as well as During the period when the data communication device outputs sound from the second speaker, the data communication device is notified of volume changes caused by user operations input to the volume adjustment unit. Consequently, the data communication device adjusts the volume of the sound output from the second speaker according to the volume changes caused by the notified user operations. The data communication device is mounted in the same vehicle as the first speaker and is not connected to the volume adjustment unit. The control unit, Upon receiving a notification from the data communication device that sound output has begun, the system begins notifying the data communication device of volume changes caused by user operations input to the volume adjustment unit. This switches the target of volume changes caused by user operations on the volume adjustment unit from the information processing device to the data communication device. Upon receiving a notification from the data communication device that the sound output has ended, the notification to the data communication device regarding the volume change caused by the user operation input to the volume adjustment unit is terminated.

2. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The control unit also performs the following controls: During the period when sound is output from the first speaker, the volume of the sound output from the first speaker is changed according to the volume change caused by the user operation input to the volume adjustment unit.

3. A vehicle, wherein, The vehicle is equipped with: First loudspeaker; Volume control unit; A data communication device, wherein the data communication device is not connected to the volume adjustment unit; as well as An information processing device, wherein the information processing device is equipped with a control unit, the control unit being a processor provided in the information processing device, and the information processing device performs the following processing through the control unit: The user operation that changes the volume of the sound output from the first speaker is received and input to the volume adjustment unit; as well as During the period when the data communication device outputs sound from the second speaker, the data communication device is notified of volume changes caused by user operations input to the volume adjustment unit. The data communication device, based on the volume change caused by the user's operation, changes the volume of the sound output from the second speaker, outputs the changed volume sound to the second speaker, and, when sound output begins, outputs a notification to the information processing device that sound output has started. Upon receiving a notification from the data communication device that the sound output has begun, the information processing device begins to notify the data communication device of the volume change caused by the user operation of the volume adjustment unit. When the data communication device terminates the sound output, it sends a notification to the information processing device that the sound output has ended. Upon receiving a notification from the data communication device that the sound output has ended, the information processing device ceases notifying the data communication device of the volume change caused by the user operation input to the volume adjustment unit.

4. The vehicle as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The information processing device also performs the following processing: When sound is output from the first speaker, the volume of the sound output from the first speaker is changed according to the volume change caused by the user operation input to the volume adjustment unit.

5. The vehicle as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The data communication device is capable of communicating with external devices, and when communication with the external device begins, it outputs a sound notification to the information processing device indicating that the output has started.

6. The vehicle as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The data communication device, upon detecting an emergency, begins communicating with the external device.

7. The vehicle as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The data communication device is equipped with an emergency notification button, which initiates communication with the external device when the emergency notification button is pressed.

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