Voice control device

Abstract

The invention provides a voice control device which solves the technical problem of implementing voice output considering the speed of a vehicle and making the output voice easy to hear. This voice control device (20) is provided with a control unit that detects the speed of a vehicle (12), and increases the frequency of voice output to an occupant of the vehicle (12) as the detected speed is faster.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a voice control device. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a speech recognition device that performs speech recognition after performing pre-processing to remove noise such as the running sound of a vehicle.

[0003] Prior Art Literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-271452 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] When performing voice output in a car, if the frequency of the voice output is low, it may be difficult to hear the output voice due to noise from outside the car.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to implement voice output taking into account the speed of a vehicle and to make the output voice easy to hear.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] The speech control device according to the present disclosure includes a control unit that detects the speed of a vehicle and increases the frequency of speech output to an occupant of the vehicle as the detected speed is higher.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present disclosure, the frequency of the voice output is increased as the speed of the passing vehicle is faster, thereby making it easier for the occupant to hear the output voice. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing the structure of the voice control device involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a flowchart showing the operation of the voice control device involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a flowchart showing the additional operation of the voice control device involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 5This is a flowchart showing another additional operation of the audio control device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] In each of the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of the present embodiment, the description of the same or corresponding parts will be appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0020] Reference Figure 1 , the structure of the system 10 involved in this embodiment is described.

[0021] The system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a voice control device 20 and a server device 30 . The voice control device 20 can communicate with the server device 30 via a network 40 .

[0022] The voice control device 20 is a computer equipped in the vehicle 12 and having a voice control function. The voice control device 20 is used by a user 11. The user 11 is a passenger of the vehicle 12.

[0023] The server device 30 is a computer that is installed in a facility such as a data center and belongs to a cloud computing system or other computing system. The server device 30 is operated by a service provider that provides network services or the like.

[0024] The vehicle 12 is any type of vehicle, such as a gasoline vehicle, a diesel vehicle, a hydrogen vehicle, an HEV, a PHEV, a BEV, or a FCEV. "HEV" is an abbreviation for a hybrid electric vehicle. "PHEV" is an abbreviation for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. "BEV" is an abbreviation for a battery electric vehicle. "FCEV" is an abbreviation for a fuel cell electric vehicle. Although the vehicle 12 is driven by a driver, the driving can also be automated according to a specific level. The level of automation is, for example, any one of levels 1 to 4 in the SAE classification. "SAE" is an abbreviation for the Society of Automotive Engineers. The vehicle 12 can also be a MaaS dedicated vehicle. "MaaS" is an abbreviation for Mobility as a Service.

[0025] The network 40 includes the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or any combination of these networks. "WAN" is the abbreviation of wide area network. "MAN" is the abbreviation of metropolitan area network. The network 40 may also include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or any combination of these networks. The wireless network is, for example, an ad hoc network, a cellular network, a wireless LAN, a satellite communication network, or a terrestrial microwave network. "LAN" is the abbreviation of local area network.

[0026] Reference Figure 1 , an overview of this embodiment is described.

[0027] The voice control device 20 detects the speed of the vehicle 12 , and increases the frequency of voice output to the occupants of the vehicle 12 as the detected speed is higher.

[0028] According to the present embodiment, it is possible to perform voice output in consideration of the speed of the vehicle 12. Therefore, the output voice can be made easier to hear.

[0029] Reference Figure 2 , the structure of the voice control device 20 involved in this embodiment is described.

[0030] The audio control device 20 includes a control unit 21 , a storage unit 22 , a communication unit 23 , an input unit 24 , and an output unit 25 .

[0031] The control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or a GPU, or a dedicated processor dedicated to specific processing. "CPU" is the abbreviation of central processing unit. "GPU" is the abbreviation of graphics processing unit. The programmable circuit is, for example, FPGA. "FPGA" is the abbreviation of field-programmable gate array. The dedicated circuit is, for example, ASIC. "ASIC" is the abbreviation of application specific integrated circuit. The control unit 21 controls each part of the voice control device 20 and performs processing related to the action of the voice control device 20.

[0032] The storage unit 22 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM, ROM, or flash memory. RAM is the abbreviation of random access memory. "ROM" is the abbreviation of read only memory. RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. "SRAM" is the abbreviation of static random access memory. "DRAM" is the abbreviation of dynamic random access memory. ROM is, for example, EEPROM. "EEPROM" is the abbreviation of electrically erasable programmable read only memory. Flash memory is, for example, SSD. "SSD" is the abbreviation of solid-state drive. Magnetic storage is, for example, HDD. "HDD" is the abbreviation of hard disk drive. The storage unit 22 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a super-high-speed cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores information used in the operation of the audio control device 20 and information obtained through the operation of the audio control device 20 .

[0033] The communication unit 23 includes at least one communication module. The communication module is, for example, a module corresponding to a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G standard or 5G standard, or a wireless LAN communication standard such as IEEE802.11. "LTE" is an abbreviation for Long Term Evolution. "4G" is an abbreviation for 4th generation. "5G" is an abbreviation for 5th generation. "IEEE" is an abbreviation for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The communication unit 23 communicates with the server device 30. The communication unit 23 receives information used in the operation of the voice control device 20, and sends information obtained through the operation of the voice control device 20.

[0034] The input unit 24 includes at least one input device. The input device is, for example, a physical button, a capacitive button, a pointing device, a touch panel integrated with a display, a visible light camera, a depth camera, LiDAR, or a microphone. "LiDAR" is the abbreviation of light detection and ranging. The input unit 24 receives input operations for information used in the actions of the voice control device 20. For the input unit 24, instead of being installed in the voice control device 20, it can be connected to the voice control device 20 as an external input device. As a connection interface, an interface corresponding to standards such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used. "USB" is the abbreviation of Universal Serial Bus. "HDMI (registered trademark)" is the abbreviation of High-Definition Multimedia Interface.

[0035] The output unit 25 includes at least one output device. The output device is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. "LCD" is the abbreviation of liquid crystal display. "EL" is the abbreviation of electro luminescent. The output unit 25 outputs information obtained through the operation of the voice control device 20. For the output unit 25, instead of being installed in the voice control device 20, it is also possible to connect to the voice control device 20 as an external output device such as a display audio. As a connection interface, an interface corresponding to standards such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used.

[0036] The functions of the voice control device 20 are realized by executing the program involved in this embodiment in the processor as the control unit 21. That is, the functions of the voice control device 20 are realized by software. The program causes the computer to perform the operation of the voice control device 20, thereby causing the computer to function as the voice control device 20. That is, the computer functions as the voice control device 20 by performing the operation of the voice control device 20 according to the program.

[0037] The program can be pre-stored in a non-temporary computer-readable medium. The non-temporary computer-readable medium is, for example, a flash memory, a magnetic recording device, an optical disc, an optical magneto-recording medium, or a ROM. The circulation of the program is implemented, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending a removable medium such as an SD card, a DVD, or a CD-ROM storing the program. "SD" is the abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is the abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is the abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program can also be circulated by pre-storing the program in a storage device of a server and transmitting the program from the server to other computers. The program can also be provided as a program product.

[0038] The computer temporarily stores a program stored in a removable medium or a program transmitted from a server in a main storage device, for example. Then, the computer reads the program stored in the main storage device through a processor, and executes processing according to the read program through the processor. The computer may also read the program directly from the removable medium and execute processing according to the program. The computer may also execute processing according to the received program in sequence each time the program is transmitted from the server to the computer. It is also possible not to implement the transmission of the program from the server to the computer, but to execute processing through a so-called ASP-type service that implements functions only based on execution instructions and result acquisition. "ASP" is the abbreviation of application service provider. A program is information used for processing implemented by an electronic computer, and includes content based on the program. For example, data that is not a direct instruction to the computer but has the nature of regulating the processing of the computer is equivalent to "content based on the program."

[0039] A part or all of the functions of the voice control device 20 may be realized by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as the control unit 21. That is, a part or all of the functions of the voice control device 20 may be realized by hardware.

[0040] Reference Figure 3 , the operation of the voice control device 20 involved in this embodiment is described. The operation described below is equivalent to the control method involved in this embodiment. That is, the control method involved in this embodiment includes Figure 3 The steps S101 to S105 are shown.

[0041] In S101, the control unit 21 receives information for the user 11 from the outside of the vehicle 12 via the communication unit 23. Specifically, the control unit 21 receives information addressed to the user 11 from the server device 30 via the communication unit 23. The server device 30 provides, for example, a mail server or a message service. Therefore, the information addressed to the user 11 is, for example, an electronically transmitted mail or message addressed to the user 11. The control unit 21 transmits the information to the user 11 by outputting a voice reading the mail or message from the speaker as the output unit 25 in S104 or S105 described later. The received information addressed to the user 11 is stored in the storage unit 22.

[0042] In S102, the control unit 21 detects the speed of the vehicle 12. Specifically, the control unit 21 detects the speed by receiving information about the speed of the vehicle 12 from a speedometer mounted on the vehicle 12 via the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 may also detect the speed by receiving information about the speed transmitted from the vehicle 12 to the server device 30 from the server device 30. The detected speed is stored in the storage unit 22.

[0043] In S103, the control unit 21 determines whether the speed of the vehicle 12 detected in S102 exceeds the threshold value. When the speed exceeds the threshold value (S103-Yes), the process proceeds to S104. When the speed is below the threshold value (S103-No), the process proceeds to S105. For example, when the speed detected in S102 is 80 km / h and the threshold value is 60 km / h, the process proceeds to S104 because the speed exceeds the threshold value.

[0044] Although only one threshold value is set in the present embodiment, two or more threshold values ​​may be set. The threshold values ​​are stored in advance in the storage unit 22 , but the control unit 21 may receive the threshold values ​​from the server device 30 .

[0045] In S104, the control unit 21 performs voice output of the information received in S101 within the first frequency band. The first frequency band is, for example, the basic frequency of the voice of a Japanese female, that is, above 250 Hz and below 300 Hz. For example, the control unit 21 reads a mail or message from the speaker serving as the output unit 25 within the frequency band above 250 Hz and below 300 Hz. Since the noise from the outside of the vehicle 12 has a large bass component, the faster the speed of the vehicle 12, the greater the noise, that is, the bass component. Therefore, by performing voice output within the female frequency band, that is, the higher frequency band, the user 11 can easily hear the mail or message being read.

[0046] In S105, the control unit 21 outputs the information received in S101 in a second frequency band lower than the first frequency band. The second frequency band is, for example, the fundamental frequency of the voice of a Japanese male, that is, 150 Hz or more and 200 Hz or less. For example, the control unit 21 reads a mail or message from the speaker as the output unit 25 in a frequency band of 150 Hz or more and 200 Hz or less.

[0047] The first frequency band is not limited to the range of 250 Hz to 300 Hz, and the second frequency band is not limited to the range of 150 Hz to 200 Hz, and both can be set to arbitrary frequency bands such as the first frequency band being higher than the second frequency band. Although two frequency bands are set corresponding to one threshold value in the present embodiment, three or more frequency bands can also be set corresponding to two or more threshold values ​​as described above. For example, the threshold values ​​can also be set to 80 km / h and 60 km / h, and when the detected speed exceeds 80 km / h, the voice output is performed at 400 Hz, when it exceeds 60 km / h and is below 80 km / h, the voice output is performed at 300 Hz, and when it is below 60 km / h, the voice output is performed at 150 Hz.

[0048] After S104 or S105, Figure 3 The process shown ends.

[0049] As described above, in this embodiment, the control unit 21 detects the speed of the vehicle 12. The faster the detected speed is, the higher the frequency of the voice output to the user 11 is. Therefore, the user 11 can easily hear the output voice.

[0050] In this embodiment, the control unit 21 sets the frequency of the voice output to the female frequency band when the detected speed exceeds a predetermined threshold, and sets the frequency of the voice output to the male frequency band when the detected speed is below the threshold. According to this embodiment, by switching the output voice between male voice and female voice, it is possible to suppress the sense of disharmony when the frequency of the output voice changes frequently or linearly, and further suppress the situation where the voice is difficult to hear.

[0051] Reference Figure 4 , the additional operation of the voice control device 20 according to the present embodiment will be described. However, regarding step S201, since it is Figure 3 The steps of S101 shown are the same, so the description is omitted.

[0052] In S202, the control unit 21 determines whether it is raining outside the vehicle 12. Specifically, the control unit 21 receives a captured image of the outside of the vehicle 12 from a camera mounted on the vehicle 12 via the communication unit 23, and determines whether it is raining by analyzing the received captured image. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may determine whether it is raining by receiving information on whether the wiper of the vehicle 12 is moving from a network in the vehicle 12 via the communication unit 23. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may determine whether it is raining by receiving information on whether it is raining in the area where the vehicle 12 is traveling from the server device 30 via the communication unit. In the case where it is determined that it is raining (S202-Yes), that is, when it is detected that it is raining outside the vehicle 12, the process proceeds to S203. In the case where it is determined that it is not raining (S202-No), the process proceeds to S204.

[0053] Through step S202, the control unit 21 detects that noise is generated outside the vehicle 12, which makes it difficult to hear the voice inside the vehicle 12. Although in the present embodiment, only whether it is raining is determined, the volume of the voice output may be changed according to the amount of rain. For example, when the amount of rain outside the vehicle 12 is more than the reference amount, the control unit 21 may output the voice at a higher volume than when the amount of rain outside the vehicle 12 is less than the reference amount.

[0054] In S203, the control unit 21 outputs the information received in S201 at a first volume. The first volume is, for example, volume "15" when the maximum volume is volume "20". For example, the control unit 21 reads an email or message from the speaker as the output unit 25 at volume "15". When it is raining outside the vehicle 12, the noise from outside the vehicle 12 becomes louder. Therefore, by outputting the voice at a higher volume, the user 11 can easily hear the email or message being read aloud.

[0055] In S204, the control unit 21 outputs the information received in S201 at a second volume lower than the first volume. The second volume is, for example, volume "10" when the maximum volume is volume "20". For example, the control unit 21 reads the mail or message from the speaker as the output unit 25 at volume "10".

[0056] After S203 or S204, Figure 4 The process shown ends.

[0057] As described above, the control unit 21 increases the volume of the voice output when detecting that it is raining outside the vehicle 12. Therefore, the user 11 can hear the output voice more easily.

[0058] Can be implemented at the same time Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The actions shown in the figure may also be performed at different timings. For example, the control unit 21 may determine whether it is raining in S202 after determining whether the speed of the vehicle 12 exceeds the threshold in S103. If S103 is yes and S202 is yes, the control unit 21 may output the voice at a frequency of 300 Hz and a volume of "15".

[0059] Reference Figure 5 , the additional operation of the voice control device 20 according to the present embodiment will be described. However, for steps S301, S303 and S304, since they are respectively related to Figure 4 The steps S201 , S203 , and S204 shown are the same, so their description is omitted.

[0060] In S302, the control unit 21 determines whether the window of the vehicle 12 is open. Specifically, the control unit 21 receives information on whether the window of the vehicle 12 is open from the network in the vehicle 12 via the communication unit 23, thereby determining whether the window is open. When it is determined that the window is open (S302-Yes), that is, when it is detected that the window of the vehicle 12 is open, the process proceeds to S303. When it is determined that the window is closed (S302-No), the process proceeds to S304.

[0061] Through the step S302, the control unit 21 detects that the noise that is difficult to hear the voice inside the vehicle 12 is easily transmitted to the inside of the vehicle 12. Although in the present embodiment, only whether the window is open is determined, the volume of the voice output may be changed according to the degree of opening of the window. For example, when the window of the vehicle 12 is fully opened, the control unit 21 may output the voice at a louder volume than when the window of the vehicle 12 is partially opened.

[0062] After S303 or S304, Figure 5 The process shown ends.

[0063] As described above, the control unit 21 increases the volume of the voice output when detecting that the window of the vehicle 12 is open. Therefore, the user 11 can hear the output voice more easily.

[0064] Can be implemented at the same time Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 The actions shown in the figure may also be performed at different timings. For example, the control unit 21 may determine whether the window is open in S302 after determining whether the speed of the vehicle 12 exceeds the threshold in S103. If S103 is yes and S302 is yes, the control unit 21 may also perform voice output at a frequency of 300 Hz and a volume of "15".

[0065] You can also Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 The actions shown can be combined. For example, it is also possible to determine whether it is raining in S202, and further determine whether the car window is open in S302. In the case where S202 is yes and S302 is yes, the control unit 21 can output voice at a first volume. In the case where S202 is yes and S302 is no, the control unit 21 can output voice at a second volume that is smaller than the first volume. In the case where S202 is no and S302 is yes, the control unit 21 can output voice at a third volume that is smaller than the second volume. In the case where S202 is no and S302 is no, the control unit 21 can output voice at a fourth volume that is smaller than the third volume. As for the volume, instead of decreasing in the order of the first volume, the second volume, the third volume and the fourth volume, it can decrease in the order of the first volume, the third volume, the second volume and the fourth volume.

[0066] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. For example, two or more blocks recorded in the block diagram may be unified together, or one block may be divided. Two or more steps recorded in the flowchart may be executed in a time series instead of in accordance with the description, so that they are executed in parallel or in a different order according to the processing capacity of the device executing each step or as needed. In addition, changes can be made within the scope of the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0067] Explanation of symbols

[0068] 10. System;

[0069] 11. User;

[0070] 12. Vehicles;

[0071] 20. Voice control device;

[0072] 21. Control department;

[0073] 22. Storage department;

[0074] 23. Ministry of Communications;

[0075] 24. Input unit;

[0076] 25. Output unit;

[0077] 30. Server device;

[0078] 40. Internet.

Claims

1. A voice control device comprising a control unit, the control unit detecting a speed of a vehicle and increasing a frequency of voice output to an occupant of the vehicle as the detected speed is higher.

2. The voice control device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit sets the frequency of the speech output to a frequency band for females when the speed exceeds a predetermined threshold, and sets the frequency of the speech output to a frequency band for males when the speed is below the threshold.

3. The voice control device according to claim 1, wherein: further comprising a communication unit configured to receive information directed to the occupant of the vehicle from outside the vehicle, The voice output includes voice output of reading aloud the information received through the communication unit.

4. The voice control device according to claim 1, wherein: The control portion increases the volume of the voice output when detecting that it is raining outside the vehicle.

5. The voice control device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit increases the volume of the voice output when detecting that a window of the vehicle is open.

Images