Method for generating an acoustic output signal, method for conducting a telephone conversation, communication system for conducting a telephone conversation, and a vehicle with a hands-free device

Abstract

Method for generating an acoustic output signal which can be transmitted from the vehicle (1) to an external communication terminal (29) for the purpose of conducting a telephone call using a hands-free device (10) of a vehicle (1), in which the following steps are carried out: - Performing an environmental analysis in which acoustic signals in the passenger compartment (2) of the vehicle (1) are recorded with at least one detection unit (13, 15, 17, 19); - Categorizing the captured acoustic signals into signal type categories using a categorization module (22); - Providing a selection module (23) for selecting categorized acoustic signals for the at least one acoustic output signal; - Configuring the acoustic output signal with a configuration module (24) by performing at least one selection of those categorized acoustic signals with the selection module (23) which are to be part of the at least one acoustic output signal; - Providing at least one configured acoustic output signal, characterized by, - that the environmental analysis is carried out before the start of a telephone conversation, - and that the configuration of the acoustic output signal is carried out automatically by the configuration module (24) depending on past telephone calls with the hands-free device (10) and / or depending on the call party to be called and / or depending on the number of vehicle occupants (7, 8, 9) in the passenger compartment (2) of the vehicle (1) and / or depending on the positions of vehicle occupants (7, 8, 9) in the passenger compartment (2) of the vehicle (1).

Description

[0001] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for generating an acoustic output signal which can be transmitted from the vehicle to an external communication device for conducting a telephone call using a vehicle's hands-free system. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for conducting a telephone call. A third aspect of the invention relates to a communication system for conducting a telephone call between a vehicle's hands-free system and an external communication device. A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle with a hands-free system.

[0002] German patent DE 102017 100 236 A1 describes a system and a method for personalized noise isolation in vehicle audio zones. A vehicle is disclosed that has an audio system configured to create multiple audio zones within the vehicle cabin. A display is also provided. The display is configured to show a separate user interface for each audio zone. Each user interface has engine noise control and cabin noise control for adjusting the audio output provided in the corresponding audio zone.

[0003] The GB 2 528 154 A demonstrates a speech enhancement and noise reduction system that processes audio signals from a microphone array, dividing a physical space (e.g., a living room or vehicle interior) into listening zones. These zones are logically defined as "active" or "inactive" depending on whether speech is detected within them. Signals from active zones undergo speech enhancement, while signals from inactive zones are subjected to noise reduction. A user-spoken keyword can trigger a status change in a specific zone, and the current status and signal quality of each zone are displayed.

[0004] US Patent 2014 / 0094228A1 discloses a method for measuring cholesterol using a cholesterol-dependent cytolysin (CDC), which is a cholesterol-binding protein, and an antibody that specifically recognizes HDL-C or LDL-C. The described method enables rapid and cost-effective measurement of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and can therefore be effectively used in various fields where the measurement of these lipoproteins is required.

[0005] US 2014 / 0270241A1 describes event-based and subscriber-based systems, methods, and devices for controlling and responding to connected vehicles. One example method includes: • the reception of initial data captured by a multitude of vehicle sensors of an initial vehicle and transmitted by an initial computing device of an initial subscriber, • the identification of an event involving the first vehicle, • the request for second data collected by one or more sensors near the event, • determining the cause of the event, • the creation of an error distribution as well as • the transmission of this error distribution to the computing device of the first subscriber.

[0006] US 2017 / 0032805A1 concerns a method for detecting sounds associated with surveillance images. The method includes: • the identification of a noise-generating monitored object in the surveillance images, where the images were taken by a camera of a surveillance device; • Determining whether a sound recording device meets a preset condition – namely, that the signal strength of the sounds recorded by the sound recording device from the identified monitored object is greater than the signal strength of the sounds recorded by the monitoring device from the same object; and • if it is determined that the sound recording device meets the condition, the control of the sound recording device to capture the sounds of the identified monitored object.

[0007] The current state of the art merely describes how a signal provided by an audio system can be output within the vehicle interior itself. This involves dividing the vehicle interior into several audio zones, each featuring engine noise control and cabin noise control to suppress corresponding noises.

[0008] Furthermore, it is also known that telephone calls are often made using hands-free devices in vehicles. The problem here is that the telephone signal is often difficult to understand for the recipient, as background noise from the passenger compartment of the vehicle is also transmitted.

[0009] The invention is based on the objective of creating a method for generating an acoustic signal for conducting a telephone conversation using a hands-free device of a vehicle, in which the acoustic output signal can be customized.

[0010] The problem is solved by a method for generating an acoustic signal, a method for conducting a telephone conversation, a communication system for conducting a telephone conversation and a vehicle with a hands-free device according to the independent patent claims.

[0011] Advantageous further developments of the invention are described by the dependent patent claims, the present description and the figures.

[0012] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for generating an acoustic output signal that can be transmitted from the vehicle to an external communication device for conducting a telephone call using a vehicle's hands-free system. This involves, in one step, performing an environmental analysis in which acoustic signals in the vehicle's passenger compartment are detected by at least one detection unit. In a further step, the detected acoustic signals are categorized into signal type categories using a categorization module. Finally, a selection module is provided for choosing from the categorized acoustic signals for the acoustic output signal.Furthermore, the configuration of the acoustic output signal is provided using a configuration module, in which at least one categorized acoustic signal is selected using the selection module to determine which should be part of the at least one acoustic output signal. The provision of the at least one configured acoustic output signal then follows.

[0013] This method of generating an acoustic output signal can improve several aspects of making a phone call using a hands-free system in the vehicle. In particular, previously detected unwanted noises can be suppressed by configuring the acoustic output signal within the vehicle. These unwanted noises can include engine noise, wind noise, or conversations from other vehicle occupants who are not actively participating in the call. By selectively choosing which noises can be included in the configured acoustic output signal, a phone call using the vehicle's hands-free system to an external communication device can be more comfortable and less disruptive. Furthermore, it is also possible to individually specify specific acoustic signals to be included in the acoustic output signal.This allows for a highly individualized generation of an acoustic output signal for a telephone call using the hands-free device.

[0014] Acoustic signals detected during environmental analysis can include, in particular, engine noise, wind noise, tire noise, acoustic output from an audio system in the vehicle, or speech signals from vehicle occupants. This list is not exhaustive. The acoustic signals are detected by a detection unit. In particular, the detection unit can be a microphone. The vehicle may also be equipped with multiple detection units, especially multiple microphones. It is also possible that several detection units of different types are provided.

[0015] A signal type category refers specifically to a signal from a particular audio source. An audio source belongs to a specific type. Examples of signal type categories include engine noise, wind noise, the siren of an emergency vehicle, the voice of a vehicle occupant, an audio signal from the vehicle's infotainment system, or the sound of a horn. This list is not exhaustive. In particular, it may be possible for the acoustic signals detected by the environmental analysis to be categorized into signal type categories by the categorization module.

[0016] The selection module allows a vehicle occupant, preferably the driver, to be visually shown the available signal categories in one embodiment. In particular, it can be provided that the driver can use the selection module to choose the desired signal categories to be included in the acoustic output signal.

[0017] In particular, the categorization module and / or the selection module can provide data to the configuration module. Depending on the data from the categorization module and / or the selection module, an acoustic output signal can be configured. This also means that the acoustic output signal can be customized, especially to suit the situation and / or according to user requirements.

[0018] The acoustic output signal can be understood as including, in particular, the previously acquired acoustic signals. If this acoustic signal is contained within the output signal, then it constitutes a component of the output signal. It is possible for the acoustic output signal to contain only one component, i.e., one acoustic signal. However, it is also possible for the acoustic output signal to contain multiple components. In particular, it is possible for the components to partially overlap acoustically.

[0019] This offers the advantage that acoustic signals can be selectively configured into an output signal. By providing at least one configured acoustic output signal to an external communication device, the voice quality and thus the intelligibility of a telephone call can be improved. In particular, the transmission of unwanted interference from within the vehicle can be avoided.

[0020] For example, it may be assumed that at least one driver is inside the vehicle during a journey. The environmental analysis allows acoustic signals inside the vehicle to be detected. In this example, these could include engine noise, wind noise, rain noise, tire noise on the road, and the driver's voice. This list is merely illustrative. A microphone, acting as the detection unit, can capture the acoustic signals. The categorization module allows the acoustic signals to be categorized into signal type categories. For the noises mentioned above, higher-level signal type categories, such as driving noise and voices, would also be conceivable. In this example, the engine noise, wind noise, tire noise, and rain noise would be classified under the driving noise category.The driver's voice would be categorized as an acoustic signal. The selection module allows the driver to view the available signal categories. In this example, the driver would see the categories "Driving Noise" and "Voice." The driver can then select one or more signal categories to include in the acoustic output signal. Based on the detected acoustic signals and the driver's selection, the configuration module can then provide a configured acoustic output signal.

[0021] One implementation example envisages that the environmental analysis is carried out, at least partially, before the start of a telephone conversation.

[0022] In particular, the start of a telephone call can be the beginning of the dialing process. Dialing in this context can mean entering a contact's number or selecting the contact from a telephone directory or from stored or pre-programmed telephone numbers. It can also be stipulated that the start of the telephone call begins with the connection being established. The connection being established is usually indicated by an official dial tone.

[0023] It may be possible for part of the environmental analysis to take place before the call begins. In particular, driving noises can be detected before the call starts. Specifically, the number of vehicle occupants and, if applicable, their voices (i.e., the acoustic signal) can also be recorded before the call begins. This pre-call environmental analysis allows for the creation of a baseline situation with predefined parameters. For example, these predefined parameters can specify which signal categories should be included in the output signal.

[0024] In particular, it can be provided that potential changes in the environment are detected during the conversation through environmental analysis. If a reaction to a change in the environment is necessary, an additional acoustic signal can be categorized into an existing or a new signal type category. Specifically, it can be provided that the categories to be included in the acoustic output signal are selected. Thus, if a new signal is detected during the telephone conversation and assigned to a new signal type category, it can be provided that this signal does not automatically become part of the output signal.

[0025] This offers the advantage that part of the environmental analysis can take place before the phone call, in order to detect existing noises and provide the user with corresponding signal type categories via the selection module before the call even begins. This allows for better preparation of the phone call with regard to the provision of an acoustic output signal.

[0026] One implementation example provides that the environmental analysis is automatically started at the beginning of a telephone call.

[0027] This offers the advantage that the environmental analysis can be carried out in a particularly energy-efficient manner, and, for example, the possible permanent recording of acoustic signals in the vehicle interior can be avoided.

[0028] One embodiment provides that during environmental analysis, several separate acoustic signals from a single signal source are detected, and / or that during environmental analysis, at least one acoustic signal is detected which contains several signal components from several different signal sources as acoustic sub-signals. During environmental analysis, these acoustic sub-signals are detected, particularly with the analysis module, and the acoustic sub-signals are assigned to the different signal type categories during categorization.

[0029] It is possible for a single detection unit to capture multiple acoustic signals. Thus, the captured acoustic signal can have multiple signal components. These multiple signal components can correspond to multiple acoustic signals from different signal sources. For example, a microphone representing the single detection unit can capture several separate acoustic signals. These acoustic signals can originate from different signal sources, such as the engine, an audio system output, or a vehicle occupant.

[0030] It is also possible for the vehicle to have multiple detection units. Each of these units can detect multiple acoustic signals. Therefore, multiple acoustic signals with multiple signal components are possible. Thus, in one example, each of the multiple signals could have several acoustic sub-signals.

[0031] This offers the advantage that several detection units can be used in a vehicle for environmental analysis and for conducting a telephone conversation, thus improving the detection quality with regard to each acoustic signal.

[0032] One embodiment provides that a user specifies a signal profile for an acoustic signal to be generated, whereby the signal profile determines which categorized acoustic signals should be part of the acoustic output signal, the signal profile is provided to the selection module and the configuration of the acoustic output signal is carried out depending on the specified signal profile.

[0033] In particular, it may be provided that the user specifies the signal type categories to be selected in a signal profile. Specifically, it may be provided that the driver defines this signal profile once before the start of a telephone call, before the start of a journey, or before using the vehicle for the first time. It may also be provided that the signal profile depends on the person on the other end of the telephone call. Thus, it may be provided that a specific signal profile is automatically selected when a connection is established with a particular person.

[0034] This offers the advantage that the input required on the selection module during the journey for making a telephone call can be reduced, and the selection of signal type categories can be made depending on the signal profile.

[0035] One embodiment provides that the configuration is carried out at least partially automatically by the configuration module depending on past telephone calls with the hands-free device and / or depending on the call participant to be called and / or depending on the number of people in the passenger compartment of the vehicle and / or depending on a person's position in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0036] In particular, the configuration module can analyze past phone calls and, based on the selected signal type categories, determine which setting the user prefers depending on the situation during the call. Specifically, the configuration module can store these settings in a signal profile for future calls. The configuration module can thus also be trained to learn from its own experiences. Furthermore, it can be implemented that, when settings are automatically detected, the user can confirm the correct selection, allowing the configuration module to learn from this input.

[0037] This offers the advantage that the configuration module can automatically select a suitable signal profile depending on the situation during or at the beginning of the phone call, and the signal profile can be improved by further user input depending on the situation.

[0038] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for conducting a telephone call using a hands-free device in a vehicle, in which an acoustic output signal is transmitted as a telephone signal from the hands-free device to a communication terminal device external to the vehicle. The generation of the acoustic output signal is carried out by means of a method according to the aspect mentioned above or an advantageous embodiment thereof, and the at least one acoustic output signal is transmitted by the hands-free device and output by the communication terminal device.

[0039] This offers the advantage that the method described above can advantageously be used to conduct a telephone call using a hands-free device in a vehicle.

[0040] This can improve the voice quality during such a specific telephone call and reduce interference.

[0041] For example, the hands-free device may be equipped with a corresponding communication module to transmit the acoustic output signal as a telephone signal to the external communication device. Alternatively, the hands-free device may be connected to a communication device that transmits the acoustic output signal as a telephone signal to the external communication device.

[0042] One embodiment provides that a change in the configuration of the acoustic output signal is user-initiated or carried out automatically during the telephone call if, based on an environmental analysis performed during the telephone call, other acoustic signals are to be components of the acoustic output signal.

[0043] It may be possible to perform a primary environment analysis before the start of a telephone call. During this analysis, signal type categories are created based on the captured acoustic signals. These signal type categories can then be selected by the user via the selection module to become part of the output signal. Specifically, the system can be configured so that only the selected signal type categories are included in the output signal.

[0044] Furthermore, it may be stipulated that a secondary environment analysis is performed during the telephone call. During the secondary environment analysis, acoustic signals can be recorded that were not yet detectable during the primary environment analysis. In particular, it may be possible to react to acoustic signals that occur suddenly and / or temporarily during the telephone call. Temporarily occurring acoustic signals could include aircraft noise, the acoustic signals of an emergency vehicle, or vehicle occupants who did not speak during the primary environment analysis.

[0045] In particular, it may be stipulated that the signal type categories formed during the primary environment analysis are to be understood as the sole signal type categories. Thus, it may be stipulated that new, i.e., temporarily occurring, acoustic signals are indeed recognized by the selection module and classified into signal type categories, but do not automatically become part of the output signal. Specifically, newly formed signal type categories should not become part of the telephone call unless they have been pre-selected by the user. In particular, the exclusive selection of signal type categories can mean that the user specifies which signal type categories can become part of the output signal, and that an unselected signal type category cannot be part of the output signal.

[0046] Generally, signals from various audio sources can be stored as reference signals in the system, and when an acoustic signal is detected, a comparison is made with these reference signals. This also allows for signal type categorization. The reference signals can be stored as a default setting, or they can be machine-learned by the system.

[0047] In one embodiment, a voice signal sample from a person in the vehicle can be used to detect a speech signal. This allows for location-based and / or person-identifying detection. It is also possible, for example, to use an optical detection unit in the vehicle to scan the passenger compartment and, through image analysis, identify which person is speaking. This also allows for the detection of a speech signal. In particular, the speech signal can be spatially assigned to a person in the passenger compartment. Here, too, person-identifying assignment is possible.

[0048] In particular, facial recognition is used, for example. This makes it possible for a person's name to be entered into the selection module, or for the selection module to automatically identify the person in the vehicle and thus uniquely assign their voice signal. This allows their voice signal to be recognized, recorded, and configured as part of the acoustic output signal, regardless of their location in the passenger compartment. However, it is also possible to enter a name into the selection module, or for the module to automatically select a name that should be part of the acoustic output signal, independently of personal identification and thus virtually anonymously.

[0049] Another aspect of the invention relates to a communication system for conducting a telephone conversation between a vehicle's hands-free device and an external communication terminal comprising a hands-free device, at least one detection unit for performing an environmental analysis, a categorization module for categorizing acoustic signals, a selection module for selecting categorized acoustic signals, a configuration module for configuring the acoustic output signal, and an external communication terminal, wherein the communication system is configured to carry out a method according to the above-mentioned aspect or an advantageous embodiment thereof. In particular, the method is carried out using the communication system.

[0050] Another aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle with a hands-free device, at least one detection unit for performing an environmental analysis, a categorization module for categorizing acoustic signals, a selection module for selecting categorized acoustic signals, and a configuration module for configuring the acoustic output signal, wherein the vehicle is configured to perform a method according to the above-mentioned aspect or an advantageous embodiment thereof.

[0051] The vehicle can be manually driven by a driver. However, it can also be a fully autonomous vehicle. The invention also includes further developments of the method according to the invention, which have features already described in connection with the further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the method according to the invention are not described again here.

[0052] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

[0053] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. The single figure shows a schematic top view of an exemplary embodiment of a method for generating an acoustic output signal.

[0054] The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another. Each of these features further develops the invention independently and can therefore be considered part of the invention individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by other features of the invention.

[0055] In the figure, functionally identical elements are each provided with the same reference symbols.

[0056] The single figure shows a schematic top view of a vehicle 1 with a passenger compartment 2. The passenger compartment 2 can contain several passenger compartment zones 3, 4, 5, 6. These zones can be formed based on or around the seating positions. A driver 7, representing a user, can sit in passenger compartment zone 3. A front passenger 8, also representing a user, can sit in passenger compartment zone 4. Another occupant 9, also representing a user, can sit in passenger compartment zone 6. In particular, both the front and rear sections of the passenger compartment 2 can be subdivided into several passenger compartment zones 3, 4, 5, 6. Furthermore, the additional occupant 9 can sit on a rear seat or bench in the rear section.

[0057] The vehicle 1 may also be equipped with a hands-free device 10. The hands-free device 10 may be part of an audio or navigation system, in particular an infotainment system of the vehicle 1. However, it may also be a standalone system of the vehicle 1. In particular, the hands-free device 10 may include a receiver 11 for wirelessly receiving signals and a transmitter 12 for wirelessly transmitting an output signal. Furthermore, the vehicle 1 may have a microphone 13 and a loudspeaker 14 located at the front of the vehicle in the driver's area, facing forward. It may also have a microphone 15 and a loudspeaker 16 located at the front of the vehicle on the passenger side, facing forward.Vehicle 1 may also be equipped with a microphone 17 and a loudspeaker 18 in the rear passenger area. Furthermore, vehicle 1 may also be equipped with a microphone 19 and a loudspeaker 20 in the rear driver's side. In particular, each passenger compartment zone 3, 4, 5, 6 may be equipped with a microphone 13, 15, 17, 19 and a loudspeaker 14, 16, 18, 20. The microphones 13, 15, 17, 19 can be understood as acoustic detection units. In particular, an environmental analysis in passenger compartment 2 can be performed using these detection units. During the environmental analysis, acoustic signals in passenger compartment 2 are detected. The environmental analysis can be performed before and / or during the telephone call.

[0058] In particular, it can be provided that each microphone 13, 15, 17, 19 detects several acoustic signals. Specifically, each detected acoustic signal can have several sub-signals. Each sub-signal originates, for example, from a different audio source. An audio source, or acoustic signal source, can be understood as an engine, the infotainment system, wind, rain, etc. These audio sources each constitute a specific type of audio source. An acoustic signal from such an audio source can therefore be understood, for example, as engine noise, driving noise, wind noise, rain noise, music, or a statement from one of the vehicle occupants 7, 8, 9. An acoustic signal with such detected sub-signals and / or separate acoustic signals can be evaluated by an analysis module 21. The analysis module 21 can be part of the hands-free system 10.In particular, the analysis module 21 can also be configured independently of the hands-free device 10. Specifically, the analysis module 21 can analyze the captured acoustic signals. Specifically, the analysis module 21 can recognize the acoustic signals during environmental analysis.

[0059] Furthermore, vehicle 1 has a categorization module 22. The categorization module 22 can be an independent system or part of the hands-free device 10. The categorization module 22 can classify the detected acoustic signals into signal type categories.

[0060] A selection module 23, which can be part of the hands-free device 10, allows a vehicle occupant 7, 8, 9, in particular the driver 7, to select one or more signal categories so that these become part of an acoustic output signal for a telephone call. The acoustic output signal is therefore, in particular, a telephone signal. The selection module 23 may, in particular, have a display unit (not shown here). The display unit can show the available signal categories. It is also possible for the selection to be made automatically by the selection module 23, for example, based on a previously stored signal profile. Likewise, the automatic selection can be made using a machine-trained selection module 23.

[0061] Furthermore, the vehicle 1 can have a configuration module 24, which may be part of the hands-free device 10. However, the configuration module 24 can also be independent of the hands-free device 10. In particular, the configuration module 24 can provide a configured acoustic output signal. The configured output signal contains only those categorized acoustic signals that were selected by the selection module 23 to become part of the acoustic output signal.

[0062] In particular, the vehicle 1 can also have one or more cameras 25, 26, 27 in the passenger compartment 2. Specifically, camera 25 is positioned to capture at least the driver 7, camera 26 to capture at least the front passenger 8, and camera 27 to capture at least the other occupant 9. The cameras 25, 26, 27 can detect the presence of each occupant 7, 8, 9. In particular, they can also capture facial expressions or gestures of each occupant 7, 8, 9. This data can then be used, for example, by the analysis module 21 to determine whether the respective occupant 7, 8, 9 is speaking.

[0063] Depending on this, for example, the respective microphone 13, 15, 17, 19 assigned to the vehicle occupant or passenger compartment zone 3, 4, 5, 6 can also be controlled.

[0064] For example, it may also be provided that the analysis module 21 and / or the categorization module 22 and / or the selection module 23 and / or the configuration module 24 are part of a signal processing system 28 of the vehicle 1. In particular, it may also be provided that the hands-free device 10 is part of the signal processing system 28.

[0065] In Fig. Figure 1 also shows a communication terminal 29, which is arranged externally to the vehicle 1. This can be a smartphone or the like. In particular, it can be provided that the signal processing system 28 or the modules 21, 22, 23, 24 of the signal processing system 28 can communicate externally with the vehicle 1 via a communication interface 30. In particular, it can be provided that the hands-free device 10 communicates with the external communication terminal 29 via the wireless communication interface 30 to output the acoustic output signal.

[0066] In particular, the hands-free device 10 can include the analysis module 21, the categorization module 22, the selection module 23, the configuration module 24, and the communication interface 30. Furthermore, at least the modules 21, 22, 23, and 24 can also belong to the communication system 31.

[0067] Furthermore, it may also be provided that voice recognition is carried out, so that each vehicle occupant 7, 8, 9 can be recognized by the analysis module 21 based on their individual voice.

[0068] It can also be provided that the voice of each vehicle occupant 7, 8, 9 can be assigned to a respective microphone 13, 15, 17, 19. In particular, it can also be provided that the acoustic signal, especially the acoustic signal originating from the voice of vehicle occupant 7, 8, 9, is normalized. In this way, an acoustic output signal can be provided in which the speech signal of each vehicle occupant 7, 8, 9 has the same amplitude. In particular, the individual volume at which a vehicle occupant 7, 8, 9 speaks can thus be transmitted in a standardized manner.

[0069] The vehicle 1, and in particular the signal processing system 28, is used to implement a method for generating an acoustic output signal that can be transmitted from the vehicle 1 to the vehicle-external communication terminal 29 for conducting a telephone call via the vehicle 1's hands-free device 10. This involves performing an environmental analysis in a single step, in which acoustic signals in the passenger compartment 2 of the vehicle 1 are detected by means of at least one detection unit, in particular the microphones 13, 15, 17, 19, whose position and number are only examples. This is carried out in particular with the analysis module 21.Acoustic signals originating from a single acoustic signal source or audio source can be detected and analyzed, as can acoustic signals containing multiple different acoustic signals from different acoustic signal sources. In a further step, the automatically categorized acoustic signals into signal type categories is provided using categorization module 22. A selection module 23 is then provided for selecting categorized acoustic signals for the single acoustic output signal. Finally, the acoustic output signal is configured using configuration module 24, which allows the selection, via selection module 23, of those categorized acoustic signals that should be included in the single acoustic output signal.Next, at least one configured acoustic output signal is provided. Configuration can be performed automatically by configuration module 24, for example, based on past information. Configuration module 24 can also be machine-trained for this purpose. Alternatively, configuration can also be performed automatically based on a signal profile created by a user or vehicle occupant. Likewise, configuration can also be performed manually by a vehicle occupant.

[0070] The communication system 31 is then used to transmit the generated acoustic output signal from the vehicle 1 to the communication terminal 29.

[0071] To conduct the telephone call, an output signal from the communication terminal 29 is transmitted via the communication system 31 to the vehicle 1 and output in the passenger compartment 2 by the hands-free device 10. The hands-free device 10 may be configured to selectively output this received external acoustic signal to specific zones. For this purpose, zones may be defined within the passenger compartment. These could be, for example, passenger compartment zones 3, 4, 5, and 6. Therefore, the output can be configured so that only the vehicle occupant in passenger compartment 3 perceives this acoustic signal. In the other passenger compartment zones 4, 5, and 6, the signal is either not audible or significantly reduced and not disturbingly perceptible.Therefore, for example, alternative acoustic presentations can be provided for vehicle occupants sitting in passenger compartment zones 4, 5, 6, especially if the telephone conversation is not of interest to them.

[0072] In particular, a change to the configuration of the acoustic output signal can be user-initiated or performed automatically during a telephone call if, based on an environmental analysis, especially a secondary environmental analysis, performed during the call, other acoustic signals should be included in the acoustic output signal, such as other speech signals. Specifically, this also allows for the detection, identification, and exclusion of acoustic signals that occur temporarily in passenger compartment 2 during the call and that should not be included in the acoustic output signal. Examples include aircraft noise, a siren, or a telephone call being made by another passenger using their own communication device to another external party, etc. Reference symbol list 1 vehicle 2 passenger compartment 3 Passenger compartment zone 4 Passenger compartment zone 5 Passenger compartment zone 6 Passenger compartment zone 7 drivers 8 passengers 9 other inmates 10 Hands-free device 11 Receiving unit 12 transmitting units 13 microphone 14 speakers 15 microphones 16 speakers 17 microphones 18 speakers 19 microphones 20 speakers 21 Analysis module 22 Categorization module 23 Selection module 24 Configuration module 25 Camera 26 Camera 27 Camera 28 Signal processing system 29 Communication terminal 30 Communication interface 31 Communication system

Claims

[1] Method for generating an acoustic output signal which can be transmitted from the vehicle (1) to an external communication terminal (29) for the purpose of conducting a telephone call using a hands-free device (10) of a vehicle (1), in which the following steps are carried out: - Performing an environmental analysis in which acoustic signals in the passenger compartment (2) of the vehicle (1) are recorded with at least one detection unit (13, 15, 17, 19); - Categorizing the captured acoustic signals into signal type categories using a categorization module (22); - Providing a selection module (23) for selecting categorized acoustic signals for the at least one acoustic output signal; - Configuring the acoustic output signal with a configuration module (24) by performing at least one selection of those categorized acoustic signals with the selection module (23) which are to be part of the at least one acoustic output signal; - Providing at least one configured acoustic output signal, characterized by , - that the environmental analysis is carried out before the start of a telephone conversation, - and that the configuration of the acoustic output signal is carried out automatically by the configuration module (24) depending on past telephone calls with the hands-free device (10) and / or depending on the call party to be called and / or depending on the number of vehicle occupants (7, 8, 9) in the passenger compartment (2) of the vehicle (1) and / or depending on the positions of vehicle occupants (7, 8, 9) in the passenger compartment (2) of the vehicle (1). [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein in the environmental analysis several separate acoustic signals from a single acoustic signal source are detected and / or in the environmental analysis at least one acoustic signal is detected which has several signal components from several different acoustic signal sources as acoustic sub-signals, wherein in the environmental analysis these acoustic sub-signals are detected with an analysis module (21) and the acoustic sub-signals are assigned to the different signal type categories during categorization. [3] Method for conducting a telephone call using a hands-free device (10) of a vehicle (1), in which an acoustic output signal is transmitted as a telephone signal from the hands-free device (10) to a communication terminal device (29) external to the vehicle (1), wherein the generation of the acoustic output signal is carried out by means of a method according to one of claims 1 to 2, and wherein the acoustic output signal is transmitted by the hands-free device (10) to the communication terminal device (29) and is output by the communication terminal device (29). [4] Method according to claim 3, wherein a change in the configuration of the acoustic output signal is user-initiated or carried out automatically during the telephone call if, based on an environmental analysis carried out during the telephone call, other acoustic signals are to be part of the acoustic output signal. [5] Communication system (31) for conducting a telephone conversation between a hands-free device (10) of a vehicle (1) and a vehicle-external communication terminal (29), comprising a hands-free device (10), at least one detection unit (13, 15, 17, 19) for performing an environment analysis, a categorization module (22) for categorizing acoustic signals, a selection module (23) for selecting categorized acoustic signals, a configuration module (24) for configuring the acoustic output signal, and a vehicle-external communication terminal (29), wherein the communication system (31) is configured to perform a method according to claim 3 or 4. [6] Vehicle (1) with a hands-free device (10), at least one detection unit (13, 15, 17, 19) for performing an environment analysis, a categorization module (22) for categorizing acoustic signals, a selection module (23) for selecting categorized acoustic signals and a configuration module (24) for configuring the acoustic output signal, wherein the vehicle (1) is configured to perform a method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4.

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