Voice guide device, vehicle, and program

Abstract

To allow a user to set the volume of voice guide in the vehicle while taking an influence of noise having different volume levels into account.SOLUTION: A voice guide device 20 includes a controller that, when receiving a setting of a volume of voice guide that is output in a vehicle 12 for each volume level of noise that may be detected in the vehicle 12 and outputting a voice guide, if detecting noise in the vehicle 12, adjusts the volume of voice guide to a preset volume corresponding to a volume level of the detected noise.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a voice guidance device, a vehicle, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an automotive audio system that automatically adjusts the volume according to the driving state of a vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Generally, the volume of voice guidance in a vehicle can be set by the user on a setting screen. However, in a silent environment such as when the vehicle is stopped, the volume is set without considering the various noises that may occur during vehicle driving, and as a result, the voice guidance may be difficult to hear during vehicle driving.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to enable a user to set the volume of voice guidance in a vehicle considering the influence of noises with different volume levels.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The voice guidance device according to the present disclosure receives a setting of the volume of voice guidance output in the vehicle for each volume level of noise that can be detected in the vehicle, and when detecting noise in the vehicle when outputting the voice guidance, adjusts the volume of the voice guidance to the set volume corresponding to the detected volume level of the noise. It includes a control unit.

[0007] The program according to the present disclosure receives a setting of the volume of voice guidance output in the vehicle for each volume level of noise that can be detected in the vehicle; when outputting the voice guidance, if noise is detected in the vehicle, adjusts the volume of the voice guidance to the set volume corresponding to the detected volume level of the noise and causes a computer to execute operations including the above.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a user can set the volume of voice guidance in a vehicle in consideration of the influence of noises with different volume levels.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0012] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the outline of this embodiment will be described.

[0013] The voice guidance device 20 is a computer having a voice guidance function. In this embodiment, the voice guidance device 20 is an in-vehicle device such as a navigation device mounted on the vehicle 12. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the voice guidance device 20 is provided in the vehicle 12. As a modification, the voice guidance device 20 may be a mobile device such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet owned by the user 11. That is, instead of being provided in the vehicle 12, the voice guidance device 20 may be brought into the vehicle 12 by the user 11 and used.

[0014] The vehicle 12 is, for example, an automobile of any type such as a gasoline vehicle, a diesel vehicle, a hydrogen vehicle, an HEV, a PHEV, a BEV, or an FCEV. "HEV" is an abbreviation for hybrid electric vehicle. "PHEV" is an abbreviation for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. "BEV" is an abbreviation for battery electric vehicle. "FCEV" is an abbreviation for fuel cell electric vehicle. The vehicle 12 may be driven by the user 11 or the driving may be automated at any level. The level of automation is, for example, any one of levels 1 to 5 in the SAE level classification. "SAE" is an abbreviation for Society of Automotive Engineers. The vehicle 12 may be a vehicle dedicated to MaaS. "MaaS" is an abbreviation for Mobility as a Service.

[0015] The voice guidance device 20 determines a plurality of volume levels 31 for a first noise that can be detected inside the vehicle 12. The voice guidance device 20 accepts a setting of the volume 32 of the voice guidance reproduced inside the vehicle 12 for each volume level 31 of the first noise. The voice guidance device 20 stores setting information 30 including the set volume 32 in association with each volume level 31 of the first noise. When reproducing the voice guidance inside the vehicle 12, the voice guidance device 20 reproduces the voice guidance at a volume 32 corresponding to the volume level 31 equal to the volume level of the second noise actually detected inside the vehicle 12.

[0016] According to the present embodiment, it is possible to set the volume 32 of the voice guidance reproduced inside the vehicle 12 for each volume level 31 of the first noise that can be detected inside the vehicle 12. Therefore, the user 11 can set the volume 32 of the voice guidance while imagining the influence of the noise.

[0017] When the user 11 sets the volume 32 of the voice guidance for some volume levels 31 of the first noise, the voice guidance device 20 may automatically set the volume 32 for the remaining volume levels 31 of the first noise by interpolation. In the example shown in FIG. 2, it is assumed that the volume 32 is manually set to “10”, “20”, and “45” for the three volume levels 31 of “0”, “2”, and “4” out of “0” to “5”. Therefore, for the volume level 31 of “1”, the volume 32 is automatically set to the intermediate value “15” between the volumes 32 corresponding to the two volume levels 31 of “0” and “2”. For the volume level 31 of “3”, the volume 32 is automatically set to the intermediate value “32” between the volumes 32 corresponding to the two volume levels 31 of “2” and “4”. As a modified example, the volume 32 corresponding to the volume level 31 of “3” may be automatically set to “33” considering the decimal part. For the volume level 31 of “5”, the volume 32 is automatically set to the upper limit value “50”. As a modified example, if there is no upper limit value or the upper limit value is large enough to be ignored for the volume 32 corresponding to the volume level 31 of “5”, it may be automatically set to “58” in accordance with the change in the volumes 32 corresponding to the two volume levels 31 of “3” and “4”.

[0018] The voice guidance device 20 may store samples of the first noise as noise samples 33 in association with the respective volume levels 31 of the first noise. Then, when receiving the setting of the voice guidance volume 32, the voice guidance device 20 may receive the setting of the volume 32 corresponding to the volume level 31 while playing back the noise sample 33 corresponding to the volume level 31 specified by the user 11.

[0019] The voice guidance device 20 may store the position of the vehicle 12 at the time of detection of the third noise as position information 34 in association with a volume level 31 equal to the volume level of the third noise actually detected in the vehicle 12 in the past. Then, when receiving the setting of the voice guidance volume 32, the voice guidance device 20 may present the position information 34 corresponding to the volume level 31 of the noise sample 33 being played back to the user 11. For example, the voice guidance device 20 may display a message on the screen or output a voice such as "··· The noise at the same volume level as when passing through is being played back".

[0020] The voice guidance device 20 may store the video outside the vehicle 12 at the time of detection of the third noise as scene video 35 in association with a volume level 31 equal to the volume level of the third noise actually detected in the vehicle 12 in the past. Then, when receiving the setting of the voice guidance volume 32, the voice guidance device 20 may present the scene video 35 corresponding to the volume level 31 of the noise sample 33 being played back to the user 11. For example, the voice guidance device 20 may play back the drive recorder video taken when the third noise at the same volume level as the noise sample 33 being played back was detected.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 3, the configuration of the voice guidance device 20 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0022] The voice guidance device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an input unit 24, an output unit 25, and a positioning unit 26.

[0023] 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 GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. "CPU" is an abbreviation for central processing unit. "GPU" is an abbreviation for graphics processing unit. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. The control unit 21 executes processes related to the operation of the voice guidance device 20 while controlling each part of the voice guidance device 20.

[0024] 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, a RAM, a ROM, or a flash memory. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read only memory. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read only memory. The flash memory is, for example, an SSD. "SSD" is an abbreviation for solid-state drive. The magnetic memory is, for example, an HDD. "HDD" is an abbreviation for hard disk drive. The storage unit 22 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. Information used for the operation of the voice guidance device 20 and information obtained by the operation of the voice guidance device 20 are stored in the storage unit 22. For example, the setting information 30 is stored in the storage unit 22. The setting information 30 includes the set volume 32 for each volume level 31. As shown in FIG. 2, the setting information 30 may further include a noise sample 33, position information 34, and a scene video 35 for each volume level 31.

[0025] The communication unit 23 includes at least one communication module. The communication module is 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 may communicate with an external server such as a cloud server via a network such as the Internet. The communication unit 23 receives information used for the operation of the voice guidance device 20 and transmits information obtained by the operation of the voice guidance device 20.

[0026] The input unit 24 includes at least one input device. The input device is, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touch screen provided integrally with a display, a visible light camera, a depth camera, LiDAR, or a microphone. "LiDAR" is an abbreviation for light detection and ranging. The input unit 24 receives an operation for inputting information used for the operation of the voice guidance device 20. Instead of being provided in the voice guidance device 20, the input unit 24 may be connected to the voice guidance device 20 as an external input device. As the connection interface, an interface corresponding to a standard such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used. "USB" is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. "HDMI (registered trademark)" is an abbreviation for High-Definition Multimedia Interface.

[0027] 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 an abbreviation for liquid crystal display. "EL" is an abbreviation for electro luminescent. The output unit 25 outputs the information obtained by the operation of the voice guidance device 20. Instead of being provided in the voice guidance device 20, the output unit 25 may be connected to the voice guidance device 20 as an external output device such as a display audio. As the connection interface, an interface corresponding to a standard such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used.

[0028] The positioning unit 26 includes at least one GNSS receiver. "GNSS" is an abbreviation for global navigation satellite system. GNSS is, for example, GPS, QZSS, BDS, GLONASS, or Galileo. "GPS" is an abbreviation for Global Positioning System. "QZSS" is an abbreviation for Quasi-Zenith Satellite System. The satellites of QZSS are called quasi-zenith satellites. "BDS" is an abbreviation for BeiDou Navigation Satellite System. "GLONASS" is an abbreviation for Global Navigation Satellite System. The positioning unit 26 measures the position of the voice guidance device 20.

[0029] The functions of the voice guidance device 20 are realized by executing the program according to this embodiment by a processor as the control unit 21. That is, the functions of the voice guidance device 20 are realized by software. The program causes a computer to execute the operation of the voice guidance device 20, so that the computer functions as the voice guidance device 20. That is, the computer functions as the voice guidance device 20 by executing the operation of the voice guidance device 20 according to the program.

[0030] The program can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The non-transitory computer-readable medium is, for example, a flash memory, a magnetic recording device, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a ROM. The distribution of the program is carried out, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending a portable medium such as an SD card, a DVD, or a CD-ROM storing the program. "SD" is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is an abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program may be distributed by storing the program in the server's storage and transferring the program from the server to other computers. The program may be provided as a program product.

[0031] The computer stores, for example, a program stored in a portable medium or a program transferred from a server, once, in the main memory device. Then, the computer reads the program stored in the main memory device with a processor and executes the processing according to the read program with the processor. The computer may directly read the program from the portable medium and execute the processing according to the program. The computer may sequentially execute the processing according to the received program each time a program is transferred from the server to the computer. The processing may be executed by a so-called ASP-type service that realizes the function only by execution instructions and result acquisition without transferring the program from the server to the computer. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. The program is information for use in processing by an electronic computer and includes what conforms to the program. For example, data that is not a direct instruction to the computer but has the property of defining the processing of the computer corresponds to "what conforms to the program".

[0032] Some or all of the functions of the voice guidance device 20 may be realized by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as the control unit 21. That is, some or all of the functions of the voice guidance device 20 may be realized by hardware.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the operation of the voice guidance device 20 according to the present embodiment will be described. The operations described below correspond to the voice guidance method according to the present embodiment. That is, the voice guidance method according to the present embodiment includes the steps of S101 to S107 shown in FIG. 4 and the steps of S111 to S114 shown in FIG. 5.

[0034] In the flow shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 21 receives the setting of the volume 32 of the voice guidance output in the vehicle 12 for each volume level 31 of the noise that can be detected in the vehicle 12.

[0035] Specifically, in S101, the control unit 21 receives the selection of one volume level 31 from among a plurality of volume levels 31 via an input unit 24 such as a touch screen or a microphone. In S102, the control unit 21 acquires a noise sample 33 of the volume level 31 selected by the user 11 in S101 from the storage unit 22. The control unit 21 reproduces the acquired noise sample 33 via an output unit 25 such as a speaker. In S103, the control unit 21 receives the setting of the volume 32 corresponding to the volume level 31 selected by the user 11 in S101 via an input unit 24 such as a touch screen or a microphone. In S104, the control unit 21 stores the volume 32 manually set by the user 11 in S103 in the storage unit 22 in association with the volume level 31 selected by the user 11 in S101. In S105, the control unit 21 determines whether the manual setting of the volume 32 corresponding to two or more desired volume levels 31 among the plurality of volume levels 31 is completed. As in the example shown in FIG. 2, if the volumes 32 corresponding to the three volume levels 31 of "0", "2", and "4" out of "0" to "5" are the targets of manual setting, the control unit 21 determines whether the manual setting of the volumes 32 corresponding to those three volume levels 31 is completed.

[0036] When none of the manual settings of the volume 32 corresponding to two or more desired volume levels 31 is completed, in S101 to S104, the control unit 21 accepts the setting of the volume 32 that is not completed.

[0037] On the other hand, when all of the manual settings of the volume 32 corresponding to two or more desired volume levels 31 are completed, in S106, the control unit 21 automatically sets the volume 32 corresponding to the remaining volume levels 31 among the plurality of volume levels 31 based on the settings of the completed volume 32. As in the example shown in FIG. 2, if the volume 32 corresponding to the three volume levels 31 of "1", "3", and "5" out of "0" to "5" is the target of automatic setting, the control unit 21 is based on the settings of the volume 32 corresponding to the three volume levels 31 of "0", "2", and "4". The volume 32 corresponding to the three volume levels 31 of "1", "3", and "5" is automatically set by a calculation method such as interpolation. Then, in S107, the control unit 21 stores the volume 32 automatically set in S106 in the storage unit 22 in association with the remaining volume levels 31.

[0038] As described above, in S103, while playing the noise sample 33 at a specific volume level 31, the control unit 21 accepts the setting of the volume 32 corresponding to the specific volume level 31. However, as a modified example, the control unit 21 may accept the setting of the volume 32 corresponding to the specific volume level 31 without playing the noise sample 33. That is, the step of S102 may be omitted. Alternatively, as another modified example, the control unit 21 may play the noise sample 33 at a specific volume level 31 and, while presenting the position information 34 corresponding to the specific volume level 31 to the user 11, accept the setting of the volume 32 corresponding to the specific volume level 31. That is, in S102, the control unit 21 may obtain the position information 34 corresponding to the volume level 31 of the noise sample 33 to be played from the storage unit 22 and output it via the output unit 25 such as a display or a speaker. Alternatively, as yet another modified example, the control unit 21 may play the noise sample 33 at a specific volume level 31 and, while playing the scene video 35 corresponding to the specific volume level 31, accept the setting of the volume 32 corresponding to the specific volume level 31. That is, in S102, the control unit 21 may obtain the scene video 35 corresponding to the volume level 31 of the noise sample 33 to be played from the storage unit 22 and play it via the output unit 25 such as a display.

[0039] As described above, in S105, the control unit 21 determines whether the manual setting of the volume 32 corresponding to two or more desired volume levels 31 among the plurality of volume levels 31 is completed. However, as a modified example, the control unit 21 may determine whether the manual setting of the volume 32 corresponding to all of the plurality of volume levels 31 is completed. That is, the steps of S106 and S107 may be omitted.

[0040] In the flow shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 21 outputs voice guidance. When outputting the voice guidance, if the control unit 21 detects noise in the vehicle 12, it adjusts the volume of the voice guidance to the set volume 32 corresponding to the detected volume level 31 of the noise.

[0041] Specifically, in S111, the control unit 21 determines whether it has detected any noise, such as the noise generated by the vehicle 12 itself when the vehicle 12 is running or the noise entering from outside the vehicle 12, via the input unit 24 such as a microphone.

[0042] When no noise is detected, in S112, the control unit 21 outputs voice guidance at the volume 32 stored in the storage unit 22 in association with the lowest volume level 31 via the output unit 25 such as a speaker. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 21 adjusts the volume of the voice guidance to the volume 32 corresponding to the volume level 31 of "0", that is, "10". The control unit 21 may notify the user 11 of the current noise volume level "0" via the output unit 25 such as a display or a speaker.

[0043] On the other hand, when noise is detected, in S113, the control unit 21 determines the volume level of the noise detected in S111. Then, in S114, the control unit 21 outputs voice guidance at the volume 32 stored in the storage unit 22 in association with the volume level 31 equal to the volume level determined in S113 via the output unit 25 such as a speaker. In the example shown in FIG. 2, if the volume level of the detected noise matches the volume level 31 of "3", the control unit 21 adjusts the volume of the voice guidance to the volume 32 corresponding to the volume level 31 of "3", that is, "32". The control unit 21 may notify the user 11 of the current noise volume level "3" via the output unit 25 such as a display or a speaker.

[0044] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, two or more blocks described in the block diagram may be integrated, or one block may be divided. Instead of executing two or more steps described in the flowchart in time series according to the description, each step may be executed in parallel or in a different order according to the processing ability of the device that executes the steps, or as necessary. Other changes are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0045] 11 User 12 Vehicle 20 Voice guidance device 21 Control unit 22 Memory unit 23 Communication unit 24 Input unit 25 Output unit 26 Positioning unit 30 Setting information 31 Volume level 32 Volume 33 Noise sample 34 Position information 35 Scene video

Claims

1. Receiving a setting of the volume of the voice guidance output in the vehicle for each volume level of noise that can be detected in the vehicle, when the voice guidance is output and noise is detected in the vehicle, adjusting the volume of the voice guidance to the set volume corresponding to the volume level of the detected noise A voice guidance device including a control unit.

2. The control unit receives a setting of the volume corresponding to two or more volume levels among a plurality of volume levels, The voice guidance device according to claim 1, wherein the volume corresponding to the remaining volume levels among the plurality of volume levels is automatically set based on the volume settings corresponding to the two or more volume levels.

3. The control unit of the voice guidance device according to claim 1 receives a setting of the volume corresponding to the specific volume level while playing back a noise sample of the specific volume level.

4. A vehicle including the voice guidance device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Receiving a setting of the volume of the voice guidance output in the vehicle for each volume level of noise that can be detected in the vehicle; when the voice guidance is output and noise is detected in the vehicle, adjusting the volume of the voice guidance to the set volume corresponding to the volume level of the detected noise; A program that causes a computer to execute operations including the above.

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