Communication device and voice output control method

Abstract

To make voices easier to listen.SOLUTION: A communication device comprises: a first communication unit for receiving a voice signal in a first communication mode; a second communication unit for transmitting identification information of the device to other devices in a second communication mode different from the first communication mode and receiving identification information of other devices; an output unit for outputting the voice signal received by the first communication unit as voice; a storage unit for storing the identification information of the device and the identification information of other devices; a determination unit for determining whether the device is a master device or a slave device on the basis of the identification information of the device and the identification information of other devices; an output control unit for causing voice to be outputted from the output unit when it is determined by the determination unit that the device is a master device, and causing output from the output unit to be suppressed when it is determined by the determination unit that the device is a slave device; and a communication control unit for causing the second communication unit to transmit the result of determination by the determination unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device and an audio output control method.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for controlling audio output from a communication device are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for stopping the audio output of a wireless device when another wireless device exists within a predetermined range of the wireless device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a disaster occurs, many evacuees with receivers for receiving emergency notifications take refuge in a shelter. In this case, if the receivers carried by each of the evacuees output the same audio, it is assumed that a noisy situation where the audio is difficult to hear will occur. In such a situation, it is desirable to determine a representative terminal from among a plurality of receivers and output audio only from the representative terminal so that the audio can be easily heard throughout the shelter.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a communication device and an audio output control method capable of making audio easier to hear.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The communication device of the present disclosure includes a first communication unit that receives an audio signal by a first communication method, a second communication unit that transmits identification information of the own device to another device by a second communication method different from the first communication method and receives identification information of the other device, an output unit that outputs the audio signal received by the first communication unit as audio, a storage unit that stores the identification information of the own device and the identification information of the other device, a determination unit that determines whether the own device is a master device or a slave device based on the identification information of the own device and the identification information of the other device, an output control unit that causes the output unit to output audio when the determination unit determines that the own device is a master device and suppresses the output from the output unit when the determination unit determines that the own device is a slave device, and a communication control unit that causes the determination result of the determination unit to be transmitted to the second communication unit.

[0007] The audio output control method of the present disclosure includes steps of receiving an audio signal by a first communication unit by a first communication method, transmitting identification information of the own device to another device by a second communication unit by a second communication method different from the first communication method and receiving identification information of the other device by the second communication unit, outputting the audio signal received by the first communication unit as audio, storing the identification information of the own device and the identification information of the other device, determining whether the own device is a master device or a slave device based on the identification information of the own device and the identification information of the other device, causing the output unit to output audio when the own device is determined to be a master device and suppressing the audio output from the output unit when the own device is determined to be a slave device, and causing the determination result in the determining step to be transmitted to the second communication unit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to make it easier to listen to audio.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

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Figure 10

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited by this embodiment, and in the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals to omit redundant explanations.

[0011] [First Embodiment] (Communication System) With reference to FIG. 1, a configuration example of a communication system according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a communication system according to the first embodiment.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 1 includes a communication device 10-1, a communication device 10-2, a communication device 10-3, and a communication device 10-4. When there is no need to distinguish between the communication devices 10-1 to 10-4, they are collectively referred to as the communication device 10. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 1 includes four communication devices 10, but the number of communication devices 10 included in the communication system 1 is not limited.

[0013] The communication devices 10-1 to 10-4 are communication devices that each have a function of receiving an emergency notification transmitted by a local government during a disaster or the like and outputting the emergency notification as voice. The communication devices 10-1 to 10-4 each have a function of performing short-range wireless communication with other communication devices 10. A communication range R1 in which short-range wireless communication can be performed with other communication devices 10 is set for the communication device 10-1. A communication range R2 in which short-range wireless communication can be performed with other communication devices 10 is set for the communication device 10-2. A communication range R3 in which short-range wireless communication can be performed with other communication devices 10 is set for the communication device 10-3. A communication range R4 in which communication can be performed with other communication devices 10 is set for the communication device 10-4. These communication ranges R are set by adjusting the transmission output of short-range wireless communication. Each communication device 10 transmits and receives identification information to and from other communication devices 10 existing within the communication range. Each communication device 10 determines whether to output voice or suppress voice based on the identification information. Thereby, in the present embodiment, it is possible to make the voice easier to hear.

[0014] (Communication device) Using FIG. 2, a configuration example of the communication device according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the communication device according to the first embodiment.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the communication device 10 includes a first communication unit 20, a second communication unit 22, an input unit 24, an output unit 26, a storage unit 28, and a control unit 30. The communication device 10 is, for example, a wireless communication device (door-to-door receiver) arranged separately for each household by a local government or the like. The communication device 10 receives emergency information and outputs the emergency information as voice.

[0016] When an emergency such as a natural disaster occurs, the first communication unit 20 receives emergency information issued by local governments or the like by the first communication method. The first communication unit 20 is, for example, a dedicated receiving function that receives radio waves transmitted from a base station.

[0017] The second communication unit 22 transmits and receives information with other communication devices 10 by a second communication method different from the first communication method. The communication range by the second communication unit 22 is set in advance. The second communication unit 22 is, for example, a transceiver function capable of adjusting transmission output, transmits the identification information of its own device (own apparatus) to other communication devices 10, and receives the identification information of other communication devices 10 from other communication devices 10. The identification information may include a terminal ID for uniquely identifying the communication device 10, battery remaining amount information, attribute information of the user using the communication device 10, and the like. The second communication unit 22 is realized by, for example, a communication module corresponding to a short-range wireless communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0018] The input unit 24 accepts various input operations on the communication device 10. The input unit 24 includes, for example, buttons, switches, and the like. The input unit 24 accepts, for example, an adjustment value of the volume of the voice output from the speaker. The input unit 24 accepts, for example, an adjustment value of the transmission output amount of the radio wave transmitted from the second communication unit 22.

[0019] The output unit 26 includes a speaker that outputs various voices and a display that displays various information. The output unit 26 outputs, for example, an emergency notification by voice. The output unit 26 displays, for example, information on whether the communication device is outputting voice.

[0020] The storage unit 28 stores various types of information. The storage unit 28 stores the identification information of the own device and the identification information of other communication devices. The identification information is, for example, a terminal ID uniquely assigned to the communication device 10 included in the communication system 1. The terminal ID may be, for example, a numerical value. The storage unit 28 stores a role list in which the terminal ID and the role are associated. The role list will be described later. The storage unit 28 stores the calculation content of the control unit 30 and information such as programs. The storage unit 28 includes at least one of, for example, a main storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an external storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0021] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a role list according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the role list 50 includes items of "terminal ID" and "role". "Terminal ID" indicates an identifier for uniquely identifying the communication device 10. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the terminal ID is shown as "n" etc., but in this embodiment, the "terminal ID" is shown as a numerical value. Note that the "terminal ID" is not limited to a numerical value, and any value that can compare the priorities of communication devices may be used. "Role" indicates whether the communication device 10 corresponding to the terminal ID is a master device or a slave device. "Role" indicates "M" when the communication device 10 corresponding to the terminal ID is a master device, and indicates "S" when the communication device 10 corresponding to the terminal ID is a slave device. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the communication device 10 with the terminal ID "n" is a master device, and the communication device 10 with the terminal ID "n + 1" is a slave device. The role list 50 is composed of the identification information of the own device and the identification information of other communication devices 10 received by the second communication unit 22.

[0022] The control unit 30 controls each part of the communication device 10. The control unit 30 includes, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a storage device such as a RAM or a ROM. The control unit 30 executes a program for controlling the operation of the communication device 10 according to the present invention. The control unit 30 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 30 may be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0023] The control unit 30 includes a determination unit 40, an output control unit 42, a management unit 44, and a communication control unit 46.

[0024] The determination unit 40 determines whether the own device is a master device that outputs voice or a slave device that mutes voice. The determination unit 40 determines whether the own device is a master device or a slave device, for example, based on the identification information of the own device in the role list stored in the storage unit 28 and the identification information received from another communication device 10 by the second communication unit 22.

[0025] The determination unit 40 determines whether the own device is a master device or a slave device based on the role list stored in the storage unit 28. When the priority of the identification information of the own device is the highest among the identification information included in the role list, the determination unit 40 determines that the own device is a master device. When the priority of the identification information of the own device is not the highest among the identification information included in the role list and the master notification is received by the second communication unit 22, the determination unit 40 determines that the own device is a slave device.

[0026] When the identification information is a terminal ID represented by a numerical value, the priority is the magnitude of the numerical value. In this case, for example, when the terminal ID of the own device is the smallest among the terminal IDs included in the role list, the determination unit 40 determines that the priority of the own device is the highest and it is the master device. Also, when the terminal ID of the own device is not the smallest among the terminal IDs included in the role list and the own device receives a master notification from another communication device 10 via the second communication unit 22, the determination unit 40 determines that the own device is a slave device.

[0027] Instead of using the terminal ID for priority determination, a battery remaining value may be adopted as the identification information. In this case, while measuring the battery remaining value of the own device, the terminal ID and the battery remaining value of another communication device are received by the second communication unit 22, and in the role list, it is preferable that the terminal ID, the role, and the battery remaining value are associated with each other. For example, when the battery remaining value associated with the terminal ID of the own device is the largest among the terminal IDs included in the role list, the determination unit 40 determines that the priority of the own device is the highest and it is the master device. Also, when the battery remaining value associated with the terminal ID of the own device is not the largest among the terminal IDs included in the role list and the own device receives a master notification from another communication device 10 via the second communication unit 22, the determination unit 40 determines that the own device is a slave device. Thereby, since the voice is output from the communication device 10 with the largest remaining battery among the plurality of surrounding communication devices 10, the battery remaining of the communication device 10 with a small remaining battery can be saved.

[0028] Instead of using the terminal ID for priority determination, user attribute information may be adopted as identification information. In this case, while acquiring the attribute information of the user of the own device, the terminal ID and the user attribute information of other communication devices are received by the second communication unit 22, and in the role list, it is preferable that the terminal ID, the role, and the user attribute information are associated with each other. The attribute information may include, for example, the age of the user. In this case, for example, when the age associated with the terminal ID of the own device among the terminal IDs included in the role list is the highest, the determination unit 40 determines that the own device is the master device. Further, for example, when the age associated with the terminal ID of the own device among the terminal IDs included in the role list is higher than a predetermined value, the determination unit 40 may determine that the own device is the master device. Also, when the age associated with the terminal ID of the own device among the terminal IDs included in the role list is not the highest and a parent notification is received by the second communication unit 22 from the other communication device 10, the determination unit 40 determines that the own device is a slave device. Thereby, since it becomes easier for the voice to be output from the communication device 10 held by the elderly person, an emergency notification can be appropriately transmitted to the elderly person.

[0029] The output control unit 42 controls the output unit 26. For example, when the determination unit 40 determines that the own device is the master device, the output control unit 42 causes the output unit 26 to output voice. For example, when the determination unit 40 determines that the own device is a slave device, the output control unit 42 mutes the voice output from the output unit. Instead of completely muting the voice output from the output unit when the determination unit 40 determines that the own device is a slave device, the output control unit 42 may suppress the volume of the voice.

[0030] The management unit 44 generates a role list including the identification information of the own device and the identification information of the other communication device 10. The management unit 44 stores the generated role list in the storage unit 28. The management unit 44 updates the role list stored in the storage unit 28. When the role of the own device has not been determined after a predetermined time has elapsed and a child notification is received by the second communication unit 22, the management unit 44 deletes the identification information of the communication device 10 that transmitted the child notification from the role list. Details of the process of updating the role list will be described later.

[0031] The communication control unit 46 controls the first communication unit 20 and the second communication unit 22. For example, when the determination unit 40 determines that the own device is the master device, the communication control unit 46 causes the second communication unit 22 to transmit a master notification indicating that the own device is the master device. For example, when the determination unit 40 determines that the own device is a slave device, the communication control unit 46 causes the second communication unit 22 to transmit a slave notification indicating that the own device is a slave device.

[0032] The communication control unit 46 adjusts the transmission output of the second communication unit 22 according to the volume of the voice output from the output unit 26. For example, the communication control unit 46 may obtain the voice volume information output from the output unit 26 from the output control unit 42 and adjust the transmission output according to the obtained volume information. Specifically, the communication control unit 46 increases the transmission output as the volume of the voice output from the output unit 26 increases, and decreases the transmission output as the volume decreases.

[0033] The communication control unit 46 may also adjust the transmission output according to, for example, the volume operation input to the input unit 24. For example, when a volume operation for increasing the voice output from the output unit 26 is input to the input unit 24, the communication control unit 46 may increase the transmission output. For example, when a volume operation for decreasing the voice output from the output unit 26 is input to the input unit 24, the communication control unit 46 may decrease the transmission output.

[0034] [Voice Output Control Method] The voice output control method according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the voice output control method according to the first embodiment.

[0035] The communication control unit 46 receives emergency information by the first communication unit 20 (step S10). Then, it proceeds to step S12.

[0036] The communication control unit 46 transmits the terminal ID of its own device to another communication device 10 via the second communication unit 22 (step S12). Specifically, the communication control unit 46 transmits the terminal ID of its own device via the second communication unit 22 to another communication device 10 existing within a preset communication range. The communication range is determined according to the transmission output of the second communication unit 22. Then, it proceeds to step S14.

[0037] The communication control unit 46 determines whether it has received the terminal ID from another communication device 10 via the second communication unit 22 within a predetermined period (step S14). The predetermined period is, for example, a period determined in advance for the second communication unit 22 to transmit and receive the terminal IDs of the communication devices 10 to and from each other (steps S10 and S12). Specifically, the predetermined period is one minute. If it is determined that the terminal ID has been received from another communication device 10 (step S14; Yes), it proceeds to step S18. If it is not determined that the terminal ID has been received from another communication device 10 (step S14; No), it proceeds to step S16.

[0038] If it is determined as No in step S14, the output control unit 42 causes the output unit 26 to output the voice of the emergency information (step S16). Then, the process of FIG. 4 ends.

[0039] If it is determined as Yes in step S14, the control unit 30 executes the master / slave determination process (step S18). The master / slave determination process is a process for determining whether the own device is a master device or a slave device. As a result of the master / slave determination process, if it is determined that the own device is a master device, the voice of the emergency information is output, and if it is determined that the own device is a slave device, the voice output is muted. Note that the process of FIG. 4 may be repeatedly executed at the times of a predetermined time interval. Specifically, the predetermined time interval is set every hour. Thereby, even when the arrangement of the communication devices 10 is changed, the role list 50 is regularly reviewed, and the roles can be reset.

[0040] (Master / Slave Determination Process) Using FIG. 5, the master unit / slave unit determination process according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the master unit / slave unit determination process according to the first embodiment.

[0041] The master unit / slave unit determination process shown in FIG. 5 will be described as being executed by the communication devices 10-1 to 10-4 included in the communication system 1 shown in FIG. 1, respectively. It is assumed that the terminal ID of the communication device 10-1 is "1", the terminal ID of the communication device 10-2 is "2", the terminal ID of the communication device 10-3 is "3", and the terminal ID of the communication device 10-4 is "4".

[0042] The management unit 44 generates a role list including its own terminal ID and the terminal IDs of other communication devices 10 received by the second communication unit 22 (step S20). FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the role list generated in the communication system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 shows a role list 51, a role list 52, a role list 53, and a role list 54. The role list 51 is generated by the management unit 44 of the communication device 10-1. In FIG. 1, since the communication device 10-1 is included in the communication range R2 of the communication device 10-2, the role list 51 includes its own terminal ID "1" and the received terminal ID "2". The role list 52 is generated by the management unit 44 of the communication device 10-2. In FIG. 1, since the communication device 10-2 is included in the communication range R1 of the communication device 10-1 and the communication range R3 of the communication device 10-3, the role list 52 includes its own terminal ID "2" and the received terminal IDs "1" and "3". The role list 53 is generated by the management unit 44 of the communication device 10-3. In FIG. 1, since the communication device 10-3 is included in the communication range R2 of the communication device 10-2 and the communication range R4 of the communication device 10-4, the role list 53 includes its own terminal ID "3" and the received terminal IDs "2" and "4". The role list 54 is generated by the management unit 44 of the communication device 10-4. In FIG. 1, since the communication device 10-4 is included in the communication range R3 of the communication device 10-3, the role list 54 includes its own terminal ID "4" and the received terminal ID "3".

[0043] The management unit 44 determines whether the terminal ID value of its own device is the smallest (step S22). Specifically, the management unit 44 determines whether the terminal ID value of its own device is the smallest based on the generated role list. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the management unit 44 of the communication device 10-1 determines that the terminal ID value of its own device is the smallest. The management units 44 of the communication devices 10-2 to 10-4 determine that the terminal ID value of their own devices is not the smallest. If it is determined that the terminal ID value of its own device is the smallest (step S22; Yes), the process proceeds to step S24. If it is not determined that the terminal ID value of its own device is the smallest (step S22; No), the process proceeds to step S30.

[0044] If it is determined as Yes in step S22, the communication control unit 46 sets its own device as the master device and transmits a master notification to the surroundings using the second communication unit 22 (step S24). In the example shown in FIG. 1, the communication control unit 46 of the communication device 10-1 sets its own device as the master device and transmits a master notification within the communication range R1. Then, the process proceeds to step S26.

[0045] The management unit 44 updates the role list (step S26). In step S26, the communication device 10 that has set its own role as the master device updates the role list. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a method of updating the role list generated in the communication system according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the management unit 44 of the communication device 10-1 describes "M" in the role corresponding to the terminal ID "1" in the role list 51.

[0046] The output control unit 42 causes the output unit 26 to output the voice of an emergency notification (step S28). In the example shown in FIG. 1, the output unit 26 of the communication device 10-1 outputs the voice of an emergency notification. Then, the process of FIG. 4 ends.

[0047] When it is determined as No in step S22, the communication control unit 46 determines whether or not a parent notification has been received from another communication device 10 by the second communication unit 22 during a predetermined parent notification reception period (step S30). The predetermined parent notification reception period is, for example, 10 seconds. In the example shown in FIG. 1, since the communication device 10-2 exists within the communication range R1 of the communication device 10-1 that has transmitted the parent notification, the communication control unit 46 of the communication device 10-2 determines that a parent notification has been received from the communication device 10-1 by the second communication unit 22. Since the communication device 10-3 and the communication device 10-4 do not exist within the communication range R1, the communication control units 46 of the communication device 10-3 and the communication device 10-4 do not determine that a parent notification has been received. When it is determined that a parent notification has been received from another communication device 10 by the second communication unit 22 (step S30; Yes), the process proceeds to step S32. When it is not determined that a parent notification has been received from another communication device 10 by the second communication unit 22 (step S30; No), the process proceeds to step S38.

[0048] When it is determined as Yes in step S30, the communication control unit 46 sets the own device as a child device and transmits a child notification to the surroundings by the second communication unit 22 (step S32). In the example shown in FIG. 1, the communication control unit 46 of the communication device 10-2 that has received the parent notification sets the own device as a child device and transmits a child notification within the communication range R2. Then, the process proceeds to step S34.

[0049] The management unit 44 updates the role list (step S34). In step S34, the communication device 10 that has set the role to the slave device updates the role list. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the communication device 10-2 has received a parent notification from the communication device 10-1. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the communication device 10-1 and the communication device 10-3 exist within the communication range R2 of the communication device 10-2 that has sent the child notification. In this case, the communication device 10-2 that has received the parent notification from the communication device 10-1 and has set its own device as the slave device executes step S30. At the same time, although not shown, the management units 44 of the communication device 10-1 that has received the child notification and the communication device 10-3 also update the role list. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a method of updating the role list generated in the communication system according to the first embodiment in step S34. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the management unit 44 of the communication device 10-1 writes "S" in the role corresponding to the terminal ID "2" of the role list 51. The management unit 44 of the communication device 10-2 writes "M" in the role corresponding to the terminal ID "1" of the role list 52 and writes "S" in the role corresponding to the terminal ID "2". Also, since the parent-child relationship has been determined in the role list 52, the management unit 44 of the communication device 10-2 deletes the terminal ID "3" whose role has not been determined from the role list 52. The management unit 44 of the communication device 10-3 writes "S" in the role of the terminal ID "2" of the role list 53. Then, it proceeds to step S36.

[0050] The output control unit 42 mutes the voice of the emergency notification output from the output unit 26 (step S36). In the example shown in FIG. 1, the output control unit 42 of the communication device 10-2 mutes the voice of the emergency notification output from the output unit 26. Then, the process of FIG. 4 ends.

[0051] If it is determined as No in step S30, the communication control unit 46 determines whether the second communication unit 22 has received a child notification from another communication device during a predetermined child notification reception period (step S38). The predetermined child notification reception period is, for example, 10 seconds. In the example shown in FIG. 1, since the communication device 10-1 and the communication device 10-2 exist within the communication range R2 of the communication device 10-2 that has transmitted the child notification, the communication control units 46 of the communication device 10-1 and the communication device 10-3 determine that they have received the child notification from the communication device 10-2. Since the communication device 10-4 does not exist within the communication range R2, the communication control unit 46 of the communication device 10-4 does not determine that it has received the child notification. If it is determined that the second communication unit 22 has received a child notification from another communication device 10 (step S38; Yes), the process proceeds to step S40. If it is determined that the second communication unit 22 has not received a child notification from another communication device 10 (step S38; No), the process proceeds to step S22.

[0052] If it is determined as Yes in step S38, the management unit 44 deletes the terminal ID of the communication device 10 that has transmitted the child notification from the role list (step S40). Specifically, when the own device is not the parent device, has not received the parent notification, and has received the child notification from another communication device 10, the management unit 44 deletes the terminal ID of the other communication device 10 that has transmitted the received child notification from the role list. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a method of updating the role list generated in the communication system according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the management unit 44 of the communication device 10-3 deletes the terminal ID "2" of the communication device 10-2 from the role list 53. Then, the process proceeds to step S22.

[0053] Thereafter, the above-described processing is executed between the communication device 10-3 and the communication device 10-4. As a result, the role lists of the communication device 10-3 and the communication device 10-4 are updated. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method of updating the role list generated in the communication system according to the first embodiment. As shown in the role list 53 and the role list 54 in FIG. 10, the communication device 10-3 is set as the master device and outputs voice, and the communication device 10-4 is set as the slave device and mutes the voice. The processing in FIG. 4 ends when the roles of all the communication devices 10 included in the communication system 1 are determined.

[0054] As described above, in the present embodiment, the communication device determines whether it is a master device or a slave device based on its own identification information and the identification information of other communication devices within the range where short-range wireless communication is possible, and determines whether to output the voice of the emergency information or mute it. Thereby, the present embodiment can make it easier to listen to the voice of the emergency information. In addition, since the determination of the master device and the slave device is made based only on the identification information of the communication device, it can operate effectively even in a place where the position information cannot be obtained. Furthermore, by adjusting the relationship between the range where the voice can be heard and the range where the radio wave of the short-range wireless reaches, the interval between the master device and the slave device can be adjusted, so that the ease of listening can also be adjusted.

[0055] Each component of each illustrated device is conceptually functional, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as illustrated. That is, the specific form of the distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of it can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage situations, etc. Note that the configuration by this distribution and integration may be performed dynamically.

[0056] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited by the contents of these embodiments. Further, the above-described components include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the above-described components can be combined as appropriate. Still further, various omissions, substitutions, or changes of the components can be made without departing from the gist of the above-described embodiments.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0057] 1 Communication system 10 Communication device 20 First communication unit 22 Second communication unit 24 Input unit 26 Output unit 28 Storage unit 30 Control unit 40 Determination unit 42 Output control unit 44 Management unit 46 Communication control unit

Claims

1. A first communication unit that receives an audio signal by a first communication method; A second communication unit that transmits identification information of the own device to another device by a second communication method different from the first communication method and receives the identification information of the other device; An output unit that outputs the audio signal received by the first communication unit as audio; A storage unit that stores the identification information of the own device and the identification information of the other device; A determination unit that determines whether the own device is a master device or a slave device based on the identification information of the own device and the identification information of the other device; An output control unit that causes the output unit to output audio when the determination unit determines that the own device is a master device, and suppresses the output from the output unit when the determination unit determines that the own device is a slave device; A communication control unit that causes the second communication unit to transmit the determination result in the determination unit; A communication device comprising:

2. The identification information includes information capable of determining priority, and includes a management unit that generates a role list including the identification information of the own device and the identification information of the other device and stores it in the storage unit, The determination unit, determines the priority based on the identification information included in the role list, and determines that the own device is a master device when the priority of the identification information of the own device is the highest, Among the identification information included in the role list, when the priority of the identification information of the own device is not the highest and a determination result that the other device is a master device is received by the second communication unit, determines that the own device is a slave device. The communication device according to claim 1.

3. When the management unit has not determined the role of the own device after a predetermined time has elapsed and has received a determination result that the own device is a slave device by the second communication unit, deletes the identification information of the other device that transmitted the determination result that it is a slave device from the role list, The communication device according to claim 2.

4. The communication control unit adjusts the transmission output of the second communication unit according to the volume of the audio output from the output unit. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A step of receiving an audio signal by a first communication unit by a first communication method; A step of transmitting the identification information of the own device to another device by a second communication unit by a second communication method different from the first communication method and receiving the identification information of the other device by the second communication unit; A step of outputting the audio signal received by the first communication unit as audio; A step of storing the identification information of the own device and the identification information of the other device; Determining whether the own device is a master device or a slave device based on the identification information of the own device and the identification information of the other device; When it is determined that the own device is a master device, causing the output unit to output sound, and when it is determined that the own device is a slave device, suppressing the sound output from the output unit; Causing the second communication unit to transmit the determination result in the determining step; A voice output control method including the above steps.

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