Voice information output system and voice information output device

Abstract

To provide a device capable of suppressing output of voice information at timings not desired.SOLUTION: An output terminal T, which outputs voice information consisting of human speech transmitted from outside, includes: a voice output device 5 for outputting voice information; a microphone 9 for acquiring ambient sound within environment where the output terminal T is installed; and an output suppression module 24a that suppresses the output of voice information based on the ambient sound acquired by the microphone 9, in a situation where voice information output is possible.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an audio information output system and an audio information output device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a technology for an audio information output device that, for example, when audio information output from a speaker of an alarm device cannot be heard, enables the audio information to be re-output by inputting sound at a set sound pressure level or higher. In other words, when audio information needs to be re-output, the user can enable it by speaking loudly or clapping their hands.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes a speech suppression function that suppresses the output of audio information when the audio information output from the speaker is unpleasant to the user. It also describes that execution of speech suppression control is prohibited when audio information with high speech priority is output.

[0004] In other words, if the user speaks loudly, claps their hands, or otherwise produces an acoustic input that exceeds a set sound pressure level, the output of audio information will be suppressed if this acoustic input exceeds the set sound pressure level a set number of times in succession.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes a technique that enables re-speech of audio information when an audio input that satisfies a condition occurs within a set time period after a speech suppression command is issued. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-131267 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-131268 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The technology described in Patent Document 2 makes it possible to suppress the output of unpleasant audio information. Furthermore, in Patent Document 2, part of the audio information reaches the user's ears, which may impede the user's activities depending on the user's living situation.

[0008] For example, if audio information interrupts a user while they are watching their favorite television program, they may not be able to hear some of the important content of the television audio, which could disrupt the content of the television program for the user, leading to a loss of interest and excitement.

[0009] Furthermore, in a technology like Patent Document 2, where the user can hear the beginning of audio information, if the beginning information is a place name or person's name related to the user, it is conceivable that the content of the audio information would be distracting and interfere with the user's behavior. Such interference could manifest as interruptions to conversation, a decrease in concentration, or a decrease in the efficiency of manual work. In particular, it could distract children who are studying.

[0010] For these reasons, there is a demand for an audio information output system or audio information output device that can suppress the output of audio information at times when people do not want it to be output. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The characteristic configuration of the audio information output system of the present invention is that it comprises an audio information output device installed in an environment where people may be present, and an information control unit that controls the output of audio information in the audio information output device, wherein the audio information output device has an audio output unit that outputs the audio information, and an output control unit that outputs the audio information from the audio output unit, and the information control unit has a judgment information acquisition unit that acquires judgment information, an external information acquisition unit that acquires external information, a judgment module that determines whether the external information matches the judgment information (a match is established) or does not match the judgment information (a match is not established), an output suppression module that suppresses the output of the audio information from the audio output unit when the judgment module determines that the match is established, and a memory unit that stores the judgment information.

[0012] According to this characteristic configuration, even if the audio information output device is in a situation where audio information can be output from the audio output unit, if the determination module determines that the external information acquired by the external information acquisition unit satisfies the determination condition acquired by the determination condition acquisition unit, the output suppression module suppresses the output of audio information from the audio output unit. In other words, by acquiring the determination information in advance and having the audio information output device output audio, people in the environment where the audio information output device is installed will not be affected by harsh audio information. Therefore, a voice information output system is configured that can suppress the output of voice information at times when people do not want it.

[0013] In addition to the above configuration, the audio information output device is configured as an output terminal, and the output terminal has the audio output device and a microphone that acquires audio within the environment in which the output terminal is installed, and has a voiceprint processing unit that functions as the judgment information acquisition unit and the external information acquisition unit, and the voiceprint processing unit acquires registered voiceprint information, which is voiceprint information of a predetermined person, as the judgment information, and acquires target voiceprint information as the external information from the voiceprint information acquired by the microphone, and the judgment module is configured as an output suppression module that suppresses the output of the audio information when the matching rate between the target voiceprint information and the registered voiceprint information exceeds a set value, and allows the output of the audio information when the matching rate is equal to or less than the set value.

[0014] According to this, a judgment module judges the voiceprint information of a preset person against target voiceprint information acquired by a microphone, and if the matching rate exceeds a set value, the output of audio information from the output terminal is suppressed, but if the matching rate is equal to or lower than the set value, the output of audio information from the output terminal is permitted. In other words, by setting the voiceprint of a specific person as the target voiceprint information, audio information is not output from the output terminal when the specific person is speaking, and the output of audio information at times when the person does not want it to be during a conversation can be suppressed.

[0015] In addition to the above configuration, the audio information output device may be configured as an output terminal, and the output terminal may have the audio output device, a microphone that acquires audio within the environment in which the output terminal is installed, and a term processing unit that functions as the judgment information acquisition unit and the external information acquisition unit, and the term processing unit acquires registered term information as the judgment information of a predetermined person, and acquires the term information of the audio acquired by the microphone as target term information as the external information, and may be configured as an output suppression module that suppresses the output of the audio information when the judgment module determines that the target term information and the registered term information match, and allows the output of the audio information when there is no match.

[0016] According to this, registered term information is set in advance, and a determination module determines whether the registered term information matches the target term information acquired by the microphone, and if there is a match, the output of audio information from the output terminal is suppressed, but if there is no match, the output of audio information from the output terminal is allowed. In other words, by setting specific words or numbers as registered term information, if the registered term information is included in a person's conversation, audio information will not be output from the output terminal, and the output of audio information at times during a conversation when the person does not want it to be can be suppressed.

[0017] The characteristic configuration of the audio information output system of the present invention is that the audio information output device is configured as an output terminal, an information terminal is installed in the environment in which the output terminal is installed, the output terminal has the audio output device, the judgment information acquisition unit is configured as a specific information registration unit that registers specific information as the judgment information, the external information acquisition is configured as an information acquisition unit that acquires acquired information as the external information via a communication network, and the judgment module is configured as an output suppression module that suppresses the output of the audio information when it is determined that the specific information registered in the specific information registration unit matches the acquired information.

[0018] According to this, if it is determined that the acquired information output from the information terminal matches the specific information, for example, when a person acquires information from an information terminal, if the acquired information contains specific information, the output of audio information from the output terminal is suppressed, and if they do not match, the output of audio information from the output terminal is allowed.

[0019] In addition to the above configuration, the information terminal may be a television, the acquired information may be terms contained in program information of the television, the specific information may be registered term information, the output terminal may have a program information acquisition unit configured as the information acquisition unit that acquires the program information based on human operation to select a program to watch on the television and sets the term information as the acquired information based on the terms contained in the program information, the judgment module may determine whether there is a match between the specific information and the term information, and the output suppression module may suppress the output of the audio information if the judgment module determines that there is a match, and allow the output of the audio information if it determines that there is no match.

[0020] According to this, when a specific program is viewed on television, a term contained in the program information of that program is set as acquired information, and if it is determined that this acquired information matches the specific information, the output of audio information is suppressed, eliminating the inconvenience of audio information interfering with viewing of the program.

[0021] In addition to the above configuration, the television may be capable of using a remote controller that can select programs by outputting infrared rays, the output terminal may be equipped with a receiving sensor that receives the infrared rays, and the program information acquisition unit may acquire the program information from an external server via a communication network by receiving the infrared rays output from the remote controller in response to manual operation.

[0022] According to this, by performing an operation to select a program using a remote controller, it becomes possible to obtain program information without operating a terminal or the like in a special manner.

[0023] A characteristic configuration of the audio information output system of the present invention is that the audio information output device is configured as an output terminal, the output terminal having the audio output device, and the output terminal is equipped with: an external information acquisition unit that acquires, when an application controlled based on information transmitted from a predetermined server via a communication network is executed on an information terminal located in the environment in which the output terminal is installed, that the application is running from the external information acquired from the server via the communication network; and a judgment information acquisition unit that acquires, from the external information, whether or not the application is running as judgment information; and is configured as an output suppression module that suppresses the output of the audio information when the judgment module determines that the application is running, and allows the output of the audio information when the application is not running.

[0024] According to this, when an application is executed on an information terminal, the external information acquisition unit acquires determination information that the application is being executed via a communication network, and as a result of determination based on this determination information, the output of audio information from the output terminal is suppressed, so that execution of the application is not hindered. In other words, it is possible to imagine an execution form in which execution of an application is confirmed on a television or a personal computer as an information terminal, and when some operation is performed on these information terminals, information corresponding to the operation is sent from the server, and in such an execution form, execution of the application is not hindered by audio information output from the output terminal.

[0025] The characteristic configuration of the audio information output device of the present invention is that it is configured as an output terminal that outputs audio information transmitted from outside and consisting of human words, and the output terminal has an audio output device that outputs the audio information transmitted from outside, a microphone that acquires audio within the environment in which the output terminal is installed, and an output suppression module that suppresses the output of the audio information based on the audio within the environment acquired by the microphone when output of the audio information is possible.

[0026] According to this characteristic configuration, even in a situation where audio information transmitted from outside and consisting of human speech can be output to an audio output device such as a speaker, the output suppression module suppresses the output of the audio information based on the environmental sound picked up by the microphone. A form of suppressing the output of audio information that stops all output of audio information can prevent people from being aware of the audio information. Therefore, a voice information output device is configured that can suppress the output of voice information at times that are not desired by a person.

[0027] In addition to the above configuration, the system may further include a memory unit that stores voiceprint information of a predetermined person as registered voiceprint information, a voiceprint processing unit that extracts voiceprint information from the environmental sound acquired by the microphone as target voiceprint information, and a voiceprint determination module that outputs a match rate between the target voiceprint information and the registered voiceprint information, wherein the output suppression module suppresses output of the voice information when the match rate between the target voiceprint information and the registered voiceprint information determined by the voiceprint determination module exceeds a set value, and allows output of the voice information when the match rate is equal to or less than the set value.

[0028] According to this, when the voiceprint determination module determines that the matching rate between the target voiceprint information of a person contained in environmental sound acquired by a microphone and pre-stored registered voiceprint information exceeds a set value, the output suppression module suppresses the output of the voice information even in a situation where output of the voice information from the voice output unit is possible. In other words, when a person whose voiceprint information is stored in a storage unit is present in the environment where the output terminal is installed and the matching rate between the target voiceprint information of the person and the registered voiceprint information is high, such as in a situation where that person is having a conversation, the output of the voice information is suppressed so as not to interfere with the conversation. On the other hand, when the matching rate is below the set value, output of the voice information is allowed, making it possible for the person to hear the voice information.

[0029] In addition to the above configuration, the device may include a memory unit that stores pre-set terms as registered terms, a term processing unit that extracts terms contained in human speech included in the environmental audio acquired by the microphone as target terms, and a term determination module that determines whether the target terms match the registered terms, and the output suppression module may suppress the output of the audio information when the term determination module determines that the target terms match the registered terms, and allow the output of the audio information when there is no match.

[0030] According to this, when the term determination module determines that a target term included in environmental audio acquired by a microphone matches a pre-stored memory term, the output suppression module suppresses the output of the audio information even if the audio information can be output to the audio output unit. With this configuration, for example, when people are conversing in an environment where an output terminal is installed and a term (target term) included in the conversation matches a term (memorized term) stored in the memory unit, the output of the audio information is suppressed, and the conversation is not interrupted. In other words, with this configuration, by storing target terms such as words used at work, numerical values, currency units, words used by family members at home, or words and formulas used by children in their studies, work-related conversations or conversations related to children's studies are not interrupted.

[0031] A characteristic configuration of the audio information output device of the present invention is configured as an output terminal that outputs audio information transmitted from outside and consisting of human words, and the output terminal may have an audio output device that outputs the audio information transmitted from outside, a specific information registration unit in which a person registers specific information, and an output suppression module that suppresses the output of the audio information when a person present in the environment in which the output terminal is installed determines that the acquired information included in acquired information acquired from an information terminal installed in the environment matches the specific information registered in the specific information registration unit.

[0032] According to this characteristic configuration, even in a situation where audio information transmitted from outside can be output to the audio output unit, the output suppression module suppresses the output of audio information if the acquired information contained in the information acquired by the information terminal matches the specific information registered in the specific information registration unit, thereby preventing the inconvenience of being distracted by the audio information. Therefore, a voice information output device is configured that can suppress the output of voice information at times that are not desired by a person.

[0033] In addition to the above configuration, the information terminal may be a television, the output terminal may have a program information acquisition unit that acquires program information of a program selected by human operation from outside to acquire information from the television, and the output suppression module may suppress the output of the audio information when the registered specific information matches a term contained in the program information acquired by the program information acquisition unit, and may allow the output of the audio information when there is no match.

[0034] According to this, a television is installed in an environment where an information terminal is installed, and a person watching the television registers specific information, so that, for example, the program information of a selected program is acquired by a program information acquisition unit. Also, the output suppression module suppresses the output of audio information when the registered specific information matches a term included in the program information acquired by the program information acquisition unit, so that television viewing is not interrupted.

[0035] In addition to the above configuration, the television may be capable of using a remote controller that can select programs by outputting infrared rays, the output terminal may be equipped with a receiving sensor that receives the infrared rays, and the program information acquisition unit may acquire the program information from an external server via a communication network by receiving the infrared rays output from the remote controller in response to manual operation.

[0036] This makes it possible to obtain program information without using a dedicated controller or control terminal.

[0037] The audio information output device of the present invention is configured as an output terminal that outputs audio information transmitted from outside and consisting of human speech, and the output terminal may have an audio output unit that outputs the audio information transmitted from outside, and an output suppression module that suppresses the output of the audio information when it determines that an application is running on the information terminal based on information obtained via a network.

[0038] This eliminates the inconvenience of harsh audio information being output during execution when an application is being executed while displaying information for, for example, learning, accounting, games, etc., via an information terminal such as a television. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an entire audio information output system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an alarm device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information control unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing a control mode of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart of an output determination routine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information control unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart of an output determination routine according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the entirety of a voice information output system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alarm device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information control unit according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart of an output determination routine according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information control unit according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information control unit according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing a control mode of a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the audio information output system according to the present invention and an audio information output device included in this audio information output system will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist thereof.

[0041] [First embodiment: basic configuration] Figure 1 shows the entire audio information output system X, which is equipped with an audio information output device A that transmits information from the outside. Figure 2 shows an alarm device T as the audio information output device A. The alarm device T functions as an output terminal, and is installed inside a typical home 2 or the like in order to output audio information transmitted via a router 1 from the Internet N (an example of a communications network).

[0042] The alarm device T has a case 3, as well as a human sensor 4, a speaker 5 (an example of an audio output device), a gas sensor 6, and an information control unit Ta. This alarm device T has a gas leak detection function.

[0043] The human sensor 4 detects the presence or absence of a person within a predetermined area based on the case 3 by using infrared rays emitted by the person. The speaker 5 outputs audio information. The gas sensor 6 detects city gas in the space where the alarm T is installed (such as the kitchen of the house 2). The information control unit Ta outputs audio information transmitted from outside to the speaker 5. The alarm T is supported on a wall, but it may also be mounted on the ceiling of a kitchen, for example.

[0044] An information transmission server 10 that transmits audio information to the alarm device T is connected to the Internet N, and the information transmission server 10 obtains information from a plurality of information providing servers 11 that are connected to the Internet N.

[0045] One of the multiple information providing servers 11 periodically uploads information such as weather information, weather forecasts, rain cloud alerts, and dry weather warnings as audio information composed of human words, while the other information providing servers 11 upload information such as news and crime prevention information as audio information.

[0046] The information transmission server 10 has an information acquisition unit 10a, an importance setting unit 10b, and an information transmission unit 10c. In this information transmission server 10, the importance setting unit 10b adds attribute information indicating importance to the audio information acquired by the information acquisition unit 10a, and the information transmission unit 10c transmits the audio information to the alarm device T.

[0047] In this way, the audio information output system X comprises an alarm device T (audio information output device A), and a plurality of information providing servers 11 that connect to this alarm device T via the Internet N. In addition, the alarm device T (audio information output device A) has an information control unit Ta.

[0048] [Alarm] As shown in Figure 2, the alarm device T is equipped with a speaker 5 (audio output device) and a gas sensor 6. The speaker 5 outputs audio information transmitted from the information transmission server 10. The alarm device T is equipped with an alarm lamp 7 that lights up when the gas sensor 6 detects a gas leak. When the alarm lamp 7 lights up, human speech information is also output from the speaker 5 to notify the user of the gas leak. This alarm device T is powered by power from an external commercial power source, but may also be equipped with an internal battery as a power source.

[0049] The alarm device T has an information control unit Ta built into the case 3, and is equipped with a connector 8 and a microphone 9 in positions exposed to the case 3. This information control unit Ta has a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MCU (Micro Controller Unit), etc., and is equipped with a storage section 26 (see Figure 3) made up of memory for storing information. Note that the microphone 9 can also be replaced with a speaker 5.

[0050] 3, the information control unit Ta includes an alarm output unit 21, a presence / absence determination unit 22, an information receiving unit 23, an output control unit 24 (including an output suppression module 24a), a voiceprint processing unit 25 (including a voiceprint determination module 25a: an example of a determination information acquisition unit and a determination module), and a storage unit 26. As will be described in detail later, the voiceprint processing unit 25 determines whether the external information matches the determination information, i.e., a match is established, or whether the external information does not match the determination information, i.e., a match is not established, and the output control unit 24 suppresses the output of audio information from the speaker 5 when the voiceprint processing unit 25 determines that a match is established.

[0051] The information control unit Ta receives the detection signal from the gas sensor 6 and the detection signal from the human sensor 4. It also acquires information transmitted from the outside via the router 1 and acquires audio information from the microphone 9. Furthermore, the information control unit Ta outputs information to the alarm lamp 7 and the speaker 5.

[0052] These components, the presence / absence determination unit 22, the information receiving unit 23, the output control unit 24, and the voiceprint processing unit 25 (an example of the determination condition acquisition unit and external information acquisition unit of the voice information output system X), are configured by software, but may also include some hardware.

[0053] The alarm output unit 21 is composed of a dedicated circuit that turns on the alarm lamp 7 by determining that the gas concentration detected by the gas sensor 6 has exceeded a threshold value. The storage unit 26 uses a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or an EEPROM.

[0054] The presence / absence determining unit 22 determines the presence of a person using the human sensor 4. The information receiving unit 23 acquires voice information transmitted via the Internet N.

[0055] [Control Overview] The output suppression module 24a of the output control unit 24 detects (acquires) environmental sound (sound from the room in which the alarm device T is installed) with the microphone 9, and when the voiceprint information of the detected sound matches the registered voiceprint of a pre-set person (voiceprint information: target voiceprint information (registered voiceprint information) as external information), the output control unit 24 stops the output of the audio information even in a situation where audio information can be output to the speaker 5 (for example, when an output event occurs).

[0056] The voiceprint determination module 25a (an example of a determination condition acquisition unit / external information acquisition unit of the audio information output system X) compares the target voiceprint contained in the voice acquired by the microphone 9 with the registered voiceprints stored in the memory unit 26, and outputs the match rate.

[0057] Although not described in the following control form, the output suppression module 24a stops the output of audio information even in a situation where the human presence sensor 4 cannot detect a person. When the human presence sensor 4 detects a person, the output of audio information is permitted.

[0058] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a person's voiceprint is registered in an alarm device T using a processing terminal U (an example of a determination information acquisition unit) such as a smartphone or tablet computer. In other words, the processing terminal U acquires the voiceprint of the person's voice contained in the audio using an internal microphone Ua, analyzes the audio using a voice analyzer Ub of the processing terminal U, and the analyzed voiceprint is acquired in association with the person. It is also possible to analyze a person's voiceprint using a server connected to the Internet N (communications network), and register it in the alarm device T.

[0059] The voiceprint thus acquired is registered (stored) in the memory unit 26 of the information control unit Ta via the connector 8. This registration allows for the registration of multiple voiceprints corresponding to multiple people. The output suppression control using this voiceprint will be explained below.

[0060] [Control mode of the first embodiment] As shown in the flowchart of Figure 4, after executing the output determination routine (#A) set as a subroutine, audio information is acquired via the Internet N (step #101), and if the audio information is not important information (No in step #102), or if the timer set in the output determination routine (#A) has timed out (including the count value being 0), the audio information is output from the speaker 5 (step #104).

[0061] If the voice information is important information (Yes in step #102), the voice information is output regardless of the count value of the timer (step #104). Note that the importance setting unit 10b in the information transmission server 10 adds the important information to the voice information as attribute information.

[0062] As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the output determination routine (#A) compares voiceprints (step #02A) when a voice with a sound pressure equal to or higher than a set level is picked up by the microphone 9 (step #01A).

[0063] That is, the voiceprint determination module 25a determines the match rate between the target voiceprint acquired by the voiceprint processing unit 25 and the registered voiceprints stored in the storage unit 26, and outputs the match rate (steps #02A and #03A).

[0064] In the process of calculating this matching rate, if there are multiple registered voiceprints, the degree of match between the multiple registered voiceprints and the acquired target voiceprint is determined, and the matching rate is determined by processing such as calculating the average value of the multiple determination results.

[0065] Next, if the match rate is equal to or greater than the set value (Yes in step #04A), the suppression timer is activated (counting begins: step #05A).

[0066] On the other hand, the sound (environmental sound) picked up by the microphone 9 is not limited to human speech, so for example, the sound of a door opening and closing will have a low matching rate even if sound analysis is possible. Therefore, if the matching rate is less than the set value (No in step #04A), the process returns without manipulating the count value of the suppression timer.

[0067] In this output determination routine (#A), the count value of the suppression timer is initially set to a predetermined value, and after the suppression timer starts operating, the count value is decremented every set time, and when the count value reaches 0, the time is up.

[0068] This suppression timer can be set to a relatively short time, for example, one to several minutes. In other words, when the suppression timer times out, it is considered that a state of no human conversation has continued for a certain period of time, and therefore voice information is permitted (see steps #103 and #104 in the flowchart of FIG. 4).

[0069] With this configuration, when a person is talking, audio information other than important information is not output from the speaker 5, and the audio information is not perceived as harsh to the ear.

[0070] Second Embodiment In this second embodiment, similar to that shown in Figure 1 of the first embodiment, an alarm device T (output terminal T / audio information output device A) is installed inside a typical home 2 to output audio information transmitted from the Internet N (communications network) via a router 1.

[0071] Furthermore, the alarm device T of the second embodiment uses an alarm device T with the same configuration as the one shown in Figure 2 of the first embodiment. That is to say, the alarm device T has a case 3, as well as a human sensor 4, a speaker 5 (audio output device), a gas sensor 6, and an information control unit Ta. This alarm device T also has a connector 8 and a microphone 9 in positions exposed to the case 3. This alarm device T has a gas leak detection function.

[0072] In this second embodiment, similar to that shown in Figure 1 of the first embodiment, the Internet N is connected to an information transmission server 10 that transmits audio information to an alarm device T (output terminal), and the information transmission server 10 obtains information from a plurality of information providing servers 11 connected to the Internet N.

[0073] As shown in Figure 6, the information control unit Ta includes an alarm output unit 21, a presence / absence determination unit 22, an information receiving unit 23, an output control unit 24 (including an output suppression module 24a), a term processing unit 27 (including a term determination module 27a: an example of a determination information acquisition unit and a determination module), and a memory unit 26.

[0074] These components, the presence / absence determination unit 22, the information receiving unit 23, the output control unit 24, and the term processing unit 27 (an example of the determination condition acquisition unit / external information acquisition unit of the audio information output system X), are composed of software, but may also include some hardware.

[0075] The alarm output unit 21 is composed of a dedicated circuit that turns on the alarm lamp 7 by determining that the gas concentration detected by the gas sensor 6 has exceeded a threshold value. The storage unit 26 uses a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or an EEPROM.

[0076] The presence / absence determining unit 22 determines the presence of a person using the human sensor 4. The information receiving unit 23 acquires voice information transmitted via the Internet N.

[0077] [Control Overview] The output suppression module 24a of the output control unit 24 detects (acquires) environmental sound (sound from the room in which the alarm device T is installed) using the microphone 9, and when the terms contained in the sound (term information: target term information as external information) match registered terms as term information for a pre-set person (an example of registered term information as judgment information), the output control unit 24 stops outputting the audio information even in a situation where audio information can be output to the speaker 5 (for example, when an output event occurs).

[0078] The term determination module 27a determines whether or not a target term included in the voice acquired by the microphone 9 matches a registered term stored in the storage unit .

[0079] Although not described in the following control modes, the output suppression module 24a also stops output of audio information in a situation where the human sensor 4 cannot detect a person.

[0080] 2 and 6, human terms are registered using a processing terminal U (an example of a determination information acquisition unit) such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, etc. That is, the processing terminal U acquires human speech from the human voice using an internal microphone Ua, analyzes terms included in the speech using a term analyzer Uc of the processing terminal U, and acquires those determined to be terms as registered terms.

[0081] The terms acquired in this way are registered (stored) in the memory unit 26 of the information control unit Ta via the connector 8. This registration allows for the registration of multiple voiceprints corresponding to multiple people. The output suppression control using these terms will be explained below.

[0082] [Control mode of the second embodiment] As shown in the flowchart of Figure 4, after executing the output determination routine (#B) set as a subroutine, audio information is acquired via the Internet N (step #101), and if the audio information is not important information (No in step #102), or if the timer set in the output determination routine (#B) has timed out (including the count value being 0), the audio information is output from the speaker 5 (step #104).

[0083] If the voice information is important information (Yes in step #102), the voice information is output regardless of the count value of the timer (step #104). Note that whether the voice information is important is determined based on the information added to the voice information as attribute information by the importance setting unit 10b in the information transmission server 10.

[0084] As described above, in the second embodiment, the flowchart of FIG. 4 is common to that described in the first embodiment, and only the output determination routine (#B) is different from that in the first embodiment.

[0085] As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the output determination routine (#B) compares terms (step #02B) when a sound with a sound pressure equal to or higher than a set level is acquired by the microphone 9 (step #01B).

[0086] That is, the term acquired by the term processing unit 27 is compared with the registered terms stored in the storage unit 26, and it is determined whether or not there is a match (steps #02B and #03B).

[0087] In this determination, if there are multiple registered terms, the multiple registered terms are compared with the acquired target term, and if even one of them matches, a match is determined.

[0088] If a match is determined (Yes in step #03B), the suppression timer is activated (starts counting: step #04B).

[0089] The voice picked up by the microphone 9 is not limited to human speech, so even if voice analysis is possible for the sound of a door opening and closing, it is often not possible to extract terms in step #02B, and even if the term can be extracted, it will be a meaningless term. Therefore, in step #03, no match determination is made (No in step #03B), and the process returns without manipulating the count value of the suppression timer.

[0090] In this output determination routine (#B), the count value of the suppression timer is set to a predetermined value in the initial state, and after the suppression timer starts operating, the count value is decremented every set time, and when the count value reaches 0, the time is up.

[0091] This suppression timer may be set to a relatively short time, for example, one to several minutes, and when the suppression timer times out, it is considered that a certain period of time has passed since there has been no human conversation, and therefore voice information is permitted.

[0092] This control stores target terms such as words used at work, numerical values, currency units, words used by family members at home, or words and formulas used by children in their studies. This ensures that conversations related to work or children's studies are not interrupted. Furthermore, with this control, audio information other than important information is not output from the speaker 5, so there is no harshness to the ears.

[0093] Third Embodiment In this third embodiment, Figure 8 shows the entire audio information output system X, in which an alarm device T (audio information output device A) is installed inside a typical home 2 to output audio information transmitted from the Internet N (communications network) via a router 1. A television TV is installed inside this home 2.

[0094] As shown in Figure 9, the alarm device T has a case 3, as well as a human sensor 4, a speaker 5 (an example of an audio output device), a gas sensor 6, a receiving sensor S, and an information control unit Ta. This alarm device T has a gas leak detection function.

[0095] Furthermore, this alarm device T has an information control unit Ta built into the case 3. The information control unit Ta has a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MCU (Micro Controller Unit), and the like.

[0096] 8 or 10, the information control unit Ta includes an alarm output unit 21, a presence / absence determination unit 22, an information receiving unit 23, an output control unit 24 (including an output suppression module 24a), a specific information registration unit 28 (an example of a determination information acquisition unit), a program information acquisition unit 29, and a storage unit 26. The program information acquisition unit 29, which will be described in detail later, acquires program information from an external program providing server 12 via the Internet N by receiving infrared rays output from a remote controller RC in response to a manual operation.

[0097] The information control unit Ta receives the detection signal from the gas sensor 6 and the detection signal from the human sensor 4. It also acquires information transmitted from the outside via the router 1. Furthermore, the information control unit Ta outputs information to the alarm lamp 7 and the speaker 5.

[0098] The presence / absence determination unit 22, information receiving unit 23, output control unit 24, specific information registration unit 28, and program information acquisition unit 29 are configured as software, but may also include some hardware.

[0099] The alarm output unit 21 is composed of a dedicated circuit that turns on the alarm lamp 7 by determining that the gas concentration detected by the gas sensor 6 has exceeded a threshold value. The storage unit 26 uses a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or an EEPROM.

[0100] The presence / absence determining unit 22 determines the presence of a person using the human sensor 4. The information receiving unit 23 acquires voice information transmitted via the Internet N (communication network).

[0101] [Control Overview] As shown in FIG. 8, in this third embodiment, when the acquired information (information acquired by the program information acquisition unit 29) included in the program information of a program viewed on a television TV as a pre-set information terminal matches the specific information, the output suppression module 24a suppresses the output of the audio information even if the audio information can be output to the speaker 5.

[0102] The specific information is made up of terms such as the program genre, program title, and names of actors appearing in the program. This specific information is registered when the information control unit Ta obtains it via a personal computer external to the alarm device T, or when the information control unit Ta (specific information registration section 28) obtains information from a server connected to the Internet N.

[0103] Although not described in the following control modes, the output suppression module 24a also stops the output of audio information in a situation where the human sensor 4 cannot detect a person.

[0104] To determine whether a television TV (information terminal) is being viewed, the output suppression module 24a acquires program information (an example of specific information) via the Internet N, and the information control unit Ta acquires information when the television TV's remote controller RC is operated via the receiving sensor S. While Fig. 8 assumes a configuration in which a program received via an antenna 31 is viewed, the television TV may also be one in which programs are viewed via a communication cable or the Internet N.

[0105] Based on the program information thus acquired, the output suppression module 24a suppresses the output of audio information based on the determination.

[0106] [Control mode of the third embodiment] As shown in the flowchart of Figure 4, after executing the output determination routine (#C) set as a subroutine, audio information is acquired via the Internet N (step #101), and if the audio information is not important information (No in step #102), or if the timer set in the output determination routine (#C) has timed out (including the count value being 0), the audio information is output from the speaker 5 (step #104).

[0107] If the audio information is important information (Yes in step #102), the audio information is output regardless of the count value of the timer (step #104).

[0108] As described above, in the third embodiment, the flowchart of FIG. 4 is basically the same as that described in the first embodiment, and only the output determination routine (#C) is different from that in the first embodiment.

[0109] As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11, in the output determination routine (#C), the program information acquisition section 29 acquires program information from the program providing server 12 based on operation information of the remote controller RC (step #01C).

[0110] The operation information of the remote controller RC is acquired by the receiving sensor S receiving an infrared signal transmitted by the remote controller RC during operation.

[0111] The term information contained in the program information thus obtained is obtained, and the output suppression module 24a compares the term information with the specific information (step #02C). Note that there are multiple pieces of term information and specific information, and each is compared in step #02C.

[0112] Next, if the program being viewed on television TV is a program for which program information has been acquired, and the comparison results in a match between the term information and the specific information (Yes in step #03C), the count value is set so that it will time out at the end of the broadcast, and the suppression counter begins counting (step #04C).

[0113] In this output determination routine (#C), after the suppression timer starts operating, the count value is decremented at each set time, and when the count value reaches 0, the timer is up.

[0114] In this way, by operating the remote controller RC to watch a program, program information is automatically acquired, and term information contained in this program information is acquired and compared with pre-registered specific information. If a match is found as a result of this comparison, no audio information, except for important information, is output from the speaker 5 until the broadcast ends, so there is no unpleasant feeling. Also, when viewing ends, the suppression timer automatically times out, so that audio information is output. Instead of using the suppression timer in this way, it is also possible to set a control form that suppresses the output of audio information until information indicating the end of the program is acquired.

[0115] [Different control mode of the third embodiment] As a different control form, it is conceivable to set the control form so that in a situation where a person is watching television TV (a situation where viewing has already started), the program information acquisition unit 29 acquires information about the channel currently being watched, and the output suppression module 24a compares the term information contained in the acquired program information with the specific information.

[0116] If the comparison shows that the term information and the specific information match, the control mode may be set so that the count value is set to time out at the broadcast end time and the suppression counter starts counting.

[0117] As a result, no audio information, except for important information, is output from the speaker 5 until viewing of the television TV is finished, and no unpleasant sound is heard. Also, when viewing is finished, the suppression timer automatically times out, and audio information is output.

[0118] [Fourth embodiment] This fourth embodiment uses an audio information output system X having a configuration similar to that shown in Figure 8, and an alarm device T (audio information output device A) is installed inside a typical home 2 to output audio information transmitted from the Internet N (communications network) via a router 1. A television TV (an example of an information terminal) is also installed inside this home 2.

[0119] 12, an application server 13 is connected to the Internet N and is configured to execute a predetermined application installed on either the television TV or the application server 13. In this specification, when an application is executed on either the television TV or the application server 13, it may be expressed as the application being executed on the television TV.

[0120] The information control unit Ta of the alarm device T comprises an alarm output section 21, a presence / absence determination section 22, an information receiving section 23, an output control section 24 (including an output suppression module 24a), an application execution determination section 33, and a memory section 26.

[0121] The presence / absence determining unit 22, the information receiving unit 23, the output control unit 24, and the application execution determining unit 33 are configured by software, but may also include hardware in part.

[0122] The alarm output unit 21 is composed of a dedicated circuit that turns on the alarm lamp 7 by determining that the gas concentration detected by the gas sensor 6 has exceeded a threshold value. The storage unit 26 uses a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or an EEPROM.

[0123] The presence / absence determining unit 22 determines the presence of a person using the human sensor 4. The information receiving unit 23 obtains information via the Internet N as to whether or not an application is being executed on the television TV.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 12, in this fourth embodiment, a television TV as a pre-configured information terminal is configured to connect to the Internet N (communication network) and execute a predetermined application installed either on the television TV or on an application server 13.

[0125] [Control mode of the fourth embodiment] As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14, information as to whether or not an application is running on the television TV is obtained, and if the application is running (Yes in step #201), the output of audio information is suppressed (output is prohibited) (step #202).

[0126] On the other hand, if the application is not running (No in step #201), audio information is output (step #203).

[0127] [Effects of the embodiment] In this way, by registering the voiceprint of a specific person (first embodiment) or specific words (second embodiment), when a specific person is having a conversation or when a conversation including specific words is taking place, the inconvenience of harsh audio information being output, excluding important information, is eliminated.

[0128] Furthermore, when a person watches television TV, the inconvenience of harsh audio information being output during viewing, excluding important information, can be eliminated simply by performing an operation such as booking a viewing session (third embodiment).

[0129] In addition, when information on an application such as a learning application, an accounting application, or a game is displayed on a television, the inconvenience of harsh audio information being output during execution, except for important information, is eliminated.

[0130] [Another embodiment] The present invention may be configured as follows in addition to the above-described embodiments (common numbers and symbols as in the embodiments are used to designate components having the same functions as in the embodiments).

[0131] (a) Any audio information that was not output is stored in the memory of the alarm device T, and can be output by human operation at the required timing.

[0132] To enable such output, it is conceivable to configure the alarm T so that it can issue a warning, such as by lighting a lamp to indicate that there is unoutput audio information, and to configure it so that output can be performed by operating a button or the like.

[0133] (b) As partially explained in the embodiment, the speaker may also be used as a microphone.

[0134] (c) The alarm device T is configured so that the processing for registering voiceprints and the processing for registering terms are carried out internally within the alarm device T. This means that there is no need to configure the alarm device T to acquire data from the processing terminal U.

[0135] (d) An output suppression module suppresses the output of audio information based on the sounds in the environment picked up by the microphone. A form of suppressing the output of audio information that stops the output of all audio information prevents people from being aware of the audio information. Another form of suppressing the output of audio information that significantly reduces the volume of the audio information or significantly reduces the volume of only the beginning of the audio information outputs audio information that is not unpleasant to the ear, but does not cause the inconvenience of being distracted by the audio information.

[0136] Furthermore, the configurations disclosed in the above embodiments (including other embodiments, the same applies below) can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradictions arise. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are examples, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope that does not deviate from the purpose of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0137] The present invention can be used in an audio information output device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 5: Speaker (audio output device) 9: Microphone 13: Application server (server) 23: Information acquisition department 24: Output control section 24a: Output suppression module 25: Voiceprint processing unit (judgment condition acquisition unit / external information acquisition unit) 25a: Voiceprint determination module (determination module) 26: Storage part 27: Terminology processing section (judgment condition acquisition section / external information acquisition section) 27a:Terminology Judgment Module (Judgment Module) 28: Specific Information Registration Department 29: Program information acquisition unit 33: Application server (server) A: Audio information output device N: Internet (communication network) RC: Remote Controller S: Receiving sensor T: Alarm (output terminal / audio information output device) Ta: Information and Control Unit TV: Television (information terminal) X: Audio information output system

Claims

1. an audio information output device that is installed in an environment where a person may be present; and an information control unit that controls output of audio information in the audio information output device, The audio information output device includes: an audio output device that outputs the audio information; and an output control unit that outputs the audio information from the audio output device, The information control unit a determination information acquisition unit that acquires determination information; an external information acquisition unit that acquires external information; a determination module that determines whether the external information matches the determination information, i.e., whether the external information matches the determination information, or whether the external information does not match the determination information, i.e., whether the external information does not match the determination information; an output suppression module that suppresses output of the audio information from the audio output device when the determination module determines that the match is established; a storage unit that stores the determination information.

2. the audio information output device is configured as an output terminal, The output terminal includes the audio output device and a microphone for acquiring sounds in an environment in which the output terminal is installed; a voiceprint processing unit that functions as the determination information acquisition unit and the external information acquisition unit, the voiceprint processing unit acquires registered voiceprint information as the determination information, voiceprint information of a preset person, and acquires target voiceprint information as the external information, based on the voiceprint information of the voice acquired by the microphone; 2. The voice information output system according to claim 1, wherein the judgment module is configured as an output suppression module that suppresses output of the voice information when a matching rate between the target voiceprint information and the registered voiceprint information exceeds a set value, and allows output of the voice information when the matching rate is equal to or less than the set value.

3. the audio information output device is configured as an output terminal, The output terminal includes the audio output device and a microphone for acquiring sounds in an environment where the output terminal is installed; a term processing unit that functions as the determination information acquisition unit and the external information acquisition unit, the term processing unit acquires registered term information as the determination information of term information of a preset person, and acquires the term information of the voice acquired by the microphone as target term information as the external information; The audio information output system of claim 1, wherein the determination module is configured as an output suppression module that suppresses the output of the audio information when it determines that the target term information and the registered term information match, and allows the output of the audio information when there is no match.

4. the audio information output device is configured as an output terminal, an information terminal is installed in the environment where the output terminal is installed; the output terminal has the audio output device, the determination information acquisition unit is configured as a specific information registration unit that registers specific information as the determination information, the external information acquisition unit is configured as an information acquisition unit that acquires the acquired information as the external information via a communication network, The audio information output system of claim 1, wherein the judgment module is configured as an output suppression module that suppresses the output of the audio information when it determines that the specific information registered in the specific information registration unit matches the acquired information.

5. the information terminal is a television, the acquired information is a term included in the television program information, the specific information is registered term information, In the output terminal, a program information acquisition unit configured as the information acquisition unit acquires the program information based on a human operation for selecting a program to be viewed on the television, and sets term information as the acquired information based on terms included in the program information; the determination module determines whether or not there is a match between the specific information and the term information; The audio information output system of claim 4, wherein the output suppression module suppresses the output of the audio information when the judgment module determines that there is a match, and allows the output of the audio information when the judgment module determines that there is no match.

6. The television is capable of using a remote controller that can select programs by outputting infrared rays, the output terminal includes a receiving sensor that receives the infrared light; 6. The audio information output system according to claim 5, wherein the program information acquisition unit acquires the program information from an external server via the communication network by receiving the infrared rays output from the remote controller in response to a manual operation.

7. the audio information output device is configured as an output terminal, the output terminal has the audio output device, the output terminal includes an external information acquisition unit that, when an application controlled based on information transmitted from a predetermined server via a communication network is executed on an information terminal located in an environment in which the output terminal is installed, acquires from the external information acquired from the server via the communication network that the application is being executed; the determination information acquisition unit acquires, from the external information, whether or not the application is being executed as the determination information; The audio information output system of claim 1, wherein the determination module is configured as an output suppression module that suppresses the output of the audio information when it determines that the application is running, and allows the output of the audio information when the application is not running.

8. an output terminal configured to output voice information transmitted from an external device and consisting of human language; The output terminal includes an audio output device that outputs the audio information transmitted from an external device; a microphone for acquiring sound in an environment in which the output terminal is installed; an output suppression module that suppresses the output of the audio information based on the environmental sound acquired by the microphone when the audio information can be output.

9. a storage unit that stores voiceprint information of a preset person as registered voiceprint information; a voiceprint processing unit that extracts voiceprint information as target voiceprint information from the environmental sound acquired by the microphone; a voiceprint determination module that outputs a match rate between the target voiceprint information and the registered voiceprint information; 9. The voice information output device according to claim 8, wherein the output suppression module suppresses output of the voice information when the matching rate between the target voiceprint information determined by the voiceprint determination module and the registered voiceprint information exceeds a set value, and allows output of the voice information when the matching rate is equal to or less than the set value.

10. a storage unit that stores predetermined terms as registered terms; a term processing unit that extracts, as target terms, terms included in human speech included in the environmental sound acquired by the microphone; a term determination module that determines whether or not the target term matches the registered term; The audio information output device described in claim 8, wherein the output suppression module suppresses the output of the audio information when the term determination module determines that the target term and the registered term match, and allows the output of the audio information when there is no match.

11. an output terminal configured to output voice information transmitted from an external device and consisting of human language; The output terminal includes an audio output device that outputs the audio information transmitted from an external device; a specific information registration unit where a person registers specific information; An audio information output device having an output suppression module that suppresses the output of the audio information when a person present in the environment where the output terminal is installed determines that the acquired information contained in the acquired information acquired from an information terminal installed in the environment matches the specific information registered in the specific information registration unit.

12. the information terminal is a television, the output terminal has a program information acquisition unit that acquires program information of a program selected by a human operation from the television from an external source, The audio information output device described in claim 11, wherein the output suppression module suppresses the output of the audio information when the registered specific information matches the term information contained in the program information acquired by the program information acquisition unit, and allows the output of the audio information when there is no match.

13. The television is capable of using a remote controller that can select programs by emitting infrared light; the output terminal includes a receiving sensor that receives the infrared light; 13. The audio information output device according to claim 12, wherein the program information acquisition unit acquires the program information from an external server via a communication network by receiving the infrared rays output from the remote controller in response to a manual operation.

14. an output terminal configured to output voice information transmitted from an external device and consisting of human language; The output terminal includes an audio output device that outputs the audio information transmitted from an external device; An audio information output device comprising: an output suppression module that suppresses output of the audio information when it is determined from information acquired via a network that an application is running on the information terminal.

Images