Notification control device, method, program, and on-vehicle notification system

Abstract

To notify a subject of various kinds of information across multiple sections by using vibration.SOLUTION: A controller assigns a vibration parameter unique to each of a plurality of types of information, and notifies a subject of notification target information by vibrating a vibration device by using the vibration parameter assigned to the notification target information when notifying the subject of the notification target information that belongs to any of the plurality of types of information. The controller varies the vibration parameter applied to the notification target information between a case where the notification target information (610, 620) includes information (612) of a first content and a case where it includes information (622) of a second content, thereby distinguishing and notifying the subject of the information of the first content and the information of the second content.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a notification control device, a method, a program, and an in-vehicle notification system. [Background technology]

[0002] Although notification by display or sound is generally adopted as information notification, notification by vibration is also sometimes adopted (see Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-225877 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Since notifications by vibration have a smaller information capacity than notifications by display or sound, it is difficult to notify the subject of a wide variety of information (to make the subject aware of it).

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a technique for notifying a subject of a wide variety of information using vibrations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A notification control device according to the present invention notifies a target person of information by applying vibrations to the target person using a vibration device, and includes a controller that selectively notifies the target person of multiple types of information using the vibration device. The controller assigns a unique vibration parameter to each of the multiple types of information, and when notifying the target person of notification target information belonging to any of the multiple types of information, notifies the target person of the notification target information by vibrating the vibration device using the vibration parameter assigned to the notification target information. The controller differentiates the vibration parameter for the notification target information when the notification target information includes first content information and when the notification target information includes second content information, thereby distinguishing between the first content information and the second content information and notifying the target person. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This allows the subject to recognize detailed information by using different vibration parameters, even if the type of information to be notified is the same. In other words, it becomes possible to notify the subject of a wide variety of information by vibration, thereby increasing the amount of information that can be notified by vibration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a person who should receive a notification and other components according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is an external perspective view of a seat provided in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an in-vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an in-vehicle device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a sensing unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a vibration device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of a vibration device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the installation positions of vibrators in a seat according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams illustrating a plurality of types of vibration output methods according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a vibration data table according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams of vibration patterns according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a vibration waveform according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of vibration parameters according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of frequency modulation according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of intensity modulation according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of a vibration repetition process according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a sentence to be notified that is made up of multiple elements according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 1A to 1C are explanatory diagrams of a method for setting vibration parameters according to numerical information according to a first example belonging to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a method for setting vibration parameters according to distance information according to a second example belonging to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a method for setting vibration parameters according to direction information according to a third example belonging to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a method for setting vibration parameters according to direction information according to a third example belonging to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a controller involved in information notification processing according to a fourth example of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23]FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a controller involved in information notification processing according to a fourth example of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of vibration positions set on a seat according to a seventh example of an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions of the same parts will be omitted as a general rule. In this specification, for the sake of simplicity, symbols or signs referring to information, signals, physical quantities, functional units, circuits, elements, or components may be used, and the names of the information, signals, physical quantities, functional units, circuits, elements, or components corresponding to the symbols or signs may be omitted or abbreviated.

[0010] FIG. 1 shows the relationship between person U1 and other components assumed in an embodiment of the present invention. Person U1 is a person who is a recipient of notification and a user of the in-vehicle system 1 and the in-vehicle device 10, and will be referred to as user U1 hereinafter. User U1 rides in any type of vehicle. The vehicle in which user U1 rides is referred to as the host vehicle V1. Therefore, user U1 is an occupant of the host vehicle V1. The host vehicle V1 is assumed to be a car or the like that runs on a road. In this embodiment, it is assumed that user U1 is the driver of the host vehicle V1. Hereinafter, when simply referring to a driver, this refers to the driver of the host vehicle V1 (hence, user U1). However, user U1 may also be an occupant other than the driver (i.e., a passenger in the host vehicle V1).

[0011] An in-vehicle system 1 is installed in a host vehicle V1. The in-vehicle system 1 has a notification function for sending various notifications to a user U1, and when focusing on the notification function, the in-vehicle system 1 functions as an in-vehicle notification system. The in-vehicle system 1 may have functions other than the notification function (for example, a driving assistance function, a navigation function), and therefore it can be said that the in-vehicle system 1 includes an in-vehicle notification system.

[0012] A seat ST1 is installed in the cabin of the host vehicle V1. A user U1 sits in the seat ST1. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the seat ST1. Here, it is assumed that the user U1 is the driver, and therefore the seat ST1 is the driver's seat. Hereinafter, when simply referred to as the cabin, it refers to the cabin of the host vehicle V1 unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, hereinafter, when simply referred to as the inside of the vehicle, it refers to the internal area of ​​the host vehicle V1 unless otherwise specified, and when simply referred to as the outside of the vehicle, it refers to the external area of ​​the host vehicle V1 unless otherwise specified.

[0013] The direction from the driver's seat of the host vehicle V1 toward the steering wheel is defined as "forward," and the direction from the steering wheel of the host vehicle V1 toward the driver's seat is defined as "rearward." The direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction and parallel to the road surface on which the host vehicle V1 is traveling is defined as the left-to-right direction. The direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction and perpendicular to the left-to-right direction is defined as the up-to-down direction. The user U1 sits in seat ST1 facing forward. The front-to-rear direction, left-to-right direction, and up-to-down direction correspond to the front-to-rear direction, left-to-right direction, and up-to-down direction as seen from the user U1. Unless otherwise specified below, the traveling direction of the host vehicle V1 is assumed to be the forward direction.

[0014] To further clarify the explanation, the relationships between the mutually perpendicular X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis and the front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-to-down directions are defined as follows: The X-axis direction is parallel to the left-to-right direction. The Y-axis is parallel to the front-to-back direction. The Z-axis is parallel to the up-to-down direction. The direction from left to right coincides with the direction from the negative side to the positive side of the X-axis. The direction from rear to front coincides with the direction from the negative side to the positive side of the Y-axis. The direction from bottom to top coincides with the direction from the negative side to the positive side of the Z-axis.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 2, the seat ST1 has a seat surface ST1a and a backrest ST1b. When a user U1 sits on the seat ST1, the backs of the thighs and buttocks of the user U1 come into contact with the seat surface ST1a, and the back of the user U1 comes into contact with the backrest ST1b. More specifically, the seat surface ST1a has a seating surface that is approximately parallel to the X-axis and Y-axis, and when the user U1 sits on the seat ST1, the backs of the user U1 come into contact with the seating surface. The backrest ST1b has a backrest surface that is approximately parallel to the X-axis and Z-axis, and when the user U1 sits on the seat ST1, the back of the user U1 comes into contact with the backrest surface.

[0016] FIG. 3 shows a schematic block diagram of the in-vehicle system 1. The in-vehicle system 1 includes an in-vehicle device 10, a cruise control device 20, an actuator unit 30, a sensing unit 40, and an HMI 50. Each component of the in-vehicle system 1 is installed in an appropriate location in the vehicle V1. The components of the in-vehicle system 1 can transmit and receive any signals and information to and from each other through an in-vehicle network formed in the vehicle V1. The in-vehicle network includes, for example, a CAN (Controller Area Network) and an AVCLAN (Audio Visual Communication Local Area Network).

[0017] The in-vehicle device 10 has a function for realizing notifications to the user U1. For this reason, the in-vehicle device 10 has a notification control device. Alternatively, the in-vehicle device 10 can be called a notification control device. The in-vehicle device 10 may also have functions other than the notification control device function (for example, a drive recorder function). The actual notification is performed by operating the HMI 50 under the control of the in-vehicle device 10. In other words, various notifications are performed to the user U1 through cooperation between the in-vehicle device 10 and the HMI 50.

[0018] The cruise control device 20 controls the cruise of the host vehicle V1 using the actuator unit 30. The actuator unit 30 has various drive components, such as a motor, that enable the host vehicle V1 to cruise. Specifically, the actuator unit 30 includes an engine and a motor that generate drive force for the host vehicle V1, a steering actuator that drives the steering mechanism of the host vehicle V1, and a brake actuator that drives the brakes of the host vehicle V1. The sensing unit 40 includes a sensor that detects the driving operation of the host vehicle V1 by the driver of the host vehicle V1, a sensor that detects various states of the host vehicle V1, and a sensor that detects conditions inside and outside the vehicle. Sensing information is output from the sensing unit 40. The sensing information is supplied to the in-vehicle device 10 and the cruise control device 20. The cruise control device 20 can drive and control the actuator unit 30 based on the sensing information. The sensing information includes various information and signals generated or detected by each component of the sensing unit 40 (see FIG. 5).

[0019] The HMI 50 is a human machine interface and includes a display device 51, a speaker 52, a microphone 53, an operation input unit 54, and a vibration device 55.

[0020] The display device 51 has a display screen such as a liquid crystal display panel, and displays any video (image) under the control of the in-vehicle device 10 or a display control device (not shown). The display device 51 is installed in an appropriate location within the cabin of the host vehicle V1 so that each occupant of the host vehicle V1 can see the display content of the display device 51. Multiple display devices 51 may be installed within the cabin of the host vehicle V1. The display device 51 may be a component of a car navigation system installed in the host vehicle V1. The car navigation system may be included in the in-vehicle system 1. The display device 51 may be a display device provided in an information terminal (smartphone, etc.) brought into the host vehicle V1. In the following description, "display" refers to a display on the display device 51, unless otherwise specified.

[0021] The speaker 52 outputs any sound (message, warning sound, music, etc.) under the control of the in-vehicle device 10 or an audio device (not shown). The speaker 52 is installed in an appropriate location in the cabin of the host vehicle V1 so that each occupant of the host vehicle V1 can hear the sound output from the speaker 52. Multiple speakers 52 may be installed in the cabin of the host vehicle V1. The speaker 52 may be a speaker provided in the information terminal. In the following description, sound and audio output refers to sound and audio output from the speaker 52 unless otherwise specified.

[0022] The microphone 53 picks up ambient sounds around the location where the microphone 53 is installed and converts them into an electrical audio signal. The audio signal obtained by the conversion of the microphone 53 is called a microphone signal. The microphone 53 is installed at an appropriate location in the cabin of the host vehicle V1 so that the signal components of the speech sounds of each occupant of the host vehicle V1 are included in the microphone signal (i.e., so that the speech sounds are included in the content of the sound picked up by the microphone 53). Multiple microphones 53 may be installed in the cabin of the host vehicle V1. The microphone 53 may be a microphone provided in the information terminal.

[0023] The operation input unit 54 receives arbitrary operations from each occupant of the vehicle V1. The operation input unit 54 can be configured with operation buttons, a touch panel, or the like. The operation input unit 54 may also be an operation input unit provided in the information terminal.

[0024] The vibration device 55 generates vibrations under the control of the in-vehicle device 10. The vibrations generated by the vibration device 55 are applied to the user U1. The installation position of the vibration device 55 is arbitrary as long as it can provide the desired vibration to the user U1, but here it is assumed that the vibration device 55 is installed on the seat ST1. Therefore, under the control of the in-vehicle device 10, the vibration device 55 vibrates the seat ST1, and the vibrations are perceived by the user U1.

[0025] 4 shows the internal configuration of the in-vehicle device 10. The in-vehicle device 10 includes a controller 11, a memory 12, a communication unit 13, and a recording medium 14.

[0026] The controller 11 includes a processing unit 11a including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) as hardware resources. The controller 11 may execute a program recorded in the memory 12 or any other recording medium to realize any function, operation, and process that should be realized by the controller 11. All or part of the operations performed by the controller 11 described below may be understood to be operations performed by the processing unit 11a. In the following description, "the controller 11 notifies the user U1" means that the controller 11 notifies the user U1 using the HMI 50, and in this case, the controller 11 controls the HMI 50 so that the information to be notified is output from the HMI 50 to the user U1.

[0027] The memory 12 is configured to include a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a flash memory, and a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 12 stores various data referenced by the controller 11 as well as various programs to be executed by the controller 11.

[0028] The communication unit 13 is a communication circuit (communication module) that transmits and receives arbitrary signals between the in-vehicle device 10 and a counterpart device different from the in-vehicle device 10. The communication unit 13 may be a communication circuit (communication module) provided outside the in-vehicle device 10. The communication circuit provided outside the in-vehicle device 10 may be a communication circuit shared by multiple components that make up the in-vehicle system 1. The communication unit 13 may be a communication circuit (communication module) provided in an information terminal (smartphone, etc.) brought into the vehicle V1. The counterpart device for the communication unit 13 includes components other than the in-vehicle device 10 among the components of the in-vehicle system 1 shown in FIG. 3. The communication unit 13 can communicate with the counterpart device via an in-vehicle network formed in the vehicle V1. The counterpart device for the communication unit 13 may include an external device (server device, etc.) connected to an external network including the Internet. Note that the controller 11 can transmit and receive arbitrary information to and from the counterpart device using the communication unit 13, but the description of the communication unit 13 may be omitted below.

[0029] The recording medium 14 is a nonvolatile recording medium made up of a magnetic disk, a flash memory, or the like, and stores (records) any information in a nonvolatile manner. The controller 11 is capable of recording any information on the recording medium 14 and reading any information recorded on the recording medium 14. The recording medium 14 may be detachable from the in-vehicle device 10. The recording medium 14 may be installed outside the in-vehicle device 10 and within the in-vehicle system 1. If the in-vehicle device 10 has a drive recorder function, the controller 11 can record image data of images captured by a camera 41 or 42 (described later) on the recording medium 14.

[0030] 5 shows the internal configuration of the sensing unit 40. The sensing unit 40 includes an exterior camera 41, an interior camera 42, and an exterior microphone 43.

[0031] The exterior camera 41 consists of one or more cameras that capture images of the outside of the vehicle V1. The exterior camera 41 has a capture area set outside the vehicle V1, and generates an exterior camera image by capturing images of the scene within the capture area. The exterior camera image is an image captured in the capture area of ​​the exterior camera 41. Image information showing the exterior camera image is called exterior image information. The exterior image information is transmitted to the in-vehicle device 10 and the driving control device 20. The exterior camera 41 captures images at a predetermined frame rate.

[0032] The in-vehicle camera 42 consists of one or more cameras that capture images of the interior of the vehicle V1. The in-vehicle camera 42 has a capture area set inside the vehicle V1 (i.e., the interior of the vehicle V1), and generates an in-vehicle camera image by capturing images of the capture area. The in-vehicle camera image is an image captured in the capture area by the in-vehicle camera 42. Image information showing the in-vehicle camera image is referred to as in-vehicle image information. The in-vehicle image information is transmitted to the in-vehicle device 10 and the driving control device 20. The in-vehicle camera 42 captures images at a predetermined frame rate.

[0033] The exterior microphone 43 picks up ambient sounds around its installation position and converts the picked up sounds into electrical signals. The electrical signals obtained by the conversion of the exterior microphone 43 are called exterior microphone signals. The exterior microphone signals are transmitted to the in-vehicle device 10 and the driving control device 20. The exterior microphone 43 is installed at a specified position on the body of the host vehicle V1 and picks up sounds generated outside the host vehicle V1.

[0034] The sensing unit 40 further includes sensors 45a to 45h. The sensors 45a, 45b, and 45c are an accelerator pedal sensor, a brake pedal sensor, and a steering sensor, respectively. The host vehicle V1 is provided with operational components that receive driving operations from the driver, including an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, and a steering wheel. The sensors 45d, 45e, 45f, 45g, and 45h are a vehicle speed sensor, a steering angle sensor, a G sensor, a distance measurement sensor, and a GPS sensor, respectively.

[0035] The accelerator pedal sensor 45a detects the operation of the accelerator pedal of the host vehicle V1 by the driver of the host vehicle V1 and generates and outputs accelerator pedal operation information indicating the operation of the accelerator pedal. The brake pedal sensor 45b detects the operation of the brake pedal of the host vehicle V1 by the driver of the host vehicle V1 and generates and outputs brake pedal operation information indicating the operation of the brake pedal. The steering sensor 45c detects the operation of the steering wheel of the host vehicle V1 by the driver of the host vehicle V1 and generates and outputs steering operation information indicating the operation of the steering wheel. The vehicle speed sensor 45d detects the speed of the host vehicle V1 and generates and outputs vehicle speed information (vehicle speed pulse) indicating the detected speed. The steering angle sensor 45e detects the steering angle (steering angle) of the host vehicle V1 and generates and outputs steering angle information indicating the detected steering angle. The G sensor 45f detects acceleration in a predetermined axial direction applied to the host vehicle V1 and generates and outputs the detected acceleration information. The G sensor 45f may detect acceleration in two mutually orthogonal axial directions, or may detect acceleration in three mutually orthogonal axial directions.

[0036] The ranging sensor 45g performs ranging to generate and output ranging information. The ranging sensor 45g detects the distance between the vehicle V1 and a three-dimensional object (a three-dimensional object) located within a ranging area around the vehicle V1, and also detects the orientation of the object as viewed from the vehicle V1. These detection results are included in the ranging information. The ranging sensor 45g may be configured with a LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor that uses light to measure ranging, or a radar that uses radio waves to measure ranging. The ranging sensor 45g may be configured with a combination of LIDAR and radar. The GPS sensor 45h receives signals from multiple GPS satellites that form the GPS (Global Positioning System) and generates and outputs vehicle position information based on the received signals. The vehicle position information generated by the GPS sensor 45h represents the current location (current position) of the vehicle V1 using longitude and latitude, or represents the current location of the vehicle V1 using longitude, latitude, and altitude. Other sensors (for example, a shift lever sensor, a door lock sensor, a rain sensor, and an illuminance sensor) are also provided in the sensing unit 40.

[0037] The sensing information includes outside-vehicle image information, inside-vehicle image information, and outside-vehicle microphone signals, as well as information generated by sensors 45a to 45h. The outside-vehicle image information, outside-vehicle microphone signals, and distance measurement information correspond to information representing the surrounding environment of the host vehicle V1. The information generated by sensors 45a to 45c corresponds to information representing the driving operation content of the host vehicle V1. The information generated by sensors 45d to 45f corresponds to information representing the traveling state of the host vehicle V1. Note that some of the components 41 to 43 and 45a to 45h shown in FIG. 5 may be omitted.

[0038] FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the vibration device 55. The vibration device 55 includes a plurality of vibration units 56, each having a drive circuit 57 and a vibrator 58. The plurality of vibration units 56 have the same configuration. However, the total number of vibration units 56 may be one. The in-vehicle device 10 can supply an acoustic signal Ain to each vibration unit 56. The acoustic signal Ain supplied to the vibration unit 56 is hereinafter referred to as an input acoustic signal Ain. In each vibration unit 56, the drive circuit 57 amplifies the input acoustic signal Ain and supplies the amplified input acoustic signal Ain, that is, a drive acoustic signal Adrv, to the vibrator 58. Note that the signal that vibrates the vibration unit 56 is electrically the same as the acoustic signal that vibrates an audio speaker to output sound. For this reason, the signal that vibrates the vibration unit 56 is referred to as an acoustic signal. The acoustic signal that vibrates the vibration unit 56 can be generated using a digital signal processor or various acoustic circuits, similar to the acoustic signal that vibrates an acoustic speaker. The characteristics of the acoustic signal can be adjusted by providing appropriate control parameters to the digital signal processor or adjusting the circuit constants of the various acoustic circuits. The vibrator 58 is an electro-acoustic converter (vibration converter) consisting of an electromagnetic circuit such as a magnet and a coil, or a piezoelectric element, and converts the drive acoustic signal Adrv, which is an electrical signal supplied to it, into mechanical vibration. That is, upon receiving the drive acoustic signal Adrv, the vibrator 58 generates vibrations corresponding to the drive acoustic signal Adrv (and thus generates vibrations corresponding to the input acoustic signal Ain). The vibrations generated by the vibration device 55 (specifically, the vibrations generated by the vibrator 58) are imparted to the user U1. The in-vehicle device 10 (controller 11) can selectively supply the input acoustic signal Ain to only some of the multiple vibration units 56. The vibration unit 56 may be driven by a vibration signal obtained by performing appropriate signal processing on the input acoustic signal Ain (i.e., the vibration signal is input to the vibration unit 56). The signal processing includes, for example, a filter process that limits the frequency band of the input acoustic signal Ain, a frequency division process that reduces the frequency of the input acoustic signal Ain, or a frequency shift process.Specifically, the filter processing may be processing using a low-pass filter that extracts low-frequency components (frequency bands in which people are more likely to sense vibrations) from the input sound signal Ain. By the above signal processing, a signal (drive signal) suitable for transmitting vibrations to the user U1 can be obtained.

[0039] The vibrator 58 may be installed in any position as long as it can provide the desired vibration to the user U1. Here, the vibrator 58 is assumed to be installed in the seat ST1. Furthermore, the plurality of vibration units 56 includes three vibration units 56, vibrating units 56L, 56C, and 56R, as shown in FIG. 7, so as to be able to individually vibrate the left, center, and right portions of the user U1's body. The input acoustic signals Ain to the vibration units 56L, 56C, and 56R are specifically referred to as input acoustic signals AinL, AinC, and AinR, respectively. The drive circuits 57 in the vibration units 56L, 56C, and 56R are specifically referred to as drive circuits 57L, 57C, and 57R, respectively. The vibrators 58 in the vibration units 56L, 56C, and 56R are specifically referred to as vibrators 58L, 58C, and 58R, respectively. Therefore, the vibrator 58L generates vibrations according to the input acoustic signal AinL, the vibrator 58C generates vibrations according to the input acoustic signal AinC, and the vibrator 58R generates vibrations according to the input acoustic signal AinR.

[0040] The installation position of the vibrator 58 will be described with reference to Figures 8(a) and (b). Figure 8(a) is a plan view of the seat ST1 as viewed from above, and Figure 8(b) is a plan view of the seat ST1 as viewed from behind. As shown in Figure 8(a), the seating surface ST1a has a central area Ca, a left area La located to the left of the central area Ca, and a right area Ra located to the right of the central area Ca. As shown in Figure 8(b), the backrest ST1b has a central area Cb, a left area Lb located to the left of the central area Cb, and a right area Rb located to the right of the central area Cb.

[0041] The vibrators 58 may be arranged in any of the following first to third arrangement methods. In the first arrangement method, the vibrator 58L is arranged in the left region La, the vibrator 58C is arranged in the center region Ca, and the vibrator 58R is arranged in the right region Ra. In the second arrangement method, the vibrator 58L is arranged in the left region Lb, the vibrator 58C is arranged in the center region Cb, and the vibrator 58R is arranged in the right region Rb. In the third arrangement method, two vibrating units 56L, 56C, and 56R are provided in the vibration device 55. In the third arrangement method, the two vibrators 58L in the two vibrating units 56L are referred to as vibrators 58L1 and 58L2. Similarly, the two vibrators 58C in the two vibrating units 56C are referred to as vibrators 58C1 and 58C2, and the two vibrators 58R in the two vibrating units 56R are referred to as vibrators 58R1 and 58R2. In the third arrangement method, transducer 58L1 is arranged in the left region La, transducer 58C1 is arranged in the center region Ca, and transducer 58R1 is arranged in the right region Ra. Additionally, in the third arrangement method, transducer 58L2 is arranged in the left region Lb, transducer 58C2 is arranged in the center region Cb, and transducer 58R2 is arranged in the right region Rb. In the third arrangement method, a common drive acoustic signal Adrv based on a common input acoustic signal AinL is supplied to transducers 58L1 and 58L2, or a drive acoustic signal Adrv based on the input acoustic signal AinL is supplied to one of transducers 58L1 and 58L2. Similarly, in the third arrangement method, a common drive acoustic signal Adrv based on a common input acoustic signal AinC is supplied to transducers 58C1 and 58C2, or a drive acoustic signal Adrv based on the input acoustic signal AinC is supplied to one of transducers 58C1 and 58C2. Similarly, in the third arrangement method, a common driving acoustic signal Adrv based on a common input acoustic signal AinR is supplied to the transducers 58R1 and 58R2, or a driving acoustic signal Adrv based on the input acoustic signal AinR is supplied to one of the transducers 58R1 and 58R2.

[0042] [Left side vibration output, center vibration output, right side vibration output, overall vibration output] The controller 11 can output left vibration, center vibration, right vibration, or whole vibration. Figures 9(a), (b), (c), and (d) show an overview of the left, center, right, and whole vibration outputs when the second placement method is adopted, but the same applies when the first or third placement method is adopted.

[0043] For the left vibration output, the controller 11 supplies the input acoustic signal Ain (i.e., AinL) only to the vibration unit 56L among the vibration units 56L, 56C, and 56R. Therefore, for the left vibration output, only the vibrator 58L among the vibrators 58L, 58C, and 58R vibrates in response to the input acoustic signal AinL, and as a result, vibrations by the vibrator 58L are imparted only to the left side of the body of the user U1.

[0044] At the central vibration output, the controller 11 supplies the input acoustic signal Ain (i.e., AinC) only to the vibration unit 56C among the vibration units 56L, 56C, and 56R. Therefore, at the central vibration output, only the transducer 58C among the transducers 58L, 58C, and 58R vibrates in response to the input acoustic signal AinC, and as a result, vibrations by the transducer 58C are imparted only to the central part of the body of the user U1.

[0045] For the right vibration output, the controller 11 supplies the input acoustic signal Ain (i.e., AinR) only to the vibration unit 56R among the vibration units 56L, 56C, and 56R. Therefore, for the right vibration output, only the vibrator 58R among the vibrators 58L, 58C, and 58R vibrates in response to the input acoustic signal AinR, and as a result, vibrations by the vibrator 58R are imparted only to the right side of the body of the user U1.

[0046] In the whole vibration output, the controller 11 supplies the input acoustic signal Ain to all of the vibration units 56L, 56C, and 56R. Therefore, in the whole vibration output, the vibrators 58L, 58C, and 58R vibrate in response to the input acoustic signals AinL, AinC, and AinR. As a result, in the whole vibration output, the vibrators 58L, 58C, and 58R vibrate the entire left, central, and right portions of the body of the user U1. Note that the left portion of the body of the user U1 refers to the portion of the body of the user U1 to the left of the midline. Similarly, the right portion of the body of the user U1 refers to the portion of the body of the user U1 to the right of the midline. The central portion of the body of the user U1 refers to the portion between the left and right portions, which includes the midline.

[0047] [Information notification processing] The controller 11 performs information notification processing as processing for notifying the user U1 of various information based on the notification determination information. The notification determination information is mainly sensing information, but may also include information other than sensing information. In the information notification processing, the controller 11 can notify the user U1 of any information using any of a display notification format, a sound notification format, and a vibration notification format. The display notification format, the sound notification format, and the vibration notification format may also be referred to as a visual notification format, an auditory notification format, and a tactile notification format, respectively.

[0048] The display notification format is a notification format that affects the visual sense of user U1. In the display notification format, the information to be notified is displayed on the display screen 51 to notify the user U1 of the information to be notified. The sound notification format is a notification format that affects the auditory sense of user U1. In the sound notification format, the information to be notified is output as sound from the speaker 52 to notify the user U1 of the information to be notified. The vibration notification format is a notification format that affects the tactile sense of user U1. In the vibration notification format, the vibration device 55 is vibrated in a vibration mode associated with the information to be notified, thereby notifying the user U1 of the information to be notified. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, notification refers to a notification to user U1.

[0049] There are first to m-th types of information notified by the vibration notification format. Hereinafter, the first to m-th types of information will be referred to as first to m-th types of information, respectively (see FIG. 10). m represents an integer of 2 or more. In other words, there are m types of information notified by the vibration notification format, namely, first to m-th types of information, which are different from one another. The vibration modes of the vibration device 55 when notifying the first to m-th types of information are all different among the first to m-th types of information. For this reason, any integer i A and i B For the combination of A Species information and B The user U1 can be notified of the type information (i A and i B (These are two different natural numbers less than or equal to m.) User U1 receives the i-th notification by vibration notification format. A When you receive notification of the type of information, the notification you received will be A It can be recognized as information of a certain kind, and the first notification will be sent via vibration notification. B When you receive notification of the type of information, the notification you received will be B It can be recognized as type information. If user U1 is not yet accustomed to receiving notifications in the form of vibration notification, misrecognition may occur, but here it is assumed that such misrecognition will not occur unless particularly necessary. In the following description, when it is simply written as outputting the i-th type information, it means that the vibration device 55 is vibrated in a vibration mode associated with the i-th type information, and the i-th type information is notified to user U1 by outputting the i-th type information. i represents any integer.

[0050] The controller 11 determines which of the first to m-th types of information should be notified using the vibration device 55 based on the notification determination information, and notifies the user U1 of the information that has been decided to be notified. In other words, the controller 11 can selectively notify the user U1 of the first to m-th types of information using the vibration device 55.

[0051] [Vibration Data Table] 10 shows the vibration data table TBL1 used by the in-vehicle device 10. The vibration data table TBL1 stores, for each of the first to m-th types of information, notification content data, notification name data, vibration parameters, data on the presence or absence of number information, data on the presence or absence of distance information, and data on the presence or absence of direction information. The controller 11 can create the vibration data table TBL1 and store it in the memory 12 or the recording medium 14. However, creation of the vibration data table TBL1 is not essential.

[0052] The notification content data for the i-th type of information represents the content of the i-th type of information to be notified to user U1, and the notification name data for the i-th type of information represents the name of the notification of the i-th type of information. The vibration parameters are composed of a type parameter, a vibration position parameter, a number parameter, and a distance parameter. In FIG. 10, the contents of the vibration parameters for each of the first to m-th types of information are not shown. Details of the vibration parameters will be described later.

[0053] The presence / absence data of numerical information for the i-th type of information indicates whether the i-th type of information includes numerical information (information representing a number). If the i-th type of information includes numerical information, the presence / absence data of numerical information for the i-th type of information has a value of "1", and if the i-th type of information does not include numerical information, the presence / absence data of numerical information for the i-th type of information has a value of "0". The presence / absence data of distance information for the i-th type of information indicates whether the i-th type of information includes distance information (information representing distance). If the i-th type of information includes distance information, the presence / absence data of distance information for the i-th type of information has a value of "1", and if the i-th type of information does not include distance information, the presence / absence data of distance information for the i-th type of information has a value of "0". The data on the presence or absence of directional information for the i-th type of information indicates whether the i-th type of information includes directional information (information representing a direction). If the i-th type of information includes directional information, the data on the presence or absence of directional information for the i-th type of information has a value of "1", and if the i-th type of information does not include directional information, the data on the presence or absence of directional information for the i-th type of information has a value of "0".

[0054] The notification content data in the first type of information is the need for a lane change. In other words, the need for a lane change is notified to the user U1 by the notification of the first type of information. The name of the notification for the first type of information is a lane change notification (in other words, the notification by the first type of information is a lane change notification). The controller 11 can execute a navigation operation to guide the host vehicle V1 to a destination desired by the user U1. In the navigation operation, the controller 11 guides the host vehicle V1 along a driving route for driving the host vehicle V1 toward the destination. At this time, shortly before the host vehicle V1 reaches a point where it should turn right (hereinafter referred to as a right turn point), the controller 11 notifies the user U1 by notifying the first type of information that it should turn the host vehicle V1 right. Also, shortly before the host vehicle V1 reaches a point where it should turn left (hereinafter referred to as a left turn point), the controller 11 notifies the user U1 by notifying the first type of information that it should turn the host vehicle V1 left.

[0055] The first-type information specifies whether to change lanes to the right or left, and therefore includes direction information. Therefore, the presence / absence data for direction information for the first-type information has a value of "1." The controller 11 causes the vibration mode of the vibration device 55 to differ when notifying a right turn point and when notifying a left turn point by outputting the first-type information, so the user U1 can distinguish between the former and latter notifications. Furthermore, when outputting the first-type information, the controller 11 changes the vibration mode of the vibration device 55 depending on the distance between the host vehicle V1 and the right turn point or the left turn point. Therefore, the first-type information also includes distance information, and therefore the presence / absence data for distance information for the first-type information has a value of "1." The controller 11 can identify the distance between the host vehicle V1 and the right turn point or the left turn point based on map information of the area in which the host vehicle V1 is traveling and vehicle position information (see FIG. 5). The presence / absence data for number information for the first-type information has a value of "0."

[0056] The notification content data in the second type of information is the number of vehicles behind when changing lanes. In other words, the number of vehicles behind when changing lanes is notified to the user U1 by the notification of the second type of information. The name of the notification for the second type of information is notification of the number of vehicles behind (i.e., the notification by the second type of information is notification of the number of vehicles behind). A rear vehicle is a vehicle located behind the host vehicle V1. However, in this embodiment, a rear vehicle refers to a vehicle detected by the controller 11 among the vehicles located behind the host vehicle V1. The controller 11 can perform this detection based on at least one of outside-vehicle image information and distance measurement information, and this type of detection itself is well known as a blind spot monitor. The rear vehicles include a right rear vehicle located to the right and rear of the host vehicle V1, and a left rear vehicle located to the left and rear of the host vehicle V1. Lane changes include a right lane change, which changes the driving lane of the host vehicle V1 from the lane in which the host vehicle V1 is currently located to the lane to the right, and a left lane change, which changes the driving lane of the host vehicle V1 from the lane in which the host vehicle V1 is currently located to the lane to the left. Based on the operation of the user U1 on the turn signal installed on the host vehicle V1, the controller 11 can determine whether a right lane change or a left lane change is being performed. When the host vehicle V1 makes a right lane change, the number of vehicles behind is the number (total number) of vehicles behind to the right, and when the host vehicle V1 makes a left lane change, the number of vehicles behind is the number (total number) of vehicles behind to the left.

[0057] Since the second type of information indicates the number of vehicles behind, the presence / absence data of number information for the second type of information has a value of "1." When outputting the second type of information, the controller 11 changes the vibration mode of the vibration device 55 depending on the number of vehicles behind, so the user U1 can recognize the number of vehicles behind. Furthermore, the second type of information specifies whether the number of vehicles behind being notified is the number of vehicles behind to the right or the number of vehicles behind to the left, so it also includes direction information. Therefore, the presence / absence data of direction information for the second type of information has a value of "1." When outputting the second type of information, the controller 11 changes the vibration mode of the vibration device 55 depending on whether the number of vehicles behind to the right is notified or the number of vehicles behind to the left, so the user U1 can distinguish between the former notification and the latter notification. The presence / absence data of distance information for the second type of information has a value of "0."

[0058] The notification content data in the third type of information is the rear inter-vehicle distance when changing lanes. In other words, the notification of the third type of information notifies the user U1 of the rear inter-vehicle distance when changing lanes. The name of the notification for the third type of information is rear inter-vehicle distance notification (i.e., the notification by the third type of information is rear inter-vehicle distance notification). The rear inter-vehicle distance notified by outputting the third type of information when the host vehicle V1 makes a right lane change represents the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle V1 and the right rear vehicle that is closest to the host vehicle V1. The rear inter-vehicle distance notified by outputting the third type of information when the host vehicle V1 makes a left lane change represents the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle V1 and the left rear vehicle that is closest to the host vehicle V1. The controller 11 can identify these inter-vehicle distances based on at least one of the outside-vehicle image information and the distance measurement information.

[0059] Since the third type of information indicates the distance between the vehicles behind, the presence / absence data for the distance information for the third type of information has a value of "1." When outputting the third type of information, the controller 11 changes the vibration mode of the vibration device 55 depending on the distance between the vehicles behind, so that the user U1 can recognize the distance between the vehicles behind. The third type of information also includes direction information to distinguish whether the notified distance between the vehicle behind to the right and the vehicle V1 or the distance between the vehicle behind to the left and the vehicle V1. Therefore, the presence / absence data for the direction information for the third type of information has a value of "1." When outputting the third type of information, the controller 11 changes the vibration mode of the vibration device 55 depending on whether the notified distance between the vehicles behind when changing lanes to the right is notifying the user U1 of the distance between the vehicles behind when changing lanes to the left, so that the user U1 can distinguish between the former and latter notifications. The presence / absence data for the number information for the third type of information has a value of "0."

[0060] The notification content data in the fourth type of information is the presence of an approaching object. In other words, the user U1 is notified of the presence of an approaching object by the notification of the fourth type of information. The name of the notification for the fourth type of information is an approaching object notification (i.e., the notification by the fourth type of information is an approaching object notification). An approaching object refers to a three-dimensional object approaching the host vehicle V1. An approaching object is typically a moving moving object. The moving object is, for example, another vehicle, a person, or an animal. The other vehicle is a vehicle different from the host vehicle V1. However, when the host vehicle V1 approaches a stationary object (such as a wall or a utility pole) fixed to the ground due to the movement of the host vehicle V1, the stationary object can also be an approaching object. The controller 11 performs an approaching object detection process based on at least one of the outside-vehicle image information and the ranging information. In the approaching object detection process, the controller 11 can detect a three-dimensional object that is approaching the host vehicle V1 and whose distance from the body of the host vehicle V1 is within a predetermined distance as an approaching object. In the approaching object detection process, when the controller 11 detects an approaching object, it also detects the distance between the host vehicle V1 and the approaching object (the distance between the body of the host vehicle V1 and the approaching object), and also detects in which direction the approaching object is located as viewed from the host vehicle V1.

[0061] When the fourth type of information is output, the fourth type of information also indicates the distance between the host vehicle V1 and the approaching object. Therefore, the presence / absence data for distance information for the fourth type of information has a value of "1." When the fourth type of information is output, the controller 11 changes the vibration mode of the vibration device 55 depending on the distance between the host vehicle V1 and the approaching object, allowing the user U1 to recognize the distance between the host vehicle V1 and the approaching object. When the fourth type of information is output, the fourth type of information also indicates the direction in which the approaching object is located as viewed from the host vehicle V1, and therefore includes directional information. Therefore, the presence / absence data for directional information for the fourth type of information has a value of "1." For example, when the fourth type of information is output, the vibration mode of the vibration device 55 is changed depending on whether the approaching object is approaching the host vehicle V1 from the right side of the host vehicle V1 or the left side of the host vehicle V1, allowing the user U1 to distinguish between the former and latter cases. The presence / absence data for numerical information for the fourth type of information has a value of "0."

[0062] The notification content data in the fifth type of information is the toll road fee. In other words, the toll road fee is notified to user U1 by the notification of the fifth type of information. The name of the notification for the fifth type of information is a fee notification (i.e., the notification by the fifth type of information is a fee notification). The toll road referred to here refers to a toll road on which vehicle V1 is currently traveling or a toll road that vehicle V1 is about to enter, to which an electronic toll collection system (ETC) is applied. When vehicle V1 travels on a toll road, the fee that user U1 must pay to the operator of the toll road is paid cashlessly. Information indicating this fee is transmitted to controller 11 using well-known technology, and controller 11 can notify user U1 of the fee as the toll road fee by outputting the fifth type of information.

[0063] Since the fifth type of information indicates a number having a monetary unit, the presence / absence data of number information for the fifth type of information has a value of "1." When outputting the fifth type of information, the controller 11 changes the vibration mode of the vibration device 55 depending on the toll fee to be paid by the user U1, so that the user U1 can recognize the toll fee. The presence / absence data of distance information and the presence / absence data of direction information for the fifth type of information both have a value of "0."

[0064] The notification content data in the sixth type of information is pedal misapplication. In other words, the notification of the sixth type of information notifies the user U1 of pedal misapplication. The name of the notification for the sixth type of information is pedal misapplication notification (i.e., the notification by the sixth type of information is pedal misapplication notification). Pedal misapplication refers to strongly depressing the accelerator pedal in a situation where the accelerator pedal should not be strongly depressed. For example, when a nearby obstacle is present in the traveling direction of the host vehicle V1 or when the traveling direction of the host vehicle V1 is set to reverse, the operation of the user U1 to strongly depress the accelerator pedal corresponds to pedal misapplication. A nearby obstacle refers to an obstacle located around the host vehicle V1 that is located within a predetermined distance from the host vehicle V1 (e.g., a wall behind the host vehicle V1 when the host vehicle V1 is reversing). For example, the controller 11 can detect pedal misapplication based on accelerator pedal operation information and outside-vehicle image information. In this detection, the controller 11 can refer to the state of the shift lever that determines the traveling direction of the host vehicle V1.

[0065] The sixth type of information does not have number information, distance information, or direction information, so the presence / absence data of number information, distance information, and direction information for the sixth type of information all have a value of "0."

[0066] The notification content data in the seventh type of information is the departure of a vehicle in front. In other words, the user U1 is notified of the departure of a vehicle in front by the notification of the seventh type of information. The name of the notification for the seventh type of information is a notification of the departure of a vehicle in front (i.e., the notification by the seventh type of information is a notification of the departure of a vehicle in front). A vehicle in front is a vehicle located in front of the host vehicle V1. However, the vehicle in front of the seventh type of information refers to the vehicle located closest to the host vehicle V1 among the vehicles located in front of the host vehicle V1. The vehicle in front of the seventh type of information is photographed by the exterior camera 41, and the controller 11 can detect the departure of the vehicle in front based on the exterior image information. Distance measurement information may also be referenced in this detection. The departure of a vehicle in front is preferably detected when the host vehicle V1 is stopped (when the speed of the host vehicle V1 is zero).

[0067] The seventh type of information does not have number information, distance information, or direction information, so the presence / absence data of number information, distance information, and direction information for the seventh type of information all have a value of "0."

[0068] As examples of information notified in the vibration notification format, seven types of information, namely, the first to seventh types of information, have been specifically described. In addition to this, various types of information (for example, information notifying excessive speed or information notifying sudden braking) can be set as the eighth to mth types of information.

[0069] [Vibration pattern configuration] FIG. 11 shows the configuration of the vibration pattern of the vibration device 55. The vibration device 55 operates in units of vibration unit sections. The length of one vibration unit section is called the unit section length t UNT One vibration unit interval is called N Q There are N set intervals Q. Each set interval Q is P There are N stimulated intervals P. P and N Q Each of N has an integer greater than or equal to 1. P and N Q Each value of (N P ,N Q )=(3,2). Therefore, the vibration unit interval according to the example of Fig. 11 has two set intervals Q, and each set interval Q in the vibration unit interval according to the example of Fig. 11 has three stimulated intervals P.

[0070] In one vibration unit interval, the i-th set interval Q is specifically referred to as set interval Q[i]. The total number of set intervals Q included in one vibration unit interval (i.e., N Q If the value of is 1, one vibration unit interval is equal to the set interval Q[1]. If one vibration unit interval contains multiple set intervals Q (i.e., N Q≧2), a set interval ITVL_Q is provided between two adjacent set intervals Q. Therefore, the vibration unit interval according to the example of FIG. 11 is made up of set intervals Q[1] and Q[2], and a set interval ITVL_Q is provided between the set intervals Q[1] and Q[2]. The length of one set interval Q is defined as the set length t Q The set interval ITVL_Q has a finite length. For one vibration unit interval, the start time of the vibration unit interval and the start time of the set interval Q[1] coincide, and the end time of the vibration unit interval and the end time of the set interval Q[N Q ] end times match.

[0071] In one set section Q, the i-th stimulated section P is specifically referred to as the stimulated section P[i]. The total number of stimulated sections P included in one set section Q (i.e., N P If the value of is 1, one set interval Q is equal to the stimulated interval P[1]. If one set interval Q contains multiple stimulated intervals P (i.e., N P ≧2), a stimulation interval ITVL_P is provided between two adjacent stimulated intervals P. In the example of FIG. P = 3", each set section Q has stimulated sections P[1] to P[3], and a stimulation interval ITVL_P is provided between the stimulated section P[1] and the stimulated section P[2], and between the stimulated section P[2] and the stimulated section P[3]. The stimulation interval ITVL_P has a finite length. The stimulation interval ITVL_P provided between the stimulated section P[i] and the stimulated section P[i+1] is specifically referred to as the stimulation interval ITVL_P[i]. The length of one stimulated section P is called the stimulated length t P The length of the stimulated section P[i] is specifically the stimulated length t P For one set section Q, the start time of the set section Q and the start time of the stimulated section P[1] are the same, and the end time of the set section Q and the stimulated section P[N P ] end times match.

[0072] Of the vibrators 58L, 58C, and 58R, the vibrator that actually vibrates is referred to as the target vibrator. Therefore, the target vibrator is vibrator 58L when left vibration output is performed by the controller 11, vibrator 58C when center vibration output is performed, and vibrator 58R when right vibration output is performed. When the controller 11 performs a whole vibration output, the vibrators 58L, 58C, and 58R become the target vibrators, respectively (see FIGS. 9(a) to (d)). The vibration unit 56 having the target vibrator is referred to as the target vibration unit. Note that, of the vibrators 58L, 58C, and 58R, a vibrator different from the target vibrator may be referred to as a non-target vibrator, and the vibration unit 56 having the non-target vibrator may be referred to as a non-target vibration unit. Vibration does not occur in the vibrator 58 set as the non-target vibrator.

[0073] The controller 11 vibrates the target vibrator by supplying the input acoustic signal Ain to the target vibration unit only during the stimulated interval. Intervals other than the stimulated interval are called non-stimulation intervals. The controller 11 does not supply the input acoustic signal Ain to any vibration units 56, including the target vibration unit, during the non-stimulation interval. Therefore, the vibration device 55 does not generate any vibration during the non-stimulation interval. The stimulation interval ITVL_P and the set interval ITVL_Q belong to the non-stimulation interval. Furthermore, when multiple vibration unit intervals are set side by side on a time series, a non-stimulation interval of finite time length is set between two adjacent vibration unit intervals.

[0074] In the vibration unit interval of the example of FIG. 11, the target vibrator first vibrates in the stimulation interval P[1] in the set interval Q[1], and then becomes stationary (enters a non-vibrating state) in the stimulation interval ITVL_P[1]. Then, the target vibrator vibrates in the stimulation interval P[2] in the set interval Q[1], and then becomes stationary (enters a non-vibrating state) in the stimulation interval ITVL_P[2]. Then, the target vibrator vibrates in the stimulation interval P[3] in the set interval Q[1], and the set interval Q[1] ends with the end of the stimulation interval P[3]. Then, after the set interval ITVL_Q has elapsed, the set interval Q[2] begins. The vibration mode of the target vibrator in the set interval Q[2] is the same as the vibration mode of the target vibrator in the set interval Q[1]. In the vibration unit interval of the example of FIG. 11, the set interval Q[2] ends with the end of the stimulation interval P[3] in the set interval Q[2], and the vibration unit interval also ends. In FIG. 11, the phrase "beep, beep, boooo, beep, beep, boooo" is shown as a phrase that represents the image of vibration perceived by the user U1. P [1]=t P [2] <t P [3]” is expected.

[0075] Figure 12 shows the vibration waveform of the target oscillator in the stimulated section P. The vibration frequency of the target oscillator is represented by the symbol "f V ". The frequency f V corresponds to the frequency of the input acoustic signal Ain supplied to the target vibration unit and the frequency of the drive acoustic signal Adrv supplied to the target vibrator. The controller 11 can arbitrarily set the frequency of the input acoustic signal Ain, and adjust the frequency f V The intensity of the vibration generated by the vibration device 55 can be adjusted as desired. V Vibration intensity INT Vis the vibration intensity of the target vibrator, and is proportional to the amplitude of the vibration of the target vibrator. As the amplitude of the input acoustic signal Ain supplied to the target vibration unit increases, the vibration intensity of the target vibrator also increases, and as the amplitude of the input acoustic signal Ain supplied to the target vibration unit decreases, the vibration intensity of the target vibrator also decreases. As the amplitude of the drive acoustic signal Adrv supplied to the target vibrator increases, the vibration intensity of the target vibrator also increases, and as the amplitude of the drive acoustic signal Adrv supplied to the target vibrator decreases, the vibration intensity of the target vibrator also decreases. The controller 11 controls the vibration intensity INT by arbitrarily setting the amplitude of the input acoustic signal Ain or arbitrarily setting the amplification factor of the drive circuit 57 in the target vibration unit. V can be set arbitrarily.

[0076] [Vibration parameters] The vibration mode of the vibration device 55 when notifying the first to m-th types of information is specified by vibration parameters for each type of the first to m-th types of information (see FIG. 10). The configuration of the vibration parameters is shown in FIGS. 13(a) to 13(d). When notifying the ith type of information, the controller 11 causes the vibration device 55 to generate vibration in accordance with the specified contents of the vibration parameters of the ith type of information.

[0077] The type parameters constituting the vibration parameters will be described with reference to FIG. 13(a). The type parameters are the reference frequency f REF and reference intensity INT REF The controller 11 includes the reference frequency f REF and reference intensity INT REF Based on this, the frequency f V and vibration intensity INT V Set the frequency f when transmitting the ith type information. V In principle, the reference frequency f REF However, when frequency modulation is performed as described below, the frequency f V is the reference frequency f REF The vibration intensity INT when notifying the ith type of information VIn principle, the reference strength INT in the type parameter of the i-th type information REF However, when intensity modulation is performed as described below, the vibration intensity INT when notifying the ith type information V is the reference intensity INT REF The vibration intensity INT when notifying the i-th type of information is also calculated based on the distance parameter. V is the reference intensity INT REF This may vary from (details below).

[0078] The type parameter defines the reference unit pattern (i.e., includes information indicating the reference unit pattern). The reference unit pattern of the i-th type of information defines the vibration pattern of the vibration unit interval when notifying the i-th type of information. In other words, the reference unit pattern of the i-th type of information defines the unit interval length t UNT , number of set sections N Q , set length t Q , set interval ITVL_Q, number of stimulated sections N P , stimulated length t P [1]~t P [N P ] and stimulus interval ITVL_P[1]~ITVL_P[N P -1]. In addition, among the first to m-th type information, the type parameters for those including numerical information are set to the number of set sections N Q is not specified, and the number of set sections N Q Therefore, the number of set sections N is specified by the type parameters for each of the second type information and the fifth type information (see FIG. 10). Q is not specified, and the number of set sections N Q is specified by several parameters.

[0079] The type parameter also specifies whether or not the vibration position is moved. Whether or not the vibration position is moved in the i-th type of information indicates whether or not the vibration position is moved when the i-th type of information is notified. For information of a type that does not have directional information, the corresponding type parameter may specify that the vibration position is not moved. For information of a type that has directional information, the corresponding type parameter may specify that the vibration position is moved.

[0080] Furthermore, the type parameter specifies whether modulation is performed and the modulation content. The whether modulation is performed specified in the type parameter of the i-th type of information indicates whether frequency modulation or intensity modulation is performed when notifying the i-th type of information. If the type parameter of the i-th type of information indicates that frequency modulation and intensity modulation are not performed, the controller 11 does not perform frequency modulation and intensity modulation when notifying the i-th type of information.

[0081] When the type parameter of the i-type information indicates that frequency modulation is to be performed, the controller 11 performs frequency modulation according to the modulation content specified in the type parameter when notifying the i-type information. When frequency modulation is performed when notifying the i-type information, the frequency f V is the reference frequency f of the ith information REF is modulated based on frequency f V is the reference frequency f REF The frequency f is used as a reference. How the frequency fluctuates is defined by the modulation content in the type parameter. Figure 14 shows an example of frequency modulation. In the example of Figure 14, the frequency f V is the reference frequency f REF It increases from the starting point.

[0082] When the type parameter of the i-type information indicates that intensity modulation is to be performed, the controller 11 performs intensity modulation according to the modulation content specified in the type parameter when notifying the i-type information. When intensity modulation is performed when notifying the i-type information, the vibration intensity INT V is the reference vibration intensity of the ith information, INT REFThe vibration intensity is modulated based on INT. V is the reference vibration intensity INT REF The way in which the variation is performed is defined by the modulation content in the type parameter. Figure 15 shows an example of intensity modulation. In the example of Figure 15, the vibration intensity INT V is the reference vibration intensity INT REF It increases from the starting point.

[0083] With reference to FIG. 13(b), the vibration position parameters constituting the vibration parameters will be described. The vibration position parameters define the vibration position in the stimulated section P, that is, define which transducer 58 is to be used as the target transducer. The vibration position defined by the vibration position parameters is part or all of the areas La, Ca, Ra, Lb, Cb, and Rb. When the vibration position defined by the vibration position parameters is in the area La or Lb, the transducer 58L is set as the target transducer. When the vibration position defined by the vibration position parameters is in the area Ca or Cb, the transducer 58C is set as the target transducer. When the vibration position defined by the vibration position parameters is in the area Ra or Rb, the transducer 58R is set as the target transducer.

[0084] In the vibration position parameters for types of information that do not have directional information, the vibration position in the stimulation section P is set to the center or the entire area. When the vibration position in the stimulation section P is set to the center, central vibration output (Fig. 9(b)) is performed in the stimulation section P. When the vibration position in the stimulation section P is set to the entire area, entire vibration output (Fig. 9(d)) is performed in the stimulation section P. Therefore (see Fig. 10), in the vibration position parameters for the seventh type of information, the vibration position in the stimulation section P is set to the center or the entire area, and central vibration output or entire vibration output is performed in the stimulation section P when the seventh type of information is notified. The same applies to the fifth and sixth types of information.

[0085] In the vibration position parameter for the type of information having directional information, the vibration position in the stimulation section P is set to the left or right side (however, it may be temporarily set to the center or the entire section). When the type parameter of the i-th type of information specifies that the vibration position is to be moved, the vibration position parameter of the i-th type of information specifies a movement pattern indicating how the vibration position is to be moved. In the movement pattern, for example, the vibration position at the start and end of the vibration unit section and the timing at which the vibration position is to be switched are specified.

[0086] Since vibration is applied to user U1 at the vibration position, the vibration position defined by the vibration position parameter is also the position at which vibration is applied to user U1. If the type parameter of the i-th type information defines that the vibration position is to be moved, the vibration position parameter of the i-th type information defines the vibration position (position at which vibration is applied to user U1) and the movement pattern of the vibration position (movement pattern of the vibration application position).

[0087] 13(c), the numerical parameter constituting the vibration parameter will be described. The numerical parameter is the number of set intervals N when the information to be notified includes numerical information. Q That is, when the i-th type information includes numerical information, the number of set sections N when notifying the i-th type information in the numerical parameter for the i-th type information is Q is specified, and the number of set sections N is specified by the number parameter. Q When the i-type information does not include numerical information, the numerical parameter for the i-type information is invalid or the vibration parameter of the i-type information does not include a numerical parameter. When the i-type information does not include numerical information, the number of set sections N when notifying the i-type information is Q is specified by the type parameter.

[0088] The distance parameter constituting the vibration parameter will be described with reference to FIG. 13(d). The distance parameter is a parameter that is valid only for information that includes distance information. In other words, if the i-th type of information does not include distance information, the distance parameter for the i-th type of information is invalid, or the vibration parameter of the i-th type of information does not include the distance parameter. If the i-th type of information includes distance information, the distance parameter of the i-th type of information specifies how the vibration mode of the vibration device 55 is changed in accordance with the distance information. The change in the vibration mode of the vibration device 55 in accordance with the distance information is, for example, a vibration intensity INT in accordance with the distance information. V The process for realizing the modulation of vibration according to distance information is called distance-based modulation. The distance-based modulation process is modulation that is executed on the premise that vibration repetition processing is performed.

[0089] The vibration repetition process will be described with reference to FIG. 16. When the i-th type information includes distance information and the controller 11 notifies the i-th type information, the controller 11 can perform the vibration repetition process. In the vibration repetition process, the controller 11 sets multiple vibration unit sections arranged in a time series and causes the vibration device 55 to generate vibrations in the multiple vibration unit sections. In the vibration repetition process, a unit interval ITVL_R having a finite time length is provided between the end time of a first vibration unit section and the start time of a second vibration unit section, which are adjacent to each other. The unit interval ITVL_R, like the stimulation interval ITVL_P and the set interval ITVL_Q, belongs to the non-stimulation section. As described above, the controller 11 does not supply the input sound signal Ain to all vibration units 56, including the target vibration unit, during the non-stimulation section. In the vibration repetition process, the time difference between the start time of a first vibration unit section and the start time of a second vibration unit section, which are adjacent to each other, is referred to as a repetition period CYC. The distance-dependent modulation process includes at least one of the following modulation processes: vibration intensity modulation process, repetition period modulation process, no-stimulation section modulation process, and stimulation section modulation process.

[0090] In the vibration intensity modulation process, the vibration intensity INT VWhen notifying the i-th type information, the controller 11 increases or decreases the reference intensity INT REF Based on this, the vibration intensity is modulated to obtain the vibration intensity INT V can be modulated (varied).

[0091] In the repetition period modulation process, the repetition period CYC during the execution period of the vibration repetition process is increased or decreased according to the distance indicated by the distance information. In the repetition period modulation process, the decrease in the repetition period CYC is achieved by decreasing the unit interval ITVL_R (see FIG. 16). When notifying the i-th type information, the controller 11 modulates (varies) the unit interval ITVL_R in the repetition period modulation process based on the reference value of the unit interval ITVL_R, thereby modulating (varies) the repetition period CYC.

[0092] In the modulation process of the non-stimulation interval, the length of the non-stimulation interval during the execution period of the vibration repetition process is increased or decreased depending on the distance indicated by the distance information. All intervals other than the stimulation interval belong to the non-stimulation interval. Therefore, in the modulation process of the non-stimulation interval, at least one interval among the stimulation interval ITVL_P, the set interval ITVL_Q, and the unit interval ITVL_R is increased or decreased depending on the distance indicated by the distance information. When notifying the i-th type information, the controller 11 can modulate (vary) the stimulation interval ITVL_P and the set interval ITVL_Q in the modulation process of the non-stimulation interval based on the stimulation interval ITVL_P and the set interval ITVL_Q specified in the type parameter of the i-th type information. Note that the modulation process of the non-stimulation interval that changes the unit interval ITVL_R can be equivalent to the modulation process of the repetition period.

[0093] In the modulation process of the stimulated section, the length of the stimulated section during the execution period of the vibration repetition process is increased or decreased according to the distance indicated by the distance information. Therefore, in the modulation process of the stimulated section, the stimulated length t P [1]~t P [N PWhen notifying the i-th type information, the controller 11 increases or decreases the stimulus length t P [1]~t P [N P ] as a reference, the modulation process of the stimulated section is performed to obtain the stimulated length t P [1]~t P [N P ] can be modulated (varied).

[0094] The vibration parameters of the first to m-th types of information are different from one another. That is, the controller 11 assigns a unique vibration parameter to each of the first to m-th types of information. Information that is actually notified to the user U1 in the vibration notification format is referred to as notification target information. Hereinafter, when simply referred to as output of notification target information, this refers to vibrating the vibration device 55 in a vibration mode associated with the notification target information, and the notification target information is notified to the user U1 by outputting the notification target information. The notification target information belongs to any of the first to m-th types of information. When notifying the user U1 of the notification target information, the controller 11 notifies and conveys the notification target information to the user U1 by vibrating the vibration device 55 using the vibration parameter assigned to the notification target information. At this time, the controller 11 assigns different vibration parameters to the notification target information when the notification target information belonging to the i-th type of information includes information of a first content and when it includes information of a second content (the first content and the second content are different from each other). As a result, even if the types of information to be notified are the same, the controller 11 can distinguish between the first content information and the second content information and notify (make the user U1 recognize) them.

[0095] That is, even if the type of information to be notified is the same, it is possible to make the user U1 aware of detailed information by using different vibration parameters. Therefore, it is possible to notify the user U1 of a wide variety of information by vibration, and as a result, it is possible to increase the amount of information that can be notified by vibration.

[0096] A specific example of this will be given. Sentence 610 shown in FIG. 17(a) represents an example of notification target information to be notified to user U1 in the notification of the number of vehicles behind (see FIG. 10), and represents "There are two vehicles behind on the left side." Sentence 610 can be broken down into three elements 611 to 613. Elements 611, 612, and 613 are the phrases "on the left side," "two vehicles," and "there are vehicles behind," respectively. Element 613, in cooperation with element 612, indicates that the information in sentence 610 belongs to second-type information. Element 611 corresponds to directional information, and element 612 corresponds to numerical information. In other words, sentence 610 belongs to second-type information that includes directional information ("left side") and numerical information ("two vehicles"). When notifying information 610 as notification target information, controller 11 adopts vibration parameters of second-type information based on element 613 (and 612), while adjusting and setting the details of the vibration parameters based on elements 611 and 612. This allows the elements 611 to 613 to be recognized by the user U1.

[0097] Sentence 710 shown in FIG. 17(b) is an example of notification target information to be notified to user U1 in a route change notification (see FIG. 10), and represents "Turn left in 200 m ahead." Sentence 710 can be decomposed into three elements 711 to 713. Elements 711, 712, and 713 are the phrases "200 m ahead," "Turn left," and "Turn," respectively. Element 713 indicates that the information represented by sentence 710 belongs to first-type information. Element 711 corresponds to distance information, and element 712 corresponds to direction information. In other words, sentence 710 belongs to first-type information that includes distance information of 200 m and direction information of left. When notifying information 710 as notification target information, the controller 11 adopts vibration parameters of first-type information based on element 713, while adjusting and setting the details of the vibration parameters based on elements 711 and 712. This allows the elements 711 to 713 to be recognized by the user U1.

[0098] Below, several specific operational examples, application techniques, modified techniques, etc. related to the in-vehicle device 10 will be described in multiple embodiments. The matters described above in this embodiment are applied to each of the following embodiments unless otherwise specified and unless there is a contradiction. If there are any matters in each embodiment that contradict the matters described above, the description in each embodiment may take precedence. Furthermore, unless there is a contradiction, matters described in any of the multiple embodiments described below can also be applied to any of the other embodiments (i.e., any two or more of the multiple embodiments can be combined).

[0099] <<First Example>> A first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, an example of setting a vibration mode according to numerical information will be described.

[0100] Sentence 610 shown in FIG. 18(a) is the same as that shown in FIG. 17(a). That is, sentence 610 shown in FIG. 18(a) represents an example of notification target information to be notified to user U1 in the notification of the number of vehicles behind (see FIG. 10), and represents "There are two vehicles behind on the left side." Sentence 610 can be decomposed into three elements 611 to 613. Elements 611, 612, and 613 are the phrases "on the left side," "two vehicles," and "there are vehicles behind," respectively. Element 613, in cooperation with element 612, indicates that the information of sentence 610 belongs to second-type information. Element 611 corresponds to directional information, and element 612 corresponds to numerical information. That is, sentence 610 belongs to second-type information that includes directional information, "left side," and numerical information, "two vehicles."

[0101] A case in which the text 610 is notified to the user U1 as the information to be notified is referred to as case CS1a. In case CS1a, the text 610 is written as the information to be notified 610. In case CS1a, the controller 11 adopts vibration parameters of the second type of information based on the element 613 (and 612), while adjusting and setting details of the vibration parameters based on the elements 611 and 612. This allows the elements 611 to 613 to be recognized by the user U1.

[0102] In case CS1a, the controller 11 sets vibration parameters for the notification target information 610 and notifies the user U1 of the notification target information 610 by vibrating the vibration device 55 in a vibration mode according to the set vibration parameters. The vibration parameters set for the notification target information 610 will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Figs. 13(a) to 13(d).

[0103] The notification target information 610 belongs to the second type of information. Therefore, the reference frequency f REF , reference strength INT REF The reference unit pattern is a reference frequency f defined for the second type information in the vibration data table TBL1. REF , reference strength INT REF As described above, since the second type information includes numerical information, the number of set sections N Q Therefore, the number of set sections N Q is not specified. Here, it is assumed that the type parameter of the second type of information specifies that there is no movement of the vibration position. Then, when the notification target information 610 is output in case CS1a, there is no movement of the vibration position. Here, it is assumed that the type parameter of the second type of information specifies that there is no modulation. Then, when the notification target information 610 is output in case CS1a, frequency modulation and intensity modulation are not performed.

[0104] In case CS1a, the controller 11 sets the vibration position in the vibration position parameters for the notification target information 610 to area La or Lb based on the element 611 (see FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b)). That is, the controller 11 according to case CS1a sets the vibrator 58L as the target vibrator and sets the vibrators 58C and 58R as non-target vibrators based on the element 611.

[0105] In case CS1a, the controller 11 sets the number of intervals N in the number parameter for the notification target information 610 based on the element 612. Qis set to "2". In case CS1a, the number of set sections N Q matches the number shown in element 612 and represents the number of rear vehicles to be notified to user U1. Since the notification target information 610 does not include distance information, the distance parameter for the notification target information 610 is invalid or the vibration parameters of the notification target information 610 do not include a distance parameter. As a result, the controller 11 in case CS1a vibrates the target vibrator (58L) for two set intervals Q using a vibration pattern based on the type parameter of the second type information, as shown in FIG. 18(a), thereby notifying user U1 of the notification target information 610.

[0106] Sentence 620 shown in FIG. 18(b) is an example of information to be notified to user U1 in the notification of the number of vehicles behind (see FIG. 10), and represents "There are three vehicles behind on the right side." Sentence 620 can be decomposed into three elements 621 to 623. Elements 621, 622, and 623 are the phrases "on the right side," "three vehicles," and "there are vehicles behind," respectively. Element 623, in cooperation with element 622, indicates that the information in sentence 620 belongs to second-type information. Element 621 corresponds to directional information, and element 622 corresponds to numerical information. In other words, sentence 620 belongs to second-type information that includes directional information, "on the right side," and numerical information, "three vehicles."

[0107] A case in which the text 620 is notified to the user U1 as the information to be notified is referred to as case CS1b. In case CS1b, the text 620 is written as the information to be notified 620. In case CS1b, the controller 11 adopts vibration parameters of the second type of information based on the element 623 (and 622), while adjusting and setting details of the vibration parameters based on the elements 621 and 622. This allows the elements 621 to 623 to be recognized by the user U1.

[0108] In case CS1b, the controller 11 sets vibration parameters for the notification target information 620 and notifies the user U1 of the notification target information 620 by vibrating the vibration device 55 in a vibration mode according to the set vibration parameters. The vibration parameters set for the notification target information 620 will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Figs. 13(a) to 13(d).

[0109] The notification target information 620 belongs to the second type of information. Therefore, the reference frequency f REF , reference strength INT REF The reference unit pattern is a reference frequency f defined for the second type information in the vibration data table TBL1. REF , reference strength INT REF As described above, since the second type information includes numerical information, the number of set sections N Q Therefore, the number of set sections N Q is not specified. Here, it is assumed that the type parameter of the second type of information specifies that there is no movement of the vibration position. Then, when the notification target information 620 is output in case CS1b, there is no movement of the vibration position. Here, it is assumed that the type parameter of the second type of information specifies that there is no modulation. Then, when the notification target information 620 is output in case CS1b, frequency modulation and intensity modulation are not performed.

[0110] In case CS1b, the controller 11 sets the vibration position to area Ra or Rb in the vibration position parameters for the notification target information 620 based on the element 621 (see FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b)). That is, the controller 11 according to case CS1b sets the vibrator 58R as the target vibrator and sets the vibrators 58L and 58C as non-target vibrators based on the element 621.

[0111] In case CS1b, the controller 11 sets the number of intervals N in the number parameter for the notification target information 620 based on the element 622. QIn case CS1b, the number of set sections N Q matches the number shown in element 622 and represents the number of rear vehicles to be notified to user U1. Since the notification target information 620 does not include distance information, the distance parameter for the notification target information 620 is invalid or the vibration parameters of the notification target information 620 do not include a distance parameter. As a result, the controller 11 in case CS1b vibrates the target vibrator (58R) for three set intervals Q using a vibration pattern based on the type parameter of the second type information, as shown in FIG. 18(b), thereby notifying user U1 of the notification target information 620.

[0112] In this way, when notifying user U1 of notification target information (610, 620) including numerical information, controller 11 changes the vibration parameters assigned to the notification target information according to the numerical information, thereby notifying user U1 of the numerical information. Since numerical information can be notified by vibration, the amount of information that can be notified is increased.

[0113] More specifically, when the notification target information includes numerical information, the controller 11 determines the number of set intervals Q (N Q ) is set according to the numerical information. Therefore, numerical information can be notified by vibration, and the amount of information that can be notified is increased.

[0114] Although the example of notification of numerical information has been given focusing on the information to be notified belonging to the second type of information, the same applies to the notification of other types of information including numerical information. For example, when notifying the fifth type of information, the number of set sections Q (N Q ) can be set. More specifically, for example, if the information to be notified belongs to the fifth type of information and the fee to be notified is 1,000 yen or less, "N Q =1”, and if it is greater than 1000 yen and less than 2000 yen, set it to “N Q =2”, and if it is greater than 2000 yen, set “N Q Set it to "=3".

[0115] Furthermore, when notifying the user U1 of notification target information (610, 620) including directional information, the controller 11 changes the vibration parameters assigned to the notification target information according to the directional information, thereby notifying the user U1 of the directional information. Since the directional information can be notified by vibration, the amount of information that can be notified is increased.

[0116] More specifically, the vibration position (in other words, the position at which vibration is applied to the user U1) is specified in a vibration position parameter in the vibration parameters. When the notification target information includes directional information, the controller 11 sets the vibration position (vibration application position) in the vibration parameters of the notification target information according to the directional information. Therefore, the directional information can be notified by vibration, and the amount of information that can be notified is increased. In the example shown in FIGS. 18(a) and (b), the target vibrator is switched between vibrators 58L and 58R according to the directional information, so that the directional information is notified.

[0117] <<Second Example>> A second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, an example of setting a vibration mode according to distance information will be described.

[0118] Sentence 710 shown in Figure 19(a) is the same as that shown in Figure 17(a). That is, sentence 710 represents an example of notification target information to be notified to user U1 in a route change notification (see Figure 10), and represents "Turn left in 200 m ahead." Sentence 710 can be decomposed into three elements 711 to 713. Elements 711, 712, and 713 are the phrases "200 m ahead," "Turn left," and "Turn," respectively. Element 713 indicates that the information in sentence 710 belongs to type 1 information. Element 711 corresponds to distance information, and element 712 corresponds to direction information. That is, sentence 710 belongs to type 1 information that includes distance information of 200 m and direction information of left.

[0119] A case in which the text 710 is notified to the user U1 as the information to be notified is referred to as case CS2a. In case CS2a, the text 710 is written as the information to be notified 710. In case CS2a, the controller 11 adopts vibration parameters of the first type of information based on the element 713, and adjusts and sets the details of the vibration parameters based on the elements 711 and 712. This allows the elements 711 to 713 to be recognized by the user U1.

[0120] In case CS2a, the controller 11 sets vibration parameters for the notification target information 710 and notifies the user U1 of the notification target information 710 by vibrating the vibration device 55 in a vibration mode according to the set vibration parameters. The vibration parameters set for the notification target information 710 will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Figs. 13(a) to 13(d).

[0121] The notification target information 710 belongs to the first type of information. Therefore, the reference frequency f REF , reference strength INT REF The reference unit pattern is a reference frequency f defined for the first type information in the vibration data table TBL1. REF , reference strength INT REF and match the reference unit pattern. Here, the number of stimulated sections in the first type of information is N P and the number of set sections N Q and are both set to 2. Here, it is assumed that the type parameter of the first type information specifies that there is no movement of the vibration position. Then, when the notification target information 710 is output in case CS2a, there is no movement of the vibration position. Here, it is assumed that the type parameter of the first type information specifies that there is no modulation. Then, when the notification target information 710 is output in case CS2a, frequency modulation and intensity modulation are not performed.

[0122] In case CS2a, the controller 11 sets the vibration position in the vibration position parameters for the notification target information 710 to area La or Lb based on the element 712 (see FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b)). That is, the controller 11 according to case CS2a sets the vibrator 58L as the target vibrator and sets the vibrators 58C and 58R as non-target vibrators based on the element 712. If the element 712 were the phrase "to the right," the controller 11 would set the vibrator 58R as the target vibrator and set the vibrators 58C and 58L as non-target vibrators.

[0123] Because the notification target information 710 does not include numerical information, the numerical parameter for the notification target information 710 is invalid or the vibration parameter for the notification target information 710 does not include a numerical parameter. In case CS2a, the controller 11 sets a distance parameter for the notification target information 710 based on the element 711 (details will be described later). As a result, the controller 11 in case CS2a vibrates the target vibrator (58L) using a vibration pattern based on the type parameter of the first type information, as shown in FIG. 19(a). At this time, the controller 11 vibrates the target vibrator (58L) in a manner according to the distance parameter based on the element 711, thereby notifying the user U1 of the distance information (200 m) in the notification target information 710.

[0124] Sentence 720 shown in FIG. 19(b) is an example of notification target information to be notified to user U1 in a route change notification (see FIG. 10), and represents "Turn left in 100 m ahead." Sentence 720 can be decomposed into three elements 721 to 723. Elements 721, 722, and 723 are the phrases "100 m ahead," "Turn left," and "Turn," respectively. Element 723 indicates that the information in sentence 720 belongs to type 1 information. Element 721 corresponds to distance information, and element 722 corresponds to direction information. In other words, sentence 720 belongs to type 1 information that includes distance information of 100 m and direction information of left.

[0125] A case in which the text 720 is notified to the user U1 as the information to be notified is referred to as case CS2b. In case CS2b, the text 720 is written as the information to be notified 720. In case CS2b, the controller 11 adopts the vibration parameters of the first type of information based on the element 723, while adjusting and setting the details of the vibration parameters based on the elements 721 and 722. This allows the elements 721 to 723 to be recognized by the user U1.

[0126] In case CS2b, the controller 11 sets vibration parameters for the notification target information 720 and notifies the user U1 of the notification target information 720 by vibrating the vibration device 55 in a vibration mode according to the set vibration parameters. The vibration parameters set for the notification target information 720 will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Figs. 13(a) to 13(d).

[0127] The notification target information 720 belongs to the first type of information. Therefore, the reference frequency f REF , reference strength INT REF The reference unit pattern is a reference frequency f defined for the first type information in the vibration data table TBL1. REF , reference strength INT REF and match the reference unit pattern. Here, the number of stimulated sections in the first type of information is N P and the number of set sections N Q and are both set to 2. Here, it is assumed that the type parameter of the first type information specifies that there is no movement of the vibration position. Then, when the notification target information 720 is output in case CS2b, there is no movement of the vibration position. Here, it is assumed that the type parameter of the first type information specifies that there is no modulation. Then, when the notification target information 720 is output in case CS2b, frequency modulation and intensity modulation are not performed.

[0128] In case CS2b, the controller 11 sets the vibration position in the vibration position parameters for the notification target information 720 to area La or Lb based on the element 722 (see FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b)). That is, the controller 11 according to case CS2b sets the vibrator 58L as the target vibrator and sets the vibrators 58C and 58R as non-target vibrators based on the element 722. If the element 722 were the phrase "to the right," the controller 11 would set the vibrator 58R as the target vibrator and set the vibrators 58C and 58L as non-target vibrators.

[0129] Because the notification target information 720 does not include numerical information, the numerical parameter for the notification target information 720 is invalid or the vibration parameter for the notification target information 720 does not include a numerical parameter. In case CS2b, the controller 11 sets a distance parameter for the notification target information 720 based on the element 721 (details will be described later). As a result, the controller 11 in case CS2b vibrates the target vibrator (58L) using a vibration pattern based on the type parameter of the first type information, as shown in FIG. 19(b). At this time, the controller 11 vibrates the target vibrator (58L) in a manner according to the distance parameter based on the element 721, thereby notifying the user U1 of the distance information (100 m) in the notification target information 720.

[0130] The distance parameter set for the notification target information 710 in case CS2a is different from the distance parameter set for the notification target information 720 in case CS2b. For ease of explanation, when the notification target information includes distance information, the distance indicated by the distance information will be referred to as distance d. In case CS2a, distance d is 200 m, and in case CS2b, distance d is 100 m.

[0131] The controller 11 increases the vibration intensity INT as the distance d decreases. V Therefore, the distance parameter can be set so that the vibration intensity (INT V ), the vibration intensity (INTV ) is larger.

[0132] When notifying the user U1 of notification target information including distance information, the controller 11 can perform the above-mentioned vibration repetition process (see FIG. 16), and can perform the above-mentioned distance-responsive modulation process (see FIG. 13(d)) during the execution period of the vibration repetition process. As described above, the distance-responsive modulation process includes at least one of the following modulation processes: vibration intensity modulation process, repetition period modulation process, non-stimulation section modulation process, and stimulation section modulation process. These modulation processes will be explained in relation to the distance d. FIG. 19(c) schematically shows the relationship between the generated vibration and the distance d when the distance-responsive modulation process is applied. Assuming that the vibration intensity modulation process, repetition period modulation process, non-stimulation section modulation process, and stimulation section modulation process are all executed, the contents of these modulation processes will be described below.

[0133] In the vibration intensity modulation process, the vibration intensity INT V 19(a) and 19(b), the vibration intensity INT V When notifying the first type of information, the controller 11 notifies the first type of information of the reference intensity INT REF Based on this, the vibration intensity is modulated to obtain the vibration intensity INT V can be modulated (varied).

[0134] In the repetition period modulation process, the repetition period CYC during the execution period of the vibration repetition process is decreased as the distance d decreases, and conversely, is increased as the distance d increases. Therefore, in the examples of Figures 19(a) and 19(b), the repetition period CYC decreases as the host vehicle V1 approaches the left turn point. In the repetition period modulation process, the decrease in the repetition period CYC is achieved by decreasing the unit interval ITVL_R.

[0135] In the modulation process of the non-stimulation interval, the length of the non-stimulation interval during the execution period of the vibration repetition process is decreased as the distance d decreases, and conversely, increased as the distance d increases. Therefore, in the example of Figures 19(a) and (b), the length of the non-stimulation interval decreases as the host vehicle V1 approaches the left turn point. The decrease in the length of the non-stimulation interval as the distance d decreases is achieved by decreasing at least one interval out of the stimulation interval ITVL_P, the set interval ITVL_Q, and the unit interval ITVL_R as the distance d decreases. When notifying the first type information, the controller 11 can modulate (varies) the stimulation interval ITVL_P and the set interval ITVL_Q in the modulation process of the non-stimulation interval based on the stimulation interval ITVL_P and the set interval ITVL_Q specified in the type parameter of the first type information. The modulation process of the non-stimulation interval, which decreases the unit interval ITVL_R as the distance d decreases, is equivalent to the modulation process of the repetition period, which decreases the repetition period CYC as the distance d decreases. Therefore, when a distance-responsive modulation process including a repetition period modulation process and a non-stimulation section modulation process is performed, it can be considered that in the non-stimulation section modulation process, either one or both of the stimulation interval ITVL_P and the set interval ITVL_Q are reduced as the distance d decreases.

[0136] In the modulation process of the stimulus section, the length of the stimulus section during the execution period of the vibration repetition process is decreased as the distance d decreases, and conversely, increased as the distance d increases. Therefore, in the example of Figures 19(a) and (b), as the host vehicle V1 approaches the left turn point, the stimulus length t P [1] and t P When notifying the first type of information, the controller 11 notifies the first type of information of the stimulus length t P [1] and t P Based on [2], the modulation process for the stimulated section is performed to obtain the stimulated length t P [1] and t P [2] can be modulated (varied).

[0137] In this way, when notifying the user U1 of the notification target information (710, 720) including distance information, the controller 11 changes the vibration parameters assigned to the notification target information according to the distance information, thereby notifying the user U1 of the distance information. Since the distance information can be notified by vibration, the amount of information that can be notified is increased.

[0138] At this time, the controller 11 can notify the user U1 of the distance information by using a modulation process of the vibration intensity, a modulation process of the repetition period, a modulation process of the non-stimulation section, or a modulation process of the stimulation section. As a result of being able to notify the distance information by vibration, the amount of information that can be notified is increased. According to the specific examples of each modulation process described above, the pitch of the vibration becomes faster as the distance d decreases, so it is thought that the decrease in the distance d can be easily conveyed to the user U1.

[0139] Similarly to the first embodiment, when notifying user U1 of notification target information (710, 720) including directional information, the controller 11 changes the vibration parameters assigned to the notification target information according to the directional information, thereby notifying user U1 of the directional information. At this time, the difference in directional information can be notified to user U1 by the difference in vibration position. For example, in case CS2a corresponding to FIG. 19(a), element 712 is the phrase "to the left," so the controller 11 sets vibrator 58L as the target vibrator and vibrators 58C and 58R as non-target vibrators. On the other hand, if element 712 in case CS2a were the phrase "to the right," the controller 11 would set vibrator 58R as the target vibrator and vibrators 58C and 58L as non-target vibrators.

[0140] In the second embodiment, it is assumed that the type parameters for the first type information specify that the vibration position does not move. However, the type parameters for the first type information may specify that the vibration position moves. In this case, the controller 11 reverses the movement pattern of the vibration position when notifying the vehicle V1 to turn right and when notifying the vehicle V1 to turn left based on the notification of the first type information. This will be described in detail in the third embodiment.

[0141] Although the example of notifying distance information has been given focusing on notifiable information belonging to the first type of information, the same applies to notifying other types of information including distance information (for example, third type information or fourth type information).

[0142] <<Third Example>> A third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, an example of setting a movement pattern of a vibration position according to direction information will be described.

[0143] Sentence 810 shown in FIG. 20(a) is an example of notification target information to be notified to user U1 in a route change notification (see FIG. 10), and represents "Turn left in 200 m ahead." Sentence 810 can be decomposed into three elements 811 to 813. Elements 811, 812, and 813 are the phrases "200 m ahead," "Turn left," and "Turn," respectively. Element 813 indicates that the information in sentence 810 belongs to type 1 information. Element 811 corresponds to distance information, and element 812 corresponds to direction information. In other words, sentence 810 belongs to type 1 information that includes distance information of 200 m and direction information of left.

[0144] A case in which text 810 is notified to user U1 as notification target information is referred to as case CS3a. In case CS3a, text 810 is written as notification target information 810. In case CS3a, controller 11 adopts vibration parameters of first type information based on element 813, while adjusting and setting details of the vibration parameters based on elements 811 and 812. This allows elements 811 to 813 to be recognized by user U1.

[0145] In case CS3a, the controller 11 sets vibration parameters for the notification target information 810 and notifies the user U1 of the notification target information 810 by vibrating the vibration device 55 in a vibration mode according to the set vibration parameters. The vibration parameters set for the notification target information 810 will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Figs. 13(a) to 13(d).

[0146] The notification target information 810 belongs to the first type of information. Therefore, the reference frequency f REF , reference strength INT REF The reference unit pattern is a reference frequency f defined for the first type information in the vibration data table TBL1. REF , reference strength INT REF and matches the reference unit pattern. In the third embodiment, it is assumed that the type parameter of the first type information specifies that there is movement of the vibration position. In this case, when the notification target information 810 is output in case CS3a, the vibration device 55 vibrates while the vibration position is moved. Here, it is assumed that the type parameter of the first type information specifies that there is no modulation. In this case, when the notification target information 810 is output in case CS3a, frequency modulation and intensity modulation are not performed.

[0147] In case CS3a, the controller 11 defines a movement pattern based on the element 812 so that the vibration position changes from area Ra or Rb to area La or Lb using the vibration position parameters for the notification target information 810. That is, the controller 11 according to case CS3a sets the vibration position parameters of the notification target information 810 based on the element 812 so that the target vibrator changes from vibrator 58R to vibrator 58L during the vibration unit interval.

[0148] Since the notification target information 810 does not include number information, the number parameter for the notification target information 810 is invalid or the vibration parameter of the notification target information 810 does not include a number parameter. In case CS3a, the controller 11 can set a distance parameter for the notification target information 810 based on the element 811. The method shown in the second embodiment can be used as a method for setting the distance parameter, but in the third embodiment, a detailed description of the notification of the distance information of the notification target information 810 will be omitted.

[0149] Sentence 820 shown in FIG. 20(b) is an example of notification target information to be notified to user U1 in a route change notification (see FIG. 10), and represents "Turn right in 200 m ahead." Sentence 820 can be decomposed into three elements 821 to 823. Elements 821, 822, and 823 are the phrases "200 m ahead," "Turn right," and "Turn," respectively. Element 823 indicates that the information in sentence 820 belongs to first-class information. Element 821 corresponds to distance information, and element 822 corresponds to direction information. In other words, sentence 820 belongs to first-class information that includes distance information of 200 m and direction information of rightward.

[0150] A case in which text 820 is notified to user U1 as notification target information is referred to as case CS3b. In case CS3b, text 820 is written as notification target information 820. In case CS3b, controller 11 adopts vibration parameters of first type information based on element 823, while adjusting and setting details of the vibration parameters based on elements 821 and 822. This allows user U1 to recognize elements 821 to 823.

[0151] In case CS3b, the controller 11 sets vibration parameters for the notification target information 820 and notifies the user U1 of the notification target information 820 by vibrating the vibration device 55 in a vibration mode according to the set vibration parameters. The vibration parameters set for the notification target information 820 will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Figs. 13(a) to 13(d).

[0152] The notification target information 820 belongs to the first type of information. Therefore, the reference frequency f REF , reference strength INT REF The reference unit pattern is a reference frequency f defined for the first type information in the vibration data table TBL1. REF , reference strength INT REFand matches the reference unit pattern. As described above, in the third embodiment, it is assumed that the type parameter of the first type information specifies that there is movement of the vibration position. In this case, when the notification target information 820 is output in case CS3b, the vibration device 55 vibrates while the vibration position is moved. Here, it is assumed that the type parameter of the first type information specifies that there is no modulation. In this case, when the notification target information 820 is output in case CS3b, frequency modulation and intensity modulation are not performed.

[0153] In case CS3b, the controller 11 defines a movement pattern based on the element 822 so that the vibration position changes from area La or Lb to area Ra or Rb using the vibration position parameters for the notification target information 820. That is, the controller 11 according to case CS3b sets the vibration position parameters of the notification target information 820 based on the element 822 so that the target vibrator changes from vibrator 58L to vibrator 58R during the vibration unit interval.

[0154] Since the notification target information 820 does not include numerical information, the numerical parameter for the notification target information 820 is invalid or the vibration parameter of the notification target information 820 does not include a numerical parameter. In case CS3b, the controller 11 can set a distance parameter for the notification target information 820 based on the element 821. The method shown in the second embodiment can be used as a method for setting the distance parameter, but in the third embodiment, a detailed description of the notification of the distance information of the notification target information 820 will be omitted.

[0155] Now, the number of stimulated sections N defined by the type pattern of the first type information P is 3 and the number of set sections is N Q Assuming that is 1, an example of a movement pattern of the vibration position will be given below. Fig. 21(a) shows the movement pattern of the vibration position in case CS3a corresponding to Fig. 20(a). Fig. 21(b) shows the movement pattern of the vibration position in case CS3b corresponding to Fig. 20(b). The vibration unit interval in cases CS3a and CS3b includes the stimulated intervals P[1] to P[3].

[0156] The controller 11 according to case CS3a sets the oscillator 58R as the target oscillator and the oscillators 58C and 58L as non-target oscillators in the stimulation interval P[1]. The controller 11 according to case CS3a sets the oscillator 58L as the target oscillator and the oscillators 58C and 58R as non-target oscillators in the stimulation intervals P[2] and P[3]. This allows the user U1 to perceive that the vibration position has moved from the right to the left during the vibration unit interval, making it easier for the user U1 to intuitively recognize that he or she should turn left. Although not specifically shown, the controller 11 according to case CS3a may set only the oscillator 58R as the target oscillator in the stimulation interval P[1], only the oscillator 58C as the target oscillator in the stimulation interval P[2], and only the oscillator 58L as the target oscillator in the stimulation interval P[3].

[0157] The controller 11 according to case CS3b sets the oscillator 58L as the target oscillator and the oscillators 58C and 58R as non-target oscillators in the stimulation interval P[1]. The controller 11 according to case CS3b sets the oscillator 58R as the target oscillator and the oscillators 58C and 58L as non-target oscillators in the stimulation intervals P[2] and P[3]. This allows the user U1 to perceive that the vibration position has moved from left to right during the vibration unit interval, making it easier for the user U1 to intuitively recognize that he or she should turn right. Although not specifically shown, the controller 11 according to case CS3a may set only the oscillator 58L as the target oscillator in the stimulation interval P[1], only the oscillator 58C as the target oscillator in the stimulation interval P[2], and only the oscillator 58R as the target oscillator in the stimulation interval P[3].

[0158] Number of set sections N specified by the type pattern of the first type information QEven when the number of vibration positions is two or more, the movement pattern of the vibration position can be set from the same viewpoint. A front section and a rear section are included in the vibration unit section, and in case CS3a, transducers 58R and 58L are set as the target transducers for the front section and the rear section, respectively, and in case CS3b, transducers 58L and 58R are set as the target transducers for the front section and the rear section, respectively. Here, the rear section is a section that comes after the front section, and each of the rear section and front section includes one or more stimulation intervals. A middle section including one or more stimulation intervals may exist between the rear section and the front section, and in this case, transducer 58C may be set as the target transducer in the middle section.

[0159] In this way, when the controller 11 notifies the user U1 of notification target information (810, 820) including directional information, the controller 11 sets the vibration position (vibration application position) and the movement pattern of the vibration position in the vibration parameters of the notification target information according to the directional information. This makes it possible to notify directional information by vibration, thereby increasing the amount of information that can be notified. Furthermore, since the movement pattern of the vibration position is set according to the directional information, the user U1 can easily intuitively recognize the directional information when receiving vibration that reflects the movement pattern.

[0160] <<Fourth Example>> A fourth embodiment will now be described. Fig. 22 shows an operation flowchart of the controller 11 relating to the information notification process. The flow of the operation of the controller 11 relating to the information notification process will be described with reference to Fig. 22. The controller 11 is started in conjunction with the start of the engine of the host vehicle V1, and the operation of the controller 11 starts from the process of step S11.

[0161] In step S11, the controller 11 acquires notification determination information including sensing information. The notification determination information and sensing information are information used to determine whether to notify the user U1 of the information to be notified. In addition to sensing information, the notification determination information may include toll road fee information provided by components of the electronic toll collection system (ETC), as well as information (traffic information, weather information, etc.) provided from external devices (server devices, etc.). In the following step S12, the controller 11 determines whether to notify the user U1 of specific information, which is arbitrary information, based on the notification determination information. After step S12, the controller 11 proceeds to step S13. If it is determined that the specific information should be notified to the user U1 (Y in step S13), the controller 11 proceeds from step S13 to step S14. If it is not determined that the specific information should be notified to the user U1 (N in step S13), the controller 11 returns from step S13 to step S11.

[0162] In step S14, the controller 11 sets the specific information as notification target information, identifies the type of notification target information according to the content of the notification target information, and sets vibration parameters for the notification target information. In subsequent step S15, the controller 11 notifies the user U1 of the notification target information by vibrating the vibration device 55 with the set vibration parameters. Thereafter, the process returns to step S11, and the above-mentioned processes are repeated.

[0163] FIG. 23 shows a functional block diagram of the controller 11 involved in the information notification process. The controller 11 includes functional blocks F1 to F4. The controller 11 is a program execution device (computer) capable of executing any program. All or part of the functions of the functional blocks F1 to F4 may be realized by executing a program recorded in the memory 12 or any other recording medium in the controller 11 (arithmetic processing unit 11a). The functional block F1 is an information acquisition unit that performs the processing of step S11. The functional block F2 is a notification execution determination unit that performs the processing of step S12. The functional block F3 is a vibration parameter setting unit that performs the processing of step S14. The functional block F4 is a vibration control unit that performs the processing of step S15. The vibration control unit F4 generates an input acoustic signal Ain required for generating vibration in the vibration device 55 and supplies it to the vibration device 55.

[0164] <<Fifth Example>> A fifth embodiment will be described. The level of urgency of information notified to user U1 differs depending on the type of information. The level of urgency of certain information indicates the degree of urgency of the information when it is transmitted to user U1. Each of the first to m-th types of information is classified into one of a plurality of groups having different levels of urgency. Here, the plurality of groups are first to third groups. Of the first to third groups, the first group is assigned the highest level of urgency, and the third group is assigned the lowest level of urgency. In other words, the level of urgency of information belonging to the first group is higher than the level of urgency of information belonging to the second group, which is higher than the level of urgency of information belonging to the third group.

[0165] 10, for example, the fourth and sixth types of information belong to group 1, the first to third types of information belong to group 2, and the fifth and seventh types of information belong to group 3. For information belonging to a group with a relatively high urgency, it is advisable to set vibration parameters that make it easier to perceive a higher level of urgency than for information belonging to a group with a relatively low urgency.

[0166] For example, the reference frequency f of the fourth and sixth types of information belonging to the first group REF The reference frequency f of the fifth and seventh type information belonging to the third group REF It is better to set it higher. For example, the reference strength INT of the fourth and sixth types of information belonging to the first group REF The reference strength INT of the fifth and seventh type information belonging to the third group REF It is better to set it higher. For example, the number of stimulated sections N P is 2 or more, it is preferable to set the stimulation interval ITVL_P of the fourth and sixth information belonging to the first group shorter than the stimulation interval ITVL_P of the fifth and seventh information belonging to the third group. Q is 2 or more, it is advisable to set the set interval ITVL_Q of the fourth and sixth types of information belonging to the first group to be shorter than the set interval ITVL_Q of the fifth and seventh types of information belonging to the third group. Although the comparison between the first and third groups has been described, the same applies to the comparison between the first and second groups, and the comparison between the second and third groups.

[0167] <<Sixth Example>> A sixth embodiment will be described. When m becomes considerably large, it may become difficult for the user U1 to distinguish between the m types of vibration. For this reason, two or more types of vibrations among the first to mth types may be integrated, and common vibration parameters may be assigned to the two or more types. When integrating the types, it is advisable to take into consideration the urgency of the information of each type.

[0168] There is little impact if user U1 confuses a "forward vehicle departure notification" with a low level of urgency and a "toll notification" with a low level of urgency. On the other hand, there is a large impact if user U1 confuses a "forward vehicle departure notification" with a low level of urgency and an "approaching object notification" with a high level of urgency. Therefore, it is advisable to combine information with low levels of urgency and information with high levels of urgency. As in the fifth embodiment, consider a case where each of the first to m-th types of information is classified into one of the first to third groups. In this case, two or more types of information belonging to the j-th group can be combined and a common vibration parameter can be assigned to the two or more types (where j is 1, 2, or 3).

[0169] <<Seventh Example>> A seventh embodiment will now be described.

[0170] In the information notification process, the controller 11 may perform the necessary notification by combining two or more of the display notification format, the sound notification format, and the vibration notification format. Therefore, for example, when notifying the user U1 of information based on the text 610 in Fig. 18(a), the controller 11 may display the text 610 on the display screen 51 and output the text as audio from the speaker 52, while causing the vibration device 55 to generate vibrations in the manner of the above-described case CS1a.

[0171] Vibration parameters for all information that may be notified to user U1 may be created in advance, and a database may be prepared that stores all of the previously created vibration parameters. The database is stored in the recording medium 14. When notifying user U1 of certain information in the form of vibration notification, controller 11 may read out the vibration parameters corresponding to the certain information from the database in recording medium 14. Controller 11 can notify user U1 of the certain information by vibrating vibration device 55 according to the read vibration parameters.

[0172] In order to attract the attention of the user U1 that some information is about to be notified, the controller 11 can output a sound without any particular meaning (for example, a sound that sounds like "beep") from the speaker 52. Similarly, the controller 11 can cause the vibration device 55 to generate a vibration without any particular meaning (hereinafter referred to as a pre-announcement vibration). The controller 11 can cause the vibration device 55 to generate a pre-announcement vibration before notifying the user U1 of any of the first to m-th types of information in the vibration notification format. In the pre-announcement vibration, a vibration with a vibration parameter that is fixed in advance is generated in the vibration device 55.

[0173] The controller 11 can execute an omnidirectional vehicle image display process (hereinafter referred to as MAV display process) that displays an overhead image on the display screen 51 based on the vehicle exterior image information. The overhead image is an image that shows the surroundings of the host vehicle V1 as seen from above. The MAV display process is mainly executed when the traveling direction of the host vehicle V1 is set to a reverse direction. When the MAV display process is executed, the controller 11 may also execute an MAV vibration process using the vibration device 55. In this case, the controller 11 is capable of individually acquiring signals of sound components arriving from the front, rear, left side, and right side of the host vehicle V1 in cooperation with the exterior microphone 43. The signals of sound components arriving from the front, rear, left side, and right side of the host vehicle V1 are referred to as first to fourth directional acoustic signals, respectively. To achieve the MAV vibration processing, the vibration device 55 includes first to fourth vibration units 56, and as shown in FIG. 24, the vibrators 58 of the first to fourth vibration units 56 are respectively installed at positions 1011 to 1014 on the seat ST1a (see FIG. 2). On the seat ST1a, position 1011 is located forward of position 1012, and position 1013 is located to the left of position 1014. On the seat ST1a, position 1011 is located diagonally forward to the right of position 1013, and position 1012 is located diagonally rearward to the right of position 1013. On the seat ST1a, position 1011 is located diagonally forward to the left of position 1014, and position 1012 is located diagonally rearward to the left of position 1014. In the MAV vibration processing, the controller 11 supplies the j-th direction sound signal itself or an amplified signal of the j-th direction sound signal as an input sound signal Ain to the j-th vibration unit 56 (where j is 1, 2, 3, or 4). This allows the user U1 to perceive sounds around the vehicle V1 in a directional manner through haptics (vibration), thereby assisting the user U1 in understanding the situation around the vehicle.

[0174] The host vehicle V1 is primarily assumed to be a passenger car or truck traveling on a public road, but the type of host vehicle V1 is arbitrary. The host vehicle V1 may be an industrial vehicle such as a forklift, or an agricultural vehicle such as a tractor. The in-vehicle device 10 corresponds to or incorporates the notification control device according to the present invention. The notification control device according to the present invention may be mounted on an airplane, ship, or train, in which case the user U1 would be a passenger on the airplane, ship, or train. In addition, the notification control device according to the present invention can be applied to any purpose.

[0175] A program that causes a computer device to execute any of the methods described in each embodiment of the present invention, and a non-volatile recording medium on which the program is recorded, are included within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention. A program that causes a computer (computer device) to execute any of the methods described in the embodiments of the present invention may be a subprogram incorporated into or called by any main program. The in-vehicle device 10 is equipped with a computer capable of executing any program. The arithmetic processing unit 11a provided in the in-vehicle device 10 may be considered to be a computer. A method executed by a notification control device according to the present invention may be referred to as a notification control method, and a program that causes a computer to execute the notification control method may be referred to as a notification control program. Any processing in the embodiments of the present invention may be realized by hardware such as a semiconductor integrated circuit, software equivalent to the program, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0176] The embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims. The above-described embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and the meanings of the terms of the present invention and each constituent element are not limited to those described in the above-described embodiments. The specific numerical values ​​shown in the above description are merely examples, and as a matter of course, they can be changed to various numerical values. [Explanation of symbols]

[0177] 1. In-vehicle systems V1 Vehicle U1 user ST1 seat ST1a Seat part ST1b Backrest 10 Onboard equipment 11 Controller 11a Processing unit 12 Memory 13 Communications Department 14 Recording media 20 Driving control device 30 Actuator section 40 Sensing unit 50 HMI 51 Display device 52 Speaker 53 Microphone 54 Operation input section 55 Vibration device 56, 56L, 56C, 56R vibration unit 57, 57L, 57C, 57R drive circuit 58, 58L, 58C, 58R resonator La, Lb left area Ca, Cb central region Ra, Rb right area TBL1 Vibration data table

Claims

1. A notification control device that notifies a target person of information by applying vibration to the target person using a vibration device, a controller that selectively notifies the subject of a plurality of types of information using the vibration device; the controller assigns a unique vibration parameter to each of the plurality of types of information, and when notifying the target person of notification information belonging to any of the plurality of types of information, notifies the target person of the notification information by vibrating the vibration device using the vibration parameter assigned to the notification information; The controller differentiates the vibration parameters for the notification target information when the notification target information includes first content information and when the notification target information includes second content information, thereby distinguishing between the first content information and the second content information and notifying the target person. , notification control device.

2. When the notification target information includes numerical information and the controller notifies the target person of the notification target information, the controller changes the vibration parameter assigned to the notification target information in accordance with the numerical information, thereby notifying the target person of the numerical information. The notification control device according to claim 1 .

3. In the vibration parameters assigned to each of the plurality of types of information, a set section including one or more stimulated sections corresponding to a vibration generation section by the vibration device is set, When the notification target information includes the number information, the controller sets the number of set intervals in the vibration parameters of the notification target information according to the number information. The notification control device according to claim 2 .

4. When the notification target information includes distance information and the controller notifies the target person of the notification target information, the controller changes the vibration parameter assigned to the notification target information in accordance with the distance information, thereby notifying the target person of the distance information.

4. The notification control device according to claim 1.

5. a unit interval is set in the vibration parameters assigned to each of the plurality of types of information, the unit interval including one or more set intervals including one or more stimulation intervals corresponding to an interval in which vibration is generated by the vibration device, and also including a non-stimulation interval in which generation of vibration by the vibration device is stopped; when the notification target information includes distance information and the controller notifies the target person of the notification target information, the controller executes a vibration repetition process that repeatedly executes an operation of the vibration device in the unit interval, and executes a modulation process according to the distance indicated by the distance information during an execution period of the vibration repetition process; The modulation process includes: a process of changing an intensity of vibration generated by the vibration device in the stimulation section for the notification target information in accordance with a change in the distance; a process of changing a repetition period of the unit interval for the notification target information in accordance with a change in the distance; A process of changing the length of the non-stimulation section for the notification target information in accordance with a change in the distance; and The method includes one or more processes of changing the length of the stimulation section of the notification target information in accordance with the change in the distance.

4. The notification control device according to claim 1.

6. When the notification target information includes direction information and the controller notifies the target person of the notification target information, the controller changes the vibration parameter assigned to the notification target information in accordance with the direction information, thereby notifying the target person of the direction information.

4. The notification control device according to claim 1.

7. the vibration device has a configuration capable of individually applying vibrations to different positions on the body of the subject, When the notification target information includes the direction information, a vibration application position for the target person is defined in the vibration parameters for the notification target information, and the controller sets the vibration application position in the vibration parameters of the notification target information according to the direction information. The notification control device according to claim 6 .

8. the vibration device has a configuration capable of individually applying vibrations to different positions on the body of the subject, When the notification target information includes the direction information, a vibration application position for the target person and a movement pattern of the vibration application position are set in the vibration parameters for the notification target information, and the controller sets the vibration application position and the movement pattern in the vibration parameters of the notification target information according to the direction information. The notification control device according to claim 6 .

9. An in-vehicle notification system mounted on a vehicle, A notification control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3; a vibration device that applies vibration to the target person under the control of the notification control device; The subject is an occupant of the vehicle. ,In-vehicle notification system.

10. A notification control method executed by a notification control device that notifies a target person of information by applying vibration to the target person using a vibration device, Selectively notifying the subject of a plurality of types of information using the vibration device; assigning a unique vibration parameter to each of the plurality of types of information, and when notifying the target person of notification information belonging to any of the plurality of types of information, notifying the target person of the notification information by vibrating the vibration device using the vibration parameter assigned to the notification information; The vibration parameters for the information to be notified are made different when the information to be notified includes information of a first content and when the information to be notified includes information of a second content, thereby distinguishing between the information of the first content and the information of the second content and notifying the target person. ,Notification control method.

11. A notification control program that causes a computer to execute the notification control method according to claim 10.

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