Conversation assistance system and conversation assistance device

Abstract

To assist conversations between passengers inside a mobile vehicle with good sound quality. [Solution] A conversation assistance system comprising a plurality of conversation assistance devices arranged inside a mobile vehicle, each of the plurality of conversation assistance devices comprising a housing having at least one opening, a microphone mounted on the housing, a speaker unit having a sound-emitting part arranged inside the housing, and a guide member that guides sound from the sound-emitting part to the at least one opening, wherein the guide member causes the sound from the sound-emitting part to be emitted to the outside of the housing in a direction away from the microphone from the at least one opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a conversation assistance system and a conversation assistance device.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a conversation assistance system that assists conversations so that voices between passengers in a vehicle interior of a moving body such as an automobile can be heard clearly. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system using two conversation assistance devices arranged in a vehicle interior. In this system, the conversation assistance device includes a microphone, a speaker arranged side by side with the microphone, and a cover member that covers the microphone and the speaker from the vehicle interior side.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the system described in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that sound from the speaker is easily picked up by the microphone in the same conversation assistance device, and the sound quality deteriorates due to howling or the like.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to assist conversations between passengers in a vehicle interior of a moving body with good sound quality.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a conversation assistance system according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure is a conversation assistance system comprising a plurality of conversation assistance devices arranged inside a mobile body, each of the plurality of conversation assistance devices comprising a housing having at least one opening, a microphone attached to the housing, a speaker unit having a sound-emitting part arranged inside the housing, and a guide member that guides sound from the sound-emitting part to the at least one opening, wherein the guide member causes the sound from the sound-emitting part to be emitted to the outside of the housing in a direction away from the at least one opening and the microphone.

[0007] A conversation assistance device according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure is a conversation assistance device arranged in the room of a mobile body, comprising: a housing having at least one opening; a microphone mounted on the housing; a speaker unit having a sound-emitting section arranged within the housing; and a guide member that guides sound from the sound-emitting section to the at least one opening, wherein the guide member causes sound from the sound-emitting section to be emitted from the at least one opening toward the outside of the housing toward the microphone. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a side view of a mobile device using the conversation assistance system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a top view of a mobile device using the conversation assistance system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of a conversation assistance device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 3. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of a conversation assistance device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 5. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of a conversation assistance device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 7. [Figure 9]This is a cross-sectional view along line BB in Figure 8. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of a conversation assistance device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 10. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view along line CC in Figure 11. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view of a conversation assistance device according to Modification 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] 1. First Embodiment A first embodiment of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensions and scale of the parts in the drawings have been appropriately altered from those of the actual parts. Furthermore, the embodiments described below are preferred examples of this disclosure. For this reason, these embodiments are subject to various technically preferred limitations. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to these forms unless otherwise specifically stated in the following description.

[0010] 1-1. Overview of the Conversation Assistance System Figure 1 is a side view of a mobile body 100 using the conversation assistance system 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a top view of the mobile body 100 using the conversation assistance system 1 according to the first embodiment. The outline of the conversation assistance system 1 will be described below based on Figures 1 and 2.

[0011] In the following description, for the sake of convenience, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis that are orthogonal to each other are appropriately used. The X-axis is an axis parallel to the traveling direction of the moving body 100. The Y-axis is an axis parallel to the width direction of the moving body 100. The Z-axis is an axis parallel to the height direction of the moving body 100 and is typically parallel to the vertical axis. In the following, one direction along the X-axis is referred to as the X1 direction, and the direction opposite to the X1 direction is referred to as the X2 direction. The X1 direction corresponds to the front direction in the traveling direction of the moving body 100, and the X2 direction corresponds to the rear direction in the traveling direction of the moving body 100. One direction along the Y-axis is referred to as the Y1 direction, and the direction opposite to the Y1 direction is referred to as the Y2 direction. The Y1 direction corresponds to the right direction of the moving body 100, and the Y2 direction corresponds to the left direction of the moving body 100. One direction along the Z-axis is referred to as the Z1 direction, and the direction opposite to the Z1 direction is referred to as the Z2 direction. The Z1 direction corresponds to the upward direction of the moving body 100, and the Z2 direction corresponds to the downward direction of the moving body 100. Further, in the following, the X1 direction and the X2 direction may be collectively referred to as the front-rear direction. The Y1 direction and the Y2 direction may be collectively referred to as the width direction.

[0012] The conversation assistance system 1 is mounted on the moving body 100 and is a system that assists conversations so that the voices of the passengers H-1, H-2 and the passengers H-3, H-4 can be heard clearly in the interior R.

[0013] In the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the moving body 100 is an automobile having an interior R that is a vehicle interior. Above the interior R vertically, a ceiling 110 is provided.

[0014] In the interior R, as shown by the broken line in the figure, seats 121, 122, 123, and 124 are arranged. The seat 121 is the left front seat. The passenger H-1 sits on the seat 121. The seat 122 is the right front seat. The passenger H-2 sits on the seat 122. One of the seats 121 and 122 is the driver's seat, and the other is the passenger seat. The seat 123 is the left rear seat. The passenger H-3 sits on the seat 123. The seat 124 is the right rear seat. The passenger H-4 sits on the seat 124. In the following, the passengers H-1, H-2, H-3, and H-4 may be collectively referred to as the passenger H without distinction.

[0015] Here, seats 121 and 122 are adjacent to each other in the width direction of the moving body 100. Also, seats 123 and 124 are adjacent to each other in the width direction of the moving body 100 at a position in the X2 direction relative to seats 121 and 122.

[0016] The conversation assistance system 1 includes a plurality of conversation assistance devices 10-1 and 10-2 and an audio processing device 20. Hereinafter, the conversation assistance devices 10-1 and 10-2 may be referred to as the conversation assistance device 10 without distinction.

[0017] The conversation assistance device 10-1 is a device that is disposed in the interior R of the moving body 100, generates an audio signal by collecting the voices of passengers H-1 and H-2, and emits sound based on the audio signal indicating the voice collected by the conversation assistance device 10-2. As shown in FIG. 1, the conversation assistance device 10-1 is attached to the ceiling 110 of the moving body 100. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the conversation assistance device 10-1 is located between seats 121 and 122 when viewed in the direction along the Z axis, and is located near the heads of passengers H-1 and H-2. That is, the conversation assistance device 10-1 is located at the center in the width direction of the moving body 100 near seats 121 and 122 when viewed in the direction along the Z axis. Here, from the viewpoint of facilitating the collection of the voices of passengers H-1 and H-2, the conversation assistance device 10-1 is preferably arranged at a position in the X1 direction, that is, the forward direction, relative to the heads of passengers H-1 and H-2.

[0018] The conversation assistance device 10-2 is located in the interior R of the mobile vehicle 100 and generates an audio signal by receiving voices from passengers H-3 and H-4, and emits sound based on the audio signal indicating the voices received by the conversation assistance device 10-1. As shown in Figure 1, the conversation assistance device 10-2 is mounted on the ceiling 110 of the mobile vehicle 100 at a position in the X2 direction relative to the conversation assistance device 10-1. Here, as shown in Figure 2, the conversation assistance device 10-2 is located between seats 123 and 124 when viewed along the Z axis, and near the heads of passengers H-3 and H-4. That is, the conversation assistance device 10-2 is located in the center of the width direction of the mobile vehicle 100 near seats 123 and 124 when viewed along the Z axis. Here, it is preferable that the conversation assistance device 10-2 be positioned in the X1 direction, i.e., forward direction, relative to the heads of passengers H-3 and H-4, in order to facilitate the collection of voices from passengers H-3 and H-4.

[0019] The voice processing device 20 is connected to the conversation assistance devices 10-1 and 10-2 in a communicative manner and transmits an audio signal indicating the sound picked up by the conversation assistance device 10-1 to the conversation assistance device 10-2, and transmits an audio signal indicating the sound picked up by the conversation assistance device 10-2 to the conversation assistance device 10-1. The voice processing device 20 is, for example, an audio amplifier, and performs appropriate audio processing such as amplification or noise reduction on the audio signals indicating the sound picked up by the conversation assistance devices 10-1 and 10-2. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the voice processing device 20 is installed near the dashboard of the mobile unit 100. The voice processing device 20 may be an existing audio amplifier or other device mounted on the mobile unit 100, or it may be a dedicated device. Furthermore, the installation location of the voice processing device 20 is not limited to the illustrated example and is arbitrary. Furthermore, the voice processing device 20 is not limited to being configured separately from the conversation assistance devices 10-1 and 10-2, but may be configured integrally with one or both of the conversation assistance devices 10-1 and 10-2.

[0020] In the conversation assistance system 1 outlined above, the voices from passengers H-1 and H-2 are picked up by the conversation assistance device 10-1 and then emitted from the conversation assistance device 10-2 via the voice processing device 20. As a result, the voices from passengers H-1 and H-2 are emitted near the heads of passengers H-3 and H-4, making it easier for passengers H-3 and H-4 to hear the voices from passengers H-1 and H-2. On the other hand, the voices from passengers H-3 and H-4 are picked up by the conversation assistance device 10-2 and then emitted from the conversation assistance device 10-1 via the voice processing device 20. As a result, the voices from passengers H-3 and H-4 are emitted near the heads of passengers H-1 and H-2, making it easier for passengers H-1 and H-2 to hear the voices from passengers H-3 and H-4.

[0021] Here, when the sound emitted from conversation assistance device 10-1 is picked up by conversation assistance device 10-1, the sound quality deteriorates due to feedback, etc., resulting in a problem where it becomes difficult for each other to hear. Similarly, when the sound emitted from conversation assistance device 10-2 is picked up by conversation assistance device 10-2, the sound quality deteriorates due to feedback, etc., resulting in a problem where it becomes difficult for each other to hear.

[0022] Furthermore, when the voices of passengers H-1 and H-2 are picked up by the conversation assistance device 10-2, the conversation assistance device 10-1 emits its own voice towards passengers H-1 and H-2, resulting in a problem where it becomes difficult for them to hear each other. Similarly, when the voices of passengers H-3 and H-4 are picked up by the conversation assistance device 10-1, the conversation assistance device 10-2 emits its own voice towards passengers H-3 and H-4, resulting in a problem where it becomes difficult for them to hear each other.

[0023] Therefore, the conversation assistance device 10-1 is configured to make it difficult to pick up the sound emitted from the conversation assistance device 10-1 and the sound from passengers H-3 and H-4. On the other hand, the conversation assistance device 10-2 is configured to make it difficult to pick up the sound emitted from the conversation assistance device 10-2 and the sound from passengers H-1 and H-2. In the following, an example is given in which the conversation assistance devices 10-1 and 10-2 have the same configuration, but the system is not limited to this configuration, and the conversation assistance devices 10-1 and 10-2 may have different configurations as appropriate.

[0024] 1-2. Conversation assistance devices Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the conversation assistance device 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 3. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the conversation assistance device 10 comprises a housing 11, a microphone 12, a speaker unit 13, and guide members 14 and 15.

[0025] The housing 11 is a structure that supports the microphone 12, the speaker unit 13, and the guide members 14 and 15. In the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, the housing 11 has a baffle plate 11a, a chamber 11b, a cover 11c, and a spacer 11d.

[0026] The baffle plate 11a is a plate-shaped member that supports the speaker unit 13. The baffle plate 11a is essentially a rigid body and is made of, for example, resin or metal. In the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, the baffle plate 11a is made of a flat plate with the thickness direction aligned with the Z-axis and forms a rectangle in plan view. The baffle plate 11a is provided with an opening 11a1 that penetrates the baffle plate 11a in the thickness direction. The opening 11a1 is located in the center of the baffle plate 11a in the left-right direction.

[0027] The shape of the baffle plate 11a is not limited to the illustrated example and can be arbitrary; for example, it may have a shape with protrusions, or a shape with curved or bent portions. Furthermore, the baffle plate 11a may be composed of a joined structure such as a laminate of two or more members.

[0028] The chamber 11b is a box-shaped structure that functions as an enclosure for the speaker unit 13 together with one side of the baffle plate 11a. The chamber 11b is a substantially rigid body and is made of, for example, resin or metal. In the examples shown in Figures 3 and 4, the chamber 11b is positioned in the Z1 direction relative to the baffle plate 11a and is joined to the baffle plate 11a by adhesive or screws. A space S1 that functions as an enclosure for the speaker unit 13 is provided between the Z1-facing side of the baffle plate 11a and the chamber 11b.

[0029] The shape of the chamber 11b is not limited to the illustrated example and is arbitrary. Furthermore, the chamber 11b may be composed of a joint of two or more members. Also, at least a portion of the chamber 11b may be integrally formed with the baffle plate 11a.

[0030] The cover 11c is a plate-like or sheet-like member that faces the other surface of the baffle plate 11a. The cover 11c is essentially a rigid body and is made of, for example, resin or metal. In the examples shown in Figures 3 and 4, the cover 11c is made of a flat plate with its thickness direction along the Z-axis and is positioned at a distance from the baffle plate 11a in the Z2 direction.

[0031] The shape of the cover 11c is not limited to the illustrated example and is arbitrary; for example, it may have a shape with protrusions, or a shape with curved or bent parts. Furthermore, the cover 11c may be composed of a joined body such as a laminate of two or more members.

[0032] The spacer 11d is a component that creates a gap between the baffle plate 11a and the cover 11c. The spacer 11d is essentially a rigid body and is made of, for example, resin or metal. In the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, the spacer 11d consists of three components arranged along the outer circumference of the baffle plate 11a so as to correspond to the front edge and the two rear corners of the baffle plate 11a.

[0033] Here, the space between the baffle plate 11a and the cover 11c is divided into space S2 and space S3 by the guide member 14, which will be described later, as shown in Figure 4. The housing 11 has openings OP1 and OP2 that communicate with space S2, and openings OP3 and OP4 that communicate with space S3. Opening OP1 is an example of a "first opening", opening OP2 is an example of a "second opening", opening OP3 is an example of a "first sound receiving section", and opening OP4 is an example of a "second sound receiving section".

[0034] Opening OP1 is located on the right wall of the housing 11 and faces in the Y1 direction, which is to the right of the mobile body 100. Opening OP2 is located on the left wall of the housing 11 and is positioned in the Y2 direction, which is to the left of opening OP1 of the mobile body 100, and faces in the Y2 direction.

[0035] Opening OP3 is located in the right wall of the housing 11 at a position X1 relative to opening OP1, and faces in the Y1 direction, which is to the right of the mobile body 100. Opening OP4 is located in the left wall of the housing 11 at a position X1 relative to opening OP2, and is positioned in the Y2 direction, which is to the left of opening OP3, and faces in the Y2 direction.

[0036] The spacer 11d may be integrated with the baffle plate 11a or the cover 11c. In other words, if the baffle plate 11a or the cover 11c can provide spaces S2 and S3 between the baffle plate 11a and the cover 11c, the spacer 11d may be omitted.

[0037] The microphone 12 is an electronic component or device mounted on the housing 11 that outputs an audio signal indicating speech by picking up sound. The microphone 12 may be either an omnidirectional microphone or a directional microphone, and may include at least one microphone element such as a MEMS (micro-electromechanical system) microphone element or a condenser microphone element. In the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, the microphone 12 is positioned on the surface of the baffle plate 11a facing the Z2 direction, near the center in the front-to-back direction of space S3. Here, the microphone 12 is positioned in the center of the housing 11 in the left-to-right direction.

[0038] Here, the microphone 12 is positioned vertically above the bottom surface FB of the housing 11. This allows the microphone 12 to be positioned so that it is in the shadow of the housing 11 when viewed from the X2 direction, which is the rear direction in the direction of travel of the mobile body 100. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the input of sound from passenger H or conversation assistance device 10 that is located behind the passenger H corresponding to the conversation assistance device 10 to the microphone 12. Accordingly, in the mobile body 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2, it is possible to reduce the input of sound from passenger H-3, H-4 or conversation assistance device 10-2 to the microphone 12 of conversation assistance device 10-1.

[0039] Furthermore, an opening OP3 for sound pickup is positioned to the right of the mobile body 100 relative to the microphone 12. Also, an opening OP4 for sound pickup is positioned to the left of the mobile body 100 relative to the microphone 12.

[0040] The microphone 12 may be positioned anywhere within the space S3, or on the surface of the cover 11c facing the Z1 direction. However, from the viewpoint of evenly capturing sound passing through the openings OP3 and OP4 with the microphone 12, it is preferable that the microphone 12 be positioned in the center of the space S3 in the width direction.

[0041] The speaker unit 13 is a device that converts electrical audio signals into sound, and has a sound-emitting part 13a, such as a diaphragm, that emits the converted sound. The speaker unit 13 is, for example, a dynamic speaker unit. In the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, the speaker unit 13 is joined to the baffle plate 11a by adhesive or screws so as to close the opening 11a1. Here, most of the speaker unit 13 is placed in space S1, but the sound-emitting part 13a is exposed to space S2 through the opening 11a1. Also, as mentioned above, since the opening 11a1 is located in the center of the baffle plate 11a in the left-right direction, the speaker unit 13 is also located in the center of the baffle plate 11a in the left-right direction.

[0042] The speaker unit 13 is not limited to a dynamic type, but may also be a capacitor type (electrostatic type), ribbon type, ion type (discharge type), magnetic type, piezoelectric type, or other conversion method.

[0043] Guide members 14 and 15, as shown by the thick dashed lines in Figure 4, are members that guide sound from the sound-emitting section 13a to the openings OP1 and OP2. Specifically, guide members 14 and 15 direct the sound from the sound-emitting section 13a outwards from the openings OP1 and OP2, away from the microphone 12, to the outside of the housing 11. This reduces the amount of sound from the sound-emitting section 13a entering the microphone 12. As a result, deterioration of sound quality due to howling and the like can be reduced, and as a result, conversations between passengers H-1, H-2 and H-3, H-4 in the interior R of the mobile unit 100 can be assisted with good sound quality. Guide members 14 and 15, together with the baffle plate 11a and cover 11c, partition the space S2, and in cooperation with the baffle plate 11a and cover 11c, guide sound from the sound-emitting section 13a to the openings OP1 and OP2.

[0044] In this embodiment, the guide members 14 and 15 are members that divide the space between the baffle plate 11a and the cover 11c. By arranging such guide members 14 and 15 between the baffle plate 11a and the cover 11c, a space S2 with a shape that suitably guides sound from the sound-emitting section 13a to the openings OP1 and OP2 can be formed. Thus, the conversation assistance device 10 can be realized with a relatively simple configuration.

[0045] In this embodiment, the guide member 14 has the function of guiding sound from the sound-emitting section 13a to the openings OP1 and OP2, as well as guiding sound from the openings OP3 and OP4 to the microphone 12. Therefore, the guide member 14 can also be said to be an example of a "sound-collecting member". Thus, the housing 11 is provided with a guide member 14 that guides sound from the first sound-collecting section and the second sound-collecting section to the microphone 12. This makes it easier to deliver the voices of two passengers H, who are positioned separately on the left and right sides of the mobile body 100 relative to the conversation assistance device 10, to the microphone 12. As a result, the voices of passengers H corresponding to the conversation assistance device 10 can be efficiently collected by the microphone 12. The guide members 14 and 15 also function as spacers to create a gap between the baffle plate 11a and the cover 11c.

[0046] In the examples shown in Figures 3 and 4, the guide member 14 extends along the Y-axis at a position in the X1 direction relative to the opening 11a1 of the baffle plate 11a, and divides the space between the baffle plate 11a and the cover 11c. As a result, the space between the baffle plate 11a and the cover 11c is divided into space S2 and space S3. The guide member 14 has a surface 14a facing space S2 and a surface 14b facing space S3.

[0047] Surface 14a faces in the X2 direction and has the function of guiding sound from the sound-emitting section 13a to the openings OP1 and OP2. Surface 14a also has the function of blocking sound from the sound-emitting section 13a toward the microphone 12. Surface 14b faces in the X1 direction and has the function of guiding sound that has entered the openings OP3 and OP4 toward the microphone 12.

[0048] The shape of the guide member 14 is not limited to the illustrated example, as long as it can guide sound from the sound-emitting section 13a to the openings OP1 and OP2. For example, it may have a curved or bent shape such that both ends of the surface 14a in the left-right direction are located in the X2 direction rather than the center. The guide member 14 may also be composed of a joint of multiple members.

[0049] In the examples shown in Figures 3 and 4, the guide member 15 separates the space between the baffle plate 11a and the cover 11c at a position in the X2 direction relative to the opening 11a1 of the baffle plate 11a. The guide member 15 has surfaces 15a, 15b, and 15c facing the space S2. In the illustration, the guide member 15 is composed of three members: a member having surface 15a, a member having surface 15b, and a member having surface 15c.

[0050] Surface 15a is positioned in the X2 direction relative to the sound-emitting section 13a and faces the X1 direction. Surface 15b extends inclined toward the X2 direction as it moves from surface 15a toward the opening OP1 and has the function of guiding sound from the sound-emitting section 13a toward the opening OP1. Surface 15c extends inclined toward the X2 direction as it moves from surface 15a toward the opening OP2 and has the function of guiding sound from the sound-emitting section 13a toward the opening OP2.

[0051] Thus, the guide member 15 is configured such that the distance between surface 15b and surface 15c increases as it moves in the X2 direction. Here, the guide member 15 is configured such that the distance between surface 14a and surface 15b of the guide member 14 increases as it moves in the Y1 direction, and the distance between surface 14a and surface 15c of the guide member 14 increases as it moves in the Y2 direction. As a result, the sound emitted from the sound-emitting part 13a is emitted so that it spreads backward of the moving body 100 as it moves from the opening OP1 in the Y1 direction, and the sound emitted from the sound-emitting part 13a is emitted so that it spreads backward of the moving body 100 as it moves from the opening OP2 in the Y2 direction.

[0052] The shape of the guide member 15 is not limited to the illustrated example, as long as it can guide sound from the sound-emitting section 13a to the openings OP1 and OP2. For example, it may have a shape in which surfaces 15b and 15c are connected without surface 15a, or surfaces 15b and 15c may have curved or bent portions. Furthermore, the guide member 15 may be composed of a single member, or it may be composed of a joint of two or four or more members.

[0053] As described above, the guide members 14 and 15 guide sound from the sound-emitting section 13a to the openings OP1 and OP2. Here, the openings OP1 and OP2 are positioned further back in the direction of travel of the mobile body 100 than the microphone 12. In other words, the microphone 12 is positioned in the X1 direction, which is further forward in the direction of travel of the mobile body 100 than the openings OP1 and OP2. This reduces the amount of sound from the sound-emitting section 13a entering the microphone 12, while allowing the sound from the sound-emitting section 13a to be emitted from the openings OP1 and OP2 in the X2 direction, which is further back in the direction of travel of the mobile body 100, or in the left or right direction. For this reason, when the conversation assistance device 10 is installed in the X1 direction, which is further forward in the direction of travel of the mobile body 100, relative to the passenger H, there is an advantage in that the sound from the sound-emitting section 13a can be easily delivered to the passenger H corresponding to the conversation assistance device 10. Therefore, in the mobile body 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2, it is possible to make it easier to deliver sound from the sound-emitting section 13a of the conversation assistance device 10-1 to passengers H-1 and H-2, and to make it easier to deliver sound from the sound-emitting section 13a of the conversation assistance device 10-2 to passengers H-3 and H-4.

[0054] In this embodiment, the guide members 14 and 15 cause the sound from the sound-emitting section 13a to be emitted from multiple openings OP1 and OP2 in different directions. This allows the sound from the sound-emitting section 13a to be emitted in multiple directions. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier to deliver the sound from the sound-emitting section 13a to multiple passengers H corresponding to the conversation assistance device 10. Accordingly, in the mobile body 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2, it is possible to make it easier to deliver the sound from the sound-emitting section 13a of the conversation assistance device 10-1 to passengers H-1 and H-2, and to make it easier to deliver the sound from the sound-emitting section 13a of the conversation assistance device 10-2 to passengers H-3 and H-4, respectively.

[0055] Here, as mentioned above, opening OP1 faces to the right of the mobile body 100, and opening OP2 faces to the left of the mobile body 100. As a result, the guide members 14 and 15 can cause the sound from the sound-emitting part 13a to be emitted from opening OP1 toward the right of the mobile body 100 and from opening OP2 toward the left of the mobile body 100. Therefore, it is possible to easily deliver the sound from the sound-emitting part 13a to the two passengers H who are positioned separately to the left and right of the mobile body 100 relative to the conversation assistance device 10. Accordingly, in the mobile body 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2, it is possible to easily deliver the sound from the sound-emitting part 13a of the conversation assistance device 10-1 to passengers H-1 and H-2, and to easily deliver the sound from the sound-emitting part 13a of the conversation assistance device 10-2 to passengers H-3 and H-4.

[0056] 2. Second Embodiment The following describes a second embodiment of this disclosure. For elements whose operation and function are the same as in the first embodiment in the embodiments described below, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be reused, and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0057] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the conversation assistance device 10A according to the second embodiment. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 5. The conversation assistance device 10A differs from the conversation assistance device 10 of the first embodiment in that it emits sound from the sound emission unit 13a in the direction of X2. Therefore, the conversation assistance device 10A is preferably used in place of the conversation assistance device 10-2 of the first embodiment for use in the rear seats.

[0058] The conversation assistance device 10A is configured in the same way as the conversation assistance device 10 of the first embodiment, except that it includes a housing 11A instead of the housing 11 of the first embodiment, and a guide member 16 instead of the guide member 15 of the first embodiment.

[0059] The housing 11A is configured similarly to the housing 11 of the first embodiment, except that two of the three members constituting the spacer 11d of the first embodiment, which are located in the X2 direction, are omitted. Here, the housing 11A has an opening OP6 that communicates with space S2.

[0060] The opening OP6 is located in the rear wall of the housing 11A and is positioned in the X2 direction, which is the rear direction of the mobile body 100 in the direction of travel, relative to the sound-emitting unit 13a, and faces in the X2 direction. This allows the guide member 16 to direct the sound from the sound-emitting unit 13a out of the opening OP6 in the X2 direction, which is the rear direction of the mobile body 100 in the direction of travel. Therefore, when the conversation assistance device 10 is installed in front of the passenger H in the X1 direction, which is the direction of travel of the mobile body 100, there is an advantage in that the sound from the sound-emitting unit 13a can be easily delivered to the passenger H.

[0061] The guide member 16 is a member that guides sound from the sound-emitting section 13a to the opening OP6. In this embodiment, the surface 14a of the guide member 14 guides the sound from the sound-emitting section 13a to the opening OP6 by reflecting it.

[0062] In the examples shown in Figures 5 and 6, the guide member 16 divides the space between the baffle plate 11a and the cover 11c at positions in the Y1 direction and Y2 direction, respectively, with respect to the opening 11a1 of the baffle plate 11a. The guide member 16 has a surface 16a and a surface 16b that face the space S2. In the illustration, the guide member 16 is composed of two members: a member having surface 16a and a member having surface 16b.

[0063] Surface 16a is positioned in the Y1 direction relative to the sound-emitting section 13a, and extends inclined toward the Y1 direction as it moves from surface 14a of the guide member 14 toward the opening OP6, and has the function of guiding sound from the sound-emitting section 13a toward the opening OP6. Surface 16b is positioned in the Y2 direction relative to the sound-emitting section 13a, and extends inclined toward the Y2 direction as it moves from surface 14a of the guide member 14 toward the opening OP6, and has the function of guiding sound from the sound-emitting section 13a toward the opening OP6.

[0064] Thus, the guide member 16 is configured such that the distance between surfaces 16a and 16b increases as it moves in the X2 direction. This allows the sound from the sound-emitting unit 13a to spread out in the left-right direction of the mobile body 100 as it moves from the opening OP6 in the X2 direction. As a result, it is possible to easily deliver the sound from the sound-emitting unit 13a to the two passengers H who are positioned separately on the left and right sides of the mobile body 100 relative to the conversation assistance device 10A.

[0065] The shape of the guide member 16 is not limited to the illustrated example, as long as it can guide sound from the sound-emitting section 13a to the opening OP6. For example, the surfaces 16a and 16b may have curved or bent portions. The guide member 16 may also be composed of a single member or a joint of three or more members.

[0066] In the second embodiment described above, the guide members 14 and 16 can direct the sound from the sound-emitting section 13a away from the opening OP6 and outwards from the microphone 12, thereby enabling good sound quality assistance for conversations between passengers H inside the interior R of the mobile unit 100.

[0067] 3. Third Embodiment A third embodiment of this disclosure will be described below. For elements whose operation and function are the same as in the first embodiment in the embodiments described below, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be reused, and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0068] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the conversation assistance device 10B according to the third embodiment. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 7. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Figure 8. The conversation assistance device 10B is configured similarly to the conversation assistance device 10 of the first embodiment, except that it includes a housing 11B instead of the housing 11 of the first embodiment.

[0069] The housing 11B is configured similarly to the housing 11 of the first embodiment, except that a plurality of holes 11c1 are added to the cover 11c, the shape of the spacer 11d is different, and mounting member 11e and wall members 11f-1 and 11f-2 are added. Here, the housing 11B has openings OP7 and OP8 that communicate with space S2. Opening OP7 is an example of a "first opening," and opening OP8 is an example of a "second opening."

[0070] Opening OP7 is located in the bottom surface FB of the housing 11B, positioned to the right of the center of the mobile body 100, and facing vertically downward. Opening OP8 is located in the bottom surface FB of the housing 11B, positioned to the left of the center of the mobile body 100, and facing vertically downward. Thus, opening OP7 is positioned to the right of the center of the mobile body 100 and faces vertically downward, while opening OP8 is positioned to the left of the center of the mobile body 100 and faces vertically downward. As a result, guide members 14 and 15 can direct sound from the sound-emitting unit 13a from opening OP7 toward the lower right of the mobile body 100, and from opening OP8 toward the lower left of the mobile body 100. Therefore, even if the conversation assistance device 10B is embedded in the inner wall of the mobile body 100, such as the ceiling 110, it is possible to easily deliver sound from the sound-emitting unit 13a to two passengers H positioned on the left and right sides of the mobile body 100 relative to the conversation assistance device 10B. By embedding the conversation assistance device 10B into the interior wall of the mobile body 100, such as the ceiling 110, there are advantages such as securing space in the room R and not impairing the aesthetic appearance of the room R.

[0071] Wall member 11f-1 is positioned in the Y1 direction relative to the baffle plate 11a and is a member that partitions the opening OP7. Wall member 11f-2 is positioned in the Y2 direction relative to the baffle plate 11a and is a member that partitions the opening OP8.

[0072] In the examples shown in Figures 8 and 9, wall members 11f-1 and 11f-2 each have wall portions 11f1, 11f2, and 11f3 and an edge portion 11f4. As shown in Figure 9, wall portion 11f1 extends from the Y1 and Y2 ends of the baffle plate 11a, respectively, and slopes toward the Z2 direction as it moves away from the baffle plate 11a. As shown in Figure 8, wall portion 11f2 extends from the Y1 and Y2 ends of the guide member 14, respectively, and defines the X1 ends of the openings OP7 and OP8. Wall portion 11f3 extends from the Y1 and Y2 ends of the guide member 15, respectively, and defines the X2 ends of the openings OP7 and OP8. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the edge portion 11f4 is located coplane with the cover 11c and is connected to the baffle plate 11a via the wall portion 11f1. When the conversation assistance device 10B is embedded in the inner wall of the ceiling 110 or the like of the mobile body 100, the edge portion 11f4 is joined to the inner wall by screws or the like, as necessary.

[0073] Note that wall members 11f-1 and 11f-2 only need to be able to partition the openings OP7 and OP8, and are not limited to the illustrated examples. For example, wall portion 11f1 may be integrally formed with baffle plate 11a. Wall portion 11f2 may be integrally formed with guide member 14. Wall portion 11f3 may be integrally formed with guide member 15 or spacer 11d. Edge portion 11f4 may be provided as needed or omitted.

[0074] The mounting member 11e is positioned in space S3 and is a member for attaching the microphone 12 to the housing 11B. The mounting member 11e has a mounting surface 11e1 and a surface 11e2. As shown in Figure 7, the mounting surface 11e1 is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the Z axis so as to face forward and downward. The microphone 12 is attached to the mounting surface 11e1. This allows the microphone 12 to pick up sound from the passenger H through the multiple holes 11c1 of the cover 11c. Surface 11e2 extends from the end of the mounting surface 11e1 in the X1 direction and is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the Z axis so as to face rear and downward. As shown in Figure 8, each of the mounting surface 11e1 and surface 11e2 is provided over the entire area between the opening OP3 and the opening OP4. This allows the mounting member 11e to guide sound entering the openings OP3 and OP4 to the microphone 12. Here, the mounting member 11e can also be considered an example of a "sound-collecting member." Note that if the conversation assistance device 10B is not embedded in the inner wall of the mobile body 100, such as the ceiling 110, the multiple holes 11c1 may be omitted. Also, if the conversation assistance device 10B is embedded in the inner wall of the mobile body 100, such as the ceiling 110, the openings OP3 and OP4 are not exposed to the interior R and may be closed. Furthermore, instead of the multiple holes 11c1, the cover 11c may be provided with an opening so that the space S3 is open over its entire length in the Z2 direction.

[0075] As described above, the housing 11B has a mounting surface 11e1 to which the microphone 12 is attached. Here, the mounting surface 11e1 is tilted in the X1 direction, which is the forward direction in the direction of travel of the mobile body 100, and faces vertically downward. This allows the microphone 12 to be positioned so that it is in the shadow of the housing 11B when viewed from the rear direction in the X1 direction, which is the direction of travel of the mobile body 100. In addition, the tilt of the mounting surface 11e1 makes it possible to reduce the input of sound from a passenger H or conversation assistance device 10B that is behind the passenger H corresponding to the conversation assistance device 10B to the microphone 12, even if the distance between the microphone 12 and the bottom surface FB of the housing 11B is reduced.

[0076] The shape of the mounting member 11e is not limited to the illustrated example, as long as it has a mounting surface 11e1. For example, the inclination angles of the mounting surface 11e1 and surface 11e2 with respect to a plane perpendicular to the Z axis are determined according to the arrangement of the conversation assistance device 10B, etc., and are not particularly limited. For example, surface 11e2 may be perpendicular to the X axis. Also, the mounting surface 11e1 may have a curved or bent portion. Furthermore, the mounting member 11e may be composed of a joint of two or more members.

[0077] In the third embodiment described above, the guide members 14 and 15 can direct the sound from the sound-emitting section 13a outwards from the openings OP7 and OP8 toward the microphone 12, thereby emitting sound to the outside of the housing 11B. This makes it possible to assist conversations between passengers H inside the interior R of the mobile unit 100 with good sound quality.

[0078] 4. Fourth Embodiment A fourth embodiment of this disclosure will now be described. For elements whose operation and function are the same as in the first embodiment in the embodiments described below, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be reused, and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0079] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the conversation assistance device 10C according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 10. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Figure 11. The conversation assistance device 10C is configured similarly to the conversation assistance device 10 of the first embodiment, except that it includes a housing 11C instead of the housing 11 of the first embodiment, and additional sound-collecting members 18 and 19.

[0080] Housing 11C is configured similarly to housing 11 of the first embodiment, except that the shape of the spacer 11d is different and that mounting member 11e and wall members 11f-1 and 11f-2 are added. Here, housing 11C is configured similarly to housing 11B of the third embodiment, except that the multiple holes 11c1 of the cover 11c of the third embodiment are omitted. However, in this embodiment, the length of the wall portion 11f1 and edge portion 11f4 of wall members 11f-1 and 11f-2 in the direction along the X axis is different from that of the third embodiment. Here, housing 11C has openings OP9 and OP10 that communicate with space S3. Opening OP9 is an example of a "first sound-receiving section", and opening OP10 is an example of a "second sound-receiving section".

[0081] Openings OP9 and OP10 are openings for sound pickup. Opening OP9 is located on the bottom FB of the housing 11C and is positioned to the right of the mobile body 100 relative to the microphone 12. Opening OP10 is located on the bottom FB of the housing 11C and is positioned to the left of the mobile body 100 relative to the microphone 12. If the baffle plate 11a is located in the Z2 direction relative to the ceiling 110, openings OP9 and OP10 may be opened on the side of the housing 11C.

[0082] In this embodiment, the wall portion 11f1 and edge portion 11f4 of wall members 11f-1 and 11f-2 are extended in the X1 direction compared to the third embodiment. Furthermore, wall member 11f-1 partitions not only opening OP7 but also opening OP9. Wall member 11f-2 partitions not only opening OP8 but also opening OP10.

[0083] The sound-collecting members 18 and 19 are positioned in space S3 and guide sound from the openings OP9 and OP10 to the microphone 12. By providing the sound-collecting members 18 and 19 in the housing 11C in this way, it is possible to easily deliver the voices of the two passengers H, who are positioned separately on the left and right sides of the mobile body 100 relative to the conversation assistance device 10C, to the microphone 12. Therefore, the voices of the passengers corresponding to the conversation assistance device 10C can be efficiently picked up by the microphone 12.

[0084] The sound-collecting member 18 is positioned in the X1 direction relative to the microphone 12 and has a surface 18a and a surface 18b facing the space S3. In the illustration, the sound-collecting member 18 is composed of two members: a member having surface 18a and a member having surface 18b.

[0085] Surface 18a extends inclined so as it moves from a position near the microphone 12 toward the Y1 direction and toward the X2 direction, and has the function of guiding sound that enters the opening OP9 to the microphone 12. Surface 18b extends inclined so as it moves from a position near the microphone 12 toward the Y2 direction and toward the X2 direction, and has the function of guiding sound that enters the opening OP10 to the microphone 12.

[0086] The shape of the sound-collecting member 18 is not limited to the illustrated example, as long as it can guide sound entering the openings OP9 and OP10 to the microphone 12. For example, surfaces 18a and 18b may face in the X2 direction, or surfaces 18a and 18b may have curved or bent portions. Furthermore, the sound-collecting member 18 may be composed of a single member or a joint of three or more members.

[0087] The sound-collecting member 19 is positioned in the X2 direction relative to the microphone 12 and has a surface 19a and a surface 19b facing the space S3. In the figure, the sound-collecting member 19 is composed of two members: a member having surface 19a and a member having surface 19b.

[0088] Surface 19a extends inclined from a position near the microphone 12 toward the Y1 direction toward the X2 direction, and has the function of guiding sound entering the opening OP9 to the microphone 12. In the figure, surface 19a is parallel to surface 18a. Surface 19b extends inclined from a position near the microphone 12 toward the Y2 direction toward the X2 direction, and has the function of guiding sound entering the opening OP10 to the microphone 12. In the figure, surface 19b is parallel to surface 18b.

[0089] The shape of the sound-collecting member 19 is not limited to the illustrated example, as long as it can guide sound entering the openings OP9 and OP10 to the microphone 12. For example, surfaces 19a and 19b may face in the X2 direction, or surfaces 19a and 19b may have curved or bent portions. The sound-collecting member 19 may be composed of a single member or a joint of three or more members. Furthermore, surface 19a may be non-parallel to surface 18a. Similarly, surface 19b may be non-parallel to surface 18b. However, from the viewpoint of improving the sound collection efficiency of the microphone 12, it is preferable that the sound-collecting members 18 and 19 are configured such that the space S3 widens toward the openings OP9 and OP10.

[0090] The fourth embodiment described above also makes it possible to assist conversations between passengers H inside the interior R of the mobile unit 100 with good sound quality.

[0091] 5. Variations This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible as described below. Furthermore, each embodiment and each modification may be combined as appropriate.

[0092] 5-1. Variation 1 Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the conversation assistance device 10D according to Modification 1. The conversation assistance device 10D is configured in the same way as the conversation assistance device 10A of the second embodiment, except that it includes a housing 11D instead of the housing 11A of the second embodiment. The housing 11D is configured in the same way as the housing 11A of the second embodiment, except that a wall member 11g is added. Here, the housing 11D has an opening OP11 that communicates with space S2.

[0093] The opening OP11 is located in the bottom surface FB of the housing 11D, positioned in the X2 direction relative to the cover 11c, and facing vertically downward. Thus, the opening OP11 faces vertically downward and is located in the rear direction relative to the sound-emitting part 13a in the direction of travel of the mobile body 100. This allows the guide members 14 and 16 to emit sound from the sound-emitting part 13a through the opening OP11 in the rear-down direction of the mobile body 100. For this reason, even if the conversation assistance device 10D is embedded in the interior wall such as the ceiling of the mobile body 100, if the conversation assistance device 10D is installed in the X1 direction, which is in the forward direction relative to the passenger H in the direction of travel of the mobile body 100, there is an advantage that the sound from the sound-emitting part 13a can be easily delivered to the passenger H. Furthermore, embedding the conversation assistance device 10D in the interior wall such as the ceiling 110 of the mobile body 100 has the advantage of securing space in the interior R and not impairing the aesthetic appearance of the interior R. Furthermore, when the conversation assistance device 10D is embedded in the inner wall of the ceiling 110 or the like of the mobile body 100, the configuration for sound pickup by the microphone 12 may, for example, have multiple holes 11c1 as in the third embodiment, or have openings OP9 and OP10 as in the fourth embodiment.

[0094] The wall member 11g is positioned in the X2 direction relative to the baffle plate 11a and is a member that partitions the opening OP11. The wall member 11g has a wall portion 11g1. The wall portion 11g1 extends from the end of the baffle plate 11a in the X2 direction and is inclined to approach the Z2 direction as it moves away from the baffle plate 11a. This allows sound from the sound-emitting section 13a to be suitably emitted from the opening OP1 in the rear-down direction in the X1 direction, which is the direction of travel of the moving body 100.

[0095] Even with the above modification 1, it is possible to assist conversations between passengers H inside the interior R of the mobile unit 100 with good sound quality.

[0096] 5-2. Variation 2 The above-described embodiment exemplifies a configuration using two conversation assistance devices, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the number of conversation assistance devices in a conversation assistance system may be three or more. Furthermore, the conversation assistance devices are not limited to being used in a system that assists conversations between passengers in the same mobile vehicle. For example, they may be used in a system that assists conversations between passengers in different mobile vehicles, or in a system such as a hands-free calling system. In this case, the number of conversation assistance devices installed in the same mobile vehicle may be one or three or more.

[0097] 5-3. Modification Example 3 In the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which the mobile body 100 is an automobile. However, the embodiment is not limited to this embodiment, and the mobile body 100 may be any type of mobile body in which the relationship between the direction of travel and the arrangement of passengers in the mobile body is predetermined. For example, it may be a train, aircraft, rocket or ship, etc.

[0098] Here, if the moving body 100 is a train or the like, the relationship between the forward and backward directions in the direction of travel of the moving body 100 may be reversed. That is, in this case, the direction of travel of the moving body 100 is not limited to a fixed single direction, but is a single direction that can be switched between from both directions.

[0099] 5-4. Modification 4 In the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which the conversation assistance system 1 is equipped with two conversation assistance devices 10, but the embodiment is not limited to this, and there may be three or more. For example, in the case of a car with three or more rows of seats, a number of conversation assistance devices 10 corresponding to each row may be arranged.

[0100] 5-5. Variation 5 In the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which the microphone 12 is arranged inside the housings 11, 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the microphone 12 may be arranged outside the housings 11, 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D. In this case, the opening for sound pickup to the microphone 12 may be omitted in the housings 11, 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D. In this case, from the viewpoint of making it difficult to pick up sound from the sound emission section 13a, it is preferable that the microphone 12 be arranged near the center in the left-right direction on the front wall surface or the bottom surface near it (the surface of the cover 11c facing the Z2 direction) of the housings 11, 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D.

[0101] 6. Addendum From the forms or modifications illustrated above, for example, the following embodiments can be understood.

[0102] (Note 1) A first embodiment of the conversation assistance system of the present disclosure is a conversation assistance system comprising a plurality of conversation assistance devices arranged inside the room of a mobile body, each of the plurality of conversation assistance devices comprising a housing having at least one opening, a microphone attached to the housing, a speaker unit having a sound-emitting part arranged inside the housing, and a guide member that guides sound from the sound-emitting part to the at least one opening, wherein the guide member causes the sound from the sound-emitting part to be emitted to the outside of the housing in a direction away from the microphone from the at least one opening.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the guide member directs the sound from the sound-emitting part toward the outside of the housing in a direction away from the microphone through the opening, thereby reducing the amount of sound from the sound-emitting part entering the microphone. As a result, deterioration of sound quality due to howling and the like can be reduced, and as a result, conversations between passengers inside a mobile vehicle can be assisted with good sound quality.

[0104] (Note 2) In the second embodiment, which is a preferred example of the first embodiment, the microphone is positioned forward of the at least one opening in the direction of travel of the mobile body. In this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the amount of sound from the sound-emitting part entering the microphone while allowing the sound from the sound-emitting part to be emitted from the opening toward the rear or left / right in the direction of travel of the mobile body. This has the advantage that when a conversation assistance device is installed in front of the mobile body in the direction of travel of the passenger, it is easier to deliver the sound from the sound-emitting part to the passenger corresponding to the conversation assistance device.

[0105] (Note 3) In a third embodiment which is a preferred example of the first or second embodiment, the at least one opening is a plurality of openings, and the guide member causes the sound from the sound-emitting part to be emitted from the plurality of openings in different directions from each other. According to the above embodiment, the sound from the sound-emitting part can be emitted in multiple directions. This makes it easier to deliver the sound from the sound-emitting part to multiple passengers corresponding to the conversation assistance device.

[0106] (Note 4) In a fourth embodiment, which is a preferred example of the third embodiment, the plurality of openings include a first opening facing to the right of the moving body and a second opening positioned to the left of the moving body relative to the first opening and facing to the left of the moving body. According to the above embodiment, the guide member can cause the sound from the sound emitting part to be emitted from the first opening toward the right of the moving body and from the second opening toward the left of the moving body. This makes it easier to deliver sound from the sound emitting part to two passengers positioned separately to the left and right of the moving body relative to the conversation assistance device.

[0107] (Note 5) In a fifth embodiment, which is a preferred example of the third embodiment, the plurality of openings include a first opening positioned to the right of the center of the mobile body and facing vertically downward, and a second opening positioned to the left of the center of the mobile body and facing vertically downward. According to the above embodiment, the guide member can cause the sound from the sound emitting part to be emitted from the first opening toward the lower right of the mobile body and from the second opening toward the lower left of the mobile body. For this reason, even if the conversation assistance device is embedded in the interior wall such as the ceiling of the mobile body, it is possible to easily deliver sound from the sound emitting part to two passengers positioned on the left and right sides of the mobile body relative to the conversation assistance device. Furthermore, embedding the conversation assistance device in the interior wall such as the ceiling of the mobile body has the advantage of securing interior space and not impairing the aesthetic appearance of the interior.

[0108] (Note 6) In the sixth embodiment, which is a preferred example of the first or second embodiment, the at least one opening faces the rear in the direction of travel of the moving body. In the above embodiments, the guide member can cause the sound from the sound-emitting part to be emitted from at least one opening toward the rear in the direction of travel of the moving body. This has the advantage that when the conversation assistance device is installed in front of the moving body in the direction of travel of the passenger, the sound from the sound-emitting part can be easily delivered to the passenger.

[0109] (Note 7) In the seventh embodiment, which is a preferred example of the first or second embodiment, the at least one opening faces vertically downward and is located in the rear direction in the direction of travel of the mobile body relative to the sound-emitting part. In the above embodiment, the guide member can cause the sound from the sound-emitting part to be emitted from at least one opening in the rear-down direction of the mobile body. For this reason, even if the conversation assistance device is embedded in the interior wall such as the ceiling of the mobile body, if the conversation assistance device is installed in the front direction in the direction of travel of the mobile body relative to the passenger, there is an advantage that the sound from the sound-emitting part can be easily delivered to the passenger. Furthermore, embedding the conversation assistance device in the interior wall such as the ceiling of the mobile body has the advantage of securing interior space and not impairing the aesthetic appearance of the interior.

[0110] (Note 8) In the eighth embodiment, which is a preferred example of any of the first to seventh embodiments, the housing includes a baffle plate that supports the speaker unit, a chamber that functions as an enclosure for the speaker unit together with one side of the baffle plate, and a cover that faces the other side of the baffle plate, and the guide member is a member that divides the space between the baffle plate and the cover. In the above embodiments, a conversation assistance device can be realized with a relatively simple configuration.

[0111] (Note 9) In the ninth embodiment, which is a preferred example of any of the first to eighth embodiments, the microphone is positioned vertically above the bottom surface of the housing. In the above embodiments, the microphone can be positioned so as to be hidden by the housing when viewed from the rear in the direction of travel of the moving body. This reduces the input of sound from passengers or conversation assistance devices located behind the passenger corresponding to the conversation assistance device to the microphone.

[0112] (Note 10) In the tenth embodiment, which is a preferred example of the ninth embodiment, the housing has a mounting surface to which the microphone is attached, and the mounting surface is inclined forward in the direction of travel of the mobile body and faces vertically downward. In the above embodiment, the microphone can be positioned so as to be in the shadow of the housing when viewed from the rear in the direction of travel of the mobile body. Furthermore, the inclination of the mounting surface makes it possible to reduce the input of sound from passengers or conversation assistance devices located behind the passenger corresponding to the conversation assistance device to the microphone, even if the distance between the microphone and the bottom surface of the housing is reduced.

[0113] (Note 11) In the 11th embodiment, which is a preferred example of any of the first to tenth embodiments, the housing further has a first sound-receiving section and a second sound-receiving section as openings for sound collection, the first sound-receiving section being positioned to the right of the mobile body relative to the microphone, and the second sound-receiving section being positioned to the left of the mobile body relative to the microphone, and the housing is provided with a sound-receiving member that guides sound from the first sound-receiving section and the second sound-receiving section to the microphone. In the above embodiment, the voice from the passenger corresponding to the conversation assistance device can be efficiently collected by the microphone.

[0114] (Note 12) A twelfth aspect of the conversation assistance device of the present disclosure is a conversation assistance device arranged in the room of a mobile body, comprising: a housing having at least one opening; a microphone attached to the housing; a speaker unit having a sound-emitting section arranged inside the housing; and a guide member that guides sound from the sound-emitting section to the at least one opening, wherein the guide member causes sound from the sound-emitting section to be emitted from the at least one opening toward the outside of the housing toward the microphone.

[0115] In the above embodiment, the guide member directs the sound from the sound-emitting part toward the outside of the housing in a direction away from the microphone through the opening, thereby reducing the amount of sound from the sound-emitting part entering the microphone. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0116] 1...Conversation assistance system, 10...Conversation assistance device, 10-1...Conversation assistance device, 10-2...Conversation assistance device, 10A...Conversation assistance device, 10B...Conversation assistance device, 10C...Conversation assistance device, 10D...Conversation assistance device, 11...Housing, 11A...Housing, 11B...Housing, 11C...Housing, 11D...Housing, 11a...Baffle plate, 11a1...Opening, 11b...Chamber, 11c...Cover, 11c1...Hole, 11 d...Spacer, 11e...Mounting member, 11e1...Mounting surface, 11e2...Surface, 11f-1...Wall member, 11f-2...Wall member, 11f1...Wall section, 11f2...Wall section, 11f3...Wall section, 11f4...Edge section, 11g...Wall member, 11g1...Wall section, 12...Microphone, 13...Speaker unit, 13a...Sound emission section, 14...Guiding member, 14a...Surface, 14b...Surface, 15...Guiding member, 15a...Surface, 1 5b...face, 15c...face, 16...guide member, 16a...face, 16b...face, 18...sound-collecting member, 18a...face, 18b...face, 19...sound-collecting member, 19a...face, 19b...face, 20...sound processing device, 100...moving body, 110...ceiling, 121...seat, 122...seat, 123...seat, 124...seat, FB...bottom surface, H...passenger, H-1...passenger, H-2...passenger, H-3...passenger, H-4...passenger, OP1...opening (first opening), OP2...opening (second opening), OP3...opening (first sound collection part), OP4...opening (second sound collection part), OP5...opening, OP6...opening, OP7...opening ( 1st opening), OP8...opening (second opening), OP9...opening (first sound collection section), OP10...opening (second sound collection section), OP11...opening, R...room, S1...space, S2...space, S3...space.

Claims

1. A conversation assistance system comprising multiple conversation assistance devices arranged inside a mobile vehicle, Each of the aforementioned multiple conversation assistance devices is, A housing having at least one opening, A microphone mounted on the aforementioned housing, A speaker unit having a sound-emitting section arranged within the aforementioned housing, The system includes a guide member that directs sound from the sound-emitting section to the at least one opening, The guide member causes the sound from the sound-emitting section to be emitted from the at least one opening toward the outside of the housing toward the microphone. Conversation assistance system.

2. The microphone is positioned forward of the at least one opening in the direction of travel of the moving body. The conversation assistance system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned at least one opening is a plurality of openings, The guide member causes the sound from the sound-emitting section to be emitted from the plurality of openings in different directions from one another. The conversation assistance system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned multiple openings are, The first opening of the moving body facing to the right, The first opening is positioned to the left of the moving body and includes a second opening that faces to the left of the moving body, The conversation assistance system according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned multiple openings are, The first opening is positioned to the right of the center of the moving body and faces vertically downward, The moving body includes a second opening positioned to the left of its center and facing vertically downward, The conversation assistance system according to claim 3.

6. The at least one opening faces backward in the direction of travel of the moving body. The conversation assistance system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The at least one opening is oriented vertically downward and is located behind the sound-emitting section in the direction of travel of the moving body, A conversation assistance system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The aforementioned enclosure is A baffle plate that supports the speaker unit, A chamber that functions as an enclosure for the speaker unit together with one side of the baffle plate, The baffle plate has a cover facing the other side, The guide member is a member that separates the space between the baffle plate and the cover. A conversation assistance system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The microphone is positioned vertically above the bottom surface of the housing. A conversation assistance system according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The housing has a mounting surface on which the microphone is attached, The mounting surface is inclined forward in the direction of travel of the moving body and faces vertically downward. The conversation assistance system according to claim 9.

11. The housing further includes a first sound-collecting section and a second sound-collecting section as openings for sound collection. The first sound-collecting unit is positioned to the right of the moving body relative to the microphone. The second sound-collecting unit is positioned to the left of the moving body relative to the microphone. The housing is provided with sound-collecting members that guide sound from the first sound-collecting section and the second sound-collecting section to the microphone. A conversation assistance system according to claim 1 or 2.

12. A conversation assistance device placed inside the cabin of a mobile vehicle, A housing having at least one opening, A microphone mounted on the aforementioned housing, A speaker unit having a sound-emitting section arranged within the aforementioned housing, The system includes a guide member that directs sound from the sound-emitting section to the at least one opening, The guide member causes the sound from the sound-emitting section to be emitted from the at least one opening toward the outside of the housing toward the microphone. A conversational aid.

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