Information notification device, information notification method, program, and recording medium

Abstract

This device provides an information notification system that can notify drivers of avoidance areas by sound while minimizing inconvenience. [Solution] The system includes: a sound output unit that outputs sound so that the sound image is localized at any location inside or around the vehicle; an avoidance area information acquisition unit that acquires avoidance area information including information on the location and range of an avoidance area which is an area that is preferable to avoid entering; a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information of the vehicle; and a control unit that controls the sound output unit to output a sound that notifies the location of the avoidance area at a frequency corresponding to the positional relationship between the vehicle and the avoidance area, based on the avoidance area information and the location information of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information notification device, an information notification method, a program, and a recording medium, and for example, relates to an information notification device, an information notification method, a program, and a recording medium for notifying information to an occupant of a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Stereoacoustic technology is used to notify a driver of information while the vehicle is in operation. For example, a system has been proposed that outputs sound while changing the localization mode of a sound image in accordance with the driving environment of a vehicle (e.g., Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] It is conceivable to use the stereophonic technology of the above-described conventional art to notify the driver of a vehicle in advance by sound of information for avoiding heavy rain areas, submerged areas, and the like. However, when avoidance areas are scattered across a plurality of locations, frequent notifications are given, which causes the problem that the driver feels annoyed.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the foregoing points, and one object thereof is to provide an information notification device capable of notifying an avoidance area by sound while suppressing annoyance.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is characterized by comprising: a sound output unit that outputs sound so that a sound image is localized at any location inside or around the vehicle interior; an avoidance area information acquisition unit that acquires avoidance area information including information on the location and range of an avoidance area which is an area to be avoided; a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information of the vehicle; and a control unit that controls the sound output unit to output a sound that notifies the location of the avoidance area at a frequency corresponding to the positional relationship between the vehicle and the avoidance area, based on the avoidance area information and the location information of the vehicle.

[0007] The invention described in claim 4 is characterized by comprising: a sound output unit that outputs sound toward the interior of a vehicle; an avoidance area information acquisition unit that acquires information on avoidance areas which are areas where entry is preferable; and a control unit that controls the sound output unit to output a sound that evokes an avoidance event which is an event that causes avoidance to be recommended for the avoidance area, or a sound that mimics the avoidance event, based on the information on the avoidance area.

[0008] The invention described in claim 7 comprises: a sound output unit that outputs sound into the interior of a vehicle; an avoidance area information acquisition unit that acquires information on an avoidance area which is an area where entry is preferably avoided; a position information acquisition unit that acquires position information of the vehicle; and a control unit that controls the output of sound by the sound output unit according to whether the avoidance area is located in a first area determined based on the position of the vehicle, based on the information on the avoidance area and the position information of the vehicle, wherein the control unit operates in a warning mode that causes the sound output unit to output a warning sound when the avoidance area is located in the first area, and when the avoidance area leaves the first area, it causes the sound output unit to notify the driver of this fact and terminates the warning mode.

[0009] The invention described in claim 12 is an information notification method performed by an information notification device having a sound output unit that outputs sound so that a sound image is localized at any location inside or around a vehicle, and is characterized by comprising: an avoidance area information acquisition step of acquiring avoidance area information including information on the location and extent of an avoidance area which is an area in which entry is preferably avoided; a location information acquisition step of acquiring location information of the vehicle; and a control step of controlling the sound output unit to output a sound that notifies the location of the avoidance area at a frequency corresponding to the positional relationship between the vehicle and the avoidance area, based on the avoidance area information and the location information of the vehicle.

[0010] The invention described in claim 13 is an information notification method performed by an information notification device having a sound output unit that outputs sound so that a sound image is localized in or around the interior of a vehicle, and is characterized by comprising: an avoidance area information acquisition step of acquiring information on an avoidance area which is an area where entry is preferable; and a control step of controlling the sound output unit to output a sound that evokes an avoidance event which is an event that causes avoidance to be recommended for the avoidance area, or a sound that imitates the avoidance event, based on the information on the avoidance area.

[0011] The invention described in claim 14 is an information notification method performed by an information notification device having a sound output unit that outputs sound so that a sound image is localized at any location inside or around a vehicle, comprising: an avoidance area information acquisition step of acquiring information on an avoidance area which is an area in which entry is preferably avoided; a location information acquisition step of acquiring location information of the vehicle; and a control step of controlling the output of sound by the sound output unit according to whether the avoidance area is located in a first area determined based on the location of the vehicle, based on the avoidance area information and the location information of the vehicle, wherein the control step includes a warning mode operation step of operating in a warning mode in which the sound output unit outputs a warning sound when the avoidance area is located in the first area, and a warning mode termination step of having the sound output unit notify the user that the avoidance area has left the first area and terminating the warning mode.

[0012] The invention described in claim 15 is a program that causes a computer provided in an information notification device having a sound output unit that outputs sound so that a sound image is localized at any location inside or around the vehicle interior to execute: an avoidance area information acquisition step of acquiring avoidance area information including information on the location and range of an avoidance area which is an area in which entry is preferably avoided; a location information acquisition step of acquiring location information of the vehicle; and a control step of controlling the sound output unit to output a sound that notifies the location of the avoidance area at a frequency corresponding to the positional relationship between the vehicle and the avoidance area, based on the avoidance area information and the location information of the vehicle.

[0013] The invention described in claim 16 is a program characterized in that it causes a computer provided in an information notification device having a sound output unit that outputs sound so that a sound image is localized at any location inside or around the interior of a vehicle to execute: an avoidance area information acquisition step of acquiring information on an avoidance area which is an area where entry is preferable; and a control step of controlling the sound output unit to output a sound that evokes an avoidance event which is an event that causes avoidance to be recommended for the avoidance area, or a sound that mimics the avoidance event, based on the information on the avoidance area.

[0014] The invention described in claim 17 is a program that causes a computer provided in an information notification device having a sound output unit that outputs sound so that a sound image is localized at any location inside or around the vehicle interior to perform the following steps: an avoidance area information acquisition step to acquire information about an avoidance area which is an area in which entry is preferably avoided; a location information acquisition step to acquire location information of the vehicle; a control step to control the output of sound by the sound output unit based on the avoidance area information and the location information of the vehicle, depending on whether the avoidance area is located in a first area determined based on the location of the vehicle; and in the control step, if the avoidance area is located in the first area, a warning mode operation step to operate in a warning mode in which the sound output unit outputs a warning sound; and a warning mode termination step to cause the sound output unit to notify the user that the avoidance area has left the first area and terminate the warning mode.

[0015] The invention described in claim 18 records a program that causes a computer provided in an information notification device having a sound output unit that outputs sound so that a sound image is localized at any location inside or around the interior of a vehicle to execute avoidance area information including information on the location and extent of an avoidance area which is an area that is preferable to avoid entering; a location information acquisition step that acquires location information of the vehicle; and a control step that controls the sound output unit to output a sound that notifies the location of the avoidance area at a frequency corresponding to the positional relationship between the vehicle and the avoidance area, based on the avoidance area information and the location information of the vehicle.

[0016] The invention described in claim 19 records a program that causes a computer provided in an information notification device, which is a recording medium and has a sound output unit that outputs sound so that a sound image is localized at any location inside or around a vehicle, to execute: an avoidance area information acquisition step of acquiring information on avoidance areas, which are areas where entry is preferable; and a control step of controlling the sound output unit to output a sound that evokes an avoidance event, which is an event that causes avoidance to be recommended for the avoidance area, or a sound that mimics the avoidance event, based on the information on the avoidance area.

[0017] The invention described in claim 20 records a program in a recording medium that has a sound output unit that outputs sound so that the sound image is localized at any location inside or around the vehicle interior of the vehicle, causing a computer provided in the computer to execute: an avoidance area information acquisition step of acquiring information on an avoidance area which is an area in which entry is preferably avoided; a location information acquisition step of acquiring location information of the vehicle; a control step of controlling the output of sound by the sound output unit according to whether the avoidance area is located in a first area determined based on the location of the vehicle, based on the avoidance area information and the location information of the vehicle; a warning mode operation step of operating in a warning mode in which the sound output unit outputs a warning sound if the avoidance area is located in the first area; and a warning mode termination step of causing the sound output unit to notify the user that the avoidance area has left the first area and to terminate the warning mode. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This figure schematically shows the passenger compartment portion of a vehicle according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information notification device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 3] This diagram schematically shows the positional relationship between the vehicle and the avoidance area, as well as the localization position of the sound image of the outputted notification sound. [Figure 4]It is a diagram illustrating an example of a correspondence relationship between avoidance cause events and sound sources selected accordingly. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing a change in volume of a notification sound according to distance. [Figure 6] It is a diagram illustrating the length of output time of a notification sound when a distance from a vehicle to an avoidance area is short and when the distance is long. [Figure 7] It is a diagram illustrating an example of notification frequency according to a distance from a vehicle to an avoidance area. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing a processing routine of information notification processing executed by the information notification device of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information notification device of a second embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of a safety area, a caution area, and a warning area on a map. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. In the following description of each embodiment and the accompanying drawings, substantially identical or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. EXAMPLES

[0020] The information notification device according to the present embodiment is provided in a vehicle as a moving object, and is a device that notifies an occupant of information about an avoidance area that is an area where it is preferable to avoid entry.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a top view of a cabin portion of a vehicle M equipped with the information notification device 100 according to the present embodiment. The information notification device 100 is disposed, for example, at a central portion of a dashboard DB in the cabin of the vehicle M.

[0022] Vehicle M is equipped with speakers SP1 to SP4, which are sound output units that emit sound into the passenger compartment. Speaker SP1 is located to the right of the driver's seat DS, when viewed from the direction directly facing the steering wheel HL. Speaker SP2 is located to the left of the passenger seat PS. Speakers SP3 and SP4 are located to the left and right of the rear seat BS.

[0023] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information notification device 100 according to this embodiment. The information notification device 100 includes a location information acquisition unit 11, an avoidance area information acquisition unit 12, a sound output unit 13, a sound source storage unit 14, and a notification control unit 15.

[0024] The location information acquisition unit 11 is composed of, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, and acquires the location information of the vehicle M by receiving radio waves transmitted from GPS satellites and calculating the distance from the GPS satellites based on the received radio waves.

[0025] The avoidance area information acquisition unit 12 acquires map information, including the area around the vehicle M's current location, from the car navigation system (not shown) installed in the vehicle M. The avoidance area information acquisition unit 12 also acquires information on traffic conditions, such as congestion information, and weather information, such as heavy rain, from, for example, VICS (registered trademark) (Vehicle Information and Communication System) via the car navigation system.

[0026] The avoidance area information acquisition unit 12 acquires information on avoidance areas, which are areas that vehicle M should preferably avoid entering, based on the above information acquired from the car navigation system. For example, areas where heavy rain is occurring, areas where flooding is likely to occur, areas where traffic congestion is occurring, etc., are identified as avoidance areas. The avoidance area information acquisition unit 12 acquires information such as the location and extent of the avoidance area, the type and degree of the event that causes entry to be avoided (heavy rain, flooding, etc.), and the expected duration of the event, as information on the avoidance area.

[0027] The sound output unit 13 includes the speakers SP1 to SP4 described above and outputs sound so that the sound image is localized at a location either inside or around the vehicle M using three-dimensional sound. In this embodiment, the sound output unit 13 outputs a sound (hereinafter simply referred to as a notification sound) for notifying information about the avoidance area, in accordance with the control of the notification control unit 15, with the sound image localized at a location corresponding to the direction of the avoidance area as seen from the vehicle M.

[0028] The sound source storage unit 14 is composed of a storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores multiple types of sound sources that the sound output unit 13 uses for sound output.

[0029] The notification control unit 15 controls the sound output by the sound output unit 13 based on the avoidance area information acquired by the avoidance area information acquisition unit 12. Specifically, when the avoidance area is located in a caution area, which is an area within a predetermined distance range set based on the position of the vehicle M, the sound output unit 13 is controlled to output a notification sound so that the sound image is localized to a position corresponding to the direction of the avoidance area.

[0030] In this embodiment, the avoidance area may be a region with a certain range, or it may refer only to a specific point (location). In the following description, if at least a portion of the avoidance area overlaps with the attention area (i.e., at least a portion of the area is within the attention area), then the avoidance area is said to be located within the attention area.

[0031] Figure 3 schematically shows the positional relationship between vehicle M and the avoidance area, as well as the fixed position of the sound image of the outputted notification sound.

[0032] In the example shown in the upper part of Figure 3, the avoidance area AA (at least a portion of it) indicated by the diagonal lines in the figure is located within the attention area CA, which is a predetermined distance from the vehicle M. Therefore, the notification control unit 15 controls the sound output unit 13 to output a notification sound to notify the presence of the avoidance area AA. At that time, since the avoidance area AA is located to the left and in front of the vehicle M with respect to the direction of travel, the notification control unit 15 outputs the notification sound so that the sound image SI is localized to the left as viewed from the driver's seat DS, as shown in the lower part of Figure 3. If multiple avoidance areas are located within the attention area CA, the sound may be localized to multiple positions.

[0033] Furthermore, the notification control unit 15 controls the output of notification sounds by the sound output unit 13 so as to output sounds based on sound sources corresponding to the characteristics of the avoidance area. Specifically, based on the avoidance area information acquired by the avoidance area information acquisition unit 12, the notification control unit 15 selectively reads out sound sources from among multiple types of sound sources stored in the sound source storage unit 14 that correspond to the events that cause the avoidance area to be an area where vehicle entry should be avoided (hereinafter referred to as avoidance cause events), and controls the sound output unit 13 to output sounds based on the read sound sources. In this embodiment, sounds that evoke the avoidance cause events, or, if the avoidance cause events are due to weather, ambient sounds that symbolize those weather conditions, are selected as sound sources.

[0034] Figure 4 shows an example of the correspondence between avoidance trigger events and the sound sources selected accordingly. For example, if the avoidance trigger event is heavy rain (torrential rain), the notification control unit 15 selects a sound source that mimics the sound of rain, which is an environmental sound symbolizing heavy rain. Also, if the avoidance area is a flood-prone area, the notification control unit 15 selects a sound source that evokes flooding, such as the sound of splashing water (or a sound that mimics it). Furthermore, if the avoidance trigger event is traffic congestion, the notification control unit 15 selects a sound source that evokes traffic congestion, such as the sound of idling cars or road noise.

[0035] Furthermore, if it is determined that flooding is actually occurring, or if the importance or urgency (danger level) of avoidance is particularly high, the notification control unit 15 may select a beep sound as the sound source, regardless of the cause of the avoidance event.

[0036] Furthermore, the notification control unit 15 controls the output of the notification sound by the sound output unit 13 so as to change the volume of the notification sound according to the distance between the vehicle M and the avoidance area.

[0037] Figure 5 shows how the volume of the notification sound changes according to distance. The notification control unit 15 changes the volume of the notification sound output by the sound output unit 13 so that the volume increases as the distance from the vehicle M to the avoidance area decreases.

[0038] Furthermore, the notification control unit 15 controls the output of the notification sound by the sound output unit 13 so as to change the length of the notification sound output time according to the distance between the vehicle M and the avoidance area.

[0039] Figure 6 shows a comparison of the length of the notification sound output time when the distance from vehicle M to the avoidance area is short (i.e., less than a predetermined distance) and when the distance from vehicle M to the avoidance area is long (i.e., greater than a predetermined distance). When the distance from vehicle M to the avoidance area is short, the notification control unit 15 outputs the notification sound at a higher volume and for a longer duration than when the distance from vehicle M to the avoidance area is short.

[0040] Furthermore, the notification control unit 15 changes the frequency of notification sound output by the sound output unit 13 (hereinafter referred to as the notification frequency) according to the distance from the vehicle M to the avoidance area.

[0041] Figure 7 shows an example of notification frequency according to the distance from vehicle M to the avoidance area. The notification control unit 15 sets the notification frequency to "high" when the avoidance area (or at least a portion of it) is located within a first distance range, which is a short distance from vehicle M. The sound output unit 13 outputs a notification sound at the set high notification frequency. For example, if vehicle M is located at a point very close to the avoidance area, such as an intersection just before the avoidance area, the sound output unit 13 continuously plays a notification sound localized in the direction of the avoidance area.

[0042] Furthermore, if the avoidance area (or at least a portion of it) is not located within the first distance range and is located within the second distance range, which is a moderate distance from the vehicle M, the notification control unit 15 sets the notification frequency to "medium". The sound output unit 13 intermittently outputs a notification sound at the set medium notification frequency. Also, if the avoidance area (or at least a portion of it) is not located within the second distance range and is located within the third distance range, which is a long distance from the vehicle M, the notification control unit 15 sets the notification frequency to "low". The sound output unit 13 sporadically outputs a notification sound at the set low notification frequency.

[0043] The notification frequency may be set based on the estimated arrival time predicted from the vehicle M's speed (for example, arriving near the avoidance area within a few minutes), rather than on the physical distance. Furthermore, if a route is set by the vehicle M's installed car navigation system (not shown in the diagram), the notification frequency may be changed according to the vehicle's position on the set route.

[0044] Next, the processing operation of the information notification process performed by the information notification device 100 in this embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 8.

[0045] First, the location information acquisition unit 11 acquires the current location information of the vehicle M (STEP 101).

[0046] The avoidance area information acquisition unit 12 acquires information about the avoidance area (avoidance area information), including the location of the avoidance area and the type of event causing the avoidance (STEP 102).

[0047] The notification control unit 15 determines whether at least a portion of the avoidance area is located within a caution area, which is an area within a predetermined distance from the vehicle M (STEP 103).

[0048] If it is determined that the avoidance area is not located within the caution area (STEP 103: NO), the process returns to STEP 101, and the location information acquisition unit 11 acquires the location information of vehicle M and the avoidance area information acquisition unit 12 acquires the avoidance area information again.

[0049] If the notification control unit 15 determines that the avoidance area is located within the attention area (STEP 103: YES), it selects and reads a sound source from among the multiple types of sound sources stored in the sound source storage unit 14 that corresponds to the avoidance cause event in the avoidance area, and sets it as the sound source to be used for outputting the notification sound (STEP 104).

[0050] The notification control unit 15 sets the volume of the notification sound based on the distance from the vehicle M to the avoidance area (STEP 105).

[0051] Furthermore, the notification control unit 15 sets the notification frequency based on the distance from the vehicle M to the avoidance area (STEP 106).

[0052] The sound output unit 13 outputs a notification sound based on the sound source set in STEP 104, localizing the sound image to a position corresponding to the direction of the avoidance area, and outputting it at the volume set in STEP 105 and the notification frequency set in STEP 106 (STEP 107).

[0053] As described above, the information notification device 100 of this embodiment provides audible information about the avoidance area by using sounds that evoke the avoidance cause event in the avoidance area, or, if the avoidance cause event is due to weather, environmental sounds that symbolize it. This makes it possible to notify the occupants of the vehicle M of the information about the avoidance area in an intuitively understandable manner.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the information notification device 100 changes the volume and duration of the notification sound according to the distance from the vehicle M to the avoidance area. This allows the occupant of the vehicle M to grasp a rough sense of the distance to the avoidance area.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the information notification device 100 changes the notification frequency according to the distance between the vehicle M and the avoidance area, the time required to reach the avoidance area, etc. This makes it possible to reduce the annoyance caused by frequent notifications even when there is a distance to the avoidance area. [Examples]

[0056] Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. The information notification device 200 of this embodiment differs from the information notification device 100 of Embodiment 1 in that it changes the manner of outputting the notification sound depending on which of the multiple pre-set areas the avoidance area is located in.

[0057] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information notification device 200 in this embodiment. The information notification device 200 has an area determination unit 16.

[0058] The area determination unit 16 determines, based on the avoidance area information acquired by the avoidance area information acquisition unit 12, whether the avoidance area is located in a safe area, a caution area, or a warning area, which are predetermined areas based on the position of the vehicle M.

[0059] Figure 10 is a diagram showing examples of safe areas, caution areas, and warning areas on a map. In this embodiment, the area within the first distance relative to the position of vehicle M is set as the warning area WA, the area within the second distance is set as the caution area CA, and the area located outside of these is set as the safe area SA.

[0060] The area determination unit 16 determines that avoidance area AA is located in the warning area WA if at least a portion of the area of ​​avoidance area AA is located within the warning area WA, that is, if at least a portion of the area of ​​avoidance area AA overlaps with the warning area WA. The area determination unit 16 also determines that avoidance area AA is located in the caution area CA if at least a portion of the area of ​​avoidance area AA is not located within the warning area WA but is located within the attention area CA, that is, if at least a portion of the area of ​​avoidance area AA overlaps with the attention area CA. Furthermore, the area determination unit 16 determines that avoidance area AA is located in the safe area SA if avoidance area AA is not located in either the warning area WA or the attention area CA, that is, if avoidance area AA does not overlap with either the warning area WA or the attention area CA at all. Figure 10 shows an example where avoidance area AA is located in the safe area SA.

[0061] The notification control unit 15 operates the sound output unit 13 in warning mode, which outputs a warning sound that strongly instills a sense of caution and avoidance in the driver of vehicle M, when the avoidance area is located in alert area WA. The notification control unit 15 also operates the sound output unit 13 in alert mode, which outputs an alert sound that instills a moderate sense of caution and avoidance in the driver of vehicle M, when the avoidance area is located in attention area CA. Furthermore, the notification control unit 15 controls the sound output unit 13 so as not to output a notification sound when the avoidance area is located in safe area SA.

[0062] For example, if the cause of avoidance in the avoidance area is heavy rain (torrential rain), the notification control unit 15 controls the output of the notification sound by the sound output unit 13 so as to output a weak rain sound in caution mode and a strong rain sound in warning mode.

[0063] Furthermore, if the relative position of the avoidance area as seen from vehicle M changes beyond the boundaries of the three areas as vehicle M moves, the notification control unit 15 controls the sound output unit 13 to notify that the notification mode has changed by voice or sign sound, and outputs a notification sound for the new notification mode (warning mode, caution mode). For example, if the position of the avoidance area as seen from vehicle M changes from the alert area to the caution area, the notification control unit 15 controls the sound output unit 13 to announce that the notification mode has changed from warning mode to caution mode by voice or sign sound, and outputs a caution sound instead of the previous warning sound. Also, for example, if the position of the avoidance area as seen from vehicle M changes from the caution area to the safe area, the notification control unit 13 controls the sound output unit 13 to announce that the notification mode has changed from caution mode to safe mode by voice or sign sound, and stops outputting the caution sound.

[0064] Furthermore, similar to Embodiment 1, the sound output unit 13 outputs a warning sound or cautionary sound using stereophonic sound technology so that the sound image is localized to a position corresponding to the direction of the avoidance area. Also, similar to Embodiment 1, the sound output unit 13 changes the volume and output time of the warning sound or cautionary sound according to the distance from the vehicle M to the avoidance area.

[0065] As described above, the information notification device 200 in this embodiment switches the mode of notification sound (caution sound or warning sound) based on which of the multiple areas set relative to the vehicle M the avoidance area is located in. With this configuration, the driver of the vehicle M can become aware of the existence of the avoidance area and its approximate location more intuitively than in Embodiment 1.

[0066] Furthermore, according to the information notification device 200 of this embodiment, when there are multiple avoidance areas, the driver of vehicle M can determine which one should take priority in avoiding. For example, if one of two avoidance areas is a warning area and the other is a caution area, a warning sound will be emitted in warning mode for the former and a caution sound will be emitted in caution mode for the latter, so the driver of vehicle M can take driving actions to prioritize avoiding the former.

[0067] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to those shown in the above embodiments. For example, in Embodiment 1, the volume and duration of the notification sound were described as being changed according to the distance from the vehicle M to the avoidance area, but the duration of the notification sound output over a certain period of time may also be changed. For example, if the distance to the avoidance area is long, a sound with long intervals (e.g., beep...beep...beep...) may be played intermittently; if the distance is medium, a sound with short intervals (e.g., beep...beep...beep...) may be played intermittently; and if the distance is short, a continuous sound (e.g., beeeeeeeee) may be played.

[0068] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment 1 explained an example in which the volume of the notification sound is changed according to the distance between the vehicle M and the avoidance area, the manner in which the volume is changed is not particularly limited. For example, it may be changed linearly as shown in Figure 5, or, unlike in Figure 5, it may be changed in steps when a preset threshold is exceeded.

[0069] Similarly, the notification frequency may be changed linearly according to the distance between the vehicle M and the avoidance area, or it may be changed gradually each time a threshold is exceeded.

[0070] Furthermore, while the above embodiment 1 described an example where the sound image of the notification sound is localized to a position corresponding to the direction of the avoidance area, if the distance from vehicle M to the avoidance area is far, the sound image may not be localized to a specific position, but only when the vehicle approaches a predetermined distance range, the sound image may be localized to a position corresponding to the direction of the avoidance area. For example, the notification sound may be played only before traffic lights or road junctions in front of the avoidance area, localized to the direction of the avoidance area. Also, if an operation to turn towards the avoidance area is performed immediately before an intersection, the frequency of notifications may be increased.

[0071] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the example described was one in which the notification frequency is changed based on the distance between the vehicle M and the avoidance area. However, the notification frequency may also be changed by considering the route from the vehicle M's current position to the avoidance area, rather than simply the distance. For example, even if the avoidance area is located at a short distance in a straight line, if it is predicted that it will take a predetermined amount of time or more for the vehicle M to reach the avoidance area, the notification sound may be output at the same frequency as in the case of a long distance. In other words, it is sufficient to change the notification frequency according to the positional relationship between the vehicle M and the avoidance area.

[0072] Similarly, the volume and duration of the notification sound may be adjusted not simply based on distance, but by considering the route from the vehicle M's current position to the avoidance area. In other words, the volume and duration of the notification sound should be adjusted according to the relative positions of the vehicle M and the avoidance area.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above embodiment 1, we described as an example of outputting a notification sound so that the sound image is localized to the left side as seen from the driver's seat DS, when the avoidance area is located to the left front of the vehicle M relative to the direction of travel. However, the position where the sound image is localized is not particularly limited, and it is sufficient as long as the sound image is localized to a position where the driver can perceive the left, right, front, and rear directions. For example, it may be around the driver's face or on the dashboard.

[0074] Furthermore, the series of processes described in each of the above embodiments can be carried out by computer processing according to a program stored on a recording medium such as ROM (Read Only Memory). [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 100 Information notification device 11 Location information acquisition section 12. Avoidance Area Information Acquisition Unit 13. Sound output section 14 Sound source storage section 15 Notification Control Unit

Claims

1. A sound output unit that outputs sound so that the sound image is localized at any location inside or around the vehicle's interior, An avoidance area information acquisition unit acquires avoidance area information, including information on the location and extent of an avoidance area, which is an area where entry is preferable to avoid. A location information acquisition unit that acquires location information of the aforementioned vehicle, A control unit controls the sound output unit to output a sound indicating the location of the avoidance area at a frequency corresponding to the positional relationship between the vehicle and the avoidance area, based on the avoidance area information and the vehicle's position information. An information notification device characterized by having the following features.

2. The information notification device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit localizes the sound image of the sound output from the sound output unit to a position corresponding to the direction in which the avoidance area is located.

3. The information notification device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit changes the volume or duration of the sound output from the sound output unit based on the positional relationship between the vehicle and the avoidance area.

4. The information notification device according to claim 3, characterized in that the positional relationship includes the straight-line distance, direction, and distance along the route from the vehicle to the avoidance area.

5. A sound output unit that emits sound towards the vehicle's interior, An avoidance area information acquisition unit acquires information on avoidance areas, which are areas where entry is preferable to avoid. A control unit controls the sound output unit to output a sound that evokes an avoidance event, which is an event that causes avoidance to be recommended for the avoidance area, or a sound that mimics the avoidance event, based on the information of the avoidance area. An information notification device characterized by having [a certain feature].

6. The information notification device according to claim 5, characterized in that the control unit controls the sound output unit to output an ambient sound symbolizing the weather when the avoidance event is due to weather.

7. A sound output unit that outputs sound into the vehicle's interior, An avoidance area information acquisition unit acquires information on avoidance areas, which are areas where entry is preferable to avoid. A location information acquisition unit that acquires location information of the aforementioned vehicle, A control unit controls the output of sound from the sound output unit based on the information of the avoidance area and the position information of the vehicle, depending on whether the avoidance area is located in a first area determined based on the position of the vehicle. It has, The control unit, If the avoidance area is located in the first area, the system operates in a warning mode that outputs a warning sound to the sound output unit. When the avoidance area leaves the first area, the sound output unit will announce this and the warning mode will end. An information notification device characterized by the following features.

8. The control unit, If at least a portion of the avoidance area overlaps with the first area, the system operates in the warning mode, assuming that the avoidance area is located within the first area. When none of the areas within the avoidance area overlap with the first area, the warning mode is terminated, as the avoidance area is considered to have left the first area. The information notification device according to feature 7.

9. The control unit, If the avoidance area is located outside the first area and within a second area that includes the first area and is larger than the first area, the sound output unit operates in a warning mode that outputs a warning sound. When the avoidance area moves from the first area to the second area, and when it moves from the second area to the first area, the sound output unit is instructed to announce this fact, and the warning mode and the caution mode are switched. The information notification device according to feature 7.

10. The first area is an area within a first distance range based on the position of the vehicle, The information notification device according to claim 9, characterized in that the second area is an area within a second distance range that is longer than the first distance based on the position of the vehicle.

11. The aforementioned warning sound is a sound that gives the driver of the vehicle a sense of caution and aversion. The information notification device according to claim 9, characterized in that the warning sound is a sound that gives the driver a stronger sense of alertness and avoidance than the caution sound.

12. An information notification method performed by an information notification device having a sound output unit that outputs sound so that the sound image is localized at any location inside or around the vehicle interior, A step to acquire avoidance area information, which includes information on the location and extent of an avoidance area, which is an area where entry is preferable to avoid. A location information acquisition step to acquire location information of the vehicle, A control step of controlling the sound output unit to output a sound that notifies the location of the avoidance area at a frequency corresponding to the positional relationship between the vehicle and the avoidance area, based on the avoidance area information and the vehicle's position information, A method for notifying information, characterized by including the following:

13. An information notification method performed by an information notification device having a sound output unit that outputs sound so that the sound image is localized at any location inside or around the vehicle interior, A step to acquire avoidance area information, which is an area where it is preferable to avoid entering, A control step of controlling the sound output unit to output a sound that evokes an avoidance event, which is an event that causes avoidance to be recommended for the avoidance area, or a sound that mimics the avoidance event, based on the information of the avoidance area. A method for notifying information, characterized by including the following:

14. An information notification method performed by an information notification device having a sound output unit that outputs sound so that the sound image is localized at any location inside or around the vehicle interior, A step to acquire avoidance area information, which is an area where it is preferable to avoid entering, A location information acquisition step to acquire location information of the vehicle, A control step in which, based on the information of the avoidance area and the position information of the vehicle, the sound output by the sound output unit is controlled according to whether the avoidance area is located in a first area determined based on the position of the vehicle, Includes, The control step described above is: If the avoidance area is located in the first area, the sound output unit operates in a warning mode, and When the avoidance area leaves the first area, the sound output unit is instructed to announce this, and the warning mode is terminated in a warning mode termination step. A method for notifying information, characterized by including the following:

15. A computer provided in an information notification device having a sound output unit that outputs sound so that the sound image is localized at any location inside or around the vehicle interior, A step to acquire avoidance area information, which includes information on the location and extent of an avoidance area, which is an area where entry is preferable to avoid. A location information acquisition step to acquire location information of the vehicle, A control step of controlling the sound output unit to output a sound that notifies the location of the avoidance area at a frequency corresponding to the positional relationship between the vehicle and the avoidance area, based on the avoidance area information and the vehicle's position information, A program characterized by causing the execution of a specific action.

16. A computer provided in an information notification device having a sound output unit that outputs sound so that the sound image is localized at any location inside or around the vehicle interior, A step to acquire avoidance area information, which is an area where it is preferable to avoid entering, A control step of controlling the sound output unit to output a sound that evokes an avoidance event, which is an event that causes avoidance to be recommended for the avoidance area, or a sound that mimics the avoidance event, based on the information of the avoidance area. A program characterized by causing the execution of a specific action.

17. A computer provided in an information notification device having a sound output unit that outputs sound so that the sound image is localized at any location inside or around the vehicle interior, A step to acquire avoidance area information, which is an area where it is preferable to avoid entering, A location information acquisition step to acquire location information of the vehicle, A control step in which, based on the information of the avoidance area and the position information of the vehicle, the sound output by the sound output unit is controlled according to whether the avoidance area is located in a first area determined based on the position of the vehicle, Make it run, In the control step, If the avoidance area is located in the first area, the sound output unit operates in a warning mode, and When the avoidance area leaves the first area, the sound output unit is instructed to announce this, and the warning mode is terminated in a warning mode termination step. A program characterized by causing the execution of a specific action.

18. A computer provided in an information notification device having a sound output unit that outputs sound so that the sound image is localized at any location inside or around the vehicle interior, A step to acquire avoidance area information, which includes information on the location and extent of an avoidance area, which is an area where entry is preferable to avoid. A location information acquisition step to acquire location information of the vehicle, A control step of controlling the sound output unit to output a sound that notifies the location of the avoidance area at a frequency corresponding to the positional relationship between the vehicle and the avoidance area, based on the avoidance area information and the vehicle's position information, A recording medium that stores a program that executes a program.

19. A computer provided in an information notification device having a sound output unit that outputs sound so that the sound image is localized at any location inside or around the vehicle interior, A step to acquire avoidance area information, which is an area where it is preferable to avoid entering, A control step of controlling the sound output unit to output a sound that evokes an avoidance event, which is an event that causes avoidance to be recommended for the avoidance area, or a sound that mimics the avoidance event, based on the information of the avoidance area. A recording medium that stores a program that executes a program.

20. A computer provided in an information notification device having a sound output unit that outputs sound so that the sound image is localized at any location inside or around the vehicle interior, A step to acquire avoidance area information, which is an area where it is preferable to avoid entering, A location information acquisition step to acquire location information of the vehicle, A control step in which, based on the information of the avoidance area and the position information of the vehicle, the sound output by the sound output unit is controlled according to whether the avoidance area is located in a first area determined based on the position of the vehicle, Make it run, In the control step, If the avoidance area is located in the first area, the sound output unit operates in a warning mode, and When the avoidance area leaves the first area, the sound output unit is instructed to announce this, and the warning mode is terminated in a warning mode termination step. A recording medium that stores a program that executes a program.

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