Running sound generating device and running sound generating method

Abstract

To provide a traveling sound generation device, etc., with which it is possible to have a traveling state of a vehicle perceived by occupants and reduce discomfort due to traveling sound, as well as reduce discomfort due to the generation of noise in the vehicle interior.SOLUTION: A traveling sound generation device 10 comprises: an acquisition unit 11 for acquiring vehicle information 101 regarding traveling of a vehicle 50; a storage unit 14 for storing a plurality of sound source data; a first alteration unit 15 for performing a first alteration to alter the plurality of sound source data in accordance with the vehicle information; an assessment unit 12 for assessing whether or not a change amount of the vehicle information is less than or equal to a prescribed change amount; a second alteration unit 16 which, when it is assessed by the assessment unit 12 that the change amount is less than or equal to the prescribed change amount, performs a second alteration on the plurality of sound source data after first alteration to alter at least one sound source data out of the plurality of sound source data after first alteration; a synthesis unit 17 for synthesizing the plurality of sound source data after second alteration so as to generate a traveling sound in order to be outputted to the vehicle interior of the vehicle 50; and an output unit 18 for outputting the generated traveling sound to the vehicle interior of the vehicle 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a driving sound generating device that generates a simulated driving sound inside a vehicle cabin. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for generating a simulated running sound and outputting the generated running sound inside the vehicle cabin. In Patent Document 1, the volume of the simulated running sound is reduced when a steady running state continues for a predetermined time or more, thereby reducing the annoyance and fatigue felt by the occupants due to the output of substantially the same simulated running sound. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-171657 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a running sound generating device, etc., that allows occupants to perceive the vehicle's running state through simulated running sounds and can reduce discomfort caused by the steady continuation of the characteristics of the simulated running sounds. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A running sound generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires vehicle information related to the running of a vehicle, a storage unit that stores a plurality of sound source data, a first change unit that performs a first change to change the plurality of sound source data in accordance with the vehicle information, a determination unit that determines whether an amount of change in the vehicle information is equal to or less than a predetermined amount of change, and, when the determination unit determines that the amount of change is equal to or less than the predetermined amount of change, a second change unit that performs a second change to the plurality of sound source data after the first change to change at least one sound source data among the plurality of sound source data after the first change, a synthesis unit that generates a running sound to be outputted into the cabin of the vehicle by synthesizing the plurality of sound source data after the second change, and an output unit that outputs the generated running sound into the cabin of the vehicle.

[0006] In addition, a running sound generation method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an acquisition step of acquiring vehicle information related to the running of a vehicle, a first change step of making a first change to change a plurality of sound source data stored in a storage device in accordance with the vehicle information, a determination step of judging whether an amount of change in the vehicle information is equal to or less than a predetermined amount of change, a second change step of making a second change to the plurality of sound source data after the first change to change at least one sound source data of the plurality of sound source data after the first change when the determination step judges that the amount of change is equal to or less than the predetermined amount of change, a synthesis step of generating a running sound to be outputted within the cabin of the vehicle by synthesizing the plurality of sound source data after the second change, and an output step of outputting the generated running sound within the cabin of the vehicle. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The running sound generating device of the present disclosure can allow occupants to perceive the running state of the vehicle by generating simulated running sounds, and can reduce discomfort caused by the constant continuation of the characteristics of the simulated running sounds. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with a running sound generating device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the running sound generating device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the determination unit when the vehicle information according to the embodiment is a traveling speed. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the first change by the first change unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a diagram for explaining the state of a traffic light after a first change by a first changer in a first running state. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a diagram for explaining the state of the signal after the first change by the first changer in the second traveling state. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a diagram for explaining the state of the signal after the first change by the first changer in the third running state. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a first change unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a second change unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a first example of a process for the sound source data after the first change that has been determined as the data to be changed. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a second example of the process for the sound source data after the first change determined as the data to be changed. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining another example of the process performed on the sound source data after the first change that is determined as the data to be changed. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining another example of the process performed on the sound source data after the first change that is determined as the data to be changed. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining another example of processing for sound source data determined as the data to be changed. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation (running sound generating method) of the running sound generating device. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the second change and combination in the first running state. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the second change and combination in the second running state. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the second change and combination in the third running state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] (Findings on which this disclosure is based) Conventionally, as in Patent Document 1, a technology is known for outputting simulated running sounds into the vehicle cabin in a vehicle that does not have an engine and is unlikely to generate running sounds while traveling. This technology changes the volume or pitch of sound source data according to vehicle information such as vehicle speed or accelerator opening, and outputs the changed sound as a simulated running sound into the vehicle cabin, allowing the occupants to perceive the vehicle's running state through the sound. In other words, the occupants can feel a sense of driving by listening to the simulated running sound.

[0010] On the other hand, when the same driving conditions continue, such as during steady driving, the tone and volume of the simulated driving sound remain approximately constant during that time, which may cause annoyance or fatigue to the occupants.

[0011] The technology of Patent Document 1 reduces the volume of the simulated driving sound when the same driving condition continues, thereby reducing the annoyance and fatigue felt by the occupants.

[0012] However, when the volume of the simulated running sound is reduced, it is difficult for the occupants to perceive the running state of the vehicle through the simulated running sound. In other words, in Patent Document 1, when the same running state continues, there is a problem that it is difficult to reduce the annoyance of the simulated running sound while making the occupants perceive the running state of the vehicle through the simulated running sound.

[0013] In order to solve the above problem, a running sound generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires vehicle information related to the running of a vehicle, a storage unit that stores a plurality of sound source data, a first change unit that performs a first change to change the plurality of sound source data in accordance with the vehicle information, a determination unit that determines whether an amount of change in the vehicle information is equal to or less than a predetermined amount of change, and, when the determination unit determines that the amount of change is equal to or less than the predetermined amount of change, a second change unit that performs a second change to the plurality of sound source data after the first change to change at least one sound source data among the plurality of sound source data after the first change, a synthesis unit that generates a running sound to be outputted into the cabin of the vehicle by synthesizing the plurality of sound source data after the second change, and an output unit that outputs the generated running sound into the cabin of the vehicle.

[0014] According to this, when the sound source data is changed according to the change in the vehicle information and outputted into the vehicle cabin as a pseudo running sound that makes the occupants perceive the running state, if the change in the vehicle information is equal to or less than a predetermined change amount, at least one of the sound source data generated as the running sound is changed, thereby changing the pseudo running sound. Therefore, the pseudo running sound can make the occupants perceive the running state of the vehicle, and the annoyance of the pseudo running sound of approximately the same tone and volume due to the small change in the vehicle information can be effectively reduced.

[0015] Furthermore, the first change unit may change the volume and / or pitch of the plurality of sound source data in the first change.

[0016] According to this, by changing the tone and / or pitch of at least one of the multiple sound source data in the first change, it is possible to effectively reduce the annoyance of pseudo driving sounds that have approximately the same tone and volume due to the small amount of change in the vehicle information.

[0017] Furthermore, the second change unit may change, in the second change, a volume and / or a pitch of at least one of the sound source data of the plurality of sound source data after the first change.

[0018] According to this, by changing the tone and / or pitch of at least one of the multiple sound source data in the second change, it is possible to effectively reduce the annoyance of pseudo driving sounds that have approximately the same tone and volume due to the small amount of change in the vehicle information.

[0019] In addition, when the determination unit determines that the amount of change in the vehicle information exceeds the predetermined amount of change, the second change unit may output the sound source data after the first change to the synthesis unit without changing it.

[0020] According to this, when the amount of change in the vehicle information exceeds a predetermined amount of change, the change in the vehicle information can be reflected in the sound source data by outputting the sound source data of the first change unit as is, and the occupants can feel the sense of driving from the simulated driving sound.

[0021] In addition, the plurality of sound source data may have different peak sound pressure levels in sound pressure energy or frequency characteristics, and the second change unit, in the second change, may not need to change the sound source data having the largest peak sound pressure level in sound pressure energy or frequency characteristics among the plurality of sound source data after the first change.

[0022] According to this, when the amount of change in the vehicle information is less than a predetermined amount of change, the characteristics of the sound source data with the loudest volume among the generated simulated driving sounds are not changed, so that the driving condition information reflected in the sound source data is maintained while the other sound source data is changed, thereby reducing annoyance during steady driving.

[0023] In addition, the plurality of sound source data may have different peak sound pressure levels in sound pressure energy or frequency characteristics, and the second change unit may, in the second change, change the sound source data having the second largest peak sound pressure level in sound pressure energy or frequency characteristics among the plurality of sound source data after the first change.

[0024] Therefore, when the change in vehicle information is less than a predetermined change amount, the change in sound in the second change can be effectively perceived by the occupants, and the annoyance of the simulated driving sound during steady driving can be effectively reduced.

[0025] In addition, the multiple sound source data have different sound pressure energies or peak sound pressure levels in the frequency characteristics, and in the second change, the second change unit may not change the sound source data that is most easily perceived by humans, which is identified based on human hearing characteristics, among the multiple sound source data after the first change.

[0026] According to this, the characteristics of the sound source data that are most audible to humans are not changed, so that the driving conditions reflected in the sound source data can be effectively perceived by the occupants.

[0027] In addition, the multiple sound source data may differ from each other in sound pressure energy or peak sound pressure level of frequency characteristics, and the second change unit, in the second change, may change the sound source data that is second most easily perceived by humans among the multiple sound source data after the first change, which is identified based on human hearing characteristics.

[0028] According to this, the sound source data that is second easiest for humans to hear is changed, so that when the amount of change in the vehicle information is equal to or less than a predetermined amount of change, the change in sound due to the second change can be effectively perceived by the occupants, and the annoyance of the simulated driving sound can be effectively reduced.

[0029] In addition, the second change unit may change, in the second change, a sound pressure level of at least one of the sound source data after the first change by a predetermined sound pressure level width.

[0030] By changing the sound pressure level of the sound source data after the first change, when the amount of change in the vehicle information is less than a predetermined amount of change, the occupants perceive a simulated change in the driving sound, thereby reducing annoyance during steady driving.

[0031] In the second change, the second change unit may change the sound pressure level of at least one of the first-changed sound source data in the predetermined sound pressure level width at a predetermined cycle.

[0032] As a result, when the amount of change in the vehicle information is equal to or less than a predetermined amount of change, the occupants perceive a pseudo change in the running sound, thereby reducing annoyance during steady running.

[0033] Furthermore, in the second change, the second change unit may change the predetermined sound pressure level width or the predetermined period in accordance with the vehicle information.

[0034] As a result, when the amount of change in the vehicle information is less than a predetermined amount of change, the occupants can perceive the magnitude of the vehicle speed from the period of change in the sound pressure level of the sound source data, thereby enabling them to effectively perceive the driving conditions while reducing annoyance during steady driving.

[0035] In addition, the second change unit may, in the second change, change the specified period and / or the specified sound pressure level range for increasing or decreasing the sound pressure level within the specified sound pressure level range depending on the time during which the amount of change in the vehicle information continues to be equal to or less than a specified amount of change.

[0036] As a result, when the amount of change in the vehicle information is less than a predetermined amount of change, the occupants can perceive the magnitude of the vehicle speed from the period of change in the sound pressure level of the sound source data, thereby enabling them to effectively perceive the driving conditions while reducing annoyance during steady driving.

[0037] Furthermore, the second changer may periodically change the predetermined period during which the sound pressure level is increased or decreased within the predetermined sound pressure level width in the second change.

[0038] By making the periodic change in sound pressure level more periodic, the sense of constancy of the pseudo running sound during steady driving can be further reduced, effectively reducing annoyance during steady driving.

[0039] In the second change, the second change section may vary at least one of a minimum frequency and a maximum frequency of a frequency band of at least one of the sound source data after the first change, by a predetermined frequency width.

[0040] By varying the frequency band of the sound source data after the first change, when the amount of change in the vehicle information is less than a predetermined amount of change, the occupants perceive a simulated change in the driving sound, thereby reducing annoyance during steady driving.

[0041] In addition, in the second change, the second change section may vary the frequency within the predetermined frequency width at a predetermined cycle.

[0042] This allows the occupants to perceive a simulated change in the driving sound, reducing the annoyance during steady driving.

[0043] Furthermore, in the second change, the second change unit may change the predetermined period and / or the predetermined frequency width of the frequency variation in accordance with the vehicle information.

[0044] By periodically varying the frequency band of the sound source data after the first change in response to the vehicle speed, it is possible to provide a greater variety of simulated changes in the driving sound, thereby more effectively reducing annoyance during steady driving.

[0045] In addition, the second change unit may change the specified period and / or the specified frequency width of the frequency fluctuation depending on the time during which the amount of change in the vehicle information continues to be equal to or less than a specified amount of change in the second change.

[0046] When the amount of change in the vehicle information remains below a predetermined amount for a long period of time, the change in the sound source data after the first change is further changed over time, so that a simulated change in the driving sound can be perceived even during long periods of steady driving, thereby reducing annoyance.

[0047] In addition, in the second change, the second change unit may periodically change the predetermined period of the variation of the frequency.

[0048] By making the change in the sound source data after the first change more periodically, the sense of constancy of the pseudo driving sound during steady driving can be further reduced, and annoyance can be effectively reduced.

[0049] In addition, when the vehicle information is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the second change unit may not make the second change to the multiple sound source data even if the determination unit determines that the amount of change is equal to or less than the predetermined amount of change.

[0050] According to this, under conditions in which the vehicle state is unlikely to remain constant, it is possible to reduce the processing load of the second change process while avoiding pseudo changes in the running sound caused by frequently implementing / not implementing the second change.

[0051] The vehicle information may be any one of vehicle speed, accelerator opening, torque, and acceleration, or a combination of these, or all of these.

[0052] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, a running sound generation method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an acquisition step of acquiring vehicle information related to the running of a vehicle, a first change step of making a first change to change a plurality of sound source data stored in a storage device in accordance with the vehicle information, a determination step of judging whether or not an amount of change in the vehicle information is equal to or less than a predetermined amount of change, a second change step of making a second change to the plurality of sound source data after the first change to change at least one sound source data among the plurality of sound source data after the first change when the determination step judges that the amount of change is equal to or less than the predetermined amount of change, a synthesis step of generating a running sound to be outputted in the cabin of the vehicle by synthesizing the plurality of sound source data after the second change, and an output step of outputting the generated running sound in the cabin of the vehicle.

[0053] According to this, when the sound source data is changed according to the change in the vehicle information and outputted into the vehicle cabin as a pseudo running sound that makes the occupants perceive the running state, if the change in the vehicle information is equal to or less than a predetermined change amount, at least one of the sound source data generated as the running sound is changed, thereby changing the pseudo running sound. Therefore, the pseudo running sound can make the occupants perceive the running state of the vehicle, and the annoyance of the pseudo running sound of approximately the same tone and volume due to the small change in the vehicle information can be effectively reduced.

[0054] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection forms of the components, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims showing the highest concept are described as optional components.

[0055] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are used for substantially the same configurations, and duplicated explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0056] (Embodiment) [Overall configuration of a vehicle equipped with a running sound generating device] In the embodiment, a running sound generating device mounted on a vehicle will be described. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with a running sound generating device according to the embodiment.

[0057] The vehicle 50 includes the running sound generating device 10, a sensor 51, a vehicle control unit 52, a speaker 53, and a vehicle body 54. The vehicle 50 is specifically an automobile, but is not particularly limited to this.

[0058] Sensor 51 detects the motion of each mechanism of vehicle 50 and outputs the magnitude of the motion as a signal. In this embodiment, sensor 51 is installed in a motor equipped in vehicle 50 and detects and outputs values ​​such as motor rotation speed, current value, and torque as information related to the traveling speed, for example, if vehicle 50 is an electric vehicle, and outputs engine rotation speed, engine torque, etc., if vehicle 50 is an engine vehicle. In addition, sensor 51 attached to the accelerator detects the degree of accelerator depression and outputs information about the accelerator opening.

[0059] The vehicle control unit 52 controls the driving of the vehicle 50 based on the operation of the driver of the vehicle 50, etc., and acquires a signal 501 from the sensor 51. The vehicle control unit 52 is, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), and is specifically realized by a processor, a microcomputer, a dedicated circuit, etc. The vehicle control unit 52 may be realized by a combination of two or more of the processor, the microcomputer, and the dedicated circuit.

[0060] The speaker 53 outputs the simulated running sound output from the running sound generating device 10. The speaker 53 is arranged, for example, on the wall (door) on the driver's seat side inside the vehicle 50, and outputs the simulated running sound adjusted so that it can be appropriately heard by an occupant at a predetermined position 56 near the driver's seat. The predetermined position 56 is, for example, a position where an occupant sits inside the vehicle 50.

[0061] 1, the speaker 53 is disposed on the wall on the driver's seat side, but may be disposed in other positions. The simulated running sound may be outputted not only from one speaker 53 but also from a plurality of speakers. The plurality of speakers may be disposed in any positions on the vehicle body 54.

[0062] The vehicle body 54 is a structure constituted by the chassis and body of the vehicle 50. The vehicle body 54 forms a space 55 (vehicle interior space) within the vehicle 50 in which the speaker 53 is arranged.

[0063] [Configuration of the running sound generating device] Next, the configuration and basic operation of the running sound generation device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 in addition to Fig. 1. Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of the running sound generation device 10.

[0064] The running sound generating device 10 is a device that generates a pseudo running sound to make the driver feel a sense of driving. The pseudo running sound is a sound whose characteristics, such as volume, pitch, and sound effect, change according to the magnitude of vehicle information that changes depending on the running state of the vehicle 50. The passenger can perceive the running state of the vehicle 50 by the change in these characteristics of the pseudo running sound. The running sound generating device 10 generates a pseudo running sound based on vehicle information related to the running of the vehicle output from the vehicle control unit 52, and outputs the sound from the speaker 53, so that the driver can perceive the running state of the vehicle. For example, when driving an engine vehicle, the pitch of the engine sound increases when accelerating, and the volume of the engine sound increases when the accelerator is pressed. By reflecting such changes in the running sound due to changes in the running state in the characteristics of the sound source data when the pseudo running sound is generated, the passenger can perceive the running state of the vehicle from the pseudo running sound.

[0065] The simulated running sound is, for example, a sound that imitates the engine sound of an engine vehicle by recording the engine sound of the vehicle and acquiring the sound source data, and then playing the sound source data in a loop on a playback device while changing the characteristics of the played sound according to the driving state, thereby imitating the engine sound in an actual driving situation. By applying the simulated running sound with the engine sound as the sound source to an electric vehicle, it is possible to provide the feeling of driving an engine vehicle.

[0066] In addition, the simulated running sound may use sound source data that is completely unrelated to the actual running sound of a vehicle such as an automobile. For example, it may be a sound source generated by synthesizing the sound of a musical instrument or a synthesizer. By combining and playing multiple sound source data and changing the characteristics of the played sound according to the running conditions, it is possible to provide a simulated running sound that is different from the running sound of a normal automobile and matches the image and concept of the vehicle.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 2, the running sound generation device 10 has an acquisition unit 11, a determination unit 12, a reproduction unit 13, a memory unit 14, a first change unit 15, a second change unit 16, a synthesis unit 17, and an output unit 18.

[0068] [Acquisition part 11] The acquisition unit 11 acquires vehicle information 109 related to the traveling in the vehicle 50 from the vehicle control unit 52. The acquisition unit 11 sequentially acquires the vehicle information 109 from the vehicle control unit 52. The acquisition unit 11 selects necessary information from the vehicle information 109 or performs calculations to output the vehicle information 101 required to output a simulated traveling sound. In this embodiment, specifically, the information is information indicating the traveling speed of the vehicle 50 or information indicating the degree of depression of the accelerator (accelerator opening) of the vehicle 50. The vehicle information 109 acquired from the vehicle control unit 52 is not necessarily the traveling speed or the accelerator opening itself, but may be other information indicating the traveling state from which the traveling speed and the accelerator opening can be calculated. In such a case, the acquisition unit 11 reads out the related vehicle information 109 and performs a predetermined calculation to obtain the necessary traveling speed information and accelerator opening information.

[0069] Also, in the case of an engine vehicle, the information indicating the engine speed, engine torque, and / or acceleration may be indicated by the traveling speed of the vehicle 50 detected by a vehicle speed sensor, or may be calculated from at least one of the brake oil pressure, drive shaft speed, and torque of the vehicle 50. The vehicle information may be, for example, an index value indicated by a continuous numerical value, or may be indicated by a waveform with other correlated indexes. The acquisition unit 11 is, for example, a communication module (communication circuit) that acquires a pulse signal from the vehicle control unit 52 by communication with the vehicle control unit 52 in accordance with the CAN standard, but is not particularly limited and may be a communication module in accordance with other communication standards.

[0070] [Judgment section 12] The determination unit 12 determines whether or not the amount of change in the vehicle information is equal to or less than a predetermined amount of change. The determination unit 12 performs the determination for each of the plurality of pieces of vehicle information 101 output from the acquisition unit 11. The determination result is output as determination information 102.

[0071] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the determination unit 12 in the present embodiment when the vehicle information is the traveling speed. A solid line 2001 in FIG. 3 indicates the traveling speed of the vehicle output from the acquisition unit 11. The determination unit 12 checks the magnitude of the traveling speed at time intervals of Δt. For example, the determination unit 12 acquires the traveling speed v1 at time t1 and compares it with the traveling speed v0 at time t0, which is Δt before the time t1. Using the predetermined traveling speed changes Δvu and Δvd, if the magnitude of the traveling speed v1 is equal to or less than the traveling speed v0+Δvu and equal to or more than the traveling speed v0-Δvd, the change amount of the traveling speed v1 is determined to be small, and the numerical value indicating the determination information 102 is set to zero and output. On the other hand, if the magnitude of the traveling speed v1 is greater than the traveling speed v0+Δvu or less than the traveling speed v0-Δvd, the change amount is determined to be large, and the determination information 102 is set to 1 and output.

[0072] Furthermore, the determination unit 12 may make the above determination by using, for example, a moving average of the traveling speed calculated by using a plurality of recent traveling speeds.

[0073] Furthermore, the determination unit 12 checks the magnitude of the vehicle information, and if it is equal to or less than a predetermined value, outputs the determination information 102 as zero even if the amount of change in the vehicle information is smaller than the predetermined amount of change.

[0074] For example, if the vehicle 50 is an automobile, when it travels in urban areas, it frequently accelerates and decelerates due to traffic conditions such as traffic lights, so it is difficult to reach a steady driving state for such a long period that the pseudo driving sound becomes annoying. For this reason, for example, 40 km / h, which is the legal speed limit in urban areas, is set as the threshold, and when the traveling speed is lower than that, the determination information 102 is output as zero.

[0075] [Storage section 14] The storage unit 14 stores sound source data. Specifically, the storage unit 14 stores a plurality of pieces of sound source data. The plurality of pieces of sound source data are sound source data of different frequency bands. In the present embodiment, the plurality of pieces of sound source data includes, for example, three pieces of sound source data as shown in FIG. 4 described later.

[0076] The sound source data may be normal music or voice data, a signal such as a sine wave or square wave of a specific frequency, or random noise such as white noise or pink noise. It may also be data obtained by recording noise inside the vehicle cabin, engine sound, exhaust sound, etc. It may also be a combination of these. It may also be band-limited by using a low-pass filter, high-pass filter, or band-pass filter.

[0077] [Playback section 13] The playback unit 13 simultaneously reads and plays back a plurality of pieces of sound source data stored in the storage unit 14, thereby outputting a playback signal 103. The playback unit 13 reads sound source data of a finite data length from the beginning, and when it has read out to the end of the data, returns to the beginning and repeatedly reads and plays back the data, thereby generating a playback signal 103 of a period longer than the playback time length of each piece of sound source data.

[0078] [First change 15] The first change unit 15 performs a first change that changes at least one of the volume and the pitch of the playback signal 103 generated by the playback unit 13 according to the vehicle information. The specific processing of the first change will be described with reference to Figs. 4, 5A to 5C, and 6.

[0079] The characteristics (volume and pitch in this embodiment) of the plurality of playback signals 103 output from the playback unit 13 are changed according to the magnitude of the driving speed information and accelerator opening information output from the acquisition unit 11.

[0080] FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of the first change unit.

[0081] The driving speed volume setting unit 2105 holds a predetermined volume adjustment value of the sound source data for the driving speed, and when driving speed information output from the acquisition unit 11 is input, it outputs a driving speed volume adjustment value corresponding to the magnitude of the information.

[0082] The accelerator opening volume setting unit 2106 holds a predetermined volume adjustment value of the sound source data for each accelerator opening value, and when accelerator opening information output from the acquisition unit 11 is input, it outputs an accelerator opening volume adjustment value corresponding to the magnitude of the information.

[0083] For example, in this embodiment, the driving speed volume setting unit 2105 is a table with the horizontal axis representing driving speed and the vertical axis representing volume adjustment values, and the accelerator opening volume setting unit 2106 is a table with the horizontal axis representing accelerator opening and the vertical axis representing volume adjustment values, and the volume adjustment value obtained by looking up the table for the magnitude of each information value is output. However, this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0084] The set volume calculation unit 2103 calculates and outputs a volume gain value that adjusts the volume of the sound source data using a driving speed volume adjustment value and an accelerator opening volume adjustment value output from a driving speed volume setting unit 2105 and an accelerator opening volume setting unit 2106, respectively.

[0085] The running speed pitch setting unit 2107 holds a predetermined pitch adjustment value of the sound source data for the running speed, and when running speed information output from the acquisition unit 11 is input, it outputs a running speed pitch adjustment value corresponding to the magnitude of the information.

[0086] The accelerator opening pitch setting unit 2108 holds a predetermined pitch adjustment value of the sound source data for each accelerator opening value, and when accelerator opening information output from the acquisition unit 11 is input, it outputs an accelerator opening pitch adjustment value corresponding to the magnitude of the information.

[0087] For example, in this embodiment, the driving speed pitch setting unit 2107 is a table with the horizontal axis representing driving speed and the vertical axis representing pitch adjustment values, and the accelerator opening pitch setting unit 2108 is a table with the horizontal axis representing accelerator opening and the vertical axis representing pitch adjustment values, and the pitch adjustment value obtained by looking up the table for the magnitude of each information value is output. However, this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0088] The set pitch calculation unit 2104 calculates and outputs an adjustment pitch value for adjusting the pitch of the sound source data using a driving speed pitch adjustment value and an accelerator opening pitch adjustment value output from a driving speed pitch setting unit 2107 and an accelerator opening pitch setting unit 2108, respectively.

[0089] The volume adjustment processing unit 2101 changes the volume of the sound source data output from the playback unit by multiplying the volume gain value calculated by the volume setting calculation unit 2103.

[0090] The pitch adjustment processing unit 2102 changes the pitch of the sound source data output from the playback unit based on the adjusted pitch value calculated by the set pitch calculation unit 2104. The method of changing the pitch may be pitch shifting, band limitation using a bandpass filter with a controlled center frequency, or any other method.

[0091] The reproduced signal 103 that has been subjected to volume and pitch adjustment is output as first change processing data 105.

[0092] The configuration diagram in Fig. 6 is for one sound source data. If there are multiple sound source data, this configuration will exist for the number of sound source data. In that case, the contents of the tables of the driving speed volume setting unit 2105, the accelerator opening volume setting unit 2106, the driving speed tone setting unit 2107, and the accelerator opening tone setting unit 2108 are set individually for each sound source data.

[0093] 4 and 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining the state of a signal before and after processing by the first change unit in this embodiment.

[0094] Reproduction signals 103_1, 103_2, and 103_3 simultaneously output from a reproduction unit 13 have different frequency characteristics 110, 120, and 130, respectively.

[0095] The first change units 15_1, 15_2, 15_3 are equipped with a driving speed volume setting unit, a driving speed pitch setting unit, an accelerator opening volume setting unit, and an accelerator opening pitch setting unit for the first change processing of the playback signals 103_1, 103_2, 103_3, respectively, and calculate a volume gain value and an adjustment pitch value individually according to the driving speed information and accelerator opening information output from the acquisition unit 11, and the volume and pitch are changed by the volume adjustment processing unit and the pitch adjustment processing unit, respectively, based on these values.

[0096] The first change units 15_1, 15_2, and 15_3 output the first change processing data 105_1, 105_2, and 105_3, respectively. The frequency characteristics of the first change processing data 105_1, 105_2, and 105_3 in a first running state with a certain running speed and accelerator opening value are shown at 111, 121, and 131, respectively. Similarly, the frequency characteristics of the first change processing data 105_1, 105_2, and 105_3 in a second running state with a different running speed and accelerator opening value are shown at 112, 122, and 132, and the frequency characteristics of the first change processing data 105_1, 105_2, and 105_3 in a third running state are shown at 113, 123, and 133. In this way, in a certain running state, the frequency characteristics of the first change processing data 105_1, 105_2, and 105_3 are adjusted to be different from each other.

[0097] In this embodiment, the first change unit 15 changes the playback signal according to vehicle information such as the driving speed and the accelerator opening, but for example, the playback signal generated from one of the multiple sound sources may be changed according to only the driving speed, and the playback signal generated from the other sound source may be changed according to only the accelerator opening. Also, the first change unit 15 may change only the volume or pitch of the playback signal.

[0098] [Second Amendment 16] When the determination unit 12 determines that the amount of change in the vehicle information is equal to or less than a predetermined amount of change, the second change unit 16 performs a second change on the plurality of sound source data after the first change. The second change is a process of changing at least one of the volume and the pitch of at least one of the plurality of sound source data after the first change.

[0099] 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the second changing section, which receives first change processing data 105_1, 105_2, and 105_3 which are outputs of the first changing sections 15_1, 15_2, and 15_3, and judgment information 102 which is an output of the judgment section 12.

[0100] The second change processing unit 221 receives the analysis result signals 223_1, 223_2, and 223_3, selects signals to be subjected to the second change processing from the first change processing data 105_1, 105_2, and 105_3, and performs the processing. The processed signals, that is, the second change processing data 106_1, 106_2, and 106_3, are output to the synthesis unit 17.

[0101] The analysis unit 222 measures and analyzes physical quantities such as sound pressure energy and peak levels of the first change processing data 105_1, 105_2, and 105_3, and determines the order of magnitude thereof, and outputs the results as analysis result signals 223_1, 223_2, and 223_3.

[0102] When the determination unit 12 determines that the amount of change in the vehicle information exceeds a predetermined amount of change, the second change unit 16 does not perform the second change and outputs the vehicle information as is to the synthesis unit 17. Therefore, when the change in the vehicle information is large, the running sound data reflecting the change can be output without changing the volume, and the occupant can perceive the running state from the output sound.

[0103] The second change processing unit 221 may change at least one of the volume and the pitch of a smaller number of the first change processing data than the number of the first change processing data. In other words, the second change processing unit 221 determines the first change processing data to be changed in at least one of the volume and the pitch from among the plurality of first change processing data, and changes at least one of the volume and the pitch only for the determined first change processing data to be changed.

[0104] Specifically, the second change processing unit 221 may exclude the first change processing data analyzed by the analysis unit 222 as having the maximum peak sound pressure level of the sound pressure energy or frequency characteristic among the plurality of first change processing data from the change target. Also, the second change processing unit 221 may determine the first change processing data analyzed by the analysis unit 222 as having the second maximum peak sound pressure level of the sound pressure energy or frequency characteristic among the plurality of first change processing data as the change target.

[0105] For example, the analysis unit 222 analyzes the peak level values ​​of the frequency characteristics 111, 121, and 131 of the first change processing data 105_1, 105_2, and 105_3 in the first running state in Fig. 5A, and analyzes that the peak levels are arranged in descending order of magnitude as 105_1, 105_2, and 105_3. Analysis result signals 223_1, 223_2, and 223_3 as the analysis results are output as 1, 2, and 3, which are the descending order of peak levels of the frequency characteristics 111, 112, and 113, respectively. The second change processing unit 221 receives the analysis result signals 223_1, 223_2, and 223_3, and sets the first change processing data 105_2 with the second largest peak level value as the change target signal.

[0106] 5B, the analysis unit 222 analyzes that the peak levels are arranged in descending order of magnitude as 105_3, 105_1, and 105_2 based on the frequency characteristics 112, 122, and 132. Analysis result signals 223_1, 223_2, and 223_3 as the analysis results are output as 2, 3, and 1, which are the order of the peak levels of the frequency characteristics 112, 122, and 132, respectively. In response to this, the second change processing unit 221 sets the first change processing data 105_1, which has the second largest peak level value, as the change target signal.

[0107] 5C, the analysis unit 222 analyzes that the peak levels are arranged in descending order of magnitude as 105_2, 105_1, and 105_3 based on the frequency characteristics 113, 123, and 133. Analysis result signals 223_1, 223_2, and 223_3 as the analysis results are output as 2, 1, and 3, which are the order of the peak levels of the frequency characteristics 113, 123, and 133, respectively. In response to this, the second change processing unit 221 sets the first change processing data 105_1, which has the second largest peak level value, as the change target signal.

[0108] The second change processing unit 221 may determine, as a change target, the first change processing data that the analysis unit 222 judges to have the third or higher peak sound pressure level of the sound pressure energy or frequency characteristic among the plurality of first change processing data. In this way, the change target of the second change may be all the first change processing data other than the excluded first change processing data, or may be a part of the first change processing data.

[0109] The second change unit 16 may also take into consideration the human hearing characteristics when determining the first change processing data to be changed. That is, the second change processing unit 221 may exclude the first change processing data that the analysis unit 222 has analyzed as being most easily perceived by humans based on the human hearing characteristics from the multiple first change processing data from the change target. The second change processing unit 221 may also determine the first change processing data that the analysis unit 222 has analyzed as being second most easily perceived by humans based on the human hearing characteristics among the multiple first change processing data as the change target. The second change processing unit 221 may also determine the first change processing data that is third or more easily perceived by humans, which is analyzed by the analysis unit 222 based on the human hearing characteristics among the multiple first change processing data, as the change target. The human hearing characteristics are, for example, indicated by an equal loudness curve.

[0110] For example, the analysis unit 222 calculates the sound pressure level for each 1 / 3 octave band by performing 1 / 3 octave band analysis on each of the multiple first change processing data. Next, the analysis unit 222 calculates a corrected octave band value by adding a characteristic correction value based on an equal loudness curve to the sound pressure level for each 1 / 3 octave band. Next, the analysis unit 222 determines the order of the sound source data that is easily perceived by humans using the maximum value of the multiple corrected octave band values ​​or the sum of the multiple corrected octave band values ​​corresponding to each first change processing data as an index.

[0111] Next, a specific example of a process for the first change process data determined as a change target will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining a first example of a process for the first change process data determined as a change target.

[0112] 8 indicates the frequency characteristic of the first change processing data 105_2 that is the target of the second change processing in the running state 1 of FIG. 5A. For the first change processing data 105_2, the second change processing unit 221 may increase or decrease the sound pressure level of the first change processing data 105_2 that is the target of the second change processing by a predetermined sound pressure level width ΔL1 in a time series. The second change processing unit 221 may increase or decrease the sound pressure level in a predetermined cycle in a time series. In other words, the second change processing unit 221 increases or decreases the sound pressure level of the first change processing data 105_2 from moment to moment. The increase / decrease is a process that repeats the process at a predetermined period, for example, by subtracting 1 / 2 of a predetermined sound pressure level width ΔL1 from the sound pressure level at the start of the second change ((a) of FIG. 8), setting the sound pressure level of the sound source data to be changed to the lower limit L1, gradually reducing the sound pressure level to the lower limit L1, and when the lower limit L1 is reached ((b) of FIG. 8), setting the sound pressure level at the start of the second change to the upper limit L2 by adding 1 / 2 of a predetermined sound pressure level width ΔL1, gradually increasing the sound pressure level of the sound source data to be changed to the upper limit L2, and when the upper limit L2 is reached ((c) of FIG. 8), reducing the sound pressure level to the lower limit L1. As a result, the frequency characteristics of the second change processing data 106_2 output by the second change processing unit 221 are changed to the frequency characteristics 121a, 121b, and 121c.

[0113] The lower limit of the sound pressure level is not limited to the above as long as it is lower than the sound pressure level at the start of the second change. Also, the upper limit of the sound pressure level is not limited to the above as long as it is equal to or higher than the sound pressure level at the start of the change and is higher than the lower limit by a predetermined sound pressure level width.

[0114] The second change processing unit 221 may also change the predetermined cycle for increasing or decreasing the sound pressure level. The second change processing unit 221 may change the cycle for increasing or decreasing the sound pressure level according to the vehicle information. That is, the second change processing unit 221 may increase or decrease the sound pressure level at a predetermined cycle according to the vehicle information. For example, the second change processing unit 221 may change the cycle to be smaller as the traveling speed is slower. The second change processing unit 221 may change the cycle to be smaller as the accelerator opening indicated by the vehicle information is smaller. The second change unit 16 may also change at least one of the predetermined cycle for increasing or decreasing the sound pressure level by a predetermined sound pressure level width and the predetermined sound pressure level width according to the time during which the change amount of the vehicle information continues to be equal to or less than the predetermined change amount.

[0115] The second change unit 16 may also fix the predetermined period without changing it even when the time during which the amount of change in the vehicle information continues to be equal to or less than the predetermined amount of change becomes longer than the predetermined time. At this time, when the predetermined period is changed as described above, the period may be fixed to the predetermined period when the time during which the amount of change in the vehicle information continues to be equal to or less than the predetermined amount of change becomes longer than the predetermined time. The period may also be fixed to a predetermined period. The second change unit 16 may also periodically change the predetermined period for increasing or decreasing the sound pressure level by a predetermined width.

[0116] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a second example of processing for the sound source data after the first change determined as the change target. The frequency characteristic 132 in FIG. 9 is the frequency characteristic of the first change processing data 105_1 that is the second change processing target in the running state 2 in FIG. 5B. For the first change processing data 105_1, the second change processing unit 221 may vary at least one of the minimum frequency and the maximum frequency of the frequency band of the first change processing data to be changed by a predetermined frequency width in a time series. Hereinafter, this variation is referred to as a frequency variation. The second change unit 16 may vary the frequency by a predetermined frequency width in a time series at a predetermined period. That is, the second change processing unit 221 varies at least one of the minimum frequency and the maximum frequency of the first change processing data 105_1 to be changed from moment to moment. The variation is a process that repeats, at a predetermined period, for example, setting a lower limit f11 at the frequency obtained by subtracting 1 / 2 of a predetermined frequency width Δf1 from the minimum frequency at the start of the second change (FIG. 9(a)), gradually reducing the minimum frequency of the sound source data to be changed to the lower limit f11, and when the lower limit f11 is reached (FIG. 9(b)), setting an upper limit f21 at the frequency obtained by adding 1 / 2 of a predetermined frequency width to the minimum frequency at the start of the second change, gradually increasing the minimum frequency of the sound source data to be changed to the upper limit f21, and when the upper limit f21 is reached (FIG. 9(c)), reducing it to the lower limit f11. The variation is, for example, a process in which the frequency obtained by subtracting 1 / 2 of a predetermined frequency width Δf2 from the maximum frequency at the start of the second change ((a) of FIG. 9) is set as the lower limit f12, the maximum frequency of the sound source data to be changed is gradually reduced to the lower limit f12, and when the lower limit f12 is reached ((b) of FIG. 9), the frequency obtained by adding 1 / 2 of a predetermined frequency width to the maximum frequency at the start of the second change is set as the upper limit f22, the maximum frequency of the sound source data to be changed is gradually increased to the upper limit f22, and when the upper limit f22 is reached ((c) of FIG. 9), the frequency characteristic is reduced to the lower limit f12, which is repeated at a predetermined period. As a result, the frequency characteristic of the second change processing data 106_3 output by the second change processing unit 221 is changed to the frequency characteristic 131a, 131b, 131c.

[0117] The lower limits of the minimum frequency and the maximum frequency are not limited to the above as long as they are smaller than the minimum frequency and the maximum frequency at the start of the second change. The upper limits of the minimum frequency and the maximum frequency are not limited to the above as long as they are larger than the minimum frequency and the maximum frequency at the start of the change and are larger than the lower limits of the minimum frequency and the maximum frequency by a predetermined frequency width.

[0118] The second change processing unit 221 may also change the predetermined period in the fluctuation of at least one of the minimum frequency and the maximum frequency. The second change processing unit 221 may change at least one of the predetermined period of the frequency fluctuation and the predetermined frequency width of the frequency fluctuation according to the vehicle information. That is, the second change processing unit 221 may vary at least one of the minimum frequency and the maximum frequency with a predetermined period according to the vehicle information. For example, the second change processing unit 221 may change the predetermined period to be smaller as the traveling speed indicated by the vehicle information is slower. The second change processing unit 221 may change the predetermined period to be smaller as the acceleration indicated by the vehicle information is smaller. The second change processing unit 221 may also change at least one of the predetermined period of the frequency fluctuation and the predetermined frequency width of the frequency fluctuation according to the time during which the amount of change in the vehicle information has continued to be equal to or less than the predetermined amount of change. For example, the second change processing unit 221 may fix the predetermined period without changing it when the time during which the amount of change in the vehicle information has continued to be equal to or less than the predetermined amount of change becomes longer than the predetermined time. At this time, the fixed period may be a period that is determined when the time during which the amount of change in the vehicle information is equal to or less than a predetermined amount of change continues to be longer than a predetermined time, or may be a fixed period that is determined in advance. Also, the second change processing unit 221 may periodically change the predetermined period of the frequency variation.

[0119] Furthermore, the second change unit 16 may change a predetermined frequency width in the frequency fluctuation, that is, the amplitude of the fluctuation, according to the vehicle information. That is, the second change unit 16 may vary the frequency according to the vehicle information. For example, the second change processing unit 221 may change the amplitude of the frequency fluctuation to be smaller as the traveling speed indicated by the vehicle information is slower. The second change processing unit 221 may change the amplitude of the up-down fluctuation of the frequency to be smaller as the acceleration indicated by the vehicle information is smaller.

[0120] In the example of FIG. 9, the frequency change in the second change is described as an example in which both the minimum frequency and the maximum frequency are changed and moved up and down in the same direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second change processing unit 221 may change and move only the maximum frequency of the frequency characteristic 132 of the first change processing data 105_1, as shown in FIG. 10. Also, for example, the second change processing unit 221 may change and move only the minimum frequency of the frequency characteristic 132 of the first change processing data 105_1, as shown in FIG. 11. Also, for example, the second change processing unit 221 may change and move the minimum frequency and the maximum frequency of the frequency characteristic 132 of the first change processing data 105_1 in different directions, as shown in FIG. 12. That is, in the case of FIG. 12, the second change processing unit 221 may decrease the maximum frequency when increasing the minimum frequency, and increase the maximum frequency when decreasing the minimum frequency.

[0121] Therefore, the second change processing unit 221 can effectively change at least one of the volume and the pitch of the sound source data determined as the object of change.

[0122] [Synthesis section 17] The synthesis unit 17 synthesizes the second change processing data 106 that is the output of the second change unit 16, and generates running sound data 107 to be output to the space 55 inside the vehicle cabin of the vehicle 50. This running sound data 107 is a simulated running sound. When there are multiple output units 18, the synthesis unit 17 selects, synthesizes, and outputs signals to be output to each output unit.

[0123] [Output section 18] The output unit 18 converts the pseudo running sound data 107 generated by the synthesis unit 17 into a running sound signal 108, amplifies the signal, and outputs the signal to the space 55 inside the vehicle 50. The output unit 18 outputs the pseudo running sound to the speaker 53.

[0124] Each processing unit of the running sound generating device 10 is realized by a processor such as a DSP, but may be realized by a microcomputer or a dedicated circuit, or may be realized by a combination of two or more of a processor, a microcomputer, and a dedicated circuit. The storage unit 14 may be realized by a non-volatile memory or storage.

[0125] [Operation of the running sound generator] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation (running sound generating method) of the running sound generating device.

[0126] First, the running sound generation device 10 acquires vehicle information 109 related to the running inside the vehicle 50 from the vehicle control unit 52 (S101). The process of step S101 is a process performed by the acquisition unit 11.

[0127] Next, the running sound generation device 10 performs a first change to change at least one of the volume and the pitch of the playback signal 103 of the playback unit 13 in accordance with the vehicle information (S102).

[0128] Next, the running sound generation device 10 judges whether or not the amount of change in the vehicle information is equal to or less than a predetermined amount of change (S103). The process of step S103 is a process performed by the judgment unit 12.

[0129] When the determination unit 12 determines that the amount of change in the vehicle information is equal to or less than a predetermined amount of change (Yes in S103), the running sound generation device 10 performs a second change on the multiple sound source data after the first change (S104). The process of step S104 is a process performed by the second change unit 16.

[0130] When the determination unit 12 determines that the amount of change in the vehicle information has exceeded a predetermined amount of change (No in S103), the running sound generation device 10 outputs the vehicle information to the synthesis unit 17 as is without performing the second change.

[0131] Then, the running sound generation device 10 synthesizes the second change processing data 106 that is the output of the second change unit 16, and generates running sound data 107 to be output to the space 55 in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 50 (S105). The processing of step S105 is processing by the synthesis unit 17.

[0132] The running sound generating device 10 converts the pseudo running sound data 107 generated by the synthesis unit 17 into a running sound signal 108, amplifies the signal, and outputs the signal to the space 55 inside the vehicle 50 (S106). The process of step S106 is performed by the output unit 18.

[0133] It should be noted that steps S101 to S107 are carried out sequentially while the vehicle 50 is traveling.

[0134] As described above, the first change processing data 105 is changed so that at least one of the volume and the pitch is different depending on the vehicle information. Therefore, for example, the sound source data that is the subject of the second change may be different between the first running state, the second running state, and the third running state. Specific examples of the second change and synthesis in each of the first to third cases will be described.

[0135] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the second change and combination in the first running state.

[0136] In the first running state, among the frequency characteristics 111, 121, and 131 of the first change processing data 105_1, 105_2, and 105_3, the peak sound pressure level of the frequency characteristic 111 of the first change processing data 105_1 is the largest. Therefore, the first change processing data 105_1 having the frequency characteristic 111 is excluded from the change target of the second change. Also, among the first change processing data 105_1, 105_2, and 105_3, the peak sound pressure level of the frequency characteristic 121 of the first change processing data 105_2 is the second largest. Therefore, the first change processing data 105_2 having the frequency characteristic 121 is determined as the change target. Therefore, when the determination unit 12 determines that the change amount of the vehicle information is equal to or less than a predetermined change amount, the second change processing data 106_1, 106_3, which are the first change processing data 105_1, 105_3, and the second change processing data 106_2, which has the frequency characteristic 121a in which the frequency characteristic 121 is changed by the second change, are combined to generate the running sound 151. On the other hand, when the determination unit 12 determines that the change amount of the vehicle information is greater than the predetermined change amount, the second change processing data 106_1, 106_2, 106_3, which are the first change processing data 105_1, 105_2, 105_3, which have the second unchanged frequency characteristics 111, 121, 131, are combined to generate the running sound 141. Note that, although an example in which the frequency characteristic 121a is generated by increasing or decreasing the sound pressure level is shown in FIG. 14, an example in which the frequency characteristic 121a is generated by varying at least one of the lowest frequency and the highest frequency may be applied.

[0137] In Fig. 14, the peak sound pressure levels of the frequency characteristics 111, 121, and 131 of the first change processing data 105_1, 105_2, and 105_3 are compared to determine the change target of the second change, but the present invention is not limited to this. The sound pressure energy of the first change processing data 105_1, 105_2, and 105_3 may be compared to determine the change target of the second change. In other words, the first change processing data with the largest sound pressure energy may be excluded from the change target of the second change. Also, the first change processing data with the second largest sound pressure energy may be determined as the change target of the second change.

[0138] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the second change and combination in the second running state.

[0139] In the second running state, among the frequency characteristics 112, 122, and 132 of the first change processing data 105_1, 105_2, and 105_3, the peak sound pressure level of the frequency characteristic 132 of the first change processing data 105_3 is the largest. Therefore, the first change processing data 105_3 having the frequency characteristic 132 is excluded from the change target of the second change. Also, among the first change processing data 105_1, 105_2, and 105_3, the peak sound pressure level of the frequency characteristic 112 of the first change processing data 105_1 is the second largest. Therefore, the first change processing data 105_1 having the frequency characteristic 112 is determined as the change target. Therefore, when the determination unit 12 determines that the change amount of the vehicle information is equal to or less than a predetermined change amount, the second change processing data 106_2, 106_3, which are the first change processing data 105_2, 105_3, and the second change processing data 106_1, which has the frequency characteristic 112a in which the frequency characteristic 112 is changed by the second change, are synthesized to generate the running sound 152. On the other hand, when the determination unit 12 determines that the change amount of the vehicle information is greater than the predetermined change amount, the second change processing data 106_1, 106_2, 106_3, which are the first change processing data 105_1, 105_2, 105_3, which have the frequency characteristics 112, 122, 132 that are not changed by the second change, are synthesized to generate the running sound 142. Note that, although an example in which the frequency characteristic 112a is generated by increasing or decreasing the sound pressure level is shown in FIG. 15, an example in which the frequency characteristic 112a is generated by varying at least one of the lowest frequency and the highest frequency may be applied.

[0140] In Fig. 15, the peak sound pressure levels of the frequency characteristics 112, 122, and 132 of the first change processing data 105_1, 105_2, and 105_3 are compared to determine the change target of the second change, but the present invention is not limited to this. The sound pressure energy of the first change processing data 105_1, 105_2, and 105_3 may be compared to determine the change target of the second change. In other words, the first change processing data with the largest sound pressure energy may be excluded from the change target of the second change. Also, the first change processing data with the second largest sound pressure energy may be determined as the change target of the second change.

[0141] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the second change and combination in the third running state.

[0142] In the third running state, among the frequency characteristics 113, 123, and 133 of the first change processing data 105_1, 105_2, and 105_3, the peak sound pressure level of the frequency characteristic 123 of the first change processing data 105_2 is the largest. Therefore, the first change processing data 105_2 having the frequency characteristic 123 is excluded from the change target of the second change. Also, among the first change processing data 105_1, 105_2, and 105_3, the peak sound pressure level of the frequency characteristic 113 of the first change processing data 105_1 is the second largest. Therefore, the first change processing data 105_1 having the frequency characteristic 113 is determined as the change target. Therefore, when the determination unit 12 determines that the change amount of the vehicle information is equal to or less than a predetermined change amount, the second change processing data 106_2, 106_3, which are the first change processing data 105_2, 105_3, and the second change processing data 106_1, which has the frequency characteristic 113a in which the frequency characteristic 113 is changed by the second change, are synthesized to generate the running sound 153. On the other hand, when the determination unit 12 determines that the change amount of the vehicle information is greater than the predetermined change amount, the second change processing data 106_1, 106_2, 106_3, which are the first change processing data 105_1, 105_2, 105_3, which have the second unchanged frequency characteristics 113, 123, 133, are synthesized to generate the running sound 143. Note that, although an example in which the frequency characteristic 113a is generated by increasing or decreasing the sound pressure level is shown in FIG. 16, an example in which the frequency characteristic 113a is generated by fluctuating up and down at least one of the lowest frequency and the highest frequency may be applied.

[0143] In Fig. 16, the peak sound pressure levels of the frequency characteristics 113, 123, and 133 of the first change processing data 105_1, 105_2, and 105_3 are compared to determine the change target of the second change, but the present invention is not limited to this. The sound pressure energies of the first change processing data 105_1, 105_2, and 105_3 may be compared to determine the change target of the second change. In other words, the first change processing data with the largest sound pressure energy may be excluded from the change target of the second change. Also, the first change processing data with the second largest sound pressure energy may be determined as the change target of the second change.

[0144] [Effects, etc.] According to the running sound generating device 10 of this embodiment, when the sound source data is changed according to the change in the vehicle information and outputted into the vehicle cabin as a pseudo running sound that makes the occupants perceive the running state, if the change in the vehicle information is equal to or less than a predetermined change amount, at least one of the sound source data generated as the running sound is changed, thereby changing the pseudo running sound. Therefore, the pseudo running sound can make the occupants perceive the running state of the vehicle, and the annoyance of the pseudo running sound of approximately the same tone and volume due to the small change in the vehicle information can be effectively reduced.

[0145] Furthermore, in the running sound generation device 10 according to this embodiment, when it is determined that the amount of change in the vehicle information exceeds a predetermined amount of change, the second change unit 16 outputs the sound source data after the first change without changing it to the synthesis unit 17. According to this, when the amount of change in the vehicle information exceeds the predetermined amount of change, the change in the vehicle information can be reflected in the sound source data by outputting the sound source data of the first change unit as is, and the occupants can feel a sense of driving from the simulated running sound.

[0146] In addition, in the running sound generation device 10 according to the present embodiment, the second change unit 16 does not change the sound source data having the maximum peak sound pressure level of the sound pressure energy or frequency characteristic among the multiple sound source data after the first change in the second change. According to this, when the change amount of the vehicle information is equal to or less than a predetermined change amount, the characteristics of the sound source data having the largest volume among the generated pseudo running sounds are not changed, so that the other sound source data can be changed while maintaining the running state information reflected in the sound source data, thereby reducing annoyance during steady running.

[0147] In addition, in the running sound generating device 10 according to the present embodiment, the second change unit 16 changes the frequency characteristics of the sound source data having the second largest peak sound pressure level of the sound pressure energy or frequency characteristics among the multiple sound source data after the first change in the second change. Therefore, when the change amount of the vehicle information is equal to or less than a predetermined change amount, the change in sound in the second change can be effectively perceived by the occupants, and the annoyance of the simulated running sound during steady driving can be effectively reduced.

[0148] In addition, in the running sound generation device 10 according to the present embodiment, the second change unit 16 does not change the sound source data that is most easily perceived by humans, which is identified based on the human hearing characteristics, among the multiple sound source data after the first change, in the second change. This allows the occupants to effectively perceive the running conditions reflected in the sound source data, since the characteristics of the sound source data that is most easily heard by humans are not changed.

[0149] In addition, in the running sound generating device 10 according to the present embodiment, the second change unit 16 changes the sound source data that is second most easily perceived by humans, which is specified based on human hearing characteristics, among the multiple sound source data after the first change, in the second change. According to this, since the sound source data that is second most easily heard by humans is changed, when the change amount of the vehicle information is equal to or less than a predetermined change amount, the change in sound due to the second change can be effectively perceived by the occupants, and the annoyance of the simulated running sound can be effectively reduced.

[0150] In the above embodiment, each component may be realized by a dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0151] Each component may be a circuit (or an integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0152] In addition, the general or specific aspects of the present disclosure may be realized in a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a non-transitory recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or in any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium.

[0153] For example, the present disclosure may be realized as a running sound generating method executed by a running sound generating device (computer or DSP), or may be realized as a program for causing a computer or DSP to execute the running sound generating method.

[0154] In the above embodiment, the process executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. In addition, the order of the processes in the operation of the running sound generation device described in the above embodiment may be changed, and the processes may be executed in parallel.

[0155] In addition, the present disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art may conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0156] The running sound generating device of the present disclosure is useful, for example, as a device for generating pseudo running sounds. [Explanation of symbols]

[0157] 10. Running sound generator 11 Acquisition Department 12 Judgment section 13 Playback Department 14 Storage section 15, 15_1~15_3 First change section 16 Second Change Section 17 Synthesis section 18 Output section 50 vehicles 51 Sensors 52 Vehicle control unit 53 Speaker 54 Vehicle body 55 Space 56 Predetermined position 101, 109 Vehicle Information 102 Judgment information 103, 103_1 to 103_3 playback signal 105, 105_1 to 105_3 First change processing data 106, 106_1 to 106_3 Second change processing data 107 Running sound data 108 Running Sound Signal 110, 120, 130, 111-113, 121-123, 131-133, 121a-121c, 132a-132c Frequency response 141~143, 151~153 Running sound 221 Second change processing section 222 Analysis Department 223_1~223_3 Analysis result signal 501 signal 2101 Volume adjustment processing unit 2102 Pitch adjustment processing unit 2103 Volume setting calculation unit 2104 Setting pitch calculation section 2105 Running speed volume setting section 2106 Accelerator opening volume setting section 2107 Running speed tone setting section 2108 Accelerator opening pitch setting section

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires vehicle information related to vehicle travel; A storage unit storing a plurality of pieces of sound source data; a first change unit that performs a first change to change the plurality of sound source data in accordance with the vehicle information; a determination unit that determines whether an amount of change in the vehicle information is equal to or smaller than a predetermined amount of change; a second change unit that performs a second change on the plurality of pieces of sound source data after the first change, when the determination unit determines that the amount of change is equal to or less than the predetermined amount of change, to change at least one piece of sound source data among the plurality of pieces of sound source data after the first change; a synthesis unit that synthesizes the plurality of sound source data after the second change to generate a running sound to be outputted into a passenger compartment of the vehicle; an output unit that outputs the generated running sound into a passenger compartment of the vehicle, The plurality of sound source data are different from each other in peak sound pressure level of sound pressure energy or frequency characteristic, In the second change, the second change unit does not change the sound source data having the maximum peak sound pressure level of the sound pressure energy or the frequency characteristic among the plurality of sound source data after the first change. Running sound generating device.

2. An acquisition unit that acquires vehicle information related to vehicle driving; A storage unit storing a plurality of pieces of sound source data; a first change unit that performs a first change to change the plurality of sound source data in accordance with the vehicle information; a determination unit that determines whether an amount of change in the vehicle information is equal to or smaller than a predetermined amount of change; a second change unit that performs a second change on the plurality of pieces of sound source data after the first change, when the determination unit determines that the amount of change is equal to or less than the predetermined amount of change, to change at least one piece of sound source data among the plurality of pieces of sound source data after the first change; a synthesis unit that synthesizes the plurality of sound source data after the second change to generate a running sound to be outputted into a passenger compartment of the vehicle; an output unit that outputs the generated running sound into a passenger compartment of the vehicle, The plurality of sound source data are different from each other in peak sound pressure level of sound pressure energy or frequency characteristic, In the second change, the second change unit does not change the sound source data that is most easily perceived by a human, which is specified based on human hearing characteristics, among the plurality of sound source data after the first change. Running sound generating device.

3. An acquisition unit that acquires vehicle information related to vehicle driving; A storage unit storing a plurality of pieces of sound source data; a first change unit that performs a first change to change the plurality of sound source data in accordance with the vehicle information; a determination unit that determines whether an amount of change in the vehicle information is equal to or smaller than a predetermined amount of change; a second change unit that performs a second change on the plurality of pieces of sound source data after the first change, when the determination unit determines that the amount of change is equal to or less than the predetermined amount of change, to change at least one piece of sound source data among the plurality of pieces of sound source data after the first change; a synthesis unit that synthesizes the plurality of sound source data after the second change to generate a running sound to be outputted into a passenger compartment of the vehicle; an output unit that outputs the generated running sound into a passenger compartment of the vehicle, In the second change, the second change unit changes at least one of a minimum frequency and a maximum frequency of a frequency band of at least one of the first changed sound source data by a predetermined frequency width. Running sound generating device.

4. The first change unit changes the volume and / or pitch of the plurality of sound source data in the first change. The running sound generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The second change unit changes a volume and / or a pitch of at least one of the plurality of sound source data items after the first change in the second change. The running sound generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The second change unit outputs the first changed sound source data to a synthesis unit without changing the first changed sound source data when the determination unit determines that the change amount of the vehicle information exceeds the predetermined change amount. The running sound generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The second change unit changes a sound pressure level of at least one of the first-changed sound source data by a predetermined sound pressure level width in the second change. The running sound generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The second change unit changes the sound pressure level of at least one of the first-changed sound source data in the second change by the predetermined sound pressure level width at a predetermined period. The running sound generating device according to claim 7.

9. The second change unit changes the predetermined sound pressure level width or the predetermined period in accordance with the vehicle information in the second change. The traveling sound generating device according to claim 8.

10. The second change unit changes the predetermined period and / or the predetermined sound pressure level width in the second change, depending on a duration during which the amount of change in the vehicle information continues to be equal to or less than a predetermined amount of change. The running sound generating device according to claim 8 or 9.

11. The second change unit periodically changes the predetermined period for increasing or decreasing the sound pressure level in the predetermined sound pressure level range in the second change. The traveling sound generating device according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

12. The second change unit changes the frequency in the second change in the predetermined frequency width at a predetermined period. The traveling sound generating device according to claim 3.

13. The second change unit changes the predetermined period and / or the predetermined frequency width of the frequency fluctuation in accordance with the vehicle information in the second change. The traveling sound generating device according to claim 12.

14. The second change unit changes the predetermined period and / or the predetermined frequency width of the frequency fluctuation in accordance with a duration during which an amount of change in the vehicle information continues to be equal to or smaller than a predetermined amount of change in the second change. The running sound generating device according to claim 12 or 13.

15. The second change unit periodically changes the predetermined period of the frequency variation in the second change. The running sound generating device according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

16. When the vehicle information is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the second change unit does not perform the second change on the plurality of sound source data even if the determination unit determines that the amount of change is equal to or less than the predetermined amount of change. The running sound generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The vehicle information is any one of vehicle speed, accelerator opening, torque, and acceleration, or a combination of these, or all of these. The running sound generating device according to claim 16.

18. An acquisition step of acquiring vehicle information related to vehicle travel; a first change step of changing a plurality of sound source data stored in a storage device in accordance with the vehicle information; a determination step of determining whether or not an amount of change in the vehicle information is equal to or smaller than a predetermined amount of change; a second modification step of modifying at least one of the plurality of sound source data after the first modification to the plurality of sound source data after the first modification when the determination step determines that the amount of change is equal to or less than the predetermined amount of change; a synthesis step of generating a traveling sound to be outputted into a passenger compartment of the vehicle by synthesizing the plurality of sound source data after the second change; and an output step of outputting the generated running sound into a passenger compartment of the vehicle, The plurality of sound source data are different from each other in peak sound pressure level of sound pressure energy or frequency characteristic, In the second change step, the sound source data having the maximum peak sound pressure level of the sound pressure energy or the frequency characteristic among the plurality of sound source data after the first change is not changed in the second change. A method for generating running sounds.

19. An acquisition step of acquiring vehicle information related to vehicle travel; a first change step of changing a plurality of sound source data stored in a storage device in accordance with the vehicle information; a determination step of determining whether or not an amount of change in the vehicle information is equal to or smaller than a predetermined amount of change; a second modification step of modifying at least one of the plurality of sound source data after the first modification to the plurality of sound source data after the first modification when the determination step determines that the amount of change is equal to or less than the predetermined amount of change; a synthesis step of generating a traveling sound to be outputted into a passenger compartment of the vehicle by synthesizing the plurality of sound source data after the second change; and an output step of outputting the generated running sound into a passenger compartment of the vehicle, The plurality of sound source data are different from each other in peak sound pressure level of sound pressure energy or frequency characteristic, In the second change step, the sound source data most easily perceived by a human, which is identified based on human hearing characteristics, is not changed among the plurality of sound source data after the first change. A method for generating running sounds.

20. An acquisition step of acquiring vehicle information related to vehicle travel; a first change step of changing a plurality of sound source data stored in a storage device in accordance with the vehicle information; a determination step of determining whether or not an amount of change in the vehicle information is equal to or smaller than a predetermined amount of change; a second modification step of modifying at least one of the plurality of sound source data after the first modification to the plurality of sound source data after the first modification when the determination step determines that the amount of change is equal to or less than the predetermined amount of change; a synthesis step of generating a traveling sound to be outputted into a passenger compartment of the vehicle by synthesizing the plurality of sound source data after the second change; and an output step of outputting the generated running sound into a passenger compartment of the vehicle, In the second change step, at least one of a minimum frequency and a maximum frequency of a frequency band of at least one of the first changed sound source data is changed by a predetermined frequency width. A method for generating running sounds.

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