Information processing apparatus

Abstract

To provide an improved technique for reminding a pedestrian of approach of a moving object.SOLUTION: An information processing device 10 comprises a control unit 13. Upon detecting a first moving object traveling in the vicinity of a pedestrian 3, the control unit 13 identifies a device that generates sound in an area around the pedestrian 3 and performs control so that the sound being generated from the identified device is reduced.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique for notifying a pedestrian of the approach of a moving object has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a vehicle approach notification system that notifies the approach of a vehicle when it is determined that it is necessary to notify the approach of the vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is room for improvement in the conventional technology for notifying a pedestrian of the approach of a moving object. For example, a pedestrian may not be able to notice the approach of a moving object due to surrounding sounds.

[0005] In view of this point, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved technique for notifying a pedestrian of the approach of a moving object.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control unit. When the control unit detects a first moving object traveling in the vicinity of a pedestrian, the control unit identifies a device that generates sound within the peripheral area of the pedestrian and controls the device so that the sound generated from the identified device is reduced.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an improved technique for notifying a pedestrian of the approach of a moving object.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (Configuration of the System) As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 includes an information processing apparatus 10, a plurality of moving bodies 20, a traffic signal 30, and an acoustic device 31. However, the system 1 may not include the traffic signal 30 and the acoustic device 31. Also, the system 1 may include at least one moving body 20.

[0011] The network 2 may be any network including a mobile communication network and the Internet or the like. The information processing apparatus 10 can communicate with the moving body 20, the traffic signal 30, and the acoustic device 31 via the network 2.

[0012] The pedestrian 3 walks on a sidewalk or crosses a road such as an intersection. The pedestrian 3 may hold an electronic device 4. The electronic device 4 is, for example, a smartphone or a wearable device. The electronic device 4 may transmit the position information of the pedestrian 3 to the information processing apparatus 10 via the network 2 at a preset time interval. This time interval may be set based on the walking speed of the pedestrian 3 or the like.

[0013] The information processing apparatus 10 can detect a first moving body. The first moving body is a moving body 20 that travels in the vicinity of the pedestrian 3. When the information processing apparatus 10 detects the first moving body, it identifies a device that generates sound within the peripheral area of the pedestrian 3, and controls the device so that the sound generated from the identified device is reduced. With such a configuration, it becomes easier for the pedestrian 3 to notice sounds such as the traveling sound emitted by the first moving body. As a result, it becomes easier for the pedestrian 3 to notice the presence of the first moving body traveling in the vicinity of the pedestrian 3 itself.

[0014] The information processing apparatus 10 is, for example, a dedicated computer configured to function as a server, a general-purpose personal computer, or a cloud computing system, etc.

[0015] The moving body 20 may be any object capable of traveling on a roadway or a sidewalk. The moving body 20 is, for example, a vehicle or a robot, etc. The moving body 20 may be operated for any purpose. For example, the moving body 20 may be a transport vehicle that transports luggage to a destination by a specified time, or an advertising vehicle. The moving body 20 may be operated as a vehicle dedicated to MaaS (Mobility as a Service).

[0016] In the present embodiment, the moving body 20 travels autonomously. However, the moving body 20 may be driven by a driver. In the present embodiment, the moving body 20 uses electric power as a power source.

[0017] The moving body 20 has, as operation modes, a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is an operation mode in which the moving body travels autonomously. The second mode is an operation mode in which the moving body travels autonomously while reducing the sound generated from the self-device during autonomous traveling compared to the first mode. The moving body 20 can switch between the first mode and the second mode.

[0018] The traffic signal 30 is an acoustic traffic signal. For example, the traffic signal 30 outputs a guiding sound while lighting blue. The traffic signal 30 has a communication function.

[0019] The audio device 31 is installed in the store. The audio device 31 has a communication function. The audio device 31 outputs sound, for example, toward the outside or inside of the store. The audio device 31 actively outputs sound. In the present embodiment, actively outputting sound means not outputting naturally generated sound but outputting sound based on a control signal or the like. The sound output by the audio device 31 may be, for example, voice or music for store advertising or BGM (background music).

[0020] (Configuration of the information processing device) As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13.

[0021] The communication unit 11 is configured to include at least one communication module connectable to the network 2. The communication module is, for example, a communication module compatible with a standard such as a wired LAN (Local Area Network) or a wireless LAN. The communication unit 11 is connected to the network 2 via a wired LAN or a wireless LAN by the communication module.

[0022] The storage unit 12 is configured to include at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two of these. The storage unit 12 may function as a main memory device, an auxiliary memory device, or a cache memory. Data used for the operation of the information processing device 10 and data obtained by the operation of the information processing device 10 are stored in the storage unit 12. For example, the storage unit 12 stores the position information of the traffic signal 30 and the position information of the store where the audio device 31 is installed.

[0023] The control unit 13 is configured to include at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. The control unit 13 executes processes related to the operation of the information processing apparatus 10 while controlling each part of the information processing apparatus 10.

[0024] (Configuration of the mobile body) As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile body 20 includes a communication unit 21, a positioning unit 22, a speaker 23, a motor 24, a storage unit 25, and a control unit 26.

[0025] The communication unit 21 is configured to include at least one communication module connectable to the network 2. The communication module is, for example, a communication module compatible with mobile communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), or 5G (5th Generation).

[0026] The positioning unit 22 can acquire the position information of the mobile body 20. The positioning unit 22 is configured to include at least one reception module compatible with a satellite positioning system. The reception module is, for example, a reception module compatible with GPS (Global Positioning System).

[0027] The speaker 23 can output sound, for example, toward the outside of the mobile body 20. The speaker 23 actively outputs sound. The sound output by the speaker 23 is, for example, advertising voice or music when the mobile body 20 is an advertising vehicle. The sound output by the speaker 23 may be an alarm sound.

[0028] The motor 24 is a drive motor for running the mobile body 20. The motor 24 converts electric power into motive power.

[0029] The storage unit 25 is configured to include at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two of these. The storage unit 25 may function as a main memory device, an auxiliary memory device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 25 stores data used for the operation of the moving body 20 and data obtained by the operation of the moving body 20. For example, the storage unit 25 stores data on the weight of the moving body 20 and data on the dimensions of the outer shape of the moving body 20.

[0030] The control unit 26 is configured to include at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination of these. The processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. The control unit 26 executes processing related to the operation of the moving body 20 while controlling each part of the moving body 20.

[0031] For example, while the moving body 20 is running, the control unit 26 acquires the position information of the moving body 20 by the positioning unit 22. The control unit 26 transmits the acquired position information of the moving body 20 to the information processing device 10 via the network 2 by the communication unit 21. The control unit 26 may acquire the position information of the moving body 20 at a preset time interval and transmit it to the information processing device 10. This time interval may be set based on the average speed of the moving body 20 or the like. The control unit 26 may transmit the data on the weight of the moving body 20 stored in the storage unit 25 to the information processing device 10 together with the position information of the moving body 20. The control unit 26 may transmit the data on the dimensions of the outer shape of the moving body 20 stored in the storage unit 25 to the information processing device 10 together with the position information of the moving body 20.

[0032] (Operation of the system) FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The control unit 13 may start the processing of step S1 at an arbitrary timing.

[0033] In the process of step S1, the control unit 13 acquires the position information of the pedestrian 3 and the position information of the moving body 20. The control unit 13 acquires the position information of the pedestrian 3 by receiving, via the network 2, the position information of the pedestrian 3 from the electronic device 4 by the communication unit 11. Further, the control unit 13 acquires the position information of the moving body 20 by receiving, via the network 2, the position information of the moving body 20 from the moving body 20 by the communication unit 11. As another example, the control unit 13 may acquire the position information of the pedestrian 3 and the position information of the moving body 20 by receiving, via the network 2, the position information of the pedestrian 3 and the position information of the moving body 20 from a roadside unit or the like by the communication unit 11.

[0034] In the process of step S2, the control unit 13 determines whether there is a moving body 20 traveling in the vicinity of the pedestrian 3 based on the position information of the pedestrian 3 and the position information of the moving body 20. For example, when there is a moving body 20 within a preset range from the position of the pedestrian 3, the control unit 13 determines that there is a moving body 20 traveling in the vicinity of the pedestrian 3. The preset range may be set in consideration of the distance between the pedestrian 3 and the moving body 20 where the possibility of contact between the pedestrian 3 and the moving body 20 increases.

[0035] When the control unit 13 determines that there is a moving body 20 traveling in the vicinity of the pedestrian 3 (step S2: YES), it proceeds to the process of step S3. On the other hand, when the control unit 13 determines that there is no moving body 20 traveling in the vicinity of the pedestrian 3 (step S2: NO), it returns to the process of step S1.

[0036] In the process of step S3, the control unit 13 detects the moving body 20 traveling in the vicinity of the pedestrian 3 as the first moving body.

[0037] Here, in the process of step S3, the control unit 13 may detect, as the first moving body, a moving body 20 that travels in the vicinity of the pedestrian 3 and satisfies a predetermined condition. When the moving body 20 that travels in the vicinity of the pedestrian 3 does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the control unit 13 does not have to detect the moving body 20 that travels in the vicinity of the pedestrian 3 as the first moving body. When the control unit 13 does not detect the first moving body, it does not proceed to the process of step S4 and returns to the process of step S1.

[0038] The predetermined condition may be a condition that the moving body 20 is such that when it comes into contact with the pedestrian 3, there is a high possibility that the pedestrian 3 will be injured.

[0039] As an example of the above, the predetermined condition may be a condition related to the moving body 20 whose weight is equal to or greater than a weight threshold value. The weight threshold value may be set assuming the weight of the moving body 20 that has a high possibility of injuring the pedestrian 3 when it comes into contact with the pedestrian 3. In the process of step S1, the control unit 13 may receive data on the weight of the moving body 20 together with the position information of the moving body 20 from the moving body 20. Here, when the weight of the moving body 20 is less than the weight threshold value, the possibility that the pedestrian 3 will be injured when the moving body 20 comes into contact with the pedestrian 3 is lower than when the weight of the moving body 20 is equal to or greater than the weight threshold value. By setting the predetermined condition in this way, the control unit 13 can prevent detecting, as the first moving body, the moving body 20 that travels in the vicinity of the pedestrian 3 but whose weight is less than the weight threshold value. On the other hand, the control unit 13 can detect, as the first moving body, the moving body 20 that travels in the vicinity of the pedestrian 3 and whose weight is equal to or greater than the weight threshold value.

[0040] As another example described above, the predetermined condition may be a condition with the moving body 20 whose outer dimension is equal to or greater than a dimension threshold value. The dimension threshold value may be set assuming the outer dimension of the moving body 20 that is likely to cause injury to the pedestrian 3 when contacting the pedestrian 3. In the process of step S1, the control unit 13 may receive data on the outer dimension of the moving body 20 together with the position information of the moving body 20 from the moving body 20. Here, when the moving body 20 is a small vehicle or the like, the possibility of the pedestrian 3 being injured when the moving body 20 and the pedestrian 3 come into contact is lower than when the moving body 20 is a large vehicle or the like. By setting the predetermined condition in this way, the control unit 13 can prevent detecting as the first moving body the moving body 20 whose outer dimension is less than the dimension threshold value and that travels in the vicinity of the pedestrian 3. On the other hand, the control unit 13 can detect as the first moving body the moving body 20 whose outer dimension is equal to or greater than the dimension threshold value and that travels in the vicinity of the pedestrian 3.

[0041] The predetermined condition may be a condition that the moving body 20 is traveling on the sidewalk when the pedestrian 3 is walking on the sidewalk. The control unit 13 may determine whether the pedestrian 3 is walking on the sidewalk based on the position information of the pedestrian 3. Also, the control unit 13 may determine whether the moving body 20 is traveling on the sidewalk based on the position information of the moving body 20. Here, among the moving bodies, there are, for example, those that travel on the sidewalk as small unmanned transport vehicles. Also, when the pedestrian 3 is walking on the sidewalk, the possibility of the moving body 20 traveling on the sidewalk coming into contact with the pedestrian 3 is higher than the possibility of the moving body 20 traveling on the road lane coming into contact with the pedestrian 3. By setting the predetermined condition in this way, the control unit 13 can detect as the first moving body the moving body 20 traveling on the sidewalk when the pedestrian 3 is walking on the sidewalk. On the other hand, the control unit 13 can prevent detecting as the first moving body the moving body 20 traveling on the road lane when the pedestrian 3 is walking on the sidewalk.

[0042] The predetermined condition may be a condition that when the pedestrian 3 attempts to cross the roadway, it is the moving body 20 traveling on the roadway. The control unit 13 may determine whether the pedestrian 3 attempts to cross the roadway based on the position information of the pedestrian 3. Further, the control unit 13 may determine whether the moving body 20 is traveling on the roadway based on the position information of the moving body 20. Here, when the moving body is, for example, a general motor vehicle, it travels on the roadway. Also, among moving bodies, even if it is a robot or the like, there are those that travel on the roadway in the same manner as a general motor vehicle. Furthermore, when the pedestrian 3 is crossing the roadway, the possibility that the moving body 20 traveling on the roadway contacts the pedestrian 3 is higher than the possibility that the moving body 20 traveling on the sidewalk contacts the pedestrian 3. By setting the predetermined condition in this way, the control unit 13 can detect the moving body 20 traveling on the roadway as the first moving body when the pedestrian 3 is crossing the roadway. On the other hand, when the pedestrian 3 is crossing the roadway, the control unit 13 can prevent the moving body 20 traveling on the sidewalk from being detected as the first moving body.

[0043] In the process of step S4, the control unit 13 identifies a device that generates sound within the peripheral area of the pedestrian 3. The range of the peripheral area may be set in consideration of the volume of sound such as the traveling sound generated from the first moving body.

[0044] For example, as the device that generates sound, the control unit 13 may identify the traffic signal 30 based on the position information of the pedestrian 3 and the position information of the traffic signal 30 in the storage unit 12. Further, as the device that generates sound, the control unit 13 may identify the audio device 31 installed in the store based on the position information of the pedestrian 3 and the position information of the store in the storage unit 12.

[0045] For example, as the device that generates sound, the control unit 13 may identify a second moving body different from the first moving body from among the plurality of moving bodies 20 based on the position information of the pedestrian 3 and the position information of the plurality of moving bodies 20. The sound generated from the second moving body is, for example, the rotation sound of the motor 24 or the sound output from the speaker 23.

[0046] In the process of step S5, the control unit 13 controls so as to reduce the sound generated from the device specified in the process of step S4.

[0047] For example, when the control unit 13 specifies the traffic signal 30 as the device that generates sound, the control unit 13 generates a control signal for reducing the volume of the guiding sound of the traffic signal 30 to, for example, a set value. This set value may be set within a range that does not impair the convenience of visually impaired persons or the like. The control unit 13 transmits the generated control signal to the traffic signal 30 via the network 2 by the communication unit 11. When the traffic signal 30 receives the control signal from the information processing device 10 via the network 2, the traffic signal 30 reduces the volume of the guiding sound according to the received control signal.

[0048] For example, when the control unit 13 specifies the audio device 31 as the device that generates sound, the control unit 13 generates a control signal for reducing the volume of the audio device 31 to, for example, a set value or setting it to zero, or for stopping the audio device 31. This set value may be set in consideration of the volume of sounds such as the running sound generated from the first moving body. The control unit 13 transmits the generated control signal to the audio device 31 via the network 2 by the communication unit 11. When the audio device 31 receives the control signal from the information processing device 10 via the network 2, the audio device 31 reduces the volume to the set value or sets it to zero or stops according to the received control signal.

[0049] For example, when the control unit 13 identifies the second moving body as a device that generates sound, it generates an instruction signal for instructing the switching of the operation mode to the second mode. The control unit 13 transmits the generated instruction signal to the second moving body via the network 2 by the communication unit 11. In the moving body 20 which is the second moving body, the control unit 26 receives the instruction signal from the information processing device 10 via the network 2 by the communication unit 21. The control unit 26 switches the operation mode of the moving body 20 to the second mode according to the received instruction signal and continues autonomous driving, for example, temporarily or for a predetermined time. The predetermined time may be set assuming the time from when the first moving body is detected until the pedestrian 3 notices the approach of the first moving body. Here, when the sound generated from the second moving body includes the rotation sound of the motor 24, the second mode may be an operation mode that makes the traveling speed of the moving body 20 lower than that in the first mode. When the traveling speed of the moving body 20 is reduced, the rotation speed of the motor 24 is reduced, so that the sound generated from the motor 24 can be reduced. Further, when the sound generated from the second moving body includes the sound output from the speaker 23, the second mode may be an operation mode that reduces the output volume of the speaker 23 to be lower than that in the first mode or to zero, or stops the output of the sound from the speaker 23.

[0050] After the process of step S5, the control unit 13 returns to the process of step S1. When repeatedly executing the processes of steps S1 to S5, the control unit 13 may end the process of the information processing method as shown in FIG. 3 at an arbitrary timing.

[0051] Thus, in the information processing apparatus 10, when the control unit 13 detects the first moving body traveling in the vicinity of the pedestrian 3, it identifies the device that generates sound within the peripheral area of the pedestrian 3, and controls the identified device so that the sound generated from the device is reduced. With such a configuration, when the first moving body traveling in the vicinity of the pedestrian 3 is detected, the sound generated within the peripheral area of the pedestrian 3 is reduced. By reducing the sound generated within the peripheral area of the pedestrian 3, environmental sound or noise, etc. for the pedestrian 3 is reduced. Therefore, it becomes easier for the pedestrian 3 to notice the sound such as the traveling sound generated by the first moving body. As a result, it becomes easier for the pedestrian 3 to notice the presence of the first moving body traveling in the vicinity of himself / herself.

[0052] By the way, from the viewpoint of ensuring the safety of the pedestrian 3, it is also conceivable to output an alarm sound to the first moving body traveling in the vicinity of the pedestrian 3. However, as a result of outputting the alarm sound, the noise level in the street may increase. When the noise level in the street increases, the probability that the pedestrian 3 cannot notice the approach of the moving body 20 may increase. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the control unit 13 identifies the device that generates sound within the peripheral area of the pedestrian 3, and controls the identified device so that the sound generated from the device is reduced. By controlling so that the sound generated from the device is reduced, it becomes possible to lower the noise level in the street while making it easier for the pedestrian 3 to notice the presence of the first moving body traveling in the vicinity.

[0053] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an improved technology for making the pedestrian 3 notice the approach of the moving body 20.

[0054] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the control unit 13 may detect, as a first moving body, a moving body 20 that travels in the vicinity of the pedestrian 3 and satisfies a predetermined condition. By appropriately setting the predetermined condition, for example, a moving body 20 such as a small vehicle can be prevented from being detected as the first moving body. With such a configuration, for example, even when the moving body 20 that is unlikely to cause injury to the pedestrian 3 even if it comes into contact with the pedestrian 3 travels in the vicinity of the pedestrian 3, it is possible to suppress the control so that the sound generated from the devices in the peripheral area of the pedestrian 3 is reduced. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation where the purpose of the devices in the peripheral area of the pedestrian 3 is unnecessarily damaged. For example, by lowering the volume of the audio device 31 or the like, it is possible to avoid a situation where the advertisement of the store cannot be made by the voice of the audio device 31. Also, by switching the operation mode of the second moving body to the second mode, when the second moving body is a transport vehicle, it is possible to avoid a situation where the luggage cannot be transported to the destination by the specified time. Further, by switching the operation mode of the second moving body to the second mode, when the second moving body is an advertising vehicle, it is possible to avoid a situation where advertising cannot be made by the advertising voice or the like.

[0055] Although the present disclosure has been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art may make various modifications and alterations based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions and the like included in each component or each step can be rearranged so as not to be logically contradictory, and a plurality of components or steps can be combined into one or divided.

[0056] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the information processing device 10 has been described as a server. However, the information processing device 10 is not limited to a server. As another example, the information processing device 10 may be a roadside device installed at an intersection or the like.

[0057] Some embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated below. However, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. [Appendix 1] An information processing apparatus including a control unit that, when detecting a first moving body traveling in the vicinity of a pedestrian, identifies a device that generates sound within the peripheral area of the pedestrian, and controls the identified device so that the sound generated from the identified device is reduced. [Appendix 2] The control unit according to Appendix 1, wherein the control unit detects the first moving body from among the plurality of moving bodies based on the position information of the pedestrian and the position information of the plurality of moving bodies, and identifies a second moving body as the device that generates the sound from among the plurality of moving bodies. [Appendix 3] Each of the plurality of moving bodies has, as an operation mode, a first mode of autonomous driving and a second mode of autonomous driving in which the sound generated from the own device during autonomous driving is reduced compared to the first mode, and the first mode and the second mode are switchable. The information processing apparatus further includes a communication unit. The control unit according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the control unit transmits an instruction signal for instructing the second moving body to switch the operation mode to the second mode by the communication unit. [Appendix 4] The sound generated from the second moving body includes the rotation sound of the drive motor. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein the second mode is an operation mode in which the traveling speed of the moving body is lower than that in the first mode. [Appendix 5] The sound generated from the second moving body includes the sound output from the speaker of the second moving body. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein the second mode is an operation mode in which the output volume of the speaker is reduced or set to zero compared to the first mode, or the output of the sound from the speaker is stopped. [Appendix 6] The control unit is an information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5, which detects, as the first moving body, a moving body that travels in the vicinity of the pedestrian and satisfies a predetermined condition. [Appendix 7] The predetermined condition is an information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 6, which is a condition with a moving body that has a high possibility of injuring the pedestrian when contacting the pedestrian. [Appendix 8] The predetermined condition is an information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 7, which is a condition that the moving body is a moving body traveling on the sidewalk when the pedestrian is walking on the sidewalk. [Appendix 9] The predetermined condition is an information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 8, which is a condition that the moving body is a moving body traveling on the roadway when the pedestrian is about to cross the roadway. [Appendix 10] The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, at least one moving body, and the device, a system. [Appendix 11] When detecting a first moving body traveling in the vicinity of a pedestrian, identifying a device that generates sound within the peripheral area of the pedestrian, and controlling so that the sound generated from the identified device is reduced, an information processing method.

Explanation of Signs

[0058] 1: System, 2: Network, 3: Pedestrian, 4: Electronic device, 10: Information processing apparatus, 11: Communication unit, 12: Storage unit, 13: Control unit, 20: Moving body, 21: Communication unit, 22: Positioning unit, 23: Speaker, 24: Motor, 25: Storage unit, 26: Control unit, 30: Traffic signal, 31: Acoustic device

Claims

1. When a first moving body traveling in the vicinity of a pedestrian is detected, a control unit is provided that identifies a device that generates sound within the peripheral area of the pedestrian and controls the sound generated from the identified device to be reduced. The control unit detects the first moving body from among the plurality of moving bodies based on the position information of the pedestrian and the position information of the plurality of moving bodies, and identifies a second moving body as the device that generates the sound from among the plurality of moving bodies. An information processing apparatus.

2. Each of the plurality of moving bodies has, as an operation mode, a first mode of autonomous driving and a second mode of autonomous driving in which the sound generated from the own device during autonomous driving is reduced compared to the first mode, and the first mode and the second mode can be switched. The information processing apparatus further includes a communication unit. The control unit transmits, by the communication unit, an instruction signal for instructing the second moving body to switch the operation mode to the second mode. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The sound generated from the second moving body includes the rotation sound of the drive motor. The second mode is an operation mode in which the traveling speed of the moving body is made lower than that in the first mode. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The sound generated from the second moving body includes the sound output from the speaker of the second moving body. The second mode is an operation mode in which the output volume of the speaker is reduced or set to zero compared to the first mode, or the output of the sound from the speaker is stopped. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

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