Sound output device and sound output method

Abstract

To provide a sound output device which can allow a passenger to recognize that a vehicle is in a stand-by state.SOLUTION: A voice output device 10 for outputting sound regarding a vehicle 50 includes: an acquisition unit 11 for acquiring travel-related information of a vehicle 50; and a control unit 12 for controlling sound. The control unit 12 outputs a first sound from activation of the vehicle 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sound output device and a sound output method for outputting sound into a vehicle cabin. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine as a driving source for traveling, which generates engine sound based on the operation amount of an accelerator operator (accelerator pedal) and vehicle information, and outputs the engine sound from a speaker. In Patent Document 1, when the operation amount of the accelerator operator is zero and the vehicle state is a predetermined state, the volume of the engine sound is set to a value greater than zero, so that the engine sound is output from the speaker even if the operation amount of the accelerator operator is zero. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-104395 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a sound output device and the like that can make an occupant aware that the vehicle is in a standby state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A sound output device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a sound output device that outputs a sound related to a vehicle, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires traveling-related information of the vehicle, and a control unit that controls the sound, and the control unit performs the following operations from the start of the vehicle: It is a simulated engine or motor sound. 1st Sound Output, When the control unit detects that the vehicle has started to travel based on the travel-related information, it (i) gradually decreases the volume of the first sound and outputs it, and (ii) gradually increases the volume of the second sound, which is adjusted based on the travel-related information in accordance with the travel state of the vehicle, and outputs the first sound, The second sound includes one or more types of sounds.

[0006] Further, a sound output method according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: A sound output device including an acquisition unit and a control unit A sound output method for outputting a sound related to a vehicle, The acquisition unit Acquire driving-related information of the vehicle; The control unit The sound is controlled, and in the control, The control unit From starting the vehicle, It is a simulated engine or motor sound. 1st Sound Output, When the control unit detects that the vehicle has started to travel based on the travel-related information, (i) the control unit gradually decreases the volume of the first sound and outputs it, and (ii) the control unit gradually increases the volume of the second sound, which is adjusted based on the travel-related information according to the travel state of the vehicle, and outputs the first sound, The second sound includes one or more types of sounds. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The sound output device of the present disclosure can make the occupants aware that the vehicle is in a standby state. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with a sound output device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the sound output device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a first example of the operation (sound output method) of the sound output device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a timing chart of the notification sound output by the sound output device in the first example. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a second example of the operation (sound output method) of the sound output device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a timing chart of the notification sound and the pseudo running sound output by the sound output device in the second example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a third example of the operation (sound output method) of the sound output device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a fourth example of the operation (sound output method) of the sound output device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of a sound output device in the modified example (2). [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a sound output device 10B in the modified example (3). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) Conventionally, there are vehicles that are designed to have a quiet cabin, such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles that run on a motor when starting to drive, and internal combustion engine vehicles that are configured to prevent engine noise from leaking into the cabin. In such vehicles, it is difficult to distinguish, for example, between a standby state in which the vehicle can be driven by operating the accelerator pedal and a start-stop state in which the vehicle cannot be driven even when the accelerator pedal is operated, based on the sounds generated within the cabin. For this reason, an occupant (e.g., a driver) may mistakenly operate the vehicle, thinking that the vehicle is in a start-stop state when it is actually in a standby state, and may unintentionally start the vehicle.

[0010] In order to solve the above problem, a sound output device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a sound output device that outputs a sound related to a vehicle, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires driving-related information of the vehicle, and a control unit that controls the sound, and the control unit outputs a first sound from the start of the vehicle.

[0011] According to this, since the first sound is output from the time the vehicle is started, the vehicle occupant can be notified by sound that the vehicle is in a standby state, thereby preventing the occupant from operating the vehicle erroneously.

[0012] Furthermore, when the control unit detects that the vehicle has started to travel based on the travel-related information, the control unit may stop outputting the first sound or output the first sound at a lower volume.

[0013] According to this, by detecting that the vehicle has started to move, it can be determined that the vehicle is moving due to an operation by the occupant, and it can be determined that the occupant is aware of the vehicle's state, so the first sound is stopped or the volume of the first sound is reduced. This can reduce the annoyance that the first sound causes to the occupant. Also, it can reduce the power consumption required to output the first sound.

[0014] Furthermore, when the control unit detects that the vehicle has started to move based on the driving-related information, the control unit may output a second sound that is adjusted based on the driving-related information according to the driving state of the vehicle.

[0015] According to this, when the vehicle starts to travel, the second sound according to the traveling state of the vehicle is output, so that the occupant can be made to perceive the traveling state of the vehicle by the second sound.

[0016] The second sound may include one or more types of sound.

[0017] Furthermore, when the control unit detects the start of traveling, the control unit may gradually decrease the volume of the first sound and output the first sound, and gradually increase the volume of the second sound.

[0018] Therefore, the switching from the first sound output to the second sound output can be performed in a manner that reduces the sense of discomfort felt by the occupant.

[0019] The second sound may be the first sound adjusted based on the driving-related information according to the driving state of the vehicle.

[0020] Therefore, even when the output sound switches from the first sound to the second sound at the start of driving, the sound can be switched seamlessly from the first sound to the second sound, thereby reducing the sense of discomfort felt by the occupants.

[0021] The second sound may be a sound whose frequency characteristics are adjusted based on the driving-related information according to the driving state of the vehicle.

[0022] The second sound may be a sound whose sound pressure is adjusted based on the driving-related information according to the driving state of the vehicle.

[0023] In addition, when the control unit detects a transition of the vehicle from a running state to a stopped state from the driving-related information, the control unit may not output the first sound, or may output the first sound at a lower volume, even while the vehicle is running.

[0024] According to this, when the vehicle transitions from a running state to a stopped state, it can be determined that the occupant is aware that the vehicle is in a standby state, and since there is no need to inform the occupant that the vehicle is in a standby state even when the vehicle is stopped, the first sound is not output or the volume of the first sound is output at a low level. This can reduce the annoyance of the first sound. Also, it can reduce the power consumption required to output the first sound.

[0025] The control unit may output the first sound when a predetermined time has elapsed since detecting a transition of the vehicle from a traveling state to a stopped state.

[0026] According to this, when a predetermined time has elapsed since it was detected that the vehicle has transitioned from a running state to a stopped state, the vehicle occupant may not be able to distinguish whether the vehicle is in a standby state or a stopped state. Therefore, by outputting the first sound into the vehicle cabin, the vehicle occupant can be notified by sound that the vehicle is in a standby state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occupant from operating the vehicle erroneously.

[0027] In addition, when the control unit detects, based on the driving-related information, that the vehicle is stopped and the brakes of the vehicle are operating, it may stop outputting the first sound or output the first sound at a lower volume.

[0028] According to this, when the vehicle is stopped and the vehicle brakes are operating, it can be determined that the occupants are aware that the vehicle is in standby mode, and since there is no need to inform the occupants that the vehicle is in standby mode even when the vehicle is stopped, the first sound is stopped or reduced in volume. This can reduce the annoyance of the first sound. Also, it can reduce the power consumption required to output the first sound.

[0029] The control unit may also output the first sound when a predetermined time has elapsed since detecting, based on the driving-related information, a transition from a state in which the vehicle is stopped and the brakes of the vehicle are applied to a state in which the brakes of the vehicle are not applied.

[0030] According to this, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection of a transition from a state in which the vehicle is stopped and the vehicle brakes are applied to a state in which the vehicle brakes are not applied, there is a possibility that the vehicle occupant will not be able to distinguish whether the vehicle is in a standby state or a start-stop state. Therefore, by outputting the first sound into the vehicle cabin, the vehicle occupant can be notified by sound that the vehicle is in a standby state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occupant from operating the vehicle erroneously.

[0031] In addition, when the control unit detects from the driving-related information that the vehicle is stopped and the shift lever position of the vehicle is in drive, it may stop outputting the first sound or output the first sound at a lower volume.

[0032] According to this, when the vehicle is stopped and the vehicle's shift lever is in drive, it can be determined that the occupant is aware that the vehicle is in standby mode, and since there is no need to inform the occupant that the vehicle is in standby mode even when the vehicle is stopped, the first sound is stopped or output at a lower volume. This can reduce the annoyance of the first sound. Also, it can reduce the power consumption required to output the first sound.

[0033] The control unit may also output the first sound when a predetermined time has elapsed since detecting, based on the driving-related information, a transition from a state in which the vehicle is stopped and the position of the shift lever of the vehicle is in drive to a state in which the position of the shift lever of the vehicle is in park or neutral.

[0034] According to this, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection of a transition from a state in which the vehicle is stopped and the shift lever of the vehicle is in drive to a state in which the shift lever of the vehicle is in park or neutral, the vehicle occupant may be unable to distinguish whether the vehicle is in a standby state or a start-stop state. Therefore, by outputting the first sound into the vehicle cabin, the vehicle occupant can be notified by sound that the vehicle is in a standby state. This makes it possible to prevent the occupant from operating the vehicle erroneously.

[0035] The vehicle may further include a receiving unit that receives an input from an occupant of the vehicle indicating on or off, and the control unit may output the first sound from the start-up if the input indicates on, and may not output the first sound even during the period from the start-up if the input indicates off.

[0036] Therefore, it is possible to switch the setting to whether or not to output the first sound. Also, for example, if the occupant finds the first sound bothersome, the occupant can drive comfortably by switching to a setting that does not output the first sound even in the standby state.

[0037] The first sound may be a simulated engine sound.

[0038] Therefore, the vehicle occupant can perceive the running state of the vehicle by hearing at least one of the first sound and the second sound.

[0039] The first sound may be a pseudo motor sound.

[0040] Therefore, the vehicle occupant can perceive the running state of the vehicle by hearing at least one of the first sound and the second sound.

[0041] The first sound may be a masker sound that masks noise inside the vehicle.

[0042] Therefore, the masker sound can reduce the annoyance of noise inside the vehicle cabin for the vehicle occupants, and the vehicle occupants can perceive the running state of the vehicle by hearing at least one of the first sound and the second sound.

[0043] The second sound may be a simulated engine sound.

[0044] Therefore, the vehicle occupant can perceive the running state of the vehicle by hearing at least one of the first sound and the second sound.

[0045] The second sound may be a pseudo motor sound.

[0046] Therefore, the vehicle occupant can perceive the running state of the vehicle by hearing at least one of the first sound and the second sound.

[0047] The second sound may be a masker sound that masks noise inside the vehicle.

[0048] Therefore, the masker sound can reduce the annoyance of noise inside the vehicle cabin for the vehicle occupants, and the vehicle occupants can perceive the running state of the vehicle by hearing at least one of the first sound and the second sound.

[0049] The sound output device may also emit sound into the interior of the vehicle.

[0050] The volume of the first sound emitted into the cabin of the vehicle may be greater than the volume of the first sound emitted outside the cabin of the vehicle.

[0051] Furthermore, the vehicle may further include a sound acquisition unit that acquires environmental sounds outside the vehicle cabin, and the control unit may calculate sound characteristics that can be perceived by occupants of the vehicle from the characteristics of the environmental sounds, and adjust the first sound to the sound characteristics before outputting it.

[0052] Therefore, even if a loud environmental sound is occurring outside the vehicle, the vehicle occupant can perceive the first sound, thereby notifying the vehicle occupant that the vehicle is in a standby state by sound.

[0053] Furthermore, a sound output method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a sound output method for outputting a sound related to a vehicle, which acquires driving-related information of the vehicle and controls the output sound, and in the control, outputs a first sound from the start of the vehicle.

[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, component placement and connection forms, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concepts will be described as optional components.

[0055] Furthermore, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. In each drawing, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations may be omitted or simplified.

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

[0057] The vehicle 50 includes the sound output 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 movement of each mechanism of vehicle 50 and outputs the magnitude of the movement as a signal. In this embodiment, sensor 51 is installed in a motor provided in vehicle 50 to detect and output values ​​such as motor rotation speed, current value, and torque as information related to traveling speed, for example, if vehicle 50 is an electric vehicle, and outputs the engine rotation speed, engine torque, etc., if vehicle 50 is an engine vehicle. Furthermore, sensor 51 attached to the accelerator pedal detects and outputs the magnitude of accelerator pedal depression as information on the magnitude of accelerator pedal depression (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 an output sound indicated by the audio signal output from the sound output device 10. The speaker 53 is disposed, for example, on the wall (door) on the driver's seat side inside the vehicle 50, and outputs an output sound adjusted so that the sound 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 inside the vehicle 50 where an occupant sits.

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

[0062] The vehicle body 54 is a structure formed by the chassis, body, etc. 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 sound output device] Next, the configuration and basic operation of the sound output device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 in addition to Fig. 1. Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of the sound output device 10.

[0064] The sound output device 10 is a device that outputs sound to a space 55 within the vehicle cabin of the vehicle 50. The sound output device 10 generates output sounds including at least one of an alert sound for informing the driver of the state of the vehicle 50 and a pseudo running sound for making the driver aware of the running state of the vehicle 50. The alert sound is an example of a first sound. The pseudo running sound is an example of a second sound. The pseudo running sound is a sound whose characteristics, such as volume, pitch, and acoustic effect, change according to the magnitude of a value indicated by vehicle information that changes depending on the running state of the vehicle 50. The occupants can perceive the running state of the vehicle 50 by changes in these characteristics of the pseudo running sound. The sound output 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, thereby allowing the driver to perceive the running state of the vehicle. For example, when driving an engine vehicle, the pitch of the engine sound increases as the vehicle accelerates, and the volume of the engine sound increases as the accelerator pedal is depressed. By reflecting changes in the driving sound due to such changes in driving conditions in the characteristics of the sound source data when generating the simulated driving sound, occupants can perceive the driving conditions of the vehicle from the simulated driving sound.

[0065] The simulated running sound may be, for example, an engine sound obtained by recording the engine sound of an internal combustion vehicle and acquiring it as sound source data, and then looping the sound source data on a playback device to change the characteristics of the playback sound depending on the running state. In this way, the simulated running sound may be a sound that imitates the engine sound in an actual driving situation (a simulated engine sound). By applying a simulated running sound using the engine sound as the sound source to an electric vehicle, it is possible to provide the feeling of driving an internal combustion vehicle.

[0066] The simulated running sound may be, for example, a motor sound obtained by recording the motor sound of an electric vehicle and acquiring it as sound source data, and then loop-playing the sound source data on a playback device to change the characteristics of the reproduced sound depending on the running state. In this way, the simulated running sound may be a sound (simulated motor sound) that imitates the motor sound in an actual driving situation.

[0067] The alert sound may also be generated using sound source data that is completely unrelated to the actual running sound of a vehicle such as an automobile. For example, the alert sound may be generated based on the sound of a musical instrument or a sound source generated by synthesis using a synthesizer or the like. By combining and playing back multiple sound source data and changing the characteristics of the played sound depending on the running conditions, it is possible to provide an alert sound that is different from the running sound of a normal automobile and that matches the image and concept of the vehicle. For example, the alert sound may also be a sound that imitates the sound of another vehicle such as a jet plane (aircraft), ship, or train.

[0068] The pseudo running sound may be the same as the notification sound, or may be a different sound.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 2, the sound output device 10 includes an acquisition unit 11, a control unit 12, a storage unit 13, and an output unit 14.

[0070] [Acquisition part 11] The acquisition unit 11 acquires vehicle information 109 related to the traveling of the vehicle 50. 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 traveling-related information 101 necessary for outputting at least one of an alert sound and a simulated traveling sound. In this embodiment, the traveling-related information 101 specifically includes information indicating the traveling speed of the vehicle 50 or information indicating the accelerator pedal position of the vehicle 50. The traveling-related information 101 may also include information indicating the operation of the brakes, information indicating the position of the shift lever, etc. The vehicle information 109 may not be the traveling speed or the accelerator pedal position itself, but may be other information indicating the traveling state from which the traveling speed and the accelerator pedal position 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 pedal position information.

[0071] Furthermore, if the vehicle is an engine vehicle, the vehicle information 109 may include engine speed and engine torque. Furthermore, the traveling speed information may be indicated by the traveling speed of the vehicle 50 detected by a vehicle speed sensor, or may be calculated from information indicating acceleration. The information indicating acceleration may include at least one of the brake oil pressure, drive shaft rotation speed, and torque of the vehicle 50. The vehicle information 109 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 through 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.

[0072] [Control unit 12] The control unit 12 controls the sound output from the speaker 53 in the vehicle cabin. When the vehicle is in a standby state, the control unit 12 outputs an alert sound as a first sound into the vehicle cabin of the vehicle 50. The standby state is a state in which the vehicle can be driven by operating the accelerator pedal. The vehicle 50 is in the standby state during an initial period from when the vehicle 50 is started up until when it is detected that the vehicle 50 has started to drive based on the driving-related information 101 obtained from the vehicle information 109 of the vehicle 50. In other words, the control unit 12 continues to output the alert sound as the first sound into the vehicle cabin of the vehicle 50 during the initial period from when the vehicle 50 is started up until it is detected that the vehicle 50 has started to drive based on the driving-related information 101 obtained from the vehicle information 109 of the vehicle 50. For example, the control unit 12 may detect that the vehicle 50 has started to move when the driving speed or motor rotation speed transitions from 0 to a value greater than 0 based on the driving state, or when the driving speed calculated based on time series data such as the accelerator opening, motor acceleration, motor torque, engine acceleration, engine torque, drive shaft rotation speed, and propeller shaft rotation speed transitions from 0 to a value greater than 0.

[0073] The alert sound is output from speaker 53 arranged inside the vehicle cabin, and is therefore output louder inside the vehicle cabin than outside the vehicle cabin. Furthermore, when control unit 12 detects that vehicle 50 has started to move based on driving-related information 101 obtained from vehicle information 109, it may stop outputting the alert sound or reduce the volume of the alert sound. In this case, control unit 12 may control the volume of the alert sound to gradually decrease from a first volume to a second volume that is lower than the first volume. The second volume may be 0. In other words, control unit 12 may control the alert sound to fade out when vehicle 50 starts to move.

[0074] Here, the informative sound may be composed of one type of sound or a combination of multiple types of sounds. Whether the informative sound is composed of one type of sound or multiple types of sounds may be set according to the timing at which the informative sound is output, or may be set in advance by the user. Furthermore, the types of sounds that make up the informative sound, or the combination of multiple types of sounds when the informative sound is composed of multiple types of sounds, may be set in advance by the user.

[0075] Furthermore, when the control unit 12 detects that the vehicle 50 has started to travel based on the travel-related information 101, the control unit 12 may output a pseudo running sound that has been adjusted based on the travel-related information 101. The pseudo running sound may be a sound whose frequency characteristics have been adjusted based on the vehicle information, or a sound whose sound pressure has been adjusted based on the travel-related information 101. For example, the control unit 12 may cause the speaker 53 to output a pseudo running sound that has been adjusted so that the frequency characteristics become higher as the travel speed of the vehicle 50 increases. Furthermore, the pseudo running sound may be a sound whose phase has been adjusted based on the travel-related information 101, or a sound that has been modulated based on the travel-related information 101. Furthermore, the pseudo running sound may be filtered, or may be subjected to sound field control.

[0076] Furthermore, control unit 12 may execute a process for seamlessly switching from outputting an alert sound to outputting a pseudo running sound as a process for starting driving. For example, control unit 12 may smoothly switch between the alert sound and the pseudo running sound by simultaneously outputting these two sounds from speaker 53 so that the alert sound fades out and the pseudo running sound fades in. In other words, when control unit 12 detects the start of driving, it may gradually decrease the volume of the alert sound and gradually increase the volume of the pseudo running sound.

[0077] The control unit 12 may output the same alert sound and pseudo running sound from the speaker 53 before and after detecting that the vehicle 50 has started to run. That is, the alert sound may be the same as a pseudo running sound whose frequency characteristics are adjusted according to the running speed indicated in the running-related information 101 being equal to or lower than a predetermined speed. In this case, the control unit 12 may output sounds whose frequency characteristics are constant as the alert sound and the pseudo running sound from the speaker 53 at running speeds from 0 to the predetermined speed. Furthermore, the control unit 12 may output, from the speaker 53, an alert sound whose frequency characteristics are adjusted based on the vehicle information as the pseudo running sound from the start of running of the vehicle 50.

[0078] Here, the simulated running sound may be composed of a combination of multiple types of sounds. The multiple sounds that make up the simulated running sound may each be subjected to an individual adjustment process, or may be subjected to the same adjustment process (common adjustment process). The adjustment process for the sound includes at least one of frequency characteristic adjustment, volume adjustment, phase adjustment, modulation process, and filtering process. The filtering process may be a process that changes parameters used in the filtering process in conjunction with the running-related information 101, such as processing using a low-pass filter that changes the cutoff frequency in accordance with the running-related information 101. The simulated running sound may be a combination of an alert sound and a sound different from the alert sound, that is, a sound obtained by outputting both the alert sound and a different sound. In this case, the alert sound included in the output pseudo running sound is a constant sound regardless of the running-related information 101, and the sound different from the alert sound included in the pseudo running sound may be a sound adjusted in accordance with the running-related information 101.

[0079] Furthermore, even when the control unit 12 detects that the vehicle 50 has transitioned from a traveling state to a stopped state based on the traveling-related information 101, the control unit 12 may not output an alert sound, or may output the alert sound at a volume (for example, a second volume) that is lower than the first volume in the standby state. For example, when the control unit 12 detects that the traveling speed of the vehicle 50 has transitioned from a state greater than 0 to 0, the control unit 12 may not output an alert sound from the speaker 53 even if the vehicle 50 is in the standby state. Furthermore, when the control unit 12 detects that the traveling speed of the vehicle 50 has transitioned from a state greater than 0 to 0, the control unit 12 may output an alert sound from the speaker 53 at a second volume to notify the driver that the traveling speed has become 0.

[0080] Furthermore, the control unit 12 may resume output of the alert sound when a predetermined time has elapsed since it was detected, based on the traveling-related information 101, that the vehicle 50 has transitioned from a traveling state to a stopped state. For example, the control unit 12 may output the alert sound from the speaker 53 when a predetermined time (e.g., five minutes) has elapsed since it was detected that the traveling speed of the vehicle 50 has transitioned from a state greater than zero to zero. The predetermined time is not limited to five minutes, and may be a time shorter or longer than five minutes. The predetermined time may be a time set by the driver. The reason for resuming output of the alert sound in this manner is that, if a predetermined time has elapsed since it was detected that the vehicle has transitioned from a traveling state to a stopped state, the occupants of the vehicle may not be able to distinguish whether the vehicle is in a standby state or a stopped state. In other words, by outputting the alert sound into the passenger compartment of the vehicle 50 in the same way as during the standby state, when a predetermined time has elapsed since it was detected that the vehicle has transitioned from a traveling state to a stopped state, the occupants of the vehicle 50 can be notified by sound that the vehicle 50 is in a standby state.

[0081] Furthermore, when the control unit 12 detects, while the vehicle 50 is running, that the vehicle 50 is stopped and the brakes of the vehicle 50 are applied based on the traveling-related information 101, the control unit 12 may stop outputting the alert sound or reduce the volume of the alert sound. In this case, the control unit 12 can determine that the brakes of the vehicle 50 are applied, indicating that the occupant is intentionally operating the brakes and that the occupant is aware that the vehicle 50 is in a standby state. For example, even when the vehicle 50 is in a standby state and the brakes of the vehicle 50 are applied, the control unit 12 may not output the alert sound at the first volume from the speaker 53, but may instead output an alert sound at a volume lower than the second volume from the speaker 53. The second volume may be 0. Furthermore, when the control unit 12 subsequently detects, based on the traveling-related information 101, that the brakes are no longer applied, the control unit 12 may output the alert sound a predetermined time after detecting that the brakes are no longer applied. When the vehicle 50 is in a standby state and the brakes are repeatedly turned on and off while the vehicle is stopped, the repeated output and stopping of the alarm sound in accordance with the operation can be an annoyance. The control unit 12 controls the alarm sound to be output a predetermined time after detecting that the brakes have stopped being applied, thereby suppressing the output and stopping of the alarm sound and reducing the annoyance felt by the occupants.

[0082] Furthermore, when the vehicle 50 is running and the control unit 12 detects, based on the driving-related information 101, that the vehicle 50 is stopped and the shift lever of the vehicle 50 is in a drive state indicating forward driving, the control unit 12 may stop outputting the alert sound or reduce the volume of the alert sound. In this case, the control unit 12 can determine that the occupant has intentionally switched the shift lever to the drive state because the shift lever of the vehicle 50 is in the drive state, and can determine that the occupant is aware that the vehicle 50 is in a standby state. For example, even when the vehicle 50 is in a standby state, if the shift lever of the vehicle 50 is in a drive state indicating forward driving, the control unit 12 may not output the alert sound at the first volume to the speaker 53, but may instead output an alert sound at a volume lower than the second volume to the speaker 53. The second volume may be zero. Furthermore, when the control unit 12 detects a change in the shift lever from drive to a state indicating a stop of the vehicle 50, such as park or neutral, the control unit 12 may output the alert sound a predetermined time after the change is detected.

[0083] The control unit 12 generates a playback sound signal by simultaneously reading and playing back multiple pieces of sound source data stored in the storage unit 13, and performs signal processing on the generated playback sound signal according to the driving state. As a result, the control unit 12 generates running sound data 107 for outputting the above-described notification sound or simulated running sound from the speaker 53. The control unit 12 outputs the generated running sound data 107 to the output unit 14. Note that the control unit 12 generates a playback sound signal with a period longer than the playback time length of each piece of sound source data, for example, by reading sound source data of a finite data length from the beginning, and when the end of the data has been read, returning to the beginning and repeatedly reading and playing back the data.

[0084] [Storage section 13] The storage unit 13 stores sound source data. Specifically, the storage unit 13 stores a plurality of pieces of sound source data. Each of the plurality of pieces of sound source data is sound source data of a different frequency band.

[0085] The sound source data may be normal music or voice data, signals such as sine waves or square waves 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 noise, exhaust noise, etc. It may also be a combination of these. It may also be data obtained by band-limiting the data using a low-pass filter, high-pass filter, band-pass filter, etc.

[0086] Each processing unit included in the sound output device 10 is realized by a processor such as a DSP, but may also 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 13 may also be realized by a non-volatile memory or storage.

[0087] [Output section 14] The output unit 14 converts and amplifies the running sound data 107 output by the control unit 12 to output the obtained running sound signal 108 to the speaker 53, thereby causing the speaker 53 to output an alarm sound or a pseudo running sound. The output unit 14 is, for example, an amplifier.

[0088] [Sound output device operation] As in the first example shown below, the sound output device 10 outputs an alert sound when the vehicle 50 is in a standby state. The first example is an example of controlling the alert sound.

[0089] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing a first example of the operation (sound output method) of the sound output device, Fig. 4 is a timing chart showing the notification sound output by the sound output device in the first example.

[0090] First, the sound output device 10 is started up when the vehicle 50 is started up, and starts processing (S101).

[0091] Next, the sound output device 10 outputs the notification sound from the speaker 53 (S102).

[0092] Next, the sound output device 10 acquires the driving-related information 101 necessary for outputting at least one of the notification sound and the simulated driving sound, based on the vehicle information 109 (S103).

[0093] Next, the sound output device 10 determines whether or not the start of travel of the vehicle 50 has been detected based on the travel-related information 101 (S104).

[0094] When the sound output device 10 detects that the vehicle 50 has started to move (Yes in S104), the sound output device 10 stops outputting the notification sound (S105).

[0095] If the sound output device 10 has not detected that the vehicle 50 has started to travel (No in S104), the process returns to step S103.

[0096] That is, the sound output device 10 continues to output the notification sound from the speaker 53 in a standby state from when the vehicle 50 is started until when the start of traveling is detected.

[0097] Furthermore, the sound output device 10 may control the output of both the notification sound and the pseudo running sound. A second example is a control example in which the output of both the notification sound and the pseudo running sound is controlled.

[0098] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a second example of the operation (sound output method) of the sound output device, and Fig. 6 is a timing chart showing the notification sound and the pseudo running sound output by the sound output device in the second example.

[0099] First, the sound output device 10 is started up when the vehicle 50 is started up, and starts processing (S111).

[0100] Next, the sound output device 10 causes the speaker 53 to output the notification sound (S112).

[0101] Next, the sound output device 10 acquires the driving-related information 101 relating to the driving of the vehicle 50 (S113).

[0102] Next, the sound output device 10 determines whether or not the start of travel of the vehicle 50 has been detected based on the travel state (S114).

[0103] When the sound output device 10 detects that the vehicle 50 has started to move (Yes in S114), the sound output device 10 stops outputting the notification sound and starts outputting the pseudo running sound (S115).

[0104] If the sound output device 10 has not detected that the vehicle 50 has started to travel (No in S114), the process returns to step S113.

[0105] After step S115, the sound output device 10 acquires the traveling-related information 101 related to the traveling of the vehicle 50 based on the vehicle information 109 (S116).

[0106] Next, the sound output device 10 determines whether or not the stopping of the vehicle 50 has been detected based on the traveling-related information 101 (S117).

[0107] When the sound output device 10 detects that the vehicle 50 has stopped traveling (Yes in S117), the sound output device 10 stops outputting the pseudo traveling sound (S118). In this case, the sound output device 10 does not output the notification sound even when in a standby state.

[0108] The sound output device 10 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed while the state of travelling being stopped has continued since the stop of travel was detected based on the travelling-related information 101 (S119).

[0109] If a predetermined time has elapsed since the sound output device 10 detected that the vehicle had stopped traveling (Yes in S119), the process returns to step S112 and the sound output device 10 resumes output of the alert sound. That is, the sound output device 10 prohibits output of the alert sound until the first timing at which the predetermined time has elapsed since the sound output device 10 detected that the vehicle had stopped traveling.

[0110] If the sound output device 10 has not detected that the vehicle 50 has stopped traveling (No in S117), or if a predetermined time has not elapsed since the sound output device 10 detected that the vehicle 50 had stopped traveling (No in S119), the process returns to step S116.

[0111] 7 is a flowchart showing a third example of the operation (sound output method) of the sound output device. In the third example, the same processes as steps S111 to S119 in the second example are performed, but the process performed when the determination in S114 is No is different. Therefore, the different processes will be mainly described.

[0112] When the sound output device 10 has not detected that the vehicle 50 has started to travel (No in S114), it determines (S121) whether or not both the braking operation and the stopping of travel have been detected based on the travel-related information 101. Note that the braking operation indicates that the brakes are operating, that is, that the braking of the vehicle 50 is functioning.

[0113] When detecting both braking and stopping of the vehicle (Yes in S121), the sound output device 10 stops output of the alert sound (S122). Note that, if the output of the alert sound has already been stopped, the sound output device 10 continues the state in which the output of the alert sound has been stopped.

[0114] If the sound output device 10 has not detected both braking and stopping of the vehicle (No in S121), that is, if it has detected only one of braking and stopping of the vehicle, or if it has not detected both of them, it starts outputting the alert sound (S123). Note that if the alert sound has already been output, the sound output device 10 continues outputting the alert sound.

[0115] 8 is a flowchart showing a fourth example of the operation (sound output method) of the sound output device. In the fourth example, the same processes as steps S111 to S119 of the second example are performed, but the process performed when the determination in S114 is No is different. Therefore, the different processes will be mainly described.

[0116] When the sound output device 10 has not detected that the vehicle 50 has started to travel (No in S114), it determines (S131) ​​whether or not both the drive state and the stop of travel have been detected based on the travel-related information 101. The drive state refers to a state in which the shift lever is in a position indicating forward travel.

[0117] When the sound output device 10 detects both the drive state and the stop of driving (Yes in S131), the sound output device 10 stops output of the alert sound (S132). Note that, if the output of the alert sound has already been stopped, the sound output device 10 continues the state in which the output of the alert sound has been stopped.

[0118] If the sound output device 10 has not detected both the drive state and the stop of driving (No in S131), that is, if it has detected only one of the drive state and the stop of driving, or if it has not detected both, it starts outputting the alert sound (S133). Note that if the alert sound has already been output, the sound output device 10 continues outputting the alert sound.

[0119] If the determination in step S114 of the second example is No, a determination may be made that combines step S121 of the third example described in Fig. 7 and step S131 of the fourth example described in Fig. 8. In the determination that combines step S121 and step S131, if the determination in either step S121 or step S131 is Yes, processing similar to step S122 or step S132 may be performed, and if the determination in both step S121 and step S131 is No, processing similar to step S123 or step S133 may be performed.

[0120] [Effects, etc.] A sound output device 10 according to this embodiment outputs a sound related to a vehicle 50. The sound output device 10 includes an acquisition unit 11 that acquires traveling-related information 101 of the vehicle 50, and a control unit 12 that controls the sound. The control unit 12 outputs a first sound (i.e., an alarm sound) from the start of the vehicle 50.

[0121] According to this, since the first sound is output from the start of the vehicle 50, it is possible to notify the occupant of the vehicle 50 by sound that the vehicle 50 is in a standby state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occupant from operating the vehicle 50 erroneously.

[0122] Furthermore, in the sound output device 10 according to this embodiment, when the control unit 12 detects that the vehicle 50 has started to move based on the vehicle information, the control unit 12 stops outputting the first sound or outputs the first sound at a lower volume.

[0123] According to this, by detecting that the vehicle 50 has started to move, it can be determined that the vehicle 50 is moving due to an operation by the occupant, and it can be determined that the occupant is aware of the state of the vehicle 50, so the first sound is stopped or the volume of the first sound is reduced. This can reduce the annoyance that the first sound causes to the occupant. Also, it can reduce the power consumption required to output the first sound.

[0124] Furthermore, in the sound output device 10 according to this embodiment, when the control unit 12 detects that the vehicle 50 has started to move based on the vehicle information, it outputs a second sound (i.e., a pseudo-running sound) that has been adjusted based on the vehicle information according to the running state of the vehicle 50.

[0125] According to this, when the vehicle 50 starts to travel, the second sound according to the travelling state of the vehicle 50 is output, so that the occupants can be made to perceive the travelling state of the vehicle by the second sound.

[0126] In the sound output device 10 according to the present embodiment, the second sound includes one or more types of sound.

[0127] Furthermore, in sound output device 10 according to the present embodiment, when control unit 12 detects the start of driving, it gradually decreases the volume of the first sound and gradually increases the volume of the second sound. This allows the switching from the output of the first sound to the output of the second sound to be performed in a manner that reduces the sense of discomfort felt by the occupant.

[0128] Furthermore, in the sound output device 10 according to the present embodiment, the second sound is the first sound adjusted based on vehicle information according to the traveling state of the vehicle 50. Therefore, even when the sound to be output switches from the first sound to the second sound at the start of traveling, the first sound can be seamlessly switched to the second sound, thereby reducing the sense of discomfort felt by the occupants.

[0129] Furthermore, in the sound output device 10 according to the present embodiment, the second sound is a sound whose frequency characteristics have been adjusted based on vehicle information according to the traveling state of the vehicle 50.

[0130] In the sound output device 10 according to the present embodiment, the second sound is a sound whose sound pressure has been adjusted based on vehicle information according to the traveling state of the vehicle 50.

[0131] Furthermore, in the sound output device 10 according to the present embodiment, when the control unit 12 detects from the vehicle information that the vehicle 50 has transitioned from a running state to a stopped state, the control unit 12 does not output the first sound, or outputs the first sound at a reduced volume, even while the vehicle 50 is running. In other words, when the vehicle 50 transitions from a running state to a stopped state, it can be determined that the occupants are aware that the vehicle 50 is in a standby state, and since there is no need to inform the occupants that the vehicle 50 is in a standby state even when the vehicle 50 is stopped, the control unit 12 does not output the first sound, or outputs the first sound at a reduced volume. This can reduce the annoyance of the first sound. Furthermore, it can reduce the power consumption required to output the first sound.

[0132] Furthermore, in the sound output device 10 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 12 outputs the first sound when a predetermined time has elapsed since detecting that the vehicle 50 has transitioned from a running state to a stopped state. In other words, when a predetermined time has elapsed since detecting that the vehicle 50 has transitioned from a running state to a stopped state, the occupants of the vehicle 50 may not be able to distinguish whether the vehicle 50 is in a standby state or a start-stop state. Therefore, by outputting the first sound into the passenger compartment of the vehicle 50, the occupants of the vehicle 50 can be notified by sound that the vehicle is in a standby state. This makes it possible to prevent the occupants from operating the vehicle 50 erroneously.

[0133] Furthermore, in sound output device 10 according to the present embodiment, when control unit 12 detects, based on the vehicle information, that vehicle 50 is stopped and the brakes of vehicle 50 are operating, it stops outputting the first sound or reduces the volume of the first sound and outputs it. In other words, when the vehicle is stopped and the brakes of the vehicle are operating, it can be determined that the occupants are aware that the vehicle is in a standby state, and there is no need to inform the occupants that the vehicle is in a standby state even when the vehicle is stopped, so the first sound is stopped or the volume of the first sound is reduced. This reduces the annoyance of the first sound. Furthermore, it reduces the power consumption required to output the first sound.

[0134] Furthermore, in the sound output device 10 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 12 outputs the first sound when a predetermined time has elapsed since detecting a transition from a state in which the vehicle 50 is stopped and the brakes of the vehicle 50 are applied to a state in which the brakes of the vehicle 50 are not applied, based on the vehicle information. In other words, when a predetermined time has elapsed since detecting a transition from a state in which the vehicle 50 is stopped and the brakes of the vehicle 50 are applied to a state in which the brakes of the vehicle 50 are not applied, the occupants of the vehicle 50 may not be able to distinguish whether the vehicle 50 is in a standby state or a start-stop state. Therefore, by outputting the first sound into the passenger compartment of the vehicle 50, the occupants of the vehicle 50 can be notified by sound that the vehicle 50 is in a standby state. This makes it possible to prevent the occupants from operating the vehicle 50 erroneously.

[0135] Furthermore, in the sound output device 10 according to the present embodiment, when the control unit 12 detects from the vehicle information that the vehicle 50 is stopped and the shift lever of the vehicle 50 is in drive, the control unit 12 stops outputting the first sound or outputs the first sound at a lower volume. In other words, when the vehicle 50 is stopped and the shift lever of the vehicle 50 is in drive, it can be determined that the occupant is aware that the vehicle 50 is in a standby state, and since there is no need to inform the occupant that the vehicle 50 is in a standby state even when the vehicle 50 is stopped, the control unit 12 stops outputting the first sound or outputs the first sound at a lower volume. This reduces the annoyance of the first sound. Furthermore, it reduces the power consumption required to output the first sound.

[0136] Furthermore, in the sound output device 10 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 12 outputs the first sound when a predetermined time has elapsed since detecting, based on the vehicle information, a transition from a state in which the vehicle 50 is stopped and the shift lever of the vehicle 50 is in drive to a state in which the shift lever of the vehicle 50 is in park or neutral. In other words, when a predetermined time has elapsed since detecting a transition from a state in which the vehicle 50 is stopped and the shift lever of the vehicle 50 is in drive to a state in which the shift lever of the vehicle 50 is in park or neutral, the occupants of the vehicle 50 may not be able to distinguish whether the vehicle 50 is in a standby state or a start-stop state. Therefore, by outputting the first sound into the passenger compartment of the vehicle 50, the occupants of the vehicle 50 can be notified by sound that the vehicle 50 is in a standby state. This makes it possible to prevent the occupants from operating the vehicle 50 erroneously.

[0137] The sound output device 10 according to this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 11 that acquires driving-related information 101 related to the driving of the vehicle 50, and a control unit 12 that controls the sound output from a speaker 53 inside the vehicle cabin. The control unit 12 continues to output a first sound (i.e., an alert sound) into the vehicle cabin of the vehicle 50 during an initial period from when the vehicle 50 is started until when the start of driving of the vehicle 50 is detected based on the driving-related information 101.

[0138] According to this, the notification sound continues to be output into the passenger compartment of the vehicle 50 throughout the initial period in which the vehicle 50 is in the standby state, so that the occupants of the vehicle 50 can be notified by sound that the vehicle is in the standby state. Therefore, erroneous operation of the vehicle 50 by the occupants can be suppressed.

[0139] Furthermore, in the sound output device 10 according to the present embodiment, the notification sound is output louder inside the vehicle cabin than outside the vehicle cabin of the vehicle 50. Therefore, the occupants can be notified by sound that the vehicle is in a standby state.

[0140] Furthermore, in the sound output device 10 according to this embodiment, when the control unit 12 detects that the vehicle 50 has started to move based on the driving-related information 101, it stops outputting the alarm sound or reduces the volume of the alarm sound.

[0141] According to this, the initial period ends when the vehicle 50 starts traveling by an operation of the occupant, and since it can be determined that the occupant recognizes that the vehicle 50 is in a standby state after the initial period ends, the alert sound is stopped or the volume of the alert sound is reduced. As a result, by continuing to output the alert sound as during the initial period, the annoyance caused to the occupant by the alert sound can be reduced. In addition, the power consumption required to output the alert sound can be reduced.

[0142] Furthermore, in the sound output device 10 according to this embodiment, when the control unit 12 detects that the vehicle 50 has started to move based on the driving-related information 101, it outputs a second sound (a pseudo driving sound) whose frequency characteristics are adjusted according to the driving state. According to this, when the vehicle 50 starts to move, a pseudo running sound corresponding to the running state of the vehicle 50 is output, so that the occupants can be made to perceive the running state of the vehicle through the pseudo running sound.

[0143] Furthermore, in the sound output device 10 according to this embodiment, the alarm sound is the same as a pseudo running sound whose frequency characteristics are adjusted according to the running speed indicated in the running-related information 101 being equal to or lower than a predetermined speed.

[0144] Therefore, even when the sound output switches from the notification sound to the pseudo running sound when the vehicle starts to travel, the notification sound can be seamlessly switched to the pseudo running sound, thereby reducing the sense of discomfort felt by the occupants.

[0145] Furthermore, in the sound output device 10 according to this embodiment, when the control unit 12 detects that the vehicle 50 has transitioned from a traveling state to a stopped state based on the traveling-related information 101, the control unit 12 does not output an alarm sound, or outputs the alarm sound at a volume lower than the volume in the initial period.

[0146] According to this, when the vehicle 50 transitions from a running state to a stopped state, it can be determined that the occupants are aware that the vehicle 50 is in a standby state, and since there is no need to inform the occupants that the vehicle 50 is in a standby state even when the vehicle 50 is stopped, the alert sound is stopped or output at a volume lower than the volume in the initial period. As a result, by continuing to output the alert sound in the same manner as in the initial period, the annoyance of the alert sound can be reduced. In addition, the power consumption required to output the alert sound can be reduced.

[0147] Furthermore, in the sound output device 10 according to this embodiment, the control unit 12 resumes outputting the alarm sound when a predetermined time has elapsed since it detected, based on the driving-related information 101, that the vehicle 50 has transitioned from a driving state to a stopped state.

[0148] According to this, when a predetermined time has elapsed since it was detected that the vehicle 50 has transitioned from a running state to a stopped state, the occupants of the vehicle 50 may not be able to distinguish whether the vehicle 50 is in a standby state or a stopped state. Therefore, by outputting the notification sound into the passenger compartment of the vehicle 50 in the same manner as during the initial period, the occupants of the vehicle 50 can be notified by sound that the vehicle 50 is in a standby state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occupants from operating the vehicle 50 erroneously.

[0149] Furthermore, in the sound output device 10 according to the present embodiment, at least one of the notification sound and the pseudo running sound is a pseudo engine sound or a pseudo motor sound whose frequency characteristics are adjusted according to the running state.

[0150] Therefore, the vehicle occupants can perceive the vehicle's running state by hearing at least one of the notification sound and the simulated running sound.

[0151] Furthermore, in the sound output device 10 according to this embodiment, when the vehicle 50 is running and the control unit 12 detects based on the driving-related information 101 that the vehicle 50 is stopped and the brakes of the vehicle 50 are operating, the control unit 12 stops outputting the alarm sound or reduces the volume of the alarm sound.

[0152] According to this, when the vehicle 50 is stopped and the brakes of the vehicle 50 are operating, it can be determined that the occupants are aware that the vehicle 50 is in a standby state, and since there is no need to inform the occupants that the vehicle 50 is in a standby state even when the vehicle 50 is stopped, the alert sound is stopped or reduced in volume. As a result, by continuing to output the alert sound in the same manner as during the initial period, it is possible to reduce the annoyance that the alert sound causes to the occupants. In addition, it is possible to reduce the power consumption required to output the alert sound.

[0153] Furthermore, in the sound output device 10 according to this embodiment, when the vehicle 50 is running and the control unit 12 detects, based on the driving-related information 101, that the vehicle 50 is stopped and the shift lever of the vehicle 50 is in a drive state indicating forward driving, the control unit 12 stops outputting the alarm sound or reduces the volume of the alarm sound.

[0154] According to this, when the vehicle 50 is stopped and the shift lever of the vehicle 50 is in the drive position, it can be determined that the occupant is aware that the vehicle 50 is in a standby state, and since there is no need to inform the occupant that the vehicle 50 is in a standby state even when the vehicle 50 is stopped, the alert sound is stopped or reduced in volume. As a result, by continuing to output the alert sound in the same manner as during the initial period, the annoyance caused to the occupant by the alert sound can be reduced. In addition, the power consumption required to output the alert sound can be reduced.

[0155] [Variations] (1) The sound output device 10 according to the above embodiment may output, as the first sound, a masker sound that masks noise inside the vehicle 50, or may output, as the second sound, a masker sound that masks noise inside the vehicle 50. In this case, the sound output device 10 may generate a sound to be output from the speaker 53 using mask sound source data for generating a masker sound that masks noise inside the vehicle 50.

[0156] It is known that motors tend to generate motor electromagnetic noise in a frequency band of several hundred Hz to several kHz due to electromagnetic forcing, which can be unpleasant for the driver. Motor electromagnetic noise is one example of noise generated inside the vehicle cabin. For this reason, sound output device 10 according to the modified example generates a sound that combines a masker sound for masking the motor electromagnetic noise inside vehicle 50 with a simulated running sound, and outputs the combined sound from speaker 53.

[0157] In the sound output device 10 according to the modified example, the control unit 12 may generate a masker sound according to the driving state using masking sound source data for the masker sound. The control unit 12 identifies the frequency characteristics of the noise generated from the motor of the vehicle 50 based on the driving state, and generates the masker sound by adjusting the sound pressure level and pitch of the sound source data for the masker sound so that the masker sound is superimposed on the identified frequency characteristics. This allows the generation of a masker sound that is more suitable for masking the generated noise, thereby more effectively masking the noise inside the vehicle cabin.

[0158] According to this, at least one of the notification sound and the pseudo running sound is a masker sound adjusted according to the running state, and is a masker sound that masks noise inside the vehicle 50. Therefore, the masker sound can reduce the annoyance of noise inside the vehicle cabin for the occupants of the vehicle 50, and also, by hearing at least one of the notification sound and the pseudo running sound, the occupants can perceive the running state of the vehicle 50.

[0159] In the above embodiment, the vehicle 50 is provided with a motor, but it does not have to be provided with a motor. The vehicle 50 may be, for example, an engine vehicle that obtains power for running only from an engine.

[0160] Furthermore, while motor electromagnetic noise from a motor has been cited as an example of noise, other noises may also be included. The other noises are noises generated from a rotating body provided in the vehicle 50 for purposes such as driving the wheels. In other words, the rotating body is a noise source in the space 55 within the vehicle 50. The rotating body is, for example, disposed in a space separate from the space. Specifically, the rotating body is installed in a space formed inside the hood of the vehicle body 54. The rotating body is, for example, a rotating body used to drive the wheels, such as an engine, a drive shaft, or a turbocharger (turbine). The rotating body may also be used for purposes other than driving the wheels, such as a motor used in an air conditioner provided in the vehicle 50. The frequency of noise generated from such a rotating body correlates with information related to the rotation speed of the rotating body. Information related to the rotation speed of the rotating body is included in the vehicle information. The rotating body may include a motor.

[0161] The other noise may also be noise generated from sources other than the rotating body of the vehicle 50, such as road noise generated by contact between the rotating tires and the road surface, or wind noise generated from the vehicle body 54 of the moving vehicle 50. If the vehicle 50 is an engine vehicle, the other noise may be engine boom noise.

[0162] (2) Next, a sound output device 10A in modified example (2) will be described. The sound output device 10A in modified example (2) is different from the sound output device 10 of the embodiment in that it further includes a sound acquisition unit 15 and that the operation of the control unit 12 is partially different. Therefore, the following will describe the differences from the sound output device 10 of the embodiment, and will omit a description of the common configuration.

[0163] FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of a sound output device 10A in the modified example (2).

[0164] The sound acquisition unit 15 acquires environmental sounds outside the cabin of the vehicle 50A. The sound acquisition unit 15 is arranged outside the cabin and connected to a microphone 57 that collects sounds outside the cabin, and acquires sound data of the sounds collected by the microphone 57 to acquire the environmental sounds.

[0165] The control unit 12 outputs, as the notification sound, a sound that can be perceived by the occupants of the vehicle 50 in relation to the environmental sound. For example, the control unit 12 causes the notification sound to be output from the speaker 53 at a volume that is louder than the volume at which the environmental sound is estimated to be heard in the vehicle cabin.

[0166] Therefore, the occupants of the vehicle 50 can perceive the notification sound even if a loud environmental sound is occurring outside the vehicle 50. Therefore, the occupants of the vehicle 50 can be notified by sound that the vehicle 50 is in a standby state.

[0167] The control unit 12 may output the simulated driving sound from the speaker 53 at a volume higher than the volume of the environmental sound that is estimated to be audible in the vehicle cabin even while the vehicle is running.

[0168] (3) Next, a sound output device 10B in modified example (3) will be described. The sound output device 10B in modified example (3) is different from the sound output device of the embodiment in that it further includes a receiving unit 16 and that the operation of the control unit 12 is partially different. Therefore, the following will describe the differences from the sound output device 10 of the embodiment, and will omit a description of the common configuration.

[0169] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a sound output device 10B in the modified example (3).

[0170] The reception unit 16 receives an input indicating on or off from an occupant of the vehicle 50. The reception unit 16 may be disposed in the vehicle cabin and receive a control signal from a button switch that receives an input from an occupant in the vehicle cabin, or may receive a control signal for an information terminal carried by the occupant from the information terminal via communication.

[0171] When the input indicates ON, the control unit 12 performs control to output an alarm sound into the cabin of the vehicle 50 in a standby state. When the input indicates OFF, the control unit 12 does not perform control to output an alarm sound into the cabin of the vehicle 50 even in a standby state.

[0172] Therefore, the occupant of the vehicle 50 can switch the setting as to whether or not the notification sound is output into the vehicle compartment.

[0173] (4) Although the sound output device 10 according to the above embodiment is configured as a separate entity from the vehicle control unit 52, the present invention is not limited to this and may be incorporated into the vehicle control unit 52. In other words, the vehicle control unit 52 may have the functions of the sound output device 10.

[0174] In the above embodiments, each component may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0175] Each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or may be separate circuits. Each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0176] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present disclosure may be realized as 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 as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium.

[0177] For example, the present disclosure may be realized as a running sound generation method executed by a running sound generation device (computer or DSP), or may be realized as a program for causing a computer or DSP to execute the running sound generation method.

[0178] In the above-described embodiments, the processes executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Furthermore, the order of the processes in the operation of the running sound generation device described in the above-described embodiments may be changed, and the processes may be executed in parallel.

[0179] In addition, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of this disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0180] The sound output device of the present disclosure is useful, for example, as a device that can make an occupant aware that the vehicle is in a standby state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0181] 10, 10A, 10B Sound output device 11 Acquisition Department 12 Control Unit 13 Storage section 14 Output section 15 Sound acquisition section 16 Reception Department 50, 50A, 50B vehicles 51 Sensors 52 Vehicle control unit 53 Speaker 54 Vehicle body 55 Space 56 Predetermined position 101 Driving-related information 108 Running sound signal 109 Vehicle Information

Claims

1. A sound output device that outputs a sound related to a vehicle, an acquisition unit that acquires driving-related information of the vehicle; a control unit that controls the sound, the control unit outputs a first sound, which is a pseudo engine sound or a pseudo motor sound, from the start of the vehicle; When the control unit detects that the vehicle has started to travel based on the travel-related information, (i) it gradually decreases the volume of the first sound and outputs it, and (ii) it gradually increases the volume of the second sound, which is the first sound adjusted based on the travel-related information in accordance with the travel state of the vehicle, and outputs it. The second sound includes one or more types of sounds. Sound output device.

2. The second sound is a sound whose frequency characteristics are adjusted based on the driving-related information according to the driving state of the vehicle. The sound output device according to claim 1 .

3. The second sound is a sound whose sound pressure is adjusted based on the driving-related information corresponding to the driving state of the vehicle. The sound output device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The control unit outputs the first sound when a predetermined time has elapsed since detecting a transition of the vehicle from a running state to a stopped state. The sound output device according to claim 1 .

5. When the control unit detects, based on the traveling-related information, that the vehicle is stopped and the brakes of the vehicle are operating, the control unit stops outputting the first sound, or The volume of the first sound is reduced and output. The sound output device according to claim 1 .

6. The control unit outputs the first sound when a predetermined time has elapsed since detecting a transition from a state in which the vehicle is stopped and the brakes of the vehicle are applied to a state in which the brakes of the vehicle are not applied, based on the traveling-related information. The sound output device according to claim 5 .

7. When the control unit detects from the driving-related information that the vehicle is stopped and that the shift lever position of the vehicle is in drive, the control unit stops outputting the first sound or reduces the volume of the first sound before outputting it. The sound output device according to claim 1 .

8. The control unit outputs the first sound when a predetermined time has elapsed since detecting, based on the driving-related information, a transition from a state in which the vehicle is stopped and a state in which the position of the shift lever of the vehicle is in drive to a state in which the position of the shift lever of the vehicle is in park or neutral. The sound output device according to claim 7 .

9. The sound output device outputs sound into the interior of the vehicle. The sound output device according to claim 1 .

10. The volume of the first sound emitted into the vehicle compartment is set to be larger than the volume of the first sound emitted outside the vehicle compartment. The sound output device according to claim 1 .

11. moreover, a sound acquisition unit that acquires environmental sounds outside the vehicle cabin, The control unit calculates sound characteristics that can be perceived by an occupant of the vehicle from the characteristics of the environmental sound, adjusts the first sound to the sound characteristics, and outputs the first sound. The sound output device according to claim 1 .

12. A sound output method in which a sound output device including an acquisition unit and a control unit outputs a sound related to a vehicle, the acquisition unit acquires driving-related information of the vehicle, The control unit controls the sound, In the control, the control unit outputs a first sound, which is a pseudo engine sound or a pseudo motor sound, from the start of the vehicle; When the control unit detects that the vehicle has started to travel based on the travel-related information, (i) the control unit gradually decreases the volume of the first sound and outputs it, and (ii) the control unit gradually increases the volume of the second sound, which is adjusted based on the travel-related information in accordance with the travel state of the vehicle, and outputs the first sound, The second sound includes one or more types of sounds. Sound output method.

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