Voice guidance system, vehicle, and program

Abstract

To allow a user to set the volume of voice guide in the vehicle while taking an influence of noise having different volume levels into account.SOLUTION: A voice guide device 20 includes a controller that, when receiving a setting of a volume of voice guide that is output in a vehicle 12 for each volume level of noise that may be detected in the vehicle 12 and outputting a voice guide, if detecting noise in the vehicle 12, adjusts the volume of voice guide to a preset volume corresponding to a volume level of the detected noise.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a voice guidance device, a vehicle, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an automotive audio system that automatically adjusts the volume according to the driving state of a vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Generally, the volume of voice guidance in a vehicle can be set by a user on a setting screen. However, in a silent environment such as when the vehicle is stopped, the volume is set without considering the various noises that may occur during vehicle operation, and as a result, the voice guidance may be difficult to hear during vehicle operation.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to enable a user to set the volume of voice guidance in a vehicle considering the influence of noises with different volume levels.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The voice guidance device according to the present disclosure receives a setting of the volume of voice guidance output in the vehicle for each volume level of noise that can be detected in the vehicle, and when detecting noise in the vehicle when outputting the voice guidance, adjusts the volume of the voice guidance to the set volume corresponding to the detected volume level of the noise. comprises a control unit.

[0007] The program related to this disclosure is The system accepts settings for the volume of voice guidance output within the vehicle, based on the noise level that can be detected within the vehicle. When outputting the aforementioned voice guidance, if noise is detected inside the vehicle, the volume of the voice guidance is adjusted to a set volume corresponding to the volume level of the detected noise. To have the computer perform an action that includes [this]. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, users can set the volume of in-vehicle voice guidance while taking into account the effects of noise at different volume levels. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a vehicle equipped with an audio guidance device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This table shows examples of setting information stored in the voice guidance device according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of an audio guidance device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the operation related to setting the volume of the voice guidance in the voice guidance device according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the operation related to the output of voice guidance in the voice guidance device according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, one embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the figures.

[0011] In each figure, identical or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, the description of identical or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0012] The outline of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0013] The voice guidance device 20 is a computer with voice guidance capabilities. In this embodiment, the voice guidance device 20 is an in-vehicle device, such as a navigation system, mounted in the vehicle 12. That is, the voice guidance device 20 is installed in the vehicle 12 as shown in Figure 1. As one variation, the voice guidance device 20 may be a mobile device such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet owned by the user 11. That is, instead of being installed in the vehicle 12, the voice guidance device 20 may be brought into the vehicle 12 by the user 11 and used there.

[0014] Vehicle 12 is any type of automobile, such as a gasoline car, diesel car, hydrogen car, HEV, PHEV, BEV, or FCEV. "HEV" is an abbreviation for hybrid electric vehicle. "PHEV" is an abbreviation for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. "BEV" is an abbreviation for battery electric vehicle. "FCEV" is an abbreviation for fuel cell electric vehicle. Vehicle 12 may be driven by user 11, or its operation may be automated to any level. The level of automation may be, for example, one of levels 1 to 5 in the SAE classification. "SAE" is an abbreviation for Society of Automotive Engineers. Vehicle 12 may also be a vehicle dedicated to MaaS. "MaaS" is an abbreviation for Mobility as a Service.

[0015] The voice guidance device 20 determines a plurality of volume levels 31 for a first noise that can be detected inside the vehicle 12. The voice guidance device 20 accepts a setting of the volume 32 of the voice guidance reproduced inside the vehicle 12 for each volume level 31 of the first noise. The voice guidance device 20 stores setting information 30 including the set volume 32 in association with each volume level 31 of the first noise. When reproducing the voice guidance inside the vehicle 12, the voice guidance device 20 reproduces the voice guidance at a volume 32 corresponding to the volume level 31 equal to the volume level of the second noise actually detected inside the vehicle 12.

[0016] According to the present embodiment, it is possible to set the volume 32 of the voice guidance reproduced inside the vehicle 12 for each volume level 31 of the first noise that can be detected inside the vehicle 12. Therefore, the user 11 can set the volume 32 of the voice guidance while imagining the influence of the noise.

[0017] When the user 11 sets the volume 32 of the voice guidance for some volume levels 31 of the first noise, the voice guidance device 20 may automatically set the volume 32 for the remaining volume levels 31 of the first noise by interpolation. In the example shown in FIG. 2, it is assumed that the volume 32 is manually set to “10”, “20”, and “45” for the three volume levels 31 of “0”, “2”, and “4” out of “0” to “5”. Therefore, for the volume level 31 of “1”, the volume 32 is automatically set to the intermediate value “15” of the volumes 32 corresponding to the two volume levels 31 of “0” and “2”. For the volume level 31 of “3”, the volume 32 is automatically set to the intermediate value “32” of the volumes 32 corresponding to the two volume levels 31 of “2”. As a modified example, the volume 32 corresponding to the volume level 31 of “3” may be automatically set to “33” considering the decimal part. For the volume level 31 of “5”, the volume 32 is automatically set to the upper limit value “50”. As a modified example, if there is no upper limit value or the upper limit value is large enough to be ignored for the volume 32 corresponding to the volume level 31 of “5”, it may be automatically set to “58” in accordance with the change in the volumes 32 corresponding to the two volume levels 31 of “3” and “4”.

[0018] The voice guidance device 20 may store samples of the first noise as noise samples 33 in association with the respective volume levels 31 of the first noise. Then, when receiving the setting of the voice guidance volume 32, the voice guidance device 20 may receive the setting of the volume 32 corresponding to the same volume level 31 while playing back the noise sample 33 corresponding to the volume level 31 specified by the user 11.

[0019] The voice guidance device 20 may store the position of the vehicle 12 at the time of detection of the third noise as position information 34 in association with a volume level 31 equal to the volume level of the third noise actually detected inside the vehicle 12 in the past. Then, when receiving the setting of the voice guidance volume 32, the voice guidance device 20 may present the position information 34 corresponding to the volume level 31 of the noise sample 33 being played back to the user 11. For example, the voice guidance device 20 may display a message such as "The noise at the same volume level as when passing by... is being played back" on the screen or output it as voice.

[0020] The voice guidance device 20 may store the video outside the vehicle 12 at the time of detection of the third noise as scene video 35 in association with a volume level 31 equal to the volume level of the third noise actually detected inside the vehicle 12 in the past. Then, when receiving the setting of the voice guidance volume 32, the voice guidance device 20 may present the scene video 35 corresponding to the volume level 31 of the noise sample 33 being played back to the user 11. For example, the voice guidance device 20 may play back the drive recorder video taken when the third noise at the same volume level as the noise sample 33 being played back was detected.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 3, the configuration of the voice guidance device 20 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0022] The voice guidance device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an input unit 24, an output unit 25, and a positioning unit 26.

[0023] The control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. "CPU" is an abbreviation for central processing unit. "GPU" is an abbreviation for graphics processing unit. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. The control unit 21 controls each part of the voice guidance device 20 and executes processing related to the operation of the voice guidance device 20.

[0024] The storage unit 22 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM, ROM, or flash memory. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read-only memory. RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. ROM is, for example, EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read-only memory. Flash memory is, for example, SSD. "SSD" is an abbreviation for solid-state drive. Magnetic memory is, for example, HDD. "HDD" is an abbreviation for hard disk drive. The storage unit 22 functions, for example, as main memory, auxiliary memory, or cache memory. The memory unit 22 stores information used for the operation of the voice guidance device 20 and information obtained through the operation of the voice guidance device 20. For example, the memory unit 22 stores setting information 30. The setting information 30 includes a set volume 32 for each volume level 31. As shown in Figure 2, the setting information 30 may further include a noise sample 33, position information 34, and scene video 35 for each volume level 31.

[0025] The communication unit 23 includes at least one communication module. The communication module is, for example, a module compatible with a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G, or 5G, or a wireless LAN communication standard such as IEEE 802.11. "LTE" is an abbreviation for Long Term Evolution. "4G" is an abbreviation for 4th generation. "5G" is an abbreviation for 5th generation. "IEEE" is an abbreviation for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The communication unit 23 may communicate with an external server, such as a cloud server, via a network such as the Internet. The communication unit 23 receives information used for the operation of the voice guidance device 20 and transmits information obtained through the operation of the voice guidance device 20.

[0026] The input unit 24 includes at least one input device. The input device may be, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touchscreen integrated with a display, a visible light camera, a depth camera, LiDAR, or a microphone. "LiDAR" is an abbreviation for light detection and ranging. The input unit 24 accepts operations to input information used for the operation of the voice guidance device 20. The input unit 24 may be connected to the voice guidance device 20 as an external input device instead of being provided in the voice guidance device 20. As a connection interface, an interface compatible with standards such as USB, HDMI®, or Bluetooth® can be used. "USB" is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. "HDMI®" is an abbreviation for High-Definition Multimedia Interface.

[0027] The output unit 25 includes at least one output device. The output device is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. "LCD" is an abbreviation for liquid crystal display. "EL" is an abbreviation for electroluminescent. The output unit 25 outputs information obtained by the operation of the voice guidance device 20. Instead of being provided in the voice guidance device 20, the output unit 25 may be connected to the voice guidance device 20 as an external output device, such as a display audio. As a connection interface, an interface compatible with standards such as USB, HDMI®, or Bluetooth® can be used.

[0028] The positioning unit 26 includes at least one GNSS receiver. "GNSS" is an abbreviation for global navigation satellite system. GNSS systems include, for example, GPS, QZSS, BDS, GLONASS, or Galileo. "GPS" is an abbreviation for Global Positioning System. "QZSS" is an abbreviation for Quasi-Zenith Satellite System. QZSS satellites are called quasi-zenith satellites. "BDS" is an abbreviation for BeiDou Navigation Satellite System. "GLONASS" is an abbreviation for Global Navigation Satellite System. The positioning unit 26 measures the position of the voice guidance device 20.

[0029] The functions of the voice guidance device 20 are realized by executing the program according to this embodiment on the processor acting as the control unit 21. In other words, the functions of the voice guidance device 20 are realized by software. The program causes the computer to perform the operations of the voice guidance device 20, thereby causing the computer to function as the voice guidance device 20. That is, the computer functions as the voice guidance device 20 by performing the operations of the voice guidance device 20 according to the program.

[0030] The program can be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable medium. Examples of non-temporary computer-readable media include flash memory, magnetic recording devices, optical discs, magneto-optical recording media, or ROM. The program can be distributed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending portable media such as SD cards, DVDs, or CD-ROMs containing the program. "SD" is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is an abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program may also be distributed by storing it in server storage and transferring it from the server to other computers. The program may also be provided as a program product.

[0031] A computer, for example, stores a program stored on a portable medium or a program transferred from a server in its main memory. Then, the computer reads the program stored in the main memory with its processor and executes the processing according to the read program. The computer may also read the program directly from the portable medium and execute the processing according to the program. The computer may also execute the processing according to the received program sequentially each time a program is transferred to the computer from a server. Processing may also be performed by a so-called ASP-type service, which does not transfer programs from the server to the computer, but realizes its function only through execution instructions and result retrieval. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. A program includes information used for processing by an electronic computer that is equivalent to a program. For example, data that is not a direct instruction to the computer but has the nature of defining the computer's processing falls under "equivalent to a program".

[0032] Some or all of the functions of the voice guidance device 20 may be implemented by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as a control unit 21. In other words, some or all of the functions of the voice guidance device 20 may be implemented by hardware.

[0033] The operation of the voice guidance device 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. The operation described below corresponds to the voice guidance method according to this embodiment. That is, the voice guidance method according to this embodiment includes the steps S101 to S107 shown in Figure 4 and the steps S111 to S114 shown in Figure 5.

[0034] In the flow shown in Figure 4, the control unit 21 receives a setting for the volume 32 of the voice guidance output within the vehicle 12 for each volume level 31 of noise that can be detected within the vehicle 12.

[0035] Specifically, in S101, the control unit 21 receives the selection of one volume level 31 from among a plurality of volume levels 31 via an input unit 24 such as a touchscreen or microphone. In S102, the control unit 21 obtains a noise sample 33 of the volume level 31 selected by the user 11 in S101 from the storage unit 22. The control unit 21 plays the obtained noise sample 33 via an output unit 25 such as a speaker. In S103, the control unit 21 receives the setting of the volume 32 corresponding to the volume level 31 selected by the user 11 in S101 via an input unit 24 such as a touchscreen or microphone. In S104, the control unit 21 stores the volume 32 manually set by the user 11 in S103 in the storage unit 22, corresponding to the volume level 31 selected by the user 11 in S101. In S105, the control unit 21 determines whether the manual setting of the volume 32 corresponding to two or more desired volume levels 31 from among the plurality of volume levels 31 has been completed. As shown in the example in Figure 2, if the volume 32 corresponding to three volume levels 31, namely "0", "2", and "4" out of "0" to "5", is subject to manual setting, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the manual setting of the volume 32 corresponding to those three volume levels 31 has been completed.

[0036] If even one manual setting of a volume 32 corresponding to two or more desired volume levels 31 has not been completed, the control unit 21 accepts the setting of the volume 32 that has not been completed in steps S101 to S104.

[0037] On the other hand, if manual setting of volume 32 corresponding to two or more desired volume levels 31 has been completed, in S106, the control unit 21 automatically sets the volume 32 corresponding to the remaining volume levels 31 from the multiple volume levels 31 based on the completed volume 32 settings. As shown in the example in Figure 2, if the volume 32 corresponding to three volume levels 31, "1", "3", and "5", out of "0" to "5", is subject to automatic setting, the control unit 21 automatically sets the volume 32 corresponding to the three volume levels 31, "1", "3", and "5", based on the settings of the volume 32 corresponding to the three volume levels 31, "0", "2", and "4", using a calculation method such as interpolation. Then, in S107, the control unit 21 stores the volume 32 that was automatically set in S106 in the storage unit 22, corresponding to the remaining volume levels 31.

[0038] As described above, in S103, the control unit 21 plays a noise sample 33 at a specific volume level 31 and accepts the setting of the volume 32 corresponding to that specific volume level 31. However, as one modification, the control unit 21 may accept the setting of the volume 32 corresponding to the specific volume level 31 without playing the noise sample 33. In other words, step S102 may be omitted. Alternatively, as another modification, the control unit 21 may play a noise sample 33 at a specific volume level 31 and accept the setting of the volume 32 corresponding to that specific volume level 31 while presenting position information 34 corresponding to that specific volume level 31 to the user 11. In other words, in S102, the control unit 21 may acquire the position information 34 corresponding to the volume level 31 of the noise sample 33 to be played from the storage unit 22 and output it via an output unit 25 such as a display or speaker. Alternatively, in yet another variation, the control unit 21 may play a noise sample 33 at a specific volume level 31 and, while playing a scene video 35 corresponding to that specific volume level 31, accept a setting for the volume 32 corresponding to that specific volume level 31. That is, in S102, the control unit 21 may acquire the scene video 35 corresponding to the volume level 31 of the noise sample 33 to be played from the storage unit 22 and play it back via an output unit 25 such as a display.

[0039] As described above, in S105, the control unit 21 determines whether or not manual setting of volume 32 corresponding to two or more desired volume levels 31 from among the multiple volume levels 31 has been completed. However, as one modification, the control unit 21 may determine whether or not manual setting of volume 32 corresponding to all of the multiple volume levels 31 has been completed. In other words, steps S106 and S107 may be omitted.

[0040] In the flow shown in Figure 5, the control unit 21 outputs voice guidance. When the control unit 21 outputs voice guidance, if it detects noise inside the vehicle 12, it adjusts the volume of the voice guidance to a set volume 32 that corresponds to the volume level 31 of the detected noise.

[0041] Specifically, in S111, the control unit 21 determines whether or not it has detected any noise, such as noise emitted by the vehicle 12 itself as it moves, or noise entering from outside the vehicle 12, via the input unit 24, such as a microphone.

[0042] If no noise is detected, in S112, the control unit 21 outputs voice guidance at a volume 32 stored in the memory unit 22 corresponding to the lowest volume level 31 via an output unit 25 such as a speaker. In the example shown in Figure 2, the control unit 21 adjusts the volume of the voice guidance to a volume 32 corresponding to a volume level 31 of "0", i.e., "10". The control unit 21 may also notify the user 11 of the current noise volume level "0" via a display or an output unit 25 such as a speaker.

[0043] On the other hand, if noise is detected, in S113, the control unit 21 determines the volume level of the noise detected in S111. Then, in S114, the control unit 21 outputs voice guidance via an output unit 25 such as a speaker at a volume 32 stored in the storage unit 22, corresponding to a volume level 31 equal to the volume level determined in S113. In the example shown in Figure 2, if the volume level of the detected noise matches a volume level 31 of "3", the control unit 21 adjusts the volume of the voice guidance to a volume 32 corresponding to a volume level 31 of "3", i.e., "32". The control unit 21 may also notify the user 11 of the current noise volume level "3" via a display or an output unit 25 such as a speaker.

[0044] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, two or more blocks described in the block diagram may be combined, or one block may be divided. Instead of executing two or more steps described in the flowchart in chronological order as described, they may be executed in parallel or in a different order, depending on the processing capacity of the device performing each step, or as necessary. Other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 11 users 12 vehicles 20. Voice guidance system 21 Control Unit 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 24 Input section 25 Output section 26 Positioning Unit 30. Configuration Information 31 Volume Level 32 Volume 33 Noise Samples 34 Location information 35 Scene Videos

Claims

1. For each level of noise that can be detected inside the vehicle, the volume setting for the voice guidance output inside the vehicle is accepted. When outputting the aforementioned voice guidance, if noise is detected inside the vehicle, the volume of the voice guidance is adjusted to a set volume corresponding to the volume level of the detected noise. Equipped with a control unit, The control unit, It accepts volume settings corresponding to two or more volume levels out of several volume levels. A voice guidance device that automatically sets the volume corresponding to the remaining volume level among the plurality of volume levels based on the volume settings corresponding to the two or more volume levels.

2. For each level of noise that can be detected inside the vehicle, the volume setting for the voice guidance output inside the vehicle is accepted. When outputting the aforementioned voice guidance, if noise is detected inside the vehicle, the volume of the voice guidance is adjusted to a set volume corresponding to the volume level of the detected noise. Equipped with a control unit, The control unit is a voice guidance device that plays a noise sample at a specific volume level and accepts a volume setting corresponding to the specific volume level.

3. A vehicle equipped with the voice guidance device described in claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The system accepts settings for the volume of voice guidance output within the vehicle, based on the noise level that can be detected within the vehicle. When outputting the aforementioned voice guidance, if noise is detected inside the vehicle, the volume of the voice guidance is adjusted to a set volume corresponding to the volume level of the detected noise. To have the computer perform an action that includes, The acceptance of the above includes accepting volume settings corresponding to two or more volume levels from among multiple volume levels, The program further includes the operation of automatically setting the volume corresponding to the remaining volume level among the plurality of volume levels based on the volume settings corresponding to the two or more volume levels.

5. The system accepts settings for the volume of voice guidance output within the vehicle, based on the noise level that can be detected within the vehicle. When outputting the aforementioned voice guidance, if noise is detected inside the vehicle, the volume of the voice guidance is adjusted to a set volume corresponding to the volume level of the detected noise. To have the computer perform an action that includes, The aforementioned receiving is a program that, while playing a noise sample at a specific volume level, accepts a volume setting corresponding to the said specific volume level.

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