vehicle-mounted device

Abstract

To provide an in-vehicle device which is suitable to be equipped into a vehicle.SOLUTION: An in-vehicle device 1 is equipped in a vehicle Ve. The in-vehicle device 1 includes: an electromagnetic wave element 2 for executing at least one of radiating an electromagnetic wave to the outside of a device and detecting an electromagnetic wave from the outside of a device; and an acoustic sensor 3 integrated with the electromagnetic wave element 2, the sensor detecting sound caused from the outside of a device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosure according to this specification relates to a technique for detecting sound in a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a roof module of a vehicle including an environmental sensor for sensing a vehicle environment. Examples of the environmental sensor include optical sensors such as a camera, a radar, and a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging / Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Now, the inventors of the present disclosure have conceived of mounting an acoustic sensor for newly detecting sound in a vehicle in addition to electromagnetic wave elements typified by optical sensors. However, since many other elements are mounted in the vehicle, it has been a problem to secure an installation space for the acoustic sensor and to suppress an increase in the number of man-hours for attaching the acoustic sensor to the vehicle.

[0005] One of the objects according to the disclosure of this specification is to provide an in-vehicle device suitable for mounting on a vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One of the aspects disclosed herein is an in-vehicle device configured to be mounted on a vehicle (Ve), An electromagnetic wave element (2, 22, 102, 122, 132, 202, 222, 302, 402) that performs at least one of radiation of electromagnetic waves toward the outside of the device and detection of electromagnetic waves from the outside of the device, An acoustic sensor (3, 13, 23, 103, 113, 123, 133, 203, 233, 243, 253, 263, 303, 403) that is integrated with the electromagnetic wave element and detects sound caused by the outside of the device, Enclosures for housing electromagnetic wave elements (5, 105, 205, 215, 225, 235, 245, 305, 405) and comprises 、 The acoustic sensor is housed in a casing and has microphones (3a, 103a, 203a, 213a, 223a, 233a, 243a, 253aX, 253aY, 263a, 303a) that detect air vibrations as sound using the air present in the internal space of the casing. The electromagnetic wave element is a camera (2a, 102a) that photographs the outside of the device. The casing is, The device has a shape that corresponds to the camera's field of view, gradually increasing the width of the internal space as it moves away from the camera, and a hood section (5b, 105b) that shields from diffusely reflected light incident from outside the device, A substrate shared between a camera and an acoustic sensor, comprising a substrate housing section (5a, 105a) that houses a substrate (6, 106) on which microphones (3a, 103a) are mounted, The hood section has sound guide holes (5c, 105c) that connect the microphone to the internal space. is. Another aspect of the disclosed embodiment is an in-vehicle device configured to be mounted on a vehicle (Ve), An electromagnetic wave element (2,22,102,122,132,202,222,302,402) that performs at least one of the following: radiation of electromagnetic waves directed outwards from the device and detection of electromagnetic waves from outside the device, Acoustic sensors (3,13,23,103,113,123,133,203,233,243,253,263,303,403) are integrated with the electromagnetic wave element and detect sounds originating from outside the device, The system comprises a housing (15, 115) fixed to the external structure (Es) of the vehicle and housing an electromagnetic wave element, The acoustic sensors (13, 113) are held in the outer wall of the housing so as to share the electromagnetic wave element with the housing, and are positioned in a location where vibrations of the external structure are transmitted, and have microphones (13a, 113a) that detect vibrations of the external structure. Another aspect of the disclosed embodiment is an in-vehicle device configured to be mounted on a vehicle (Ve), An electromagnetic wave element (2,22,102,122,132,202,222,302,402) that performs at least one of the following: radiation of electromagnetic waves directed outwards from the device and detection of electromagnetic waves from outside the device, Acoustic sensors (3,13,23,103,113,123,133,203,233,243,253,263,303,403) are integrated with the electromagnetic wave element and detect sounds originating from outside the device, A first housing component (25X, 125X) that houses the electromagnetic wave element (22, 122), It comprises a second housing component (25Y, 125Y) that houses acoustic sensors (23, 123), The acoustic sensor is integrated with the electromagnetic wave element by fixing the second housing component to the first housing component. Another aspect of the disclosed embodiment is an in-vehicle device configured to be mounted on a vehicle (Ve), An electromagnetic wave element (2,22,102,122,132,202,222,302,402) that performs at least one of the following: radiation of electromagnetic waves directed outwards from the device and detection of electromagnetic waves from outside the device, Acoustic sensors (3,13,23,103,113,123,133,203,233,243,253,263,303,403) are integrated with the electromagnetic wave element and detect sounds originating from outside the device, Brackets (134, 144, 154) that are attached to the external structural part (Es) of the vehicle, A first housing component (135X) that houses the electromagnetic wave element (132), It comprises a second housing component (135Y, 145Y, 155Y) that houses an acoustic sensor (133), The acoustic sensor is integrated with the electromagnetic wave element by fixing the first housing component to the bracket, and the second housing component to the bracket. Another aspect of the disclosed embodiment is an in-vehicle device configured to be mounted on a vehicle (Ve), An electromagnetic wave element (2,22,102,122,132,202,222,302,402) that performs at least one of the following: radiation of electromagnetic waves directed outwards from the device and detection of electromagnetic waves from outside the device, Acoustic sensors (3,13,23,103,113,123,133,203,233,243,253,263,303,403) are integrated with the electromagnetic wave element and detect sounds originating from outside the device, It comprises a housing (225) for housing an electromagnetic wave element, The acoustic sensor is housed in a casing and has a microphone (223a) that detects air vibrations as sound. The electromagnetic wave element has an exposed lens (222d) that is exposed to the surrounding environment of the vehicle, and a lens system (222c) that includes multiple lenses, including other lenses (222e, 222f). The housing has a sound guide hole (225h) that connects the microphone to the space formed between the exposed lens and other lenses in the lens system. Another aspect of the disclosed embodiment is an in-vehicle device configured to be mounted on a vehicle (Ve), An electromagnetic wave element (2,22,102,122,132,202,222,302,402) that performs at least one of the following: radiation of electromagnetic waves directed outwards from the device and detection of electromagnetic waves from outside the device, Acoustic sensors (3,13,23,103,113,123,133,203,233,243,253,263,303,403) are integrated with the electromagnetic wave element and detect sounds originating from outside the device, It comprises a housing (225) for housing an electromagnetic wave element, The acoustic sensor (253) is A first microphone (253aX) is housed in the enclosure and detects air vibrations as acoustics, It has a second microphone (253aY), which is separate from the first microphone, is housed in the casing, and detects air vibrations as sound. The casing is, The first sound guide hole (255hX) directs sounds from the vehicle's external environment to the first microphone, It has a second sound guide hole (255hY) that guides sound from the interior space of the vehicle to a second microphone. Another aspect of the disclosed embodiment is an in-vehicle device configured to be mounted on a vehicle (Ve), An electromagnetic wave element (2,22,102,122,132,202,222,302,402) that performs at least one of the following: radiation of electromagnetic waves directed outwards from the device and detection of electromagnetic waves from outside the device, Acoustic sensors (3,13,23,103,113,123,133,203,233,243,253,263,303,403) are integrated with the electromagnetic wave element and detect sounds originating from outside the device, It comprises a housing (225) for housing an electromagnetic wave element, The acoustic sensor (263) is housed in a casing and has a microphone (263a) that detects air vibrations as sound. The casing is, The first sound guide hole (265hX) directs sounds from the vehicle's external environment to the microphone, It has a second sound guide hole (265hY) that directs sound from the interior space of the vehicle to the microphone.

[0007] According to such an in-vehicle device, an electromagnetic wave element and an acoustic sensor are integrated. Therefore, it becomes easier to secure an installation space for the acoustic sensor in the vehicle, and it is also possible to suppress an increase in the installation man-hour of the acoustic sensor in the vehicle. Thus, an in-vehicle device suitable for mounting on a vehicle can be provided.

[0008] Note that the reference signs in parentheses included in the claims and the like exemplify the correspondence with the parts of the embodiments described later, and are not intended to limit the technical scope.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] [Figure 1] A diagram for explaining an example of a position where the in-vehicle device of the present disclosure can be installed. [Figure 2] A schematic configuration diagram of the in-vehicle device. [Figure 3]A cross-sectional view showing an example of an in-vehicle device. [Figure 4] A cross-sectional view showing an example of an in-vehicle device. [Figure 5] Figure 4 illustrates how to install the in-vehicle device onto a vehicle. [Figure 6] Figure 4 illustrates how to install the in-vehicle device onto a vehicle. [Figure 7] Figure 4 illustrates how to install the in-vehicle device onto a vehicle. [Figure 8] A diagram illustrating communication between an in-vehicle device and an ECU. [Figure 9] A cross-sectional view showing an example of an in-vehicle device. [Figure 10] A cross-sectional view showing an example of an in-vehicle device. [Figure 11] A cross-sectional view showing an example of an in-vehicle device. [Figure 12] A cross-sectional view showing an example of an in-vehicle device. [Figure 13] Figure 12 illustrates how to install the in-vehicle device onto a vehicle. [Figure 14] Figure 12 illustrates how to install the in-vehicle device onto a vehicle. [Figure 15] Figure 12 illustrates how to install the in-vehicle device onto a vehicle. [Figure 16] A cross-sectional view showing an example of an in-vehicle device. [Figure 17] Figure 16 illustrates the method of installing the in-vehicle device onto the vehicle. [Figure 18] Figure 16 illustrates the method of installing the in-vehicle device onto the vehicle. [Figure 19] Figure 16 illustrates the method of installing the in-vehicle device onto the vehicle. [Figure 20] A cross-sectional view showing the retaining spring structure. [Figure 21] A cross-sectional view showing the retaining spring structure. [Figure 22] A cross-sectional view showing an example of an in-vehicle device. [Figure 23] A cross-sectional view showing an example of an in-vehicle device. [Figure 24] A cross-sectional view showing an example of an in-vehicle device. [Figure 25] A cross-sectional view showing an example of an in-vehicle device. [Figure 26] A cross-sectional view showing an example of an in-vehicle device. [Figure 27] A cross-sectional view showing an example of an in-vehicle device. [Figure 28] A cross-sectional view showing an example of an in-vehicle device. [Figure 29] A cross-sectional view showing an example of an in-vehicle device. [Figure 30] A cross-sectional view showing an example of an in-vehicle device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Several embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for corresponding components, and redundant explanations may be omitted. If only a part of the configuration is described in each embodiment, the configuration of other embodiments described earlier can be applied to the other parts of that configuration. Furthermore, in addition to the combinations of configurations explicitly stated in the description of each embodiment, configurations from multiple embodiments can be partially combined even if not explicitly stated, as long as there are no particular problems with the combination.

[0011] (Outline configuration of the in-vehicle device) The in-vehicle device described herein is configured to be mounted on the vehicle Ve shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the in-vehicle device has a structure in which an electromagnetic wave element and an acoustic sensor are integrated.

[0012] The electromagnetic wave element performs at least one of the following: emitting electromagnetic waves toward the outside of the in-vehicle device and detecting electromagnetic waves from the outside. The electromagnetic waves referred to here may be electromagnetic waves of any wavelength, such as radio waves, microwaves, infrared rays, visible light, ultraviolet rays, etc. Examples of electromagnetic wave elements include cameras, millimeter-wave radar, LiDAR, lighting devices, communication devices, rain sensors, illuminance sensors, etc.

[0013] A camera is a sensor that detects electromagnetic waves from outside the vehicle's internal components. The electromagnetic waves handled by the camera may be visible light or near-infrared light. The camera may be installed facing the outside of the vehicle Ve, capturing images of the surrounding environment and detecting dynamic objects such as vehicles and pedestrians, as well as static objects such as buildings and fallen objects, for autonomous driving or driver assistance purposes. The camera may also be used in conjunction with other in-vehicle cameras to generate a composite image that provides an overhead view of the vehicle Ve, and present it to the driver for parking assistance purposes. The camera may also be used for facial recognition of a driver attempting to enter the vehicle.

[0014] Millimeter-wave radar is a sensor that performs both the emission of electromagnetic waves directed outwards from an in-vehicle device and the detection of electromagnetic waves from the outside. The electromagnetic waves handled by millimeter-wave radar may be millimeter waves. Millimeter-wave radar is used in autonomous driving or driver assistance. Millimeter-wave radar transmits a search wave outwards from the vehicle Ve and receives the reflected wave that is reflected back by dynamic or static objects in the surrounding environment.

[0015] LiDAR is a sensor that performs both the emission of electromagnetic waves directed outwards from an in-vehicle device and the detection of electromagnetic waves from the outside. The electromagnetic waves handled by LiDAR are laser light, such as near-infrared light. LiDAR is used in autonomous driving or driver assistance. LiDAR emits pulsed laser light directed outwards from the vehicle Ve and detects the reflected light that is reflected back by dynamic or static objects in the surrounding environment. The distance from the LiDAR to the object is measured using the time of flight (ToF) of the laser light. LiDAR may also be configured to detect the three-dimensional shape of an object by scanning the emitted laser light.

[0016] Lighting devices emit electromagnetic waves toward the outside of the vehicle. The electromagnetic waves handled by lighting devices are visible light. Lighting devices are used for notification directed toward the outside of the vehicle. Lighting devices include passing headlights (low beam), driving headlights (high beam), turn signals, hazard lights, etc. Communication devices transmit and receive radio waves as electromagnetic waves according to a predetermined communication standard. A rain sensor is a sensor that detects raindrops adhering to the windshield, etc., by emitting light and detecting the reflected or refracted light from the raindrops with a photodetector. An illuminance sensor is a sensor that detects external light such as sunlight incident on the vehicle Ve, and is equipped with a photodetector capable of measuring the illuminance of the external light.

[0017] The acoustic sensor detects sounds originating from outside the vehicle's internal components. This origin may be, for example, the same as the object being detected by the electromagnetic wave element, or it may be completely different. The detected sounds may be sounds arriving from outside the vehicle's internal components (i.e., air vibrations), or vibrations of the vehicle's internal components caused by such sounds. Sounds arriving from outside the vehicle's internal components may include sirens emitted by emergency vehicles such as police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances in the external environment of the vehicle Ve. Sounds arriving from outside the vehicle's internal components may include road noise generated between the vehicle Ve and the road. Sounds arriving from outside the vehicle's internal components may include engine noise, electric motor noise, etc.

[0018] The on-board device is applicable to various mounting positions on the vehicle Ve. It can be installed inside the vehicle, including on the front, sides, rear, and top. The external structure of the vehicle Ve features plate-like sections combining smooth curves and flat surfaces to improve design aesthetics and aerodynamic characteristics.

[0019] The in-vehicle device is held in a part of the vehicle Ve that is exposed to the outside and is suitable for mounting the electromagnetic wave element, for example, in a plate-like external structure. As shown in Figure 1, the external structure of the front of the vehicle includes, for example, the front emblem Pf1, the headlamp cover Pf2, the front fog lamp cover Pf3, the bumper corner Pf4, the bumper side Pf5, the front camera cover Pf6, the windshield Pf7, etc. The external structure of the side of the vehicle includes, for example, the mirror surface Ps1 of the side mirror, the side mirror cover Ps2, the door Ps3, each pillar (B pillar Ps4, etc.), the side fender Ps5, etc. The external structure of the rear of the vehicle Es includes, for example, the rear camera cover Pb1, the rear viewing window Pb2, the reflector cover Pb3, the tail lamp module cover Pb4, the edge of the rear window Pb5, etc.

[0020] The plate-like portion (e.g., cover) in the external structure vibrates when it receives sound from the external environment of the vehicle Ve. Furthermore, vibrations transmitted from the road surface and vibrations generated when the vehicle Ve collides travel through the external structure, causing the plate-like portion to vibrate. Acoustic sensors can indirectly detect acoustics by measuring these vibrations and the sound re-radiated by these vibrations.

[0021] (First Embodiment) As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in the in-vehicle device 1 of the first embodiment, the camera 2a, which serves as the electromagnetic wave element 2, and the acoustic sensor 3 are integrated into one unit.

[0022] In the example shown in Figure 3, the in-vehicle device 1 is attached to the windshield Pf7, which is an external structural part Es, from the inside of the vehicle. The windshield Pf7 is formed, for example, in the shape of a translucent curved plate. The windshield Pf7 is tilted so that it gradually moves away from the ground in contact with the vehicle Ve as it moves from the front to the rear of the vehicle. This in-vehicle device 1 includes a bracket 4, a housing 5, a substrate 6, a camera 2a, and an acoustic sensor 3, etc.

[0023] Bracket 4 is a component for attaching the housing 5 to the vehicle Ve. Bracket 4 is made of a metal such as steel (plated, electrodeposited), aluminum, etc. Bracket 4 has a configuration that includes a mounting portion 4a, a housing holding portion 4b, and an opening 4c.

[0024] The mounting portion 4a is plate-shaped and conforms to the shape of the windshield Pf7. The mounting portion 4a is held to the windshield Pf7 via adhesive 9a, which is applied in layers to substantially the entire surface of the mounting portion 4a on the windshield Pf7 side. The housing holding portion 4b is provided on the side of the mounting portion 4a opposite to the windshield Pf7 and holds the housing 5 by means of engagement, fastening, etc. The opening 4c is formed as an opening in the center of the mounting portion 4a. The opening 4c allows light from the external environment of the vehicle Ve to enter the camera 2a through the windshield Pf7.

[0025] The housing 5 is fixed to the windshield Pf7 via a bracket 4. The housing 5 is provided in common for the camera 2a and the acoustic sensor 3. The housing 5 is made of a metal such as aluminum. The housing 5 includes a substrate housing section 5a, a hood section 5b, and a sound guide hole 5c. The substrate housing section 5a is located on the opposite side of the windshield Pf7 from the camera 2a. The substrate housing section 5a forms a housing space Sp2 for housing the substrate 6.

[0026] The hood portion 5b forms a light-shielding space Sp1 between the camera 2a and the windshield Pf7. The light-shielding space Sp1 has a tapered shape corresponding to the camera 2a's field of view, increasing in width as it moves away from the camera 2a and closer to the windshield Pf7. The hood portion 5b shields from diffusely reflected light from the external environment, which can lead to a decrease in the image quality captured by the camera 2a. To absorb diffusely reflected light, it is preferable that the surface of the hood portion 5b that is in contact with the space be formed in a dark color.

[0027] In the example shown in Figure 3, the hood section 5b has an asymmetrical shape, with the upper hood and lower hood corresponding to the inclined shape of the windshield Pf7. The taper angle of the upper hood is set to a larger angle than the taper angle of the lower hood. Here, the taper angle is defined as the angle of the surface of the hood section 5b with respect to the optical axis of the camera 2a.

[0028] The sound guide hole 5c is a hole that connects the housing space Sp2 of the substrate 6 with the light-shielding space Sp1 provided by the hood portion 5b. The sound guide hole 5c is, for example, an elongated tubular hole with a circular cross-section that extends in a straight line. The sound guide hole 5c guides sound from the light-shielding space Sp1 to the housing space Sp2 where the microphone 3a, described later, is installed. To further improve the acoustic detection performance, the end of the sound guide hole 5c on the housing space Sp2 side should be formed in a position opposite to the microphone 3a mounted on the substrate 6. To further improve the acoustic detection performance, the end of the sound guide hole 5c on the light-shielding space Sp1 side should be formed in the hood portion 5b on the camera 2a side of the midpoint between the camera 2a (more specifically, the camera unit) and the windshield Pf7.

[0029] The substrate 6 is formed in a flat plate shape from a synthetic resin, such as glass epoxy resin. The substrate 6 is fixed to the housing 5 by means of engagement, fastening, etc. The substrate 6 is a common substrate for the camera 2a and the acoustic sensor 3. The control circuit of the camera 2a is mounted on the substrate 6. The microphone 3a and control circuit of the acoustic sensor 3 are also mounted on the substrate 6. Both control circuits are mounted in a form that uses a common connector for electrical connection to the vehicle Ve side.

[0030] Camera 2a comprises a camera unit and a control circuit. The camera unit is integrally constructed by housing the image sensor and lens system within the lens barrel. The camera unit is positioned at the tapered end of the light-shielding space Sp1.

[0031] The image sensor is located on the opposite side of the lens system from the windshield Pf7. The image sensor is, for example, a CCD or CMOS, and is electrically connected to a control circuit mounted on the substrate 6 via a flexible cable. Detection signals acquired by the image sensor are sequentially transmitted to the control circuit. The control circuit generates image data. The lens system consists of one or more lenses. The lens system focuses light incident through the windshield Pf7 and the light-shielding space Sp1 to form an image on the image sensor.

[0032] The acoustic sensor 3 includes a microphone 3a and a control circuit. The microphone 3a is mounted on the substrate 6 in a position facing the sound guide hole 5c. The microphone is, for example, a condenser microphone, and in this embodiment in particular, a MEMS microphone 3a is used. MEMS stands for Micro Electro Mechanical Systems.

[0033] The MEMS microphone 3a is a microphone element that converts air vibrations into electrical signals. The MEMS microphone 3a outputs the change in capacitance caused by the vibration of a thin diaphragm (membrane) due to sound pressure as an analog electrical signal. The MEMS microphone 3a introduces and detects sound reflected in the light-shielding space Sp1 through the sound guide hole 5c. By utilizing the shape of the hood section 5b, which is designed to shield from diffusely reflected light, i.e., its horn-like structure, it is possible to increase the sound pressure and then detect the sound. The analog electrical signal from the MEMS microphone 3a is converted into a digital sound signal by the control circuit.

[0034] The vehicle-mounted device 101 in the example in Figure 4 differs from the example in Figure 3 in that it is attached to the B-pillar Ps4, which is an external structural part Es. The cover portion of the B-pillar Ps4 that is exposed to the external environment is formed in the shape of a plate with a light-transmitting plate portion Est in order to allow light to enter the camera 2a through the light-shielding space Sp1. The light-transmitting plate portion Est extends substantially perpendicular to the ground. The parts of the B-pillar Ps4 other than the light-transmitting plate portion Est may be formed in a dark color that is opaque.

[0035] In this example, the bracket 104 has a mounting portion 104a and an opening 104c similar to those in Figure 3, as well as a housing portion 104b. The housing portion 104b is formed in a cylindrical shape, extending from the opening 104c toward the opposite side from the light-transmitting plate portion Est. The housing portion 104b is housed in the housing 105. The housing portion 104b may have a notch for passing the connector 107a through when the housing 105 is housed in it. The hood portion 105b has an upper hood and a lower hood that are substantially symmetrical in shape. The taper angle of the upper hood is set to be substantially equal to the taper angle of the lower hood. The hood portion 105b is provided with a sound guide hole 105c that connects the MEMS microphone 103a of the acoustic sensor 103 mounted on the substrate 106 to the light-shielding space Sp1, similar to the example in Figure 3.

[0036] Next, the process of attaching the in-vehicle device 101 shown in Figure 4 to the vehicle Ve will be explained using Figures 5 to 8. This attachment process can be said to represent a part of the manufacturing method of the in-vehicle device 101 or the vehicle Ve. In the first step shown in Figure 5, adhesive 9a is applied to the mounting portion 104a of the bracket 104 and pressed against the translucent plate portion Est of the B pillar Ps4. Once the adhesive 9a dries, the bracket 104 is fixed to the translucent plate portion Est.

[0037] In the second step shown in Figure 6, the housing 105, with the camera 102a and acoustic sensor 103 assembled, is inserted into the housing housing portion 104b of the bracket 104. This fixes the camera 102a and acoustic sensor 103 to the light-transmitting plate portion Est and the bracket 104. In the third step shown in Figure 7, the connector 108a on the harness 108b side is connected to the connector 107a on the housing 105 side. This electrically connects the two control circuits 102b and 103b to the ECU (electronic control unit) 0 on the vehicle Ve side, with the harness 108b being shared between the camera 102a and the acoustic sensor 103. With these steps completed, the installation of the in-vehicle device 101 to the vehicle Ve is finished.

[0038] Here, we will explain the communication between the in-vehicle device 101 and the ECU0 using Figure 8. In the in-vehicle device 101, the detection signal acquired by the image sensor of the camera 102a is processed by the control circuit 102b of the camera 102a, and image data is generated. In the in-vehicle device 101, the analog electrical signal acquired by the microphone 103a of the acoustic sensor 103 is amplified by the amplifier in the control circuit 103b and then converted into a digital signal by its AD conversion circuit. This digital signal is further processed and converted into a sound signal.

[0039] Image data and sound signals are transmitted to the ECU0 from the same bus interface (bus IF) via a shared harness 108b. Here, harness 108b includes three types of lines: power lines, ground lines, and communication lines. The wiring shared by the image data and sound signals may be at least one of these three types of wiring, and it is more preferable that all three types of wiring are shared.

[0040] Communication between the in-vehicle device 101 and the ECU0 is, for example, high-speed serial communication such as LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) communication or A2B (Automotive Audio Bus; A2B is a registered trademark). Through this communication, digitized sound signals are transferred to the ECU0.

[0041] ECU0 is a processing unit that performs necessary processing in the vehicle Ve. ECU0 consists of a power supply 0a, video input / output terminals, and a microcomputer 0b. Power supply 0a supplies power to the camera 102a and acoustic sensor 103 of the in-vehicle device 101 via the power lines of harness 108b. Microcomputer 0b acquires image data and sound signals transmitted from the in-vehicle device 101 via the video input / output terminals. Microcomputer 0b may use the image data and sound signals for the same purpose, or they may be used for separate purposes.

[0042] According to the first embodiment described above, the electromagnetic wave element 2,102 and the acoustic sensor 3,103 are integrated in the in-vehicle device 1,101. Therefore, it becomes easier to secure installation space for the acoustic sensor 3,103 in the vehicle Ve, and it is possible to suppress the increase in the man-hours required to install the acoustic sensor 3,103 on the vehicle Ve. Thus, an in-vehicle device 1,101 suitable for mounting on a vehicle Ve can be provided.

[0043] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the in-vehicle device 1,101 includes a housing 5,105 that houses the electromagnetic wave element 2,102. The acoustic sensor 3,103 is housed in the same housing 5,105 and has microphones 3a,103a that detect air vibrations as sound. Since the microphones 3a,103a utilize the air present in the internal space of the housing 5,105 that houses the electromagnetic wave element 2,102, sound detection is possible in a space-saving manner.

[0044] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the electromagnetic wave elements 2,102 are cameras 2a,102a that photograph the outside of the device. The housing 5,105 has a shape corresponding to the field of view of the cameras 2a,102a, which gradually increases the width of the internal space as it moves away from the cameras 2a,102a, and is equipped with hood portions 5b,105b that shield against diffusely reflected light incident from outside the device. The housing 5,105 also has substrate housing portions 5a,105a that house a substrate 6,106 on which microphones 3a,103a are mounted, which is a substrate shared between the cameras 2a,102a and the acoustic sensor 3,103. The hood portions 5b,105b have sound guide holes 5c,105c that communicate between the microphones 3a,103a and the internal space. In other words, by utilizing a hood structure similar to the horn structure of cameras 2a and 102a, sound detection becomes possible while the sound pressure is increased, thereby improving the sound detection performance.

[0045] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the harness that electrically connects the electromagnetic wave element 102 to the ECU0, which is another device of the vehicle Ve, and the harness that electrically connects the acoustic sensor 103 to the ECU0 are shared. By sharing harness 108b, the increase in installation man-hours can be further suppressed.

[0046] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the acoustic sensor 103 generates a sound signal by converting the detected analog electrical signal into a digital signal. The communication line used by the electromagnetic wave element 102 to communicate with the ECU0, which is another device in the vehicle Ve, and the communication line used by the acoustic sensor 103 to communicate with another device are shared in a form that transmits digital signals. By using a digitized sound signal, the transmission of detection results by the electromagnetic wave element 102 and the acoustic sensor 103 becomes more efficient.

[0047] (Second Embodiment) As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the second embodiment is a modified version of the first embodiment. The second embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0048] In the example shown in Figure 9, similar to the example in Figure 3, the in-vehicle device 11 is attached to the windshield Pf7, which serves as the external structural part Es. The example in Figure 9 will be explained focusing on the differences from the example in Figure 3. In this example, the microphone of the acoustic sensor 13 is a piezoelectric microphone 13a. The piezoelectric microphone 13a comprises a piezoelectric element and a metal plate. The piezoelectric element is formed in the shape of a thin plate. A positive electrode is formed on the front surface of the piezoelectric element, and a negative electrode is formed on the back surface. The piezoelectric element generates a voltage between the electrodes corresponding to the input stress. The metal plate is formed in the shape of a thin plate with a larger area than the piezoelectric element. The metal plate vibrates integrally with the piezoelectric element due to vibrations transmitted to the piezoelectric microphone 13a. The piezoelectric microphone 13a may also have a configuration in which a piezoelectric element of plate thickness is provided instead of a configuration combining a piezoelectric element and a metal plate.

[0049] Therefore, the piezo microphone 13a is positioned so that vibrations from the windshield Pf7 are directly transmitted to it. The opening 14c of the bracket 14 has space to allow the piezo microphone 13a to face the windshield Pf7. The housing 15 has a recess 15d on its outer wall that faces the windshield Pf7 above the hood portion for positioning the piezo microphone 13a. The piezo microphone 13a is sandwiched between elastic bodies 13c and 13d on its front and back, with about half of its volume embedded in, for example, a cylindrical recess 14d.

[0050] Here, the front elastic body 13c is preferably a viscoelastic material that possesses both viscosity and elasticity. The viscoelastic material is a double-sided tape or adhesive that functions as an acoustic matching material. The piezo microphone 13a is positioned in a state where it is pressed against the windshield Pf7 via the viscoelastic material. The rear elastic body 13d is, for example, a resin spring, a metal spring, rubber, etc. This allows for efficient transmission of vibrations from the windshield Pf7 to the piezo microphone 13a while absorbing differences in the shape of the windshield Pf7 and mounting position errors depending on the vehicle model.

[0051] In the example shown in Figure 10, similar to the example in Figure 4, the in-vehicle device 111 is attached to the translucent plate portion Est of the B-pillar Ps4, which is the external structural portion Es. The microphone of the acoustic sensor 113 is a piezo microphone 113a. The housing 115, which is housed in the housing housing portion 114b of the bracket 114, has a recess 115d adjacent to the hood portion and facing the translucent plate portion Est, in which the entire piezo microphone 113a is embedded.

[0052] On the rear side of the piezo microphone 113a, an elastic body 111d is provided, similar to the example in Figure 9. On the other hand, on the front side of the piezo microphone 113a, an adhesive 9a for attaching the bracket 114 is formed between it and the light-transmitting plate portion Est, so that the adhesive 9a functions similarly to the viscoelastic body in the example in Figure 9.

[0053] According to the second embodiment described above, the in-vehicle device 11,101 includes a housing 15,115 fixed to the external structure Es of the vehicle Ve and housing the electromagnetic wave elements 12,112. The acoustic sensors 13,113 are held on the outer wall of the housing 15,115 so as to be shared by the electromagnetic wave elements 12,112 and the housing 15,115, and are positioned where vibrations of the external structure Es are transmitted, and have microphones 13a,113a that detect vibrations of the external structure Es. By holding the acoustic sensors 13,113 on the outer wall, it is possible to suppress the increase in the number of man-hours required to install the in-vehicle device 11,101 on the vehicle Ve and to achieve both sound detection performance and efficiency.

[0054] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the microphones 13a and 113a are in close contact with the external structure Es with elastic bodies 13c and 113c acting as viscoelastic bodies placed between them and the external structure Es. This configuration makes it possible to easily improve vibration transmission between the microphones 13a and 113a and the external structure Es while suppressing an increase in installation man-hours.

[0055] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the microphones 13a and 113a are in close contact with the external structural part Es with elastic bodies 13d and 113d placed between them and the housings 15 and 115. Since the elastic bodies 13d and 113d absorb dimensional errors during installation, installation can be made easier.

[0056] (Third embodiment) As shown in Figures 11-15, the third embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. The third embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0057] In the example shown in Figure 11, similar to the example in Figure 3, the in-vehicle device 21 is attached to the windshield Pf7, which serves as the external structural part Es. The example in Figure 11 will be explained focusing on the differences from the example in Figure 3. In this example, the housing 25 is formed by integrating a first housing component 25X and a second housing component 25Y. The first housing component 25X is a housing component that accommodates the camera 22a, which serves as the electromagnetic wave element 22. The first housing component 25X includes a substrate housing section 25a and a hood section 25b. The substrate 26 housed in the substrate housing section 25a is provided exclusively for mounting the control circuit of the camera 22a.

[0058] The second housing component 25Y is a housing component that houses the acoustic sensor 23. The second housing component 25Y is fixed to the first housing component 25X by methods such as adhesive bonding, engagement, or fastening. The second housing component 25Y has a recess 25d at a position facing the windshield Pf7. The recess 25d houses the microphone 23a of the acoustic sensor 23. The microphone may be a condenser microphone or a piezo microphone, but it is more preferable to use a piezo microphone because it is difficult to provide space in the recess 25d to generate the air vibrations that the condenser microphone detects.

[0059] In the example shown in Figure 12, similar to the example in Figure 4, the in-vehicle device 121 is attached to the translucent plate portion Est of the B-pillar Ps4, which is the external structural portion Es. The housing 125, which is housed in the housing housing portion 124b of the bracket 124, is formed by integrating a first housing component 125X and a second housing component 125Y. The first housing component 125X is a housing component that houses the camera 122a, which is the electromagnetic wave element 122. The first housing component 125X has a configuration that includes a substrate housing portion 125a and a hood portion 125b. The substrate 126 housed in the substrate housing portion 125a is provided exclusively for mounting the control circuit of the camera 122a. The first housing component 125X has a space for arranging the second housing component 125Y at the corner portion 125e adjacent to the hood portion 125b and facing the translucent plate portion Est.

[0060] The second housing component 125Y is a housing component that houses the acoustic sensor 123. The second housing component 125Y is fixed to the first housing component 125X by methods such as adhesive bonding, engagement, or fastening. The integrated first housing component 125X and second housing component 125Y form a cylindrical housing 125 with virtually no gap between it and the housing housing portion 124b.

[0061] The connectors on the housing 125 side are provided separately for the connector 127aX of the first housing component 125X and the connector 127aY of the second housing component 125Y. On the other hand, the connector on the harness 128b side is wired from the connector 128aX corresponding to the first housing component 125X to the connector 128aY corresponding to the second housing component 125Y, so that the camera 122a and the acoustic sensor 123 share harness 128b and are electrically connected to the ECU0 on the vehicle Ve side.

[0062] Next, the process of attaching the in-vehicle device 121 shown in Figure 12 to the vehicle Ve will be explained using Figures 13 to 15. In the first step shown in Figure 13, adhesive 9b is applied to the mounting portion of the bracket 124 and pressed against the translucent plate portion Est of the B pillar Ps4. Once the adhesive 9a dries, the bracket 124 is fixed to the translucent plate portion Est.

[0063] In the second step shown in Figure 14, with the camera 122a and acoustic sensor 123 already assembled, the housing 125, consisting of a pre-integrated first housing component 125X and a second housing component 125Y, is inserted into the housing housing portion 124b of the bracket 124. This fixes the camera 122a and acoustic sensor 123 to the light-transmitting plate portion Est and the bracket 124. In the third step shown in Figure 15, the two connectors 128aX and 128aY on the harness 128b side are connected to the two connectors 127aX and 127aY on the housing 125 side, respectively. With these steps, the installation of the in-vehicle device 121 to the vehicle Ve is completed.

[0064] According to the third embodiment described above, the in-vehicle devices 21,121 include first housing components 25X,125X that house electromagnetic wave elements 22,122, and second housing components 25Y,125Y that house acoustic sensors 23,123. The acoustic sensors 23,123 are integrated with the electromagnetic wave elements 22,122 by fixing the second housing components 25Y,125Y to the first housing components 25X,125X. This integration makes it possible to suppress an increase in the man-hours required to install the in-vehicle devices 21,121 onto the vehicle Ve.

[0065] (Fourth Embodiment) As shown in Figures 16-19, the fourth embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. The fourth embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0066] In the example of Figure 16, similar to the example of Figure 4, the in-vehicle device 131 is attached to the translucent plate portion Est of the B-pillar Ps4, which is the external structural portion Es. The example of Figure 16 will be explained focusing on the differences from the example of Figure 4. In this example, the first housing component 135X and the second housing component 135b are provided separately. The first housing component 135X is a housing component housed in the housing housing portion 134b of the bracket 134, and is a housing component that houses the camera 132a, which is the electromagnetic wave element 132.

[0067] The second housing component 135Y is a housing component that houses the acoustic sensor 133. The second housing component 135Y is fixed to the plate-shaped mounting portion 124a of the bracket 124. Specifically, the second housing component 135Y is attached to the back surface of the mounting portion 134a by adhesive 9a from the opposite side of the mounting portion 134a from the light-transmitting plate portion Est.

[0068] The second housing component 135Y has a recess facing the translucent plate portion Est, with the mounting portion 124a in between. The recess houses the microphone 133a of the acoustic sensor 133. The microphone 133a may be a condenser microphone or a piezo microphone, but it is more preferable to use a piezo microphone that directly detects vibrations of the B pillar Ps4 and the mounting portion 134a, since it is difficult to provide space in the recess to generate air vibrations that a condenser microphone would detect.

[0069] The connectors on the vehicle-mounted device 131 side are provided separately as connector 137aX on the first housing component 135X and connector 137aY on the second housing component 135Y. The connectors 138aX and 138Y on the harness 138b side are the same as in the example in Figure 12.

[0070] Next, the process of attaching the in-vehicle device 131 shown in Figure 16 to the vehicle Ve will be explained using Figures 17 to 19. In the first step shown in Figure 17, adhesive 9a is applied to the mounting portion 134a of the bracket 134 and pressed against the translucent plate portion Est of the B pillar Ps4. Once the adhesive 9a dries, the bracket 134 is fixed to the translucent plate portion Est.

[0071] In the second step shown in Figure 18, the first housing component 135X, with the camera 132a assembled, is inserted into the housing housing portion 134b of the bracket 134. This fixes the camera 132a to the light-transmitting plate portion Est and the bracket 134. Adhesive 9a is applied to the surface of the piezo microphone 133a of the second housing component 135Y, which has the acoustic sensor 133 assembled, so that it contacts the back surface of the mounting portion 134a of the bracket 134. Then, the second housing component 135Y is pressed against this back surface. Once the adhesive 9a dries, the acoustic sensor 133 is fixed to the light-transmitting plate portion Est and the bracket 134. In the third step shown in Figure 19, the two connectors 138aX and 138aY on the harness 138b side are connected to the two connectors 137aX and 137aY on the vehicle-mounted device 131 side, respectively. This completes the installation of the vehicle-mounted device 131 to the vehicle Ve.

[0072] According to the fourth embodiment described above, the on-board device 131 includes a bracket 134 that is attached to the external structural part Es of the vehicle Ve. The on-board device 131 also includes a first housing component 135X that houses the electromagnetic wave element 132 and a second housing component 135Y that houses the acoustic sensor 133. The first housing component 135X is fixed to the bracket 134, and the second housing component 135Y is fixed to the bracket 134, thereby integrating the acoustic sensor 133 with the electromagnetic wave element 132. This integration makes it possible to suppress the increase in the man-hours required to attach the on-board devices 21 and 121 to the vehicle Ve.

[0073] (Fifth embodiment) As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the fifth embodiment is a modified version of the fourth embodiment. The fifth embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the fourth embodiment.

[0074] In the in-vehicle devices 141 and 151 of the fifth embodiment, the second housing components 145Y and 155Y are attached to the back surface of the mounting portion 144a of the brackets 144 and 154 using retaining spring structures 144d and 154d instead of adhesive. Note that the first housing components and cameras are not shown in Figures 20 and 21.

[0075] In the example shown in Figure 20, the retaining spring structure 144d is provided on the rear side of the mounting portion 144a. The retaining spring structure 144d is made of metal, for example, and has a rotating shaft portion 144e, an engaging portion 144g, and a pressing portion 144f. The rotating shaft portion 144e is fixed to a position on the mounting portion 144a that is offset from the position facing the second housing component 125Y. The rotating shaft portion 144e is connected to the pressing portion 144f such that the pressing portion 144f can rotate around the rotating shaft portion 144e as the center of rotation in the space behind the mounting portion 144a. The rotating shaft portion 144e exerts an elastic reaction force toward the mounting portion 144a side of the pressing portion 144f, for example, by using a coil spring or the like.

[0076] The engaging portion 144g is fixed to the mounting portion 144a on the opposite side of the second housing component 145Y from the rotating shaft portion 144e. The engaging portion 144g is formed to be engageable with the tip of the pressing portion 144f. The pressing portion 144f is formed in the shape of a plate or rod that extends to a length that can reach the engaging portion 144g. The pressing portion 144f is configured such that, due to the rotation described above, it is separated from the engaging portion 144g before the second housing component 145Y is assembled to the mounting portion 144a, and becomes engageable with the engaging portion 144g when the second housing component 145Y is assembled.

[0077] The pressing portion 144f, with its tip engaged with the engaging portion 144g, presses the second housing component 145Y toward the light-transmitting plate portion Est or the mounting portion 144a. This allows the piezo microphone 143a to be in close contact with the light-transmitting plate portion Est and the mounting portion 144a without the use of adhesive 9a, enabling direct detection of their vibrations. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 20, the degree of contact can be increased by applying adhesive 9a to the surface of the piezo microphone 143a that contacts the back surface of the mounting portion 144a of the second housing component 145Y.

[0078] The pressing portion 144f may directly press down on the main body portion in which the microphone 143a is housed in the second housing component 145Y. Alternatively, the second housing component 145Y may be provided with a flange that extends from the main body portion substantially parallel to the direction of extension of the mounting portion, and the pressing portion 144f may press down on this flange.

[0079] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 21, the bracket 154 of the in-vehicle device 151 has an opening 154h at a position facing the second housing component 155Y. Due to the retaining spring structure 154d, similar to that in Figure 20, the second housing component 155Y is pressed directly against the light-transmitting plate portion Est through the opening 154h.

[0080] According to the fifth embodiment described above, the in-vehicle devices 141 and 151 are equipped with retaining spring structures 144d and 154d that elastically press the second housing components 145Y and 155Y toward the external structural component Es. This makes it easier for vibrations of the external structural component Es to be transmitted to the second housing components 145Y and 155Y, thereby improving the acoustic detection performance.

[0081] Furthermore, the bracket 154 has an opening 154h that opens at a position facing the external structure Es. The in-vehicle device 151 further includes a retaining spring structure 154d that uses the opening 154h to elastically press the second housing component 155Y directly against the external structure Es. This makes it easier for vibrations of the external structure Es to be transmitted to the second housing component 155Y, thereby improving the acoustic detection performance.

[0082] (Sixth Embodiment) As shown in Figures 22-24, the sixth embodiment is a modified version of the first embodiment. The sixth embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0083] In the sixth embodiment, the in-vehicle device 201 is attached to the body, bumper, grille, etc., which are external structural parts Es. The external structural parts Es are provided with an opening Eso for exposing the in-vehicle device 201 to the outside.

[0084] In the example shown in Figure 22, the housing 205 housed in the housing housing portion 204b of the bracket 204 includes a lens barrel portion 205f and a substrate holding portion 205g. The lens barrel portion 205f is formed in a cylindrical shape to house the lens system 202c of the camera 202a, which serves as an electromagnetic wave element 202. The lens system 202c includes multiple lenses 202d, 202e, and 202f. The foremost exposed lens 202d is positioned at the opening Eso and exposed to the external environment of the vehicle Ve.

[0085] The substrate holder 205g is positioned on the rear side of the lens barrel 205f, that is, on the opposite side of the exposure lens 202d, with other lenses in between. The substrate holder 205g closes the housing 205 from the rear side and forms a holding space inside to hold the substrate 206. The substrate holder 205g holds the substrate 206 between itself and the lens barrel 205f, so that the substrate 206 is positioned opposite the lens system 202c on the optical axis Ao of the lens system 202c. The image sensor 202g is mounted on the substrate 206 on the optical axis Ao of the lens system 202c.

[0086] The microphone of the acoustic sensor 203 is a condenser microphone, specifically a MEMS microphone 203a. The MEMS microphone 203a shares the image sensor 202g and the substrate 206. On the substrate 206, the MEMS microphone 203a is positioned outside the optical axis Ao, offset from the image sensor 202g, and facing the lens system 202c. The MEMS microphone 203a detects air vibrations in the space formed to accommodate the lens system 202c. In other words, the MEMS microphone 203c measures the sound re-radiated by vibrations caused by sounds generated in the external environment, such as those that vibrate the lenses 202d, 202e, and 202f of the lens system 202c.

[0087] In the in-vehicle device 211 in the example shown in Figure 23, the lens barrel 215f has a sound guide hole 215h that communicates between the front end and rear end of the lens barrel 215f along the direction of the optical axis Ao. The sound guide hole 215h is an elongated tubular hole with a circular cross-section that extends in a straight line, similar to the example in Figure 3. The front end of the sound guide hole 215h that is exposed to the external environment is sealed by a sound-permeable filter 215i that combines sound permeability and waterproofing. The sound-permeable filter 215i is formed, for example, in the form of a film or a thin plate. The rear end of the sound guide hole 215h faces the MEMS microphone 213a mounted on the substrate 216.

[0088] In the vehicle-mounted device 221 in the example shown in Figure 24, the lens barrel 225f also has a sound guide hole 225h. In the example shown in Figure 24, the sound guide hole 225h connects the rear end of the lens barrel 225f to the space formed between the multiple lenses 222d, 222e, and 222f in the lens system 222c. For example, the sound guide hole 225h extends from the rear end to a position formed on the inner wall of the lens barrel 225f, between the exposed lens 222d and the second lens 222e facing the exposed lens 222d, via a bent portion 225j. In this case, since the sound guide hole 225h is not directly exposed to the external environment, a sound filter is not required.

[0089] According to the sixth embodiment described above, the in-vehicle devices 211 and 221 include housings 215 and 235 that house the electromagnetic wave element 202. The acoustic sensor 203 is housed in the housing 215 and has a microphone 213a that detects air vibrations as sound. The housing 215 has a sound guide hole 215h that communicates the microphone 213a with the outside of the device. Since the sound guide hole 215h directly guides sound from outside the device to the microphone 213a, detection performance can be improved.

[0090] The sound guide hole 215h communicates between the microphone 213a and the surrounding environment of the vehicle Ve, which is the outside of the device. The housing 215 is positioned to block the sound guide hole 215h and further includes a sound-transmitting filter 215i that combines sound transmission and waterproofing. This prevents foreign matter from entering the inside of the housing 215 from the external environment through the sound guide hole 215h. Therefore, it is possible to provide an in-vehicle device 211 that can maintain detection performance for a long period of time.

[0091] Furthermore, according to the sixth embodiment, the in-vehicle device 221 includes a housing 225 that houses the electromagnetic wave element 202. The acoustic sensor 223 is housed in the housing 225 and has a microphone 223a that detects air vibrations as sound. The electromagnetic wave element 202 has a lens system 222c that includes an exposed lens 222d that is exposed to the surrounding environment of the vehicle Ve, and a plurality of lenses including other lenses 222e and 222f. The housing 225 has a sound guide hole 225h that communicates the microphone 223a with the space formed between the exposed lens 222d and the other lenses 222e and 222f in the lens system 222c. In this configuration, the exposed lens 222d provides both a function for the electromagnetic wave element 202 and a sound filter function for the sound guide hole 225h. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the entry of foreign objects into the housing 225 from the external environment through the sound guide hole 225h, and the detection performance can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0092] (Seventh Embodiment) As shown in Figures 25 and 26, the seventh embodiment is a modification of the sixth embodiment. The seventh embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the sixth embodiment. In the seventh embodiment, a configuration is adopted that enhances the sound collection performance not only outside the vehicle but also inside the vehicle Ve.

[0093] In the in-vehicle device 231 in the example shown in Figure 25, the MEMS microphone 233a is mounted on the rear side of the substrate 236, opposite to the front side where the image sensor 232g is mounted. A sound guide hole 235h is formed on the bottom surface of the substrate holding portion 235g that closes the rear side of the housing 235. The sound guide hole 235h connects a position inside the housing 235 opposite to the MEMS microphone 233a with the outside of the device. In this example, the acoustic sensor 233 can easily detect the sound in the internal space of the vehicle Ve on the opposite side of the external structure Es. A sound-transmitting filter 235i may be provided at the end of the sound guide hole 235h that is exposed to the internal space of the vehicle Ve.

[0094] In the in-vehicle device 241 in the example shown in Figure 26, a sound guide hole 245h is formed in the wall portion of the substrate holder 245g that protrudes cylindrically from the bottom surface toward the lens barrel portion 245f. A MEMS microphone 243a is mounted on the back side of the substrate 246, opposite to the front side where the image sensor 242g is mounted, at a position close to the wall portion eccentric from the center (on the optical axis) of the substrate 246. The sound guide hole 245h connects the vicinity of the inner MEMS microphone 243a with the outside. In this example as well, the acoustic sensor 243 can easily detect the acoustics of the interior space of the vehicle Ve. A sound-transmitting filter 245i may be provided at the end of the sound guide hole 245h that is exposed to the interior space of the vehicle Ve.

[0095] (Eighth embodiment) As shown in Figure 27, the eighth embodiment is a modified version of the sixth and seventh embodiments. The eighth embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the sixth and seventh embodiments.

[0096] In the example shown in Figure 27, both the MEMS microphone 253aX and sound guide hole 255hX corresponding to the arrangement in the example in Figure 24, and the MEMS microphone 253aY and sound guide hole 255hY corresponding to the arrangement in Figure 25 are provided. In other words, it is possible to detect both directional acoustics in the external environment of the vehicle Ve and directional acoustics in the internal space of the vehicle Ve.

[0097] The acoustic sensor 253 then synthesizes the sound signals, which have been converted from analog electrical signals or digital signals detected by the two MEMS microphones 253aX and 253aY, using a control circuit mounted on the circuit board 256. This synthesis process may be capable of performing processing to enhance detection performance through active noise cancellation.

[0098] According to the eighth embodiment described above, the in-vehicle device 251 includes a housing 255 that houses an electromagnetic wave element. The acoustic sensor 253 has a first microphone 253aX housed in the housing 255 that detects air vibrations as sound, and a second microphone 253aY, separate from the first microphone 253aX, that is also housed in the housing 255 and detects air vibrations as sound. The housing 255 has a first sound guide hole 255hX that guides sound from the external environment of the vehicle Ve to the first microphone 253aX, and a second sound guide hole 255hY that guides sound from the internal space of the vehicle Ve to the second microphone 253aY. Therefore, both external environmental sound and internal space sound of the vehicle Ve can be detected, and can be used for performance improvements such as noise cancellation.

[0099] (Ninth Embodiment) As shown in Figure 28, the ninth embodiment is a modified version of the sixth embodiment. The ninth embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the sixth embodiment.

[0100] In the example shown in Figure 28, a configuration is adopted to enhance the sound collection performance inside the vehicle Ve for the MEMS microphone 263a, which corresponds to the example in Figure 24. Specifically, a sound guide hole 266a is provided on the circuit board 266 directly below the mounting position of the MEMS microphone 263a. Furthermore, at the bottom of the circuit board holder 265g, a sound guide hole 265hY is provided at the end of a straight extension of the sound guide hole 266a.

[0101] This allows a single MEMS microphone 263a to perform both detection of directional sounds in the external environment of the vehicle Ve and detection of directional sounds in the interior. The acoustic sensor 263 can be processed by a control circuit mounted on the circuit board 266 to enhance its detection performance through passive noise cancellation.

[0102] According to the ninth embodiment described above, the in-vehicle device 261 includes a housing 265 that houses an electromagnetic wave element. The acoustic sensor 263 is housed in the housing 265 and has a microphone 263a that detects air vibrations as sound. The housing 265 has a first sound guide hole 265hX that guides sound from the external environment of the vehicle Ve to the microphone 263a, and a second sound guide hole 265hY that guides sound from the internal space of the vehicle Ve to the microphone 263a. Therefore, both external environmental sound and internal sound of the vehicle Ve can be detected, and can be used for performance improvements such as noise cancellation.

[0103] (Other embodiments) Although several embodiments have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to those embodiments and can be applied to various embodiments and combinations without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0104] In another embodiment, the in-vehicle device 301 in the example shown in Figure 29 integrates a LiDAR or lighting device as an electromagnetic wave element 302 with an acoustic sensor 303. This in-vehicle device 301 is attached to the body, bumper, grille, etc., as an external structural part Es. The external structural part Es is provided with an opening Eso to expose the in-vehicle device 301 to the outside.

[0105] Bracket 304 is the same as in the example in Figure 22. The housing 305 is housed in the cylindrical part of bracket 304. The housing 305 has a cup-shaped substrate holding portion 305k with a bottom on the rear side, and a translucent light-transmitting cover portion 305m, made of glass or acrylic resin, etc., that covers the substrate holding portion 305k from the front side.

[0106] The internal space of the housing 305, formed by combining the substrate holding portion 305k and the light-transmitting cover portion 305m, is arranged such that the substrate 306 is held by the substrate holding portion 305k. On the front side of the substrate 306, facing the light-transmitting cover portion 305m, the electromagnetic wave device 302g and the MEMS microphone 303a of the acoustic sensor 303 are mounted.

[0107] If the electromagnetic wave element 302 is a LiDAR, the electromagnetic wave device 302g is a light-emitting element that emits laser light and a light-receiving element that receives laser light. If the electromagnetic wave element 302 is a light-emitting element such as an LED, the electromagnetic wave device 302g is a light-emitting element such as an LED.

[0108] In another embodiment, the in-vehicle device 401 in the example of Figure 30 integrates a millimeter-wave radar as an electromagnetic wave element 402 and an acoustic sensor 403. This in-vehicle device 401 is attached to the body, bumper, grille, etc., as an external structural part Es. In difference from Figure 29, since the light handled by the millimeter-wave radar is millimeter waves and not visible light, the light-transmitting cover portion of the housing 405 may be replaced with a cover portion 405n formed of, for example, a colored synthetic resin. The electromagnetic wave device 402g may be an antenna array that transmits and receives millimeter waves.

[0109] The control unit and method described herein may be implemented by a dedicated computer comprising a processor programmed to perform one or more functions embodied by a computer program. Alternatively, the apparatus and method described herein may be implemented by a dedicated hardware logic circuit. Alternatively, the apparatus and method described herein may be implemented by one or more dedicated computers comprising a combination of a processor that executes a computer program and one or more hardware logic circuits. Furthermore, the computer program may be stored as instructions executed by the computer on a computer-readable non-transitional tangible recording medium.

[0110] (Disclosure of technical ideas) This specification discloses several technical concepts, as listed in the following paragraphs. Some paragraphs are written in a multiple dependent form, where subsequent paragraphs alternately refer to preceding paragraphs. These paragraphs written in a multiple dependent form define several technical concepts.

[0111] <Technical philosophy 1> An in-vehicle device configured to be mounted on a vehicle (Ve), An electromagnetic wave element (2,22,102,122,132,202,222,302,402) that performs at least one of the following: radiation of electromagnetic waves directed outwards from the device and detection of electromagnetic waves from outside the device, An in-vehicle device comprising an acoustic sensor (3, 13, 23, 103, 113, 123, 133, 203, 233, 243, 253, 263, 303, 403) integrated with the aforementioned electromagnetic wave element for detecting sounds originating from outside the device.

[0112] <Technical philosophy 2> The system includes a housing (5, 105, 205, 215, 225, 235, 245, 305, 405) for housing the electromagnetic wave element, The in-vehicle device according to technical concept 1, wherein the acoustic sensor has microphones (3a, 103a, 203a, 213a, 223a, 233a, 243a, 253aX, 253aY, 263a, 303a) housed in the housing and using the air present in the internal space of the housing to detect vibrations of the air as sound.

[0113] <Technical philosophy 3> The aforementioned electromagnetic wave element is a camera (2a, 102a) that photographs the outside of the device. The aforementioned enclosure is A hood portion (5b, 105b) has a shape corresponding to the camera's field of view, which gradually increases the width of the internal space as it moves away from the camera, and blocks diffusely reflected light incident from outside the device, A substrate shared between the camera and the acoustic sensor, having substrate housing sections (5a, 105a) that house substrates (6, 106) on which the microphones (3a, 103a) are mounted, The in-vehicle device according to technical concept 2, wherein the hood portion has sound guide holes (5c, 105c) that communicate between the microphone and the internal space.

[0114] <Technical philosophy 4> The vehicle is equipped with a housing (15, 115) that is fixed to the external structure (Es) of the vehicle and houses the electromagnetic wave element, The in-vehicle device according to technical concept 1, wherein the acoustic sensors (13, 113) are held on the outer wall of the housing so as to share the electromagnetic wave element with the housing, and are positioned at a location where vibrations of the external structure are transmitted, and have microphones (13a, 113a) for detecting vibrations of the external structure.

[0115] <Technical philosophy 5> The in-vehicle device according to technical concept 4, wherein the microphone is in close contact with the external structure with a viscoelastic body (13c, 113c) placed between it and the external structure.

[0116] <Technical philosophy 6> The in-vehicle device according to technical concept 4 or 5, wherein the microphone is in close contact with the external structure with elastic bodies (13d, 113d) placed between it and the housing.

[0117] <Technical philosophy 7> A first housing component (25X, 125X) that houses the electromagnetic wave elements (22, 122), The system comprises a second housing component (25Y, 125Y) that houses the aforementioned acoustic sensors (23, 123), The in-vehicle device according to technical concept 1, wherein the acoustic sensor is integrated with the electromagnetic wave element by fixing the second housing component to the first housing component.

[0118] <Technical philosophy 8> Brackets (134, 144, 154) attached to the external structure (Es) of the vehicle, A first housing component (135X) housing the electromagnetic wave element (132), The system comprises a second housing component (135Y, 145Y, 155Y) that houses the acoustic sensor (133), The in-vehicle device according to technical concept 1, wherein the acoustic sensor is integrated with the electromagnetic wave element by fixing the first housing component to the bracket and the second housing component to the bracket.

[0119] <Technical philosophy 9> The in-vehicle device according to technical concept 8, further comprising a retaining spring structure (144d, 154d) that elastically presses the second housing component (145Y, 155Y) toward the external structural component.

[0120] <Technical Thought 10> The bracket (154) has an opening (154h) that opens at a position facing the external structure, The vehicle-mounted device according to technical concept 8, further comprising a retaining spring structure (154d) that uses the aforementioned opening to directly press the second housing component (155Y) against the external structural component by elasticity.

[0121] <Technical Thought 11> The system includes a housing (215, 235, 245, 255, 265) for housing the electromagnetic wave element, The acoustic sensor is housed in the casing and has microphones (213a, 233a, 243a, 253aY, 266a) that detect vibrations of air as sound, The vehicle-mounted device according to technical concept 1, wherein the housing has sound guide holes (215h, 235h, 245h, 255hY, 265hY, 266a) that communicate between the microphone and the outside of the device.

[0122] <Technical Thought 12> The sound guide hole (215h) communicates the microphone with the surrounding environment of the vehicle, which is the outside of the device. The vehicle-mounted device according to technical concept 11, wherein the housing further comprises a sound-transmitting filter (215i) that is positioned to block the sound guide hole and has both sound-transmitting and waterproof properties.

[0123] <Technical Thought 13> The in-vehicle device according to technical concept 11, wherein the sound guide holes (233a, 243a, 253aY, 266a) communicate between the microphone (233a, 243a, 253aY, 266a) and the interior space of the vehicle, which is the outside of the device.

[0124] <Technical Thought 14> The system includes a housing (225) for housing the electromagnetic wave element, The acoustic sensor is housed in the casing and has a microphone (223a) that detects air vibrations as sound, The electromagnetic wave element has a lens system (222c) which includes an exposed lens (222d) that is exposed to the surrounding environment of the vehicle and a plurality of lenses including other lenses (222e, 222f). The vehicle-mounted device according to technical concept 1, wherein the housing has a sound guide hole (225h) that communicates the microphone with the space formed between the exposure lens and the other lenses in the lens system.

[0125] <Technical Thought 15> The system includes a housing (255) for housing the electromagnetic wave element, The aforementioned acoustic sensor (253) is The housing contains a first microphone (253aX) that detects air vibrations as sound, The system includes a second microphone (253aY), which is separate from the first microphone, is housed in the housing, and detects vibrations of the air as sound, The aforementioned enclosure is A first sound guide hole (255hX) that guides sounds from the external environment of the vehicle to the first microphone, An in-vehicle device according to technical concept 1, comprising a second sound guide hole (255hY) for guiding sound from the interior space of the vehicle to the second microphone.

[0126] <Technical Thought 16> The system includes a housing (265) for housing the electromagnetic wave element, The acoustic sensor (263) is housed in the housing and has a microphone (263a) that detects vibrations of air as sound. The aforementioned enclosure is A first sound guide hole (265hX) that guides sounds from the external environment of the vehicle to the microphone, An in-vehicle device according to technical concept 1, comprising a second sound guide hole (265hY) that guides sound from the interior space of the vehicle to the microphone.

[0127] <Technical Thought 17> An in-vehicle device according to any one of technical concepts 1 to 16, wherein the harness electrically connecting the electromagnetic wave element to another device of the vehicle and the harness electrically connecting the acoustic sensor to the other device are shared.

[0128] <Technical Thought 18> The aforementioned acoustic sensor generates a sound signal by converting the detected analog electrical signal into a digital signal. An in-vehicle device according to any one of technical ideas 1 to 17, wherein the communication line through which the electromagnetic wave element communicates with another device of the vehicle and the communication line through which the acoustic sensor communicates with the other device are shared in a form that communicates digital signals. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0129] 1,11,21,101,111,121,131,141,151,201,211,221,231,241,251,261,301,401: On-board equipment, 2,22,102,122,132,202,222,302,402: Electromagnetic wave elements, 3,13,23,103,113,123,133,203,233,243,253,263,303,403: Acoustic sensors, Ve: Vehicle

Claims

1. An in-vehicle device configured to be mounted on a vehicle (Ve), Electromagnetic wave elements (2, 22, 102, 122, 132, 202, 222, 302, 402) that perform at least one of the following: radiation of electromagnetic waves directed outwards from the device and detection of electromagnetic waves from outside the device, Integrated with the electromagnetic wave element are acoustic sensors (3, 13, 23, 103, 113, 123, 133, 203, 233, 243, 253, 263, 303, 403) that detect sounds originating from outside the device, The system comprises a housing (5, 105, 205, 215, 225, 235, 245, 305, 405) for housing the electromagnetic wave element, The acoustic sensor has microphones (3a, 103a, 203a, 213a, 223a, 233a, 243a, 253aX, 253aY, 263a, 303a) housed in the housing, which use the air present in the internal space of the housing to detect vibrations of the air as sound. The electromagnetic wave element is a camera (2a, 102a) that photographs the outside of the device. The aforementioned enclosure is A hood portion (5b, 105b) has a shape corresponding to the camera's field of view, which gradually increases the width of the internal space as it moves away from the camera, and blocks diffusely reflected light incident from outside the device, A substrate shared between the camera and the acoustic sensor, having substrate housing sections (5a, 105a) that house substrates (6, 106) on which the microphones (3a, 103a) are mounted, The hood portion has sound guide holes (5c, 105c) that communicate between the microphone and the internal space, and is an in-vehicle device.

2. An in-vehicle device configured to be mounted on a vehicle (Ve), Electromagnetic wave elements (2, 22, 102, 122, 132, 202, 222, 302, 402) that perform at least one of the following: radiation of electromagnetic waves directed outwards from the device and detection of electromagnetic waves from outside the device, Integrated with the electromagnetic wave element are acoustic sensors (3, 13, 23, 103, 113, 123, 133, 203, 233, 243, 253, 263, 303, 403) that detect sounds originating from outside the device, The vehicle comprises a housing (15, 115) fixed to the external structure (Es) of the vehicle and housing the electromagnetic wave element, The above-mentioned acoustic sensors (13, 113) are held on the outer wall of the housing so as to share the electromagnetic wave element with the housing, and are positioned at a location where vibrations of the external structure are transmitted, and the vehicle-mounted device has microphones (13a, 113a) for detecting vibrations of the external structure.

3. The in-vehicle device according to claim 2, wherein the microphone is in close contact with the external structure with a viscoelastic body (13c, 113c) placed between it and the external structure.

4. The in-vehicle device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the microphone is in close contact with the external structure with elastic bodies (13d, 113d) placed between it and the housing.

5. An in-vehicle device configured to be mounted on a vehicle (Ve), Electromagnetic wave elements (2, 22, 102, 122, 132, 202, 222, 302, 402) that perform at least one of the following: radiation of electromagnetic waves directed outwards from the device and detection of electromagnetic waves from outside the device, Integrated with the electromagnetic wave element are acoustic sensors (3, 13, 23, 103, 113, 123, 133, 203, 233, 243, 253, 263, 303, 403) that detect sounds originating from outside the device, A first housing component (25X, 125X) that houses the electromagnetic wave elements (22, 122), The system comprises a second housing component (25Y, 125Y) that houses the aforementioned acoustic sensors (23, 123), An in-vehicle device in which the acoustic sensor is integrated with the electromagnetic wave element by fixing the second housing component to the first housing component.

6. An in-vehicle device configured to be mounted on a vehicle (Ve), Electromagnetic wave elements (2, 22, 102, 122, 132, 202, 222, 302, 402) that perform at least one of the following: radiation of electromagnetic waves directed outwards from the device and detection of electromagnetic waves from outside the device, Integrated with the electromagnetic wave element are acoustic sensors (3, 13, 23, 103, 113, 123, 133, 203, 233, 243, 253, 263, 303, 403) that detect sounds originating from outside the device, Brackets (134, 144, 154) attached to the external structure (Es) of the vehicle, A first housing component (135X) that houses the electromagnetic wave element (132), The system comprises a second housing component (135Y, 145Y, 155Y) that houses the acoustic sensor (133), An in-vehicle device in which the acoustic sensor is integrated with the electromagnetic wave element by fixing the first housing component to the bracket and fixing the second housing component to the bracket.

7. The in-vehicle device according to claim 6, further comprising a retaining spring structure (144d, 154d) that elastically presses the second housing component (145Y, 155Y) toward the external structural component.

8. The bracket (154) has an opening (154h) that opens at a position facing the external structure, The in-vehicle device according to claim 6, further comprising a retaining spring structure (154d) that uses the opening to directly press the second housing component (155Y) against the external structural component by elasticity.

9. An in-vehicle device configured to be mounted on a vehicle (Ve), Electromagnetic wave elements (2, 22, 102, 122, 132, 202, 222, 302, 402) that perform at least one of the following: radiation of electromagnetic waves directed outwards from the device and detection of electromagnetic waves from outside the device, Integrated with the electromagnetic wave element are acoustic sensors (3, 13, 23, 103, 113, 123, 133, 203, 233, 243, 253, 263, 303, 403) that detect sounds originating from outside the device, The system comprises a housing (225) for housing the electromagnetic wave element, The acoustic sensor is housed in the casing and has a microphone (223a) that detects vibrations of air as sound, The electromagnetic wave element has a lens system (222c) which includes an exposed lens (222d) that is exposed to the surrounding environment of the vehicle and a plurality of other lenses (222e, 222f), The housing is an in-vehicle device having a sound guide hole (225h) that communicates the microphone with the space formed between the exposure lens and the other lenses in the lens system.

10. An in-vehicle device configured to be mounted on a vehicle (Ve), Electromagnetic wave elements (2, 22, 102, 122, 132, 202, 222, 302, 402) that perform at least one of the following: radiation of electromagnetic waves directed outwards from the device and detection of electromagnetic waves from outside the device, Integrated with the electromagnetic wave element are acoustic sensors (3, 13, 23, 103, 113, 123, 133, 203, 233, 243, 253, 263, 303, 403) that detect sounds originating from outside the device, The system comprises a housing (225) for housing the electromagnetic wave element, The aforementioned acoustic sensor (253) is A first microphone (253aX) housed in the aforementioned enclosure detects vibrations of air as sound, The system includes a second microphone (253aY), which is separate from the first microphone, is housed in the housing, and detects vibrations of the air as sound, The aforementioned enclosure is A first sound guide hole (255hX) that guides sounds from the external environment of the vehicle to the first microphone, An in-vehicle device having a second sound guide hole (255hY) that guides sound from the interior space of the vehicle to the second microphone.

11. An in-vehicle device configured to be mounted on a vehicle (Ve), Electromagnetic wave elements (2, 22, 102, 122, 132, 202, 222, 302, 402) that perform at least one of the following: radiation of electromagnetic waves directed outwards from the device and detection of electromagnetic waves from outside the device, Integrated with the electromagnetic wave element are acoustic sensors (3, 13, 23, 103, 113, 123, 133, 203, 233, 243, 253, 263, 303, 403) that detect sounds originating from outside the device, The system comprises a housing (225) for housing the electromagnetic wave element, The acoustic sensor (263) is housed in the casing and has a microphone (263a) that detects vibrations of air as sound. The aforementioned enclosure is A first sound guide hole (265hX) that guides sounds from the external environment of the vehicle to the microphone, An in-vehicle device having a second sound guide hole (265hY) that guides sound from the interior space of the vehicle to the microphone.

Images