Notification sound output system

Abstract

This notification sound output system (100) comprises: a night lamp (31) installed in a vehicle (1), and lighting at night; an output unit (11) which outputs a notification sound to the outside of a vehicle; and a control unit (22) which performs output control for a notification sound from the output unit (11) so that the sound volume of the notification sound increases when the night lamp (31) is off, and the sound volume of the notification sound decreases when the night lamp (31) is on.

Description

Notification sound output system

[0001] The present invention relates to a notification sound output system that can be mounted on a vehicle.

[0002] Conventionally, technologies relating to electric vehicles have been developed. For example, International Publication No. 2019 / 159828 (Patent Document 1) discloses a vehicle lighting system that includes a lamp that indicates the autonomous driving status of an electric vehicle and the charge level of a battery installed in the electric vehicle.

[0003] International Publication No. 2019 / 159828

[0004] However, since quiet vehicles such as electric vehicles are difficult for others to notice while driving, technology that can notify others of the presence of the vehicle is desirable. However, if the presence of the vehicle is made known to those around it more than necessary, it may cause discomfort to those around it.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a notification sound output system that can notify those around it of the presence of a vehicle while preventing those around it from feeling uncomfortable.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a notification sound output system according to one aspect of the present invention is configured to be mountable on a vehicle and comprises a nighttime lamp that is turned on during nighttime hours, an output unit that outputs a notification sound to the outside of the vehicle, and a control unit that controls the output of the notification sound from the output unit so that the volume of the notification sound increases when the nighttime lamp is turned off and decreases when the nighttime lamp is turned on.

[0007] In addition, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a notification sound output system according to another aspect of the present invention comprises an output unit that outputs a notification sound to the outside of the vehicle, and a control unit that controls the output of the notification sound from the output unit so that the volume of the notification sound increases during daytime hours and decreases during nighttime hours.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to notify the surroundings of the presence of a vehicle and to prevent the surroundings from feeling uncomfortable.

[0009] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle lighting system according to a first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed by a road surface drawing lamp included in the lamp unit shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure when a notification sound output unit according to a first embodiment controls the output of a notification sound. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the output processing of the notification sound shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle lighting system and a notification sound output system according to a second embodiment.

[0010] First Embodiment [Configuration of Vehicle Lamp System] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle lamp system according to the first embodiment.

[0011] 1, a notification sound output system 100 according to a first embodiment is configured to be mountable on a vehicle 1, and includes a vehicle lighting system 10 and an output unit 11. Fig. 1 shows the notification sound output system 100 mounted on the vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 may be an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, a gasoline-powered vehicle, or the like. The vehicle 1 may also be a four-wheeled motor vehicle or a motorcycle.

[0012] The vehicle lighting system 10 includes a lamp unit 21 and a control unit 22. The lamp unit 21 includes a nighttime lamp 31 that is turned on at night and a road surface marking lamp 32 (described later). The nighttime lamp is, for example, a low beam lamp or a high beam lamp that is a headlight.

[0013] The control unit 22 includes an illumination control unit 41, a notification sound control unit 42, and a storage unit 43. The storage unit 43 is, for example, a non-volatile memory.

[0014] The lighting control unit 41 controls the turning on and off of the nighttime lighting fixtures 31 and the road surface drawing lighting fixtures 32. For example, a user who is an occupant of the vehicle 1 operates the operation unit 51 during a nighttime period. The operation unit 51 then outputs operation information indicating the user's operation to the control unit 22. Then, upon receiving the operation information output from the operation unit 51, the lighting control unit 41 in the control unit 22 turns on the nighttime lighting fixtures 31 based on the operation information.

[0015] For example, a user may operate the operation unit 51 during the daytime. The operation unit 51 then outputs operation information indicating the user's operation to the control unit 22. Upon receiving the operation information output from the operation unit 51, the lighting control unit 41 in the control unit 22 turns off the nighttime lamp 31 based on the operation information.

[0016] The lighting control unit 41 is not limited to a configuration that controls the turning on and off of the nighttime lamp 31 when it receives operation information from the operation unit 51. For example, the lighting control unit 41 may be configured to be able to communicate with an illuminance sensor mounted on the vehicle 1, and may turn on the nighttime lamp 31 when the illuminance around the vehicle 1 changes from a predetermined value or more to less than the predetermined value, and may turn off the nighttime lamp 31 when the illuminance changes from less than the predetermined value to the predetermined value or more.

[0017] Furthermore, the lighting control unit 41 may determine whether the current time is a daytime period or a nighttime period based on the current time, and based on the determination result, control the turning on and off of the nighttime lighting fixtures 31. In this example, the daytime period includes the morning period when it is not necessary to turn on the nighttime lighting fixtures 31, and the nighttime period includes the evening period when it is necessary to turn on the nighttime lighting fixtures 31.

[0018] The output unit 11 is, for example, a speaker provided near the nighttime lamp 31 at the front of the vehicle 1, and outputs a notification sound to the outside of the vehicle 1. The notification sound control unit 42 controls the output of the notification sound from the output unit 11 in accordance with the turning on and off of the nighttime lamp 31. The notification sound is a pseudo engine sound or the like. The memory unit 43 stores sound data such as pre-recorded pseudo engine sounds.

[0019] More specifically, when the night lamp 31 is turned off, i.e., during the daytime, the notification sound control unit 42 increases the volume of the notification sound from the output unit 11. This makes it possible to notify people in the vicinity of the vehicle 1 even if the vehicle 1 is very quiet during the daytime.

[0020] Furthermore, the notification sound control unit 42 reduces the volume of the notification sound from the output unit 11 when the nighttime lamp 31 is turned on, i.e., during nighttime hours. This prevents nearby people from being annoyed by the notification sound during nighttime hours, while enabling nearby people to be notified of the presence of the vehicle 1 by turning on the nighttime lamp 31. Note that the notification sound control unit 42 may perform output control such that the output of the notification sound is stopped when the nighttime lamp 31 is turned on.

[0021] When the vehicle 1 is an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, the vehicle 1 tends to be quieter and have better acceleration performance than a gasoline-powered vehicle. For this reason, there is a particularly strong need to notify people in the vicinity of the vehicle 1, and the adoption of the above-described configuration is particularly effective.

[0022] Furthermore, when the vehicle 1 is a motorcycle, it is easier for it to enter narrow roads than when it is a four-wheeled vehicle. Pedestrians walking on narrow roads are often less wary of vehicles than when they are walking on wide roads. For this reason, when the vehicle 1 is a motorcycle, it is particularly necessary to notify people in the vicinity of the presence of the vehicle 1, and adopting the above-described configuration is particularly effective.

[0023] [Details of Output Control by Notification Sound Control] (Output Control of Notification Sound According to Turning On / Off of Nighttime Lamp) For example, suppose that the user performs an operation to switch the nighttime lamp 31 from on to off using the operation unit 51. In this case, the notification sound control unit 42 in the control unit 22 receives operation information for instructing the nighttime lamp 31 to be turned off from the operation unit 51, and performs output control to increase the volume of the notification sound based on the operation information.

[0024] More specifically, notification sound control unit 42 acquires sound data stored in storage unit 43, and outputs output control information instructing output of a notification sound using the sound data, as well as the acquired sound data, to output unit 11. When output unit 11 receives the output control information instructing output of a notification sound and the sound data from notification sound control unit 42, output unit 11 outputs a notification sound at a first volume to the outside of vehicle 1, for example, using the sound data.

[0025] Also, for example, suppose that the user performs an operation to switch the nighttime lighting device 31 from off to on using the operation unit 51. In this case, the notification sound control unit 42 receives operation information for instructing the nighttime lighting device 31 to be turned on from the operation unit 51, and performs output control to lower the volume of the notification sound based on the operation information.

[0026] More specifically, notification sound control unit 42 outputs output control information to output unit 11 to lower the volume of the notification sound or to stop output of the notification sound. When output unit 11 receives output control information to lower the volume of the notification sound, it outputs the notification sound at, for example, a second volume that is lower than the first volume. Furthermore, when output unit 11 receives output control information to stop output of the notification sound, it stops output of the notification sound.

[0027] Note that the storage unit 43 may store not only sound data of the pseudo engine sound but also sound data of other notification sounds such as buzzer sounds, voice sounds, or instrument sounds. For example, the notification sound control unit 42 may output to the output unit 11 sound data that has been selected in advance by the user from among the multiple types of sound data stored in the storage unit 43.

[0028] However, when a false engine sound is output as the notification sound, people around the vehicle 1 can easily become aware of the presence of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, many users prefer to hear the engine sound while the vehicle 1 is running. For this reason, it is preferable to output a false engine sound as the notification sound.

[0029] (Controlling output of notification sound according to vehicle driving state) In addition to controlling output of notification sound according to turning on / off of the night lamp 31, the notification sound control unit 42 may further control output of notification sound according to the driving state of the vehicle 1. More specifically, when the acceleration of the vehicle 1 is high, there is a high need to notify people in the vicinity of the presence of the vehicle 1. For this reason, the notification sound control unit 42 may change the volume of the notification sound based on the acceleration of the vehicle 1.

[0030] For example, an acceleration sensor (not shown) mounted on the vehicle 1 periodically or irregularly acquires the acceleration of the vehicle 1 and outputs the acquired acceleration to the control unit 22. The notification sound control unit 42 in the control unit 22 changes the volume of the notification sound based on the acceleration acquired from the acceleration sensor.

[0031] Specifically, it is assumed that the acceleration of the vehicle 1 is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th1 while the nighttime lamp 31 is off, i.e., during the daytime. In this case, the notification sound control unit 42 outputs output control information to the output unit 11 to increase the volume of the notification sound based on the acceleration from the acceleration sensor. Upon receiving the output control information, the output unit 11 outputs the notification sound at, for example, a third volume that is higher than the first volume described above. Note that if the output unit 11 is already outputting the notification sound at the third volume, it may continue to output the notification sound at the third volume, or it may output the notification sound at a volume higher than the third volume.

[0032] Also, assume that the acceleration of the vehicle 1 is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th1 while the nighttime lamp 31 is on, i.e., during a nighttime period when no notification sound is being output. In this case, the notification sound control unit 42 outputs, for example, output control information instructing the output unit 11 to output a notification sound based on the acceleration from the acceleration sensor. Upon receiving the output control information, the output unit 11 outputs the notification sound at, for example, a first volume.

[0033] Also, assume that the acceleration of the vehicle 1 is less than the threshold value Th1 while the nighttime lamp 31 is off, i.e., during the daytime. In this case, the notification sound control unit 42 outputs output control information to the output unit 11 to lower the volume of the notification sound based on the detection result from the acceleration sensor. Upon receiving the output control information, the output unit 11 outputs the notification sound at, for example, a second volume lower than the first volume. Note that, if the output unit 11 is already outputting the notification sound at the second volume, the output unit 11 may continue outputting the notification sound at the second volume, or may output the notification sound at a volume lower than the second volume. The second volume may also be zero.

[0034] Also, assume that the acceleration of the vehicle 1 is less than the threshold value Th1 while the nighttime lamp 31 is on, i.e., during a nighttime period when no notification sound is being output. In this case, the notification sound control unit 42 does not output an output control signal to the output unit 11 so that the state in which no notification sound is being output continues.

[0035] The notification sound control unit 42 is not limited to a configuration that controls the volume of the notification sound depending on whether the acceleration of the vehicle 1 is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th1. For example, the notification sound control unit 42 may perform output control such that the volume of the notification sound increases as the acceleration of the vehicle 1 indicated by the detection result increases.

[0036] Furthermore, instead of receiving the detection result from the acceleration sensor, the notification sound control unit 42 may calculate the acceleration of the vehicle 1 based on an image of the surroundings of the vehicle 1 taken by a camera mounted on the vehicle 1. Furthermore, if the vehicle 1 is a motorcycle, the notification sound control unit 42 may calculate the acceleration of the vehicle 1 based on the degree of twist of the throttle grip of the vehicle 1.

[0037] (Controlling the output of notification sound according to the driving environment of the vehicle) In addition to controlling the output of notification sound according to the on / off of the night lamp, the notification sound control unit 42 may further control the output of notification sound according to the driving environment of the vehicle 1. More specifically, when there are many people around the vehicle 1, there is a high need to notify these people of the presence of the vehicle 1. For this reason, the notification sound control unit 42 may change the volume of the notification sound according to a measurement value of the noise around the vehicle 1.

[0038] For example, a noise sensor (not shown) mounted on the vehicle 1 and equipped with a microphone or the like periodically or irregularly measures noise around the vehicle 1 and outputs the measurement values ​​to the control unit 22. The notification sound control unit 42 in the control unit 22 receives the measurement values ​​from the noise sensor and changes the volume of the notification sound based on the detection results.

[0039] Specifically, it is assumed that the noise measurement value is equal to or greater than threshold value Th2 while nighttime lamp 31 is off, i.e., during the daytime. In this case, notification sound control unit 42 outputs output control information to output unit 11 to increase the volume of the notification sound based on the measurement value from the noise sensor. Upon receiving the output control information, output unit 11 outputs the notification sound at, for example, a third volume that is higher than the first volume. Note that if output unit 11 is already outputting the notification sound at the third volume, it may continue to output the notification sound at the third volume, or it may output the notification sound at a volume higher than the third volume.

[0040] Also, assume that the noise measurement value is equal to or greater than threshold value Th2 while nighttime lighting fixture 31 is on, i.e., during a nighttime period when no notification sound is being output. In this case, notification sound control unit 42 outputs, for example, output control information instructing output of a notification sound to output unit 11 based on the measurement value from the noise sensor. Upon receiving the output control information, output unit 11 outputs the notification sound at, for example, a first volume.

[0041] Also, assume that the noise measurement value is less than threshold value Th2 while nighttime lighting fixture 31 is off, i.e., during the daytime. In this case, notification sound control unit 42 outputs output control information to output unit 11 to lower the volume of the notification sound based on the measurement value from the noise sensor. Upon receiving the output control information, output unit 11 outputs the notification sound at, for example, a second volume lower than the first volume. Note that if output unit 11 is already outputting the notification sound at the second volume, it may continue outputting the notification sound at the second volume, or may output the notification sound at a volume lower than the second volume. Also, as described above, the second volume may be zero.

[0042] Furthermore, it is assumed that the measured noise value is less than the threshold value Th2 while the nighttime lamp 31 is on, i.e., during the nighttime hours when no notification sound is being output. In this case, the notification sound control unit 42 does not output an output control signal to the output unit 11 so that the state in which no notification sound is being output continues.

[0043] The notification sound control unit 42 is not limited to a configuration that controls the volume of the notification sound depending on whether the measured noise value is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th2. For example, the notification sound control unit 42 may perform output control such that the volume of the notification sound increases as the measured noise value increases.

[0044] In addition, the notification sound control unit 42 may be configured to perform both the output control of increasing the volume of the notification sound when the acceleration of vehicle 1 is high, and the output control of increasing the volume of the notification sound when the measured value of the noise around vehicle 1 is high, as described above, or it may be configured to perform only one of them.

[0045] Furthermore, instead of acquiring a measurement value from a noise sensor, the notification sound control unit 42 may estimate the noise around the vehicle 1 based on the traveling position of the vehicle 1. For example, the notification sound control unit 42 may determine whether the vehicle 1 is traveling in an urban area by using the current position of the vehicle 1, map information stored in the memory unit 43, the traveling speed of the vehicle 1, and the like.

[0046] When the notification sound control unit 42 determines that the vehicle 1 is traveling in an urban area, it estimates that the noise around the vehicle 1 is high, and outputs output control information to increase the volume of the notification sound to the output unit 11. On the other hand, when the notification sound control unit 42 determines that the vehicle 1 is not traveling in an urban area, it estimates that the noise around the vehicle 1 is low, and outputs output control information to decrease the volume of the notification sound to the output unit 11.

[0047] (Lighting of road marking lamps according to the vehicle driving environment) The road marking lamps 32 in the lamp unit 21 are controlled by the lighting control unit 41 to display an image on the road surface around the vehicle 1. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed by the road marking lamps included in the lamp unit shown in Fig. 1.

[0048] 1 and 2 , as described above, when there are many people around the vehicle 1, there is a strong need to notify these people of the presence of the vehicle 1. For this reason, the lighting control unit 41 in the control unit 22 may turn on the road marking lamp 32 in accordance with the measured value of the noise around the vehicle 1.

[0049] Specifically, it is assumed that the noise measurement value is equal to or greater than threshold value Th3. In this case, the lighting control unit 41 turns on the road marking lamp 32 based on the measurement value from the noise sensor. As a result, an image G as shown in FIG. 2 is displayed on the road surface around the vehicle 1. With this configuration, when there are many pedestrians and other vehicles around the vehicle 1, it is possible to more reliably notify people around the vehicle 1 of the presence of the vehicle 1.

[0050] The threshold value Th3 may be the same as the threshold value Th2 described above, or may be a value different from the threshold value Th2.

[0051] In addition, when the noise measurement value during daytime hours is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th3, the lighting control unit 41 may turn on the nighttime lamp 31 in addition to, or instead of, turning on the road surface drawing lamp 32.

[0052] [Operation Flow] (Overall Flow) Next, an operation of the notification sound output unit according to the first embodiment when controlling the notification sound will be described. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure when the notification sound output unit according to the first embodiment controls the output of the notification sound.

[0053] In this example, from the time vehicle 1 starts traveling until the user operates to switch the nighttime lighting fixtures 31 on and off (hereinafter referred to as the "initial state"), the on / off status of nighttime lighting fixtures 31 and the associated output of a notification sound are maintained in the state they were in the previous time vehicle 1 was traveling.

[0054] 3, it is assumed that the nighttime lighting device 31 is initially turned off and a notification sound is being output. In this state, it is assumed that the user performs an operation to switch the nighttime lighting device 31 from off to on using the operation unit 51. In this case, the control unit 22 acquires operation information for instructing the nighttime lighting device 31 to be turned on from the operation unit 51 (step S101).

[0055] Next, the lighting control unit 41 in the control unit 22 turns on the night lamp 31 in accordance with the acquired operation information (step S102).

[0056] Next, the notification sound control unit 42 in the control unit 22 stops the output of the notification sound from the output unit 11 based on the operation information from the operation unit 51 (step S103).

[0057] Next, it is assumed that the user performs an operation to switch the nighttime lighting device 31 from on to off using the operation unit 51. In this case, the control unit 22 acquires operation information for instructing the nighttime lighting device 31 to be turned off from the operation unit 51 (step S104).

[0058] Next, the illumination control unit 41 in the control unit 22 turns off the nighttime lighting device 31 in accordance with the acquired operation information (step S105).

[0059] Next, the notification sound control unit 42 in the control unit 22 performs an output process to output a notification sound from the output unit 11 based on the operation information from the operation unit 51 (step S106). The notification sound output process will be described in detail later.

[0060] (Details of notification sound output process) Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the notification sound output process shown in Figure 3. In this example, the notification sound control unit 42 periodically acquires detection results of the acceleration of the vehicle 1 from an acceleration sensor, and controls the output volume of the notification sound based on the acquired detection results. The notification sound control unit 42 also periodically acquires measurement results of noise around the vehicle 1 from a noise sensor, and controls the output volume of the notification sound based on the acquired measurement results.

[0061] 4 , first, notification sound control unit 42 acquires sound data stored in storage unit 43, and outputs output control information instructing output of a notification sound using the sound data, and the acquired sound data, to output unit 11. Upon receiving the output control information instructing output of a notification sound and the sound data, output unit 11 outputs a notification sound at a first volume using the sound data, for example (step S201).

[0062] Next, the notification sound control unit 42 checks whether the current acceleration of the vehicle 1 is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th1 based on the latest detection result obtained from the acceleration sensor (step S202).

[0063] Next, if the acceleration of the vehicle 1 is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th1 ("YES" in step S202), the notification sound control unit 42 outputs output control information to the output unit 11 to increase the volume of the notification sound. Upon receiving the output control information, the output unit 11 outputs the notification sound at, for example, a third volume that is higher than the first volume. Note that if the output unit 11 is already outputting the notification sound at the third volume, the output unit 11 continues to output the notification sound at the third volume, for example (step S203).

[0064] On the other hand, if the acceleration of the vehicle 1 is less than the threshold value Th1 ("NO" in step S202), the notification sound control unit 42 outputs output control information to the output unit 11 to lower the volume of the notification sound. Upon receiving the output control information, the output unit 11 outputs the notification sound at, for example, a second volume that is lower than the first volume. Note that if the output unit 11 is already outputting the notification sound at the second volume, the output unit 11 continues to output the notification sound at, for example, the second volume (step S204).

[0065] Next, the notification sound control unit 42 checks whether the current measurement value of the noise around the vehicle 1 is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th2 based on the latest measurement result acquired from the noise sensor (step S205).

[0066] Next, if the measured noise value is equal to or greater than threshold value Th2 ("YES" in step S205), notification sound control unit 42 outputs output control information to output unit 11 to increase the volume of the notification sound. Upon receiving the output control information, output unit 11 outputs the notification sound at, for example, a third volume that is higher than the first volume. Note that if output unit 11 is already outputting the notification sound at the third volume, output unit 11 continues outputting the notification sound at, for example, the third volume (step S206).

[0067] On the other hand, if the measured noise value is less than threshold value Th2 ("NO" in step S205), notification sound control unit 42 outputs output control information to output unit 11 to lower the volume of the notification sound. Upon receiving the output control information, output unit 11 outputs the notification sound at, for example, a second volume that is lower than the first volume. Note that if output unit 11 is already outputting the notification sound at the second volume, output unit 11 continues outputting the notification sound at, for example, the second volume (step S207).

[0068] The notification sound control unit 42 repeats the above-described operations (steps S201 to S207) until it receives operation information instructing the night lamp 31 to be turned on (step S101 shown in FIG. 3).

[0069] As described above, the output unit 11 of the notification sound output system 100 according to the first embodiment outputs a notification sound to the outside of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, the notification sound control unit 42 in the control unit 22 controls the output of the notification sound from the output unit 11 so that the volume of the notification sound increases when the nighttime lamp 31, which is configured to be mountable on the vehicle 1, is turned off, and the volume of the notification sound decreases when the nighttime lamp 31 is turned on.

[0070] As vehicles have become more electric, the use of motors has led to increased quietness, and engine improvements have also led to vehicles emitting notification sounds to alert others to their presence. However, the inventors have noticed that while vehicle notification sounds are not noticeable during the daytime when many people are active, outputting notification sounds at the same volume at night can be unpleasant. For example, when returning home late at night in a quiet residential area, the sound of a vehicle traveling can be bothersome because the surroundings are quiet.

[0071] Therefore, as in the notification sound output system 100 according to the above embodiment, by configuring the volume of the notification sound to increase when the nighttime lamp 31 is turned off, it is possible to notify nearby people of the presence of the vehicle 1 even if the vehicle 1 is very quiet. Also, by configuring the volume of the notification sound to decrease when the nighttime lamp 31 is turned on, it is possible to notify nearby people of the presence of the vehicle 1 by turning on the nighttime lamp 31, while preventing nearby people from being annoyed by the notification sound. Also, by configuring the control unit 22 to both turn on and off the nighttime lamp 31 and control the output of the notification sound, it is possible to control the output of the notification sound in response to the turning on and off of the nighttime lamp 31, without providing a separate sensor or the like for detecting the turning on and off of the nighttime lamp 31.

[0072] Furthermore, in the notification sound output system 100 according to the first embodiment, the notification sound control unit 42 in the control unit 22 performs output control so that the notification sound is not output when the nighttime lamp 31 is turned on. With this configuration, it is possible to more reliably prevent nearby people from being annoyed by the notification sound when the nighttime lamp 31 is turned on.

[0073] Furthermore, in the notification sound output system 100 according to the first embodiment, the nighttime lamp 31 is a headlight. When the headlight, which illuminates the area into which the vehicle 1 is entering, is on, people around the vehicle 1 can foresee the vehicle 1 entering the area illuminated by the headlight. Therefore, as described above, by using a configuration that reduces the volume of the notification sound when the headlight is on, i.e., in a situation where the need for the notification sound is not that great, the output of the notification sound can be more appropriately controlled.

[0074] Furthermore, in the notification sound output system 100 according to the first embodiment, the notification sound control unit 42 in the control unit 22 controls the output of the notification sound by changing the volume of the notification sound based on the acceleration of the vehicle 1. When the acceleration of the vehicle 1 is high, there is a high need to notify those in the vicinity of the presence of the vehicle 1. With the above configuration, for example, the volume of the notification sound can be increased the greater the need to notify those in the vicinity of the presence of the vehicle 1, thereby enabling more appropriate output control according to the driving state of the vehicle 1.

[0075] Furthermore, in the notification sound output system 100 according to the first embodiment, the notification sound control unit 42 in the control unit 22 further controls the output of the notification sound by increasing the volume of the notification sound the louder the noise around the vehicle 1. When there are many people around the vehicle 1, there is a high need to notify those in the vicinity of the vehicle 1. With the above-described configuration, the volume of the notification sound increases the higher the need to notify those in the vicinity of the vehicle 1, thereby more reliably notifying those in the vicinity of the vehicle 1 of the presence of the vehicle 1.

[0076] Furthermore, in the notification sound output system 100 according to the first embodiment, when the noise level around the vehicle 1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the lighting control unit 41 in the control unit 22 turns on the road surface drawing lamps 32 for displaying an image on the road surface around the vehicle 1. With this configuration, in a situation where there are many people around the vehicle 1 and there is a high need to notify people of the presence of the vehicle 1, an image can be displayed on the road surface to more reliably notify people in the vicinity of the vehicle 1.

[0077] [Variations of notification sound output control according to vehicle driving environment] Here, when there are many people and other vehicles around vehicle 1, the notification sound from vehicle 1 is more likely to annoy those people. Therefore, contrary to the above example, notification sound control unit 42 may perform output control to lower the volume of the notification sound when the measured value of the noise around vehicle 1 is high.

[0078] Specifically, it is assumed that the noise measurement value is equal to or greater than threshold value Th4 while nighttime lamp 31 is off, i.e., during the daytime. In this case, notification sound control unit 42 outputs output control information to output unit 11 to lower the volume of the notification sound based on the measurement value from the noise sensor. Upon receiving the output control information, output unit 11 outputs the notification sound at, for example, a second volume lower than the first volume. Note that if output unit 11 is already outputting the notification sound at the second volume, it may continue outputting the notification sound at the second volume, or may output the notification sound at a volume lower than the second volume. Also, as described above, the second volume may be zero.

[0079] Furthermore, the threshold value Th4 may be the same value as at least one of the threshold values ​​Th2 and Th3 described above, or may be a value different from the threshold values ​​Th2 and Th3.

[0080] Furthermore, it is assumed that the noise measurement value is equal to or greater than threshold value Th4 while nighttime lighting fixture 31 is on, i.e., during the nighttime hours when no notification sound is being output. In this case, notification sound control unit 42 does not output an output control signal to output unit 11 so that the state in which no notification sound is being output continues.

[0081] Also, assume that the noise measurement value is less than threshold value Th4 while nighttime lamp 31 is off, i.e., during the daytime. In this case, notification sound control unit 42 outputs output control information to output unit 11 to increase the volume of the notification sound based on the measurement value from the noise sensor. Upon receiving the output control information, output unit 11 outputs the notification sound at, for example, a third volume that is higher than the first volume. Note that if output unit 11 is already outputting the notification sound at the third volume, it may continue outputting the notification sound at the third volume, or it may output the notification sound at a volume higher than the third volume.

[0082] Also, assume that the noise measurement value is less than threshold value Th4 while nighttime lighting fixture 31 is on, i.e., during a nighttime period when no notification sound is being output. In this case, notification sound control unit 42 outputs, for example, output control information instructing output of a notification sound to output unit 11 based on the measurement value from the noise sensor. Upon receiving the output control information, output unit 11 outputs the notification sound at, for example, a first volume.

[0083] The notification sound control unit 42 is not limited to a configuration that controls the volume of the notification sound depending on whether the measured value of the noise is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th4. For example, the notification sound control unit 42 may perform output control such that the volume of the notification sound decreases as the measured value of the noise increases.

[0084] In addition, the notification sound control unit 42 may be configured to perform both output control to increase the volume of the notification sound when the acceleration of vehicle 1 is high, and output control to decrease the volume of the notification sound when the measured value of the noise around vehicle 1 is high, as described above, or it may be configured to perform only one of them.

[0085] As described above, in the notification sound output system 100 according to the modified example of the first embodiment, the notification sound control unit 42 in the control unit 22 further controls the output of the notification sound by increasing the volume of the notification sound as the noise level decreases around the vehicle 1. With this configuration, the volume of the notification sound can be increased in situations where there are few people around the vehicle 1 and the notification sound from the vehicle 1 is unlikely to annoy people in the vicinity, and therefore appropriate output control can be performed according to the driving environment of the vehicle 1.

[0086] Second Embodiment Next, another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description thereof will not be repeated. The contents other than those described below are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0087] 1 , in the notification sound output system 100 according to the first embodiment described above, the control unit 22 controls both the lighting of the lamp unit 21 and the output of the notification sound. In contrast, in the notification sound output system 200 according to the second embodiment, an illumination control unit 61 that controls the lighting of the lamp unit 21 and a notification sound control unit 62 that controls the output of the notification sound are provided separately.

[0088] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle lighting system and a notification sound output system according to the second embodiment. Referring to Fig. 5, a vehicle lighting system 20 according to the second embodiment includes a lamp unit 21 and an illumination control unit 61. The lamp unit 21 has the same configuration as the lamp unit 21 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1.

[0089] The notification sound output system 200 includes a notification sound control unit 62, a storage unit 63, and an output unit 64. The storage unit 63 and the output unit 64 have the same configurations as the storage unit 43 and the output unit 11 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

[0090] The output unit 64 may be provided separately from the notification sound output system 200. In this case, the notification sound control unit 62 and the storage unit 63 are realized as, for example, an in-vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

[0091] When the lighting control unit 61 receives operation information from the operation unit 51 instructing the nighttime lighting device 31 to be turned off, it turns off the nighttime lighting device 31 in accordance with the operation information, and further outputs the operation information to the notification sound control unit 62.

[0092] The notification sound control unit 62 controls the output of the notification sound so that the volume of the notification sound increases during the daytime and decreases during the nighttime.

[0093] More specifically, when the notification sound control unit 62 receives operation information from the lighting control unit 61 instructing the night lamp 31 to be turned off while no notification sound is being output, the notification sound control unit 62 outputs output control information instructing the output of a notification sound to the output unit 64, similar to the notification sound control unit 42 in the first embodiment.

[0094] In addition, when the lighting control unit 61 receives operation information from the operation unit 51 instructing the nighttime lighting device 31 to be turned on, it turns on the nighttime lighting device 31 in accordance with the operation information, and further outputs the operation information to the notification sound control unit 62.

[0095] When the notification sound control unit 62 receives operation information from the lighting control unit 61 instructing the night lamp 31 to be turned on while a notification sound is being output, the notification sound control unit 62 outputs output control information to the output unit 64, for example, to stop the output of the notification sound, in the same manner as the notification sound control unit 42 in the first embodiment.

[0096] In addition to controlling the output of the notification sound in response to the turning on and off of the night lamp 31, the notification sound control unit 62 may also perform at least one of controlling the output of the notification sound in response to the acceleration of the vehicle 1 and controlling the output of the notification sound in response to the measured value of the noise around the vehicle 1, similar to the notification sound control unit 42 in the first embodiment.

[0097] Furthermore, the lighting control unit 61 may control the lighting of the road marking lamps 32 in accordance with the measured noise level around the vehicle 1, similar to the lighting control unit 41 according to the first embodiment.

[0098] [Variation 1] Output control of notification sound according to detection result of on / off of nighttime lamp The notification sound control unit 62 may be configured not to acquire operation information instructing on / off of the nighttime lamp 31. In this case, the notification sound control unit 62 periodically or irregularly acquires detection result of on / off of the nighttime lamp 31, for example, from an illuminance sensor (not shown).

[0099] Then, when the notification sound control unit 62 receives a detection result indicating that the night lamp 31 is turned off while no notification sound is being output, it outputs output control information to the output unit 64 instructing the output of a notification sound.

[0100] On the other hand, when the notification sound control unit 62 receives a detection result indicating that the nighttime lamp 31 is on while the notification sound is being output, it outputs output control information to the output unit 64 to stop the output of the notification sound.

[0101] [Variation 2] Controlling the output of notification sounds according to the illuminance around the vehicle Instead of controlling the output of notification sounds according to the turning on and off of the night lamps 31, the notification sound control unit 62 may control the output of notification sounds according to the brightness around the vehicle 1. In this case, the notification sound control unit 62 acquires, for example, a detection result from another illuminance sensor that detects the illuminance around the vehicle 1.

[0102] When the notification sound control unit 62 receives a detection result indicating the illuminance around the vehicle 1 from the illuminance sensor, the notification sound control unit 62 checks, for example, whether the illuminance indicated by the detection result is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value Th5. If the illuminance indicated by the detection result is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th5 while no notification sound is being output, the notification sound control unit 62 determines that the current time is daytime, and outputs, for example, output control information to the output unit 64 instructing the output of a notification sound.

[0103] On the other hand, when the notification sound is being output, if the illuminance around the vehicle 1 is less than the threshold value Th5, the notification sound control unit 62 determines that it is currently nighttime and outputs output control information to the output unit 64, for example, to stop the output of the notification sound.

[0104] [Variation 3] Controlling the output of the notification sound according to the current time The notification sound control unit 62 may control the output of the notification sound based on the current time, instead of controlling the output of the notification sound based on the on / off of the night lamp 31 or the illuminance around the vehicle 1. For example, the notification sound control unit 62 obtains time information indicating the current time from a timer (not shown), and determines whether the current time is within the daytime period based on the obtained time information.

[0105] When the current time is within the daytime period, the notification sound control unit 62 outputs, for example, output control information instructing the output of a notification sound to the output unit 64. On the other hand, when the current time is not within the daytime period, the notification sound control unit 62 outputs, for example, output control information instructing the output unit 64 to stop the output of the notification sound.

[0106] As described above, in the notification sound output system 200 according to the second embodiment, the output unit 64 outputs a notification sound to the outside of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, the notification sound control unit 62 controls the output of the notification sound from the output unit 64 so that the volume of the notification sound increases during the daytime and decreases during the nighttime.

[0107] In this way, by configuring the volume of the notification sound to be increased during the daytime, it is possible to notify people in the vicinity of the vehicle 1 even if the vehicle 1 is very quiet. Also, by configuring the volume of the notification sound to be decreased during the nighttime, it is possible to prevent people in the vicinity from being annoyed by the notification sound. Furthermore, by configuring the notification sound output system 200 to be provided separately from the vehicle lighting system 20, it is possible to easily retrofit the notification sound output system 200 to a vehicle that does not have the notification sound output system 200 installed, for example.

[0108] Furthermore, in the notification sound output system 200 according to the second embodiment, the notification sound control unit 62 controls output so that notification sounds are not output during nighttime hours. This configuration more reliably prevents nearby people from being annoyed by notification sounds during nighttime hours.

[0109] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the description of the present embodiments. The present embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications of the embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims. The technical scope of the present invention should be determined based on the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0110] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-024693 filed on February 21, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. a nighttime lamp that is mountable on a vehicle and illuminates during nighttime hours; an output unit that outputs a notification sound to the outside of the vehicle; A notification sound output system comprising: a control unit that controls the output of the notification sound from the output unit so that the volume of the notification sound increases when the nighttime lamp is turned off and decreases when the nighttime lamp is turned on.

2. The notification sound output system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit performs the output control so that the notification sound is not output when the nighttime lamp is turned on.

3. an output unit that outputs a notification sound to the outside of the vehicle; A notification sound output system comprising: a control unit that controls the output of the notification sound from the output unit so that the volume of the notification sound increases during daytime hours and decreases during nighttime hours.

4. The notification sound output system according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit performs the output control so that the notification sound is not output during nighttime hours.

5. The notification sound output system according to claim 1 , wherein the nighttime lamp is a headlight.

6. The notification sound output system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit further changes the volume of the notification sound based on an acceleration of the vehicle as the output control.

7. The notification sound output system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit further controls the output by increasing the volume of the notification sound as the noise in the vicinity of the vehicle increases.

8. The notification sound output system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit further controls the output by increasing the volume of the notification sound as the noise level around the vehicle decreases.

9. 4. The notification sound output system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit further turns on a road surface drawing lamp for displaying an image on the road surface around the vehicle when noise around the vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.