Acoustic output device and acoustic output control program

Abstract

An acoustic output device (1) comprises: a glass plate (12G) that is provided to a vehicle; an acoustic output member (20) that is provided to the glass plate; and a control device (16) that controls the acoustic output member. The control device comprises: a generation unit (80) that generates, on the basis of a control parameter, a control signal for causing the acoustic output member to output a sound; an output unit (82) that outputs the control signal to the acoustic output member; and a setting unit (76) that sets the control parameter on the basis of the opening degree of a shade (13) which is provided with respect to the glass plate.

Description

Acoustic output device and acoustic output control program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an acoustic output device and an acoustic output control program.

[0002] In recent years, a technique of providing an acoustic output member on a glass plate provided in a vehicle and generating sound by this acoustic output member has attracted attention. For example, International Publication No. 2024 / 176827 pamphlet discloses a technique of providing a vibrator on a glass plate and vibrating the glass plate by the vibration of this vibrator to generate sound. According to this technique, it is said that the acoustic characteristics in the interior space of the vehicle can be improved.

[0003] However, when a shade is provided for the glass plate provided in the vehicle and the shade is configured to be openable and closable, the sound output from the glass plate may be blocked or not blocked by the shade, so that the sound reaching the interior space of the vehicle is assumed to change according to the opening degree of the shade. In this case, there is a risk that the acoustic characteristics in the interior space of the vehicle may deteriorate.

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an acoustic output device and an acoustic output control program capable of obtaining good acoustic characteristics in the interior space of a vehicle even when a shade is provided for a glass plate provided in the vehicle and provided with an acoustic output member and the shade is configured to be openable and closable.

[0005] A first aspect of the present disclosure includes a glass plate provided in a vehicle, an acoustic output member provided on the glass plate, and a control device that controls the acoustic output member. The control device includes a generation unit that generates a control signal for outputting sound by the acoustic output member based on a control parameter, an output unit that outputs the control signal to the acoustic output member, and a setting unit that sets the control parameter based on the opening degree of a shade provided for the glass plate. It is an acoustic output device having

[0006] A second aspect of this disclosure is an acoustic output control program that causes a computer to perform the following processes: generating a control signal for outputting sound by an acoustic output member provided on a glass plate based on control parameters; outputting the control signal to the acoustic output member; and setting the control parameters based on the opening degree of a shade provided on the glass plate.

[0007] According to this disclosure, an acoustic output device and an acoustic output control program are provided that can obtain good acoustic characteristics in the interior space of a vehicle, even when a shade is provided on a glass plate provided on the vehicle and equipped with an acoustic output member, and the shade is configured to be openable and closable.

[0008] This is a side view showing an example of a vehicle to which the sound output device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure is applied. This is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the sound output module according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. This is a plan view showing the entire sound output module according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the sound output device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. This is a block diagram illustrating the operation of the control device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. This is a diagram showing the audio map according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. This is a flowchart diagram showing the flow of the sound output control process according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. This is a block diagram showing a first modified example of the sound output device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. This is a block diagram showing a second modified example of the sound output device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. This is a block diagram showing a third modified example of the sound output device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. This is a block diagram showing a fourth modified example of the sound output device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the sound output device according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. This is a block diagram illustrating the operation of the control device according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. This is a diagram showing the ANC map according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. This is a flowchart diagram illustrating the flow of the sound output control process according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the sound output device according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. This is a block diagram illustrating the operation of the control device according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. This is a flowchart showing the flow of the update process according to the third embodiment of this disclosure.

[0009] [First Embodiment] First, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0010] Figure 1 shows an example of a vehicle 10 to which the sound output device 1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure is applied. The sound output device 1 is applied to a vehicle 10 as an example. The vehicle 10 is, as an example, a passenger car. In addition to a passenger car, the vehicle 10 may be a bus, a freight car, a special-purpose vehicle, or construction machinery. Furthermore, the vehicle 10 may be an internal combustion engine vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine, a hybrid vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine and a rotating electric machine, an electric vehicle driven by a rotating electric machine, or a fuel cell vehicle (FCV) that generates electricity from a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to power a motor.

[0011] Vehicle 10 is equipped with a plurality of glass panes 12. The plurality of glass panes 12 are located between the interior space and the exterior space of vehicle 10, and demarcate the interior space from the exterior space. The plurality of glass panes 12 include a front windshield glass 12A, front side window glass 12B, rear side window glass 12C, rear window glass 12D, front quarter window glass 12E, rear quarter window glass 12F, and roof glass 12G. Vehicle 10 may be equipped with other glass panes in addition to those described above.

[0012] The roof glass 12G is installed on the roof of the vehicle 10. A roof shade 13 is provided over the roof glass 12G. The roof shade 13 is configured to be openable and closable by an opening and closing mechanism (not shown). The roof shade 13 is a screen-like member that, when fully closed, covers the entire roof glass 12G from the interior space side, and when fully open, opens the entire roof glass 12G to the interior space side. Hereinafter, the degree to which the roof shade 13 opens the roof glass 12G (i.e., the opening degree of the roof shade 13) will be referred to as the "opening degree of the roof shade 13". The opening degree of the roof shade 13 can be adjusted arbitrarily by the occupants. When the roof shade 13 is fully closed, the opening degree of the roof shade 13 is "0", and when the roof shade 13 is fully open, the opening degree of the roof shade 13 is "100". Figure 1 shows the case where the opening degree of the roof shade is "0". The roof shade 13 may have properties such as light-blocking, sound-insulating, sound-absorbing, heat-insulating, or heat-insulating. The roof shade 13 may also be made of a sheet material or a plate material. The opening and closing mechanism may be a retractable type, a sliding type, or a pantograph type.

[0013] The sound output device 1 comprises a sound output module 14 and a control device 16. The sound output device 1 is applied to the roof glass 12G and the roof shade 13. If a shade is provided for glass other than the roof glass 12G (for example, the rear side window glass 12C, the rear window glass 12D, or the rear quarter window glass 12F, etc.), the sound output device 1 may be applied to those glasses and shades. The roof glass 12G is an example of a "glass plate" in this disclosure, and the roof shade 13 is an example of a "shade" in this disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 shows a part of an acoustic output module 14 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The acoustic output module 14 includes a glass plate 18 as a roof glass 12G, a transducer 20, a mounting member 22, and an adhesive layer 24. The glass plate 18 is an example of a "glass plate" in the present disclosure. The transducer 20 is an example of an "acoustic output member" in the present disclosure.

[0015] The glass plate 18 may be made of single-pane glass or laminated glass. In the example shown in Figure 2, the glass plate 18 is made of laminated glass. That is, the glass plate 18 has a pair of glass panes 30 and an intermediate layer 32. The intermediate layer 32 is provided between the pair of glass panes 30. The laminated glass may also have a configuration with three or more glass panes 30.

[0016] The glass 30 may be formed from inorganic glass or from organic glass. Examples of organic glass include PMMA (Polymethyl methacrylate) plastics, PC (Polycarbonate) plastics, PS (Polystyrene) plastics, PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) plastics, PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) plastics, and cellulose plastics.

[0017] If the glass 30 is made of inorganic glass, it may be untempered glass or tempered glass. Untempered glass is glass that has been formed from molten glass into a plate and slowly cooled. Tempered glass is glass in which a compressive stress layer has been formed on the surface of untempered glass, and may be either air-cooled tempered glass or chemically tempered glass. In addition, the glass 30 may have the property of absorbing ultraviolet or infrared rays.

[0018] The intermediate layer 32 is, for example, an ultraviolet absorbing film. The intermediate layer 32 is formed from, for example, PVB (Polyvinyl butyral) plastic, EVA (Ethylene vinyl acetate) plastic, TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer) plastic, PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) plastic, or silicone resin. The intermediate layer 32 may also be a light-adjusting film. Alternatively, a fluid layer containing liquid or a gel-like substance may be used instead of the intermediate layer 32. The glass plate 18 may be transparent or may be colored to an extent that does not impair its transparency.

[0019] A mounting member 22 is fixed to one main surface of the glass plate 18 via an adhesive layer 24. The adhesive layer 24 may be formed mainly of a resin such as plastic or rubber. In addition, an adhesive may be used for the adhesive layer 24, or adhesive tape or adhesive film may be used.

[0020] The mounting member 22 may be made of a metal such as stainless steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, or titanium alloy, or it may be made of a resin such as plastic or rubber. The plastic used for the mounting member 22 may be a general engineering plastic such as ABS, PVC, PC, PP, PBT, PA66, or PPS, or it may be a fiber-reinforced plastic containing glass fiber or carbon fiber. In the first embodiment, as an example, the mounting member 22 is made of a resin such as plastic or rubber. The mounting member 22 may also be made of an adhesive or tack.

[0021] The transducer 20 is fixed to the mounting member 22 on the side opposite to the glass plate 18. The transducer 20 may be fixed to the mounting member 22 by fasteners such as bolts, screws, pins, keys, rivets, or clips so that it can be replaced. Alternatively, the mounting member 22 and adhesive layer 24 may be omitted, and the transducer 20 may be fixed to one main surface of the glass plate 18.

[0022] The vibrator 20 is connected to a control circuit 64 (see Figure 4), which will be described later, and vibrates the glass plate 18 in response to a control signal input from the control circuit 64. An example of the vibrator 20 is a voice coil type actuator. The voice coil type actuator has a coil (not shown) and a magnetic circuit (not shown). Of the coil and the magnetic circuit, one is fixed to the mounting member 22, and the other is arranged to be movable relative to the mounting member 22. When current flows through the coil in response to the control signal, vibration is generated by the interaction between the coil and the magnetic circuit, and the vibration of the vibrator 20 is transmitted to the glass plate 18 via the mounting member 22. As a result, the glass plate 18 vibrates, and sound is generated from the glass plate 18. In other words, the glass plate 18 functions as a glass diaphragm that generates sound when excited by the vibrator 20. The actuator used for the vibrator 20 can be any type of actuator that can excite the glass plate 18, such as a piezo actuator, in addition to a voice coil type actuator.

[0023] Figure 3 shows the entire acoustic output module 14 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. The number of transducers 20 provided on the roof glass 12G may be any number, but in the first embodiment, as an example, an example in which one transducer 20 is provided on the roof glass 12G will be described. Furthermore, the transducer 20 may be provided at any position on the roof glass 12G, but in the first embodiment, as an example, an example in which the transducer 20 is provided at the center of the rear end of the roof glass 12G will be described. In addition, the roof shade 13 may be stored on the front end side of the roof glass 12G or on the rear end side of the roof glass 12G, but in the first embodiment, the case in which the roof shade 13 is stored on the rear end side of the roof glass 12G will be described. That is, the roof shade 13 operates with the direction from the front end side to the rear end side of the roof glass 12G as the opening direction and the direction from the rear end side to the front end side of the roof glass 12G as the closing direction. Figure 3 shows the case in which the opening degree of the roof shade is "50".

[0024] Figure 4 shows the hardware configuration of the audio output device 1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. The control device 16 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 50, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 52, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 54, storage 56, an input / output I / F 58 (Interface), an external I / F 62, and a control circuit 64.

[0025] The control device 16 may be implemented as part of an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), which is a vehicle control computer, or as a separate in-vehicle computer. The control device 16 is an example of a "computer" in this disclosure.

[0026] The CPU 50, ROM 52, RAM 54, and I / O I / F 58 are interconnected via the bus 66. The external I / F 62, control circuit 64, and storage 56 are connected to the I / O I / F 58.

[0027] The external I / F 62 is connected to the opening degree sensor 40 for communication. The opening degree sensor 40 detects the opening degree of the roof shade 13 and outputs an opening degree signal, which is a signal corresponding to the opening degree of the roof shade 13. The opening degree sensor 40 may be a position switch or the like that which directly detects the position of the roof shade 13, or a rotary encoder or the like that which detects the rotation angle of a motor actuator provided in the opening / closing mechanism. The opening degree signal may be output from an ECU, which is a vehicle control computer connected to the opening degree sensor 40 for communication, or from an in-vehicle computer separate from the ECU. Alternatively, a camera installed in the interior space may be used as the opening degree sensor 40, and a computer connected to the camera for communication may detect the opening degree of the roof shade 13 from the image obtained by the camera and output an opening degree signal, which is a signal corresponding to the opening degree of the roof shade 13.

[0028] The control circuit 64 is electrically connected to the vibrator 20. The control circuit 64 performs a D / A conversion on the digital control signal input from the CPU 50 and outputs an analog control signal to the vibrator 20. As a result, the vibrator 20 vibrates in accordance with the control signal, and a sound corresponding to the control signal is output from the roof glass 12G.

[0029] The CPU 50 executes various programs. Specifically, the CPU 50 reads programs stored in the ROM 52 or storage 56, and executes the programs using the RAM 54 as a working area. Then, the CPU 50 performs various calculations according to the programs.

[0030] ROM 52 stores various programs and various data. RAM 54 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. Storage 56 consists of a recording medium such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory. Storage 56 stores various programs, including the operating system, and various data for arithmetic processing.

[0031] Figure 5 shows the functional configuration of the control device 16 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. The storage 56 stores the sound output control program 70. The sound output control program 70 may also be stored in the ROM 52. The CPU 50 reads the sound output control program 70 and executes the sound output control program 70 using the RAM 54 as a working area. The CPU 50 then executes sound output control processing to control the sound output module 14 according to the sound output control program 70. The sound output control processing is performed by the CPU 50 operating as an acquisition unit 72, a setting unit 76, a generation unit 80, and an output unit 82 according to the sound output control program 70.

[0032] Figure 6 shows the operation of the control device 16 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. The acquisition unit 72 acquires the opening degree of the roof shade 13 based on the opening degree signal input to the control device 16 from the opening degree sensor 40.

[0033] The storage 56 stores an audio map 86 that shows the relationship between the opening degree of the roof shade 13 and audio control parameters (hereinafter referred to as "audio control parameters"). The audio map 86 is an example of "relationship information" in this disclosure. The audio control parameters are an example of "control parameters" in this disclosure. The audio control parameters can be updated externally via the cloud or an information terminal.

[0034] Figure 7 shows an audio map 86 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. The audio map 86 defines audio control parameters for each degree of opening of the roof shade 13. As an example, the audio control parameters are set in 10-degree increments from opening degree 0, which corresponds to the fully closed position, to opening degree 100, which corresponds to the fully open position. The audio control parameters may be defined at any interval. As an example, the audio control parameters include balance, fader, tone control, equalizer, pass filter, time delay, and phase, etc., related to the audio sound generated by the vibration of the transducer 20.

[0035] Balance is a parameter that adjusts the left-right volume balance between the audio sound generated by the vibration of the transducer 20 and the audio sound generated by the vehicle speakers installed in the interior space of the vehicle 10, aligned left-right relative to the transducer 20. Fader is a parameter that adjusts the front-rear volume balance between the audio sound generated by the vibration of the transducer 20 and the audio sound generated by the vehicle speakers installed in the interior space of the vehicle 10, aligned front-rear relative to the transducer 20. Tone control is a parameter that adjusts the levels of the bass, mid, and treble ranges of the audio sound generated by the vibration of the transducer 20. Equalizer is a parameter that adjusts the acoustic characteristics by raising or lowering the level of each frequency or octave band of the audio sound generated by the vibration of the transducer 20. Pass filter is a parameter that passes or blocks only the signals corresponding to low-frequency or high-frequency sounds among the audio control signals. Time delay is a parameter that adjusts the timing of the generation of the audio sound generated by the vibration of the transducer 20. Phase is a parameter that adjusts the phase shift of the audio sound generated by the vibration of the transducer 20.

[0036] Each audio control parameter is set to a value that reduces the error between the characteristics of the audio sound actually output from the roof glass 12G and the characteristics of the audio sound reaching the interior space, compared to the case where the audio control parameters remain unchanged even when the opening degree of the roof shade 13 changes. The audio sound reaching the interior space can be sound from any position, but for example, it may be sound measured at the position of the occupant's ear.

[0037] In order to minimize the error between the characteristics of the audio sound actually output from the roof glass 12G and the characteristics of the audio sound reaching the interior space, it is preferable that the values ​​of each audio control parameter be set as follows, for example. That is, when the roof shade 13 is closed and the sound pressure in the high-frequency range decreases, the left-right volume balance in the interior space of the vehicle 10 is disrupted, so in order to compensate for this, it is preferable that the balance be set to a value that adjusts the volume balance according to the degree of opening of the roof shade 13. Also, when the roof shade 13 is closed and the sound pressure in the high-frequency range decreases, the front-to-rear volume balance in the interior space of the vehicle 10 is disrupted, so in order to compensate for this, it is preferable that the fader be set to a value that adjusts the volume balance according to the degree of opening of the roof shade 13. Furthermore, when the roof shade 13 is closed, the sound pressure in the high-frequency range decreases, so in order to compensate for this, it is preferable that the tone control be set to a value that increases the level of the treble range and decreases the levels of the mid and bass ranges according to the degree of opening of the roof shade 13. Furthermore, when the roof shade 13 is closed, sound absorption or shielding occurs in specific bands and frequencies. To compensate for this, it is preferable to set the equalizer to a value that adjusts the level for each frequency or octave band according to the degree of opening of the roof shade 13. Also, in order to allow the audio sound shielded by the roof shade 13 to reach a wider area of ​​the interior space, it is preferable to set the upper and lower limits of the pass filter according to the degree of opening of the roof shade 13. It is also preferable to readjust the pass filter corresponding to the vehicle speaker to balance the volume between the audio sound generated by the vibration of the transducer 20 and the audio sound generated from the vehicle speaker. Accordingly, it is preferable to set the pass filter to a value that adjusts the crossover frequency according to the degree of opening of the roof shade 13. Furthermore, when the roof shade 13 is closed, the transmission path of the audio sound to the ear changes in specific bands and frequencies, causing a delay in the audio sound. To compensate for this, it is preferable to set the time delay to a value that adjusts the time width of the delay according to the degree of opening of the roof shade 13.Furthermore, when the roof shade 13 is closed, the transmission path of audio sound to the ear changes in certain bands and frequencies, causing a phase change in the audio sound. To compensate for this, it is preferable to set the phase to a value that adjusts the phase according to the degree of opening of the roof shade 13.

[0038] Returning to Figure 6, the setting unit 76 obtains audio control parameters corresponding to the opening degree of the roof shade 13 obtained by the acquisition unit 72 from the audio map 86, and sets the obtained audio control parameters as control parameters to be used in the correction process when the audio control signal is generated by the generation unit 80, which will be described later.

[0039] Multiple audio signals are stored in the storage 56. These audio signals are, for example, signals for outputting arbitrary audio sounds (e.g., music, ambient sounds, simulated noise, etc.) from the roof glass 12G. The generation unit 80 acquires one of the multiple audio signals stored in the storage 56 based on a selection instruction given by the user to the control signal. Although this example shows the generation unit 80 acquiring an audio signal stored in the storage 56, the generation unit 80 may also acquire an audio signal downloaded from the Internet, or an audio signal received from a television broadcasting network or a radio broadcasting network.

[0040] If the audio signal is used directly to output audio sound from the roof glass 12G, it is expected that the audio sound reaching the interior space will change depending on the opening degree of the roof shade 13, as the audio sound output from the roof glass 12G may or may not be blocked by the roof shade 13. In other words, there is a risk that an error will occur between the audio sound actually output from the roof glass 12G and the audio sound reaching the interior space. Therefore, the generation unit 80 performs a correction process on the acquired audio signal based on the audio control parameters set by the setting unit 76. The correction process, by using the audio control parameters, reduces the error between the characteristics of the audio sound actually output from the roof glass 12G and the characteristics of the audio sound reaching the interior space, compared to the case where the audio control parameters remain unchanged even when the opening degree of the roof shade 13 changes. As a result of performing this correction process on the audio signal, an audio control signal, which is a control signal corresponding to the opening degree of the roof shade 13, is generated.

[0041] The output unit 82 outputs the audio control signal generated by the generation unit 80 to the transducer 20. As a result, the transducer 20 vibrates in accordance with the audio control signal, and audio sound corresponding to the audio control signal is output from the roof glass 12G.

[0042] Figure 8 shows the flow of the acoustic output control process according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. When the acoustic output control process is executed, the acoustic output device 1 executes the acoustic output method according to the first embodiment. The flow of the acoustic output control process, which is the operation of the control device 16, will be described below.

[0043] First, in step ST10, the CPU 50 acquires the opening degree of the roof shade 13 based on the opening degree signal input to the control device 16 from the opening degree sensor 40.

[0044] Next, in step ST12, the CPU 50 acquires an audio control parameter corresponding to the opening degree of the roof shade 13 acquired in step S10 from the audio map 86, and sets the acquired audio control parameter as a control parameter to be used in the correction process when generating an audio control signal in step ST14 described later.

[0045] Next, in step ST14, the CPU 50 acquires an audio signal from the storage 56 or the like, and generates an audio control signal, which is a control signal corresponding to the opening degree of the roof shade 13, by performing correction processing based on the audio control parameter set in step ST12 on the audio signal.

[0046] Next, in step ST16, the CPU 50 outputs the audio control signal generated in step ST14 to the vibrator 20. As a result, the vibrator 20 vibrates according to the audio control signal, and an audio sound corresponding to the audio control signal is output from the roof glass 12G.

[0047] Next, in step ST18, the CPU 50 determines whether or not an end condition for ending the acoustic output control process has been satisfied. Examples of the end condition include the condition that an instruction to end the acoustic output control process has been input to the control device 16 from the user. If the end condition is not satisfied, the acoustic output control process returns to step ST10. If the end condition is satisfied, the acoustic output control process ends.

[0048] As described in detail above, in the first embodiment, the CPU 50 sets audio control parameters based on the opening degree of the roof shade 13, and generates an audio control signal based on the set audio control parameters. Then, the CPU 50 outputs the audio control signal to the vibrator 20. Therefore, even if the opening degree of the roof shade 13 changes, an audio control signal is generated based on the audio control parameters corresponding to the opening degree of the roof shade 13, so that an error between the audio sound actually output from the roof glass 12G and the audio sound reaching the indoor space can be suppressed. That is, it is possible to suppress the audio sound reaching the indoor space from changing according to the opening degree of the roof shade 13. Thereby, good acoustic characteristics in the indoor space can be obtained.

[0049] Further, an audio map 86 is stored in the storage 56, and the CPU 50 acquires audio control parameters based on the opening degree of the roof shade 13 from the audio map 86. Therefore, it is possible to set highly accurate audio control parameters according to the opening degree of the roof shade 13.

[0050] The audio control parameters include balance, fader, tone control, equalizer, pass filter, time delay, and phase related to the audio sound generated by the vibration of the vibrator 20. Therefore, by performing correction processing based on the audio control parameters on the audio control signal, it is possible to generate a highly accurate audio control signal corresponding to the opening degree of the roof shade 13.

[0051] In addition, each audio control parameter is set to a value that reduces the error between the characteristics of the audio sound actually output from the roof glass 12G and the characteristics of the audio sound reaching the indoor space as compared with the case where the audio control parameter remains unchanged even when the opening degree of the roof shade 13 changes. Therefore, the error between the characteristics of the audio sound actually output from the roof glass 12G and the characteristics of the audio sound reaching the indoor space can be reduced.

[0052] In the first embodiment described above, the roof glass 12G is provided with one transducer 20, but as shown in the following modified example, the roof glass 12G may be provided with multiple transducers 20.

[0053] Figure 9 shows a first modified example of the acoustic output device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. In the first modified example shown in Figure 9, as an example, two transducers 20 are provided on the roof glass 12G. The two transducers 20 are provided side by side in the left-right direction at the rear left end and rear right end of the roof glass 12G. Similar to the case where one transducer 20 is provided on the roof glass 12G, the CPU 50 of the control device 16 sets control parameters based on the opening degree of the roof shade 13, and changes the control signal output to the two transducers 20 according to the opening degree of the roof shade 13 based on the set control parameters. In this case, the CPU 50 may output a single control signal (i.e., the same control signal) to the two transducers 20, or it may output different control signals. Furthermore, the single control signal may include an ANC control signal and an audio control signal, as in the second embodiment described later.

[0054] Figure 10 shows a second modified example of the acoustic output device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. In the second modified example shown in Figure 10, as an example, two transducers 20 are provided on the roof glass 12G. The two transducers 20 are provided side by side in the front-rear direction at the rear end center and the front end center of the roof glass 12G. The transducer 20 provided on the rear side is an example of the "first acoustic output member" in the present disclosure. The transducer 20 provided on the front side is an example of the "second acoustic output member". The CPU 50 of the control device 16 sets control parameters based on the opening degree of the roof shade 13, and changes the control signals output to the two transducers 20 according to the opening degree of the roof shade 13 based on the set control parameters. In this case, the CPU 50 may output a single control signal to the two transducers 20, or it may output different control signals. Furthermore, when the CPU 50 outputs different control signals to the two oscillators 20, it may set control parameters corresponding to each of the two oscillators 20 in steps or continuously according to the opening degree of the roof shade 13, and based on the set control parameters, change the control signals output to the two oscillators 20 in steps or continuously according to the opening degree of the roof shade 13.

[0055] Figure 11 shows a third modified example of the acoustic output device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. In the third modified example shown in Figure 11, as an example, four transducers 20 are provided on the roof glass 12G. The four transducers 20 are provided at the four corners of the roof glass 12G. The two transducers 20 provided on the rear side are an example of the "first acoustic output member" in the present disclosure. The two transducers 20 provided on the front side are an example of the "second acoustic output member". The CPU 50 of the control device 16 sets control parameters based on the opening degree of the roof shade 13, and changes the control signals output to the four transducers 20 according to the opening degree of the roof shade 13 based on the set control parameters. In this case, the CPU 50 may output a single control signal to the four transducers 20, or it may output different control signals. Furthermore, when the CPU 50 outputs different control signals to the four oscillators 20, it may set control parameters corresponding to each of the four oscillators 20 in steps or continuously according to the opening degree of the roof shade 13, and based on the set control parameters, it may change the control signals output to the four oscillators 20 in steps or continuously according to the opening degree of the roof shade 13.

[0056] Figure 12 shows a fourth modified example of the acoustic output device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. In the fourth modified example shown in Figure 12, as an example, six transducers 20 are provided on the roof glass 12G. The six transducers 20 are provided at the four corners, the rear center, and the front center of the roof glass 12G. The two transducers 20 provided on the rear side are an example of the "first acoustic output member" in this disclosure. The two transducers 20 provided on the front side are an example of the "second acoustic output member". The two transducers 20 provided in the center may be an example of the "first acoustic output member" in this disclosure, or an example of the "second acoustic output member" in this disclosure. The CPU 50 of the control device 16 sets control parameters based on the opening degree of the roof shade 13, and changes the control signal output to the six transducers 20 according to the opening degree of the roof shade 13 based on the set control parameters. In this case, the CPU 50 may output a single control signal to the six transducers 20, or it may output different control signals. Furthermore, when the CPU 50 outputs different control signals to the six oscillators 20, it may set control parameters corresponding to each of the six oscillators 20 in steps or continuously according to the opening degree of the roof shade 13, and based on the set control parameters, it may change the control signals output to the six oscillators 20 in steps or continuously according to the opening degree of the roof shade 13.

[0057] In this way, by setting the control parameters corresponding to each of the multiple transducers 20 in steps or continuously according to the opening degree of the roof shade 13, and by changing the control signals output to the multiple transducers 20 in steps or continuously according to the opening degree of the roof shade 13, the acoustic characteristics in the interior space can be appropriately set according to the opening degree of the roof shade 13.

[0058] The number and position of the transducers 20 installed on the roof glass 12G may be other than those described above.

[0059] Furthermore, the roof glass 12G may be provided with a conventional speaker (e.g., a tweeter) equipped with a cone paper or the like, instead of the transducer 20, or in addition to the transducer 20. The speaker may be provided integrally with the transducer 20, or separately from the transducer 20. In this case, the speaker is an example of an "acoustic output member" in this disclosure.

[0060] Furthermore, the audio control parameters do not necessarily have to include balance, fader, tone control, equalizer, pass filter, time delay, and phase, but they may include other parameters.

[0061] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0062] In the second embodiment, the configuration of the sound output device 1 is modified as follows compared to the first embodiment.

[0063] Figure 13 shows the hardware configuration of the acoustic output device 1 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. The control device 16 includes an A / D conversion circuit 92. The A / D conversion circuit 92 is connected to an input / output I / F 58 and a noise detection device 94. The noise detection device 94 may be provided in either the indoor space or the outdoor space. The noise detection device 94 is, for example, a microphone or an acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensor may be installed on the vehicle body of the vehicle 10. The noise detection device 94 detects sound or vibration and outputs a reference signal according to the detected result. The A / D conversion circuit 92 generates a digital reference signal by A / D conversion of the analog reference signal input from the noise detection device 94.

[0064] Figure 14 shows the functional configuration of the control device 16 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. The storage 56 stores the sound output control program 170. The sound output control program 170 may also be stored in the ROM 52. The CPU 50 reads the sound output control program 170 and executes the sound output control program 170 using the RAM 54 as a working area. The CPU 50 then executes sound output control processing to control the sound output module 14 according to the sound output control program 170. The sound output control processing is performed by the CPU 50 operating as an acquisition unit 172, a first setting unit 174, a second setting unit 176, a first generation unit 178, a second generation unit 180, and an output unit 182 according to the sound output control program 170. The first generation unit 178 and the second generation unit 180 are examples of "generation units" in this disclosure. The first setting unit 174 and the second setting unit 176 are examples of "setting units" in this disclosure.

[0065] Figure 15 shows the operation of the control device 16 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. The acquisition unit 72 acquires the opening degree of the roof shade 13 based on the opening degree signal input to the control device 16 from the opening degree sensor 40.

[0066] The storage 56 stores an ANC map 84 that shows the relationship between the opening degree of the roof shade 13 and the control parameters for ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) (hereinafter referred to as "ANC control parameters"). The storage 56 also stores an audio map 86 that shows the relationship between the opening degree of the roof shade 13 and the audio control parameters described in the first embodiment. The ANC map 84 is an example of "relationship information" in this disclosure, and the ANC control parameters are an example of "control parameters" in this disclosure. Similarly, the audio map 86 is an example of "relationship information" in this disclosure, and the audio control parameters are an example of "control parameters" in this disclosure. The ANC control parameters can be updated externally via the cloud or an information terminal.

[0067] Figure 16 shows an ANC map 84 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The ANC map 84 defines ANC control parameters for each opening degree of the roof shade 13. As an example, the ANC control parameters are set in 10-degree increments from opening degree 0, which corresponds to the fully closed position, to opening degree 100, which corresponds to the fully open position. The ANC control parameters may be defined at any interval. As an example, the ANC control parameters include balance, fader, tone control, equalizer, pass filter, time delay, and phase, etc., related to the ANC sound generated by the vibration of the transducer 20. Balance, fader, tone control, equalizer, pass filter, time delay, and phase are as described in the above-mentioned audio control parameters.

[0068] Each ANC control parameter is set to a value that reduces the error between the characteristics of the ANC sound actually output from the roof glass 12G and the characteristics of the ANC sound that reaches the interior space, compared to the case where the ANC control parameters remain unchanged even when the opening degree of the roof shade 13 changes. The ANC sound that reaches the interior space can be sound from any position, but for example, it may be sound measured at the position of the occupant's ear. The values ​​set for each ANC control parameter according to the opening degree of the roof shade 13 are the same as those for each audio control parameter described above.

[0069] Returning to Figure 15, the first setting unit 174 obtains ANC control parameters corresponding to the opening degree of the roof shade 13 obtained by the acquisition unit 172 from the ANC map 84, and sets the obtained ANC control parameters as control parameters to be used in the correction process when the ANC control signal is generated by the first generation unit 178, which will be described later.

[0070] The first generation unit 178 generates an ANC signal to reduce noise flowing from the outdoor space into the indoor space, based on a reference signal input from the noise detection device 94 to the control device 16.

[0071] If the ANC signal is used directly to output ANC sound from the roof glass 12G, the sound output from the roof glass 12G may or may not be blocked by the roof shade 13, causing the ANC sound reaching the interior space to change according to the degree of opening of the roof shade 13. In other words, there is a risk of errors occurring between the ANC sound actually output from the roof glass 12G and the ANC sound reaching the interior space. Therefore, the first generation unit 178 performs a correction process on the generated ANC signal based on the ANC control parameters set by the first setting unit 174. The correction process, by using the ANC control parameters, reduces the error between the characteristics of the ANC sound actually output from the roof glass 12G and the characteristics of the ANC sound reaching the interior space compared to the case where the ANC control parameters remain unchanged even when the degree of opening of the roof shade 13 changes. By performing this correction process on the ANC signal, an ANC control signal, which is a control signal corresponding to the degree of opening of the roof shade 13, is generated.

[0072] The second setting unit 176 has the same function as the setting unit 76 in the first embodiment. That is, the second setting unit 176 acquires audio control parameters corresponding to the opening degree of the roof shade 13 acquired by the acquisition unit 72 from the audio map 86, and sets the acquired audio control parameters as control parameters used in the correction process when the audio control signal is generated by the second generation unit 180, which will be described later.

[0073] The second generation unit 180 has the same function as the generation unit 80 according to the first embodiment. That is, the second generation unit 180 acquires one of the audio signals from a plurality of audio signals stored in the storage 56 or the like, based on a selection instruction given by the user to the control signal.

[0074] Here, as with the ANC signal, if the audio signal is used as is to output audio sound from the roof glass 12G, it is expected that the audio sound reaching the interior space will change depending on the opening degree of the roof shade 13, as the audio sound output from the roof glass 12G may or may not be blocked by the roof shade 13. In other words, there is a risk that an error will occur between the audio sound actually output from the roof glass 12G and the audio sound reaching the interior space. Therefore, the second generation unit 180 performs a correction process on the acquired audio signal based on the audio control parameters set by the second setting unit 176. The correction process, by using the audio control parameters, reduces the error between the characteristics of the audio sound actually output from the roof glass 12G and the characteristics of the audio sound reaching the interior space compared to the case where the audio control parameters remain unchanged even when the opening degree of the roof shade 13 changes. As a result of performing this correction process on the audio signal, an audio control signal, which is a control signal corresponding to the opening degree of the roof shade 13, is generated.

[0075] The output unit 182 generates a control signal that includes both the ANC control signal and the audio control signal by adding the ANC control signal generated by the first generation unit 178 and the audio control signal generated by the second generation unit 180, and outputs the generated control signal to the transducer 20. As a result, the transducer 20 vibrates in accordance with the control signal, and the roof glass 12G outputs an ANC sound corresponding to the ANC control signal and an audio sound corresponding to the audio control signal.

[0076] Figure 17 shows the flow of the acoustic output control process according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. When the acoustic output control process is executed, the acoustic output device 1 executes the acoustic output method according to the second embodiment. The flow of the acoustic output control process, which is the operation of the control device 16, will be described below.

[0077] First, in step ST110, the CPU 50 acquires the opening degree of the roof shade 13 based on the opening degree signal input to the control device 16 from the opening degree sensor 40.

[0078] Next, in step ST112, the CPU 50 obtains ANC control parameters corresponding to the opening degree of the roof shade 13 obtained in step S110 from the ANC map 84, and sets the obtained ANC control parameters as control parameters to be used in the correction process when generating the ANC control signal in step ST116, which will be described later.

[0079] Next, in step ST114, the CPU 50 obtains audio control parameters corresponding to the opening degree of the roof shade 13 obtained in step S110 from the audio map 86, and sets the obtained audio control parameters as control parameters to be used in the correction process when generating audio control signals in step ST118, which will be described later.

[0080] Next, in step ST116, the CPU 50 generates an ANC signal based on the reference signal input to the control device 16 from the noise detection device 94, and performs a correction process on the ANC signal based on the ANC control parameters set in step ST112, thereby generating an ANC control signal, which is a control signal corresponding to the opening degree of the roof shade 13.

[0081] Next, in step ST118, the CPU 50 acquires an audio signal from the storage 56 or the like, and performs a correction process on the audio signal based on the audio control parameters set in step ST114, thereby generating an audio control signal, which is a control signal corresponding to the opening degree of the roof shade 13.

[0082] Next, in step ST120, the CPU 50 adds the ANC control signal generated in step ST116 and the audio control signal generated in step ST118 to generate a control signal that includes the ANC control signal and the audio control signal, and outputs the generated control signal to the vibrator 20. As a result, the vibrator 20 vibrates in accordance with the control signal, and an ANC sound corresponding to the ANC control signal and an audio sound corresponding to the audio control signal are output from the roof glass 12G.

[0083] Next, in step ST122, the CPU 50 determines whether the termination condition for ending the sound output control process has been met. The termination condition is that an instruction from the user to terminate the sound output control process has been input to the control device 16. If the termination condition has not been met, the sound output control process returns to step ST110. If the termination condition has been met, the sound output control process is terminated.

[0084] As detailed above, in the second embodiment, the CPU 50 sets ANC control parameters based on the opening degree of the roof shade 13 and generates an ANC control signal based on the set ANC control parameters. The CPU 50 then outputs the ANC control signal to the transducer 20. Therefore, even if the opening degree of the roof shade 13 changes, the ANC control signal is generated based on the ANC control parameters corresponding to the opening degree of the roof shade 13, thereby suppressing errors between the ANC sound actually output from the roof glass 12G and the ANC sound that reaches the interior space. In other words, it is possible to suppress changes in the ANC sound that reaches the interior space according to the opening degree of the roof shade 13. This makes it possible to obtain good acoustic characteristics in the interior space.

[0085] Similarly, the CPU 50 sets audio control parameters based on the opening degree of the roof shade 13 and generates an audio control signal based on the set audio control parameters. The CPU 50 then outputs the audio control signal to the transducer 20. Therefore, even if the opening degree of the roof shade 13 changes, the audio control signal is generated based on the audio control parameters corresponding to the opening degree of the roof shade 13, thus suppressing errors between the audio sound actually output from the roof glass 12G and the audio sound that reaches the interior space. In other words, it is possible to suppress changes in the audio sound that reaches the interior space according to the opening degree of the roof shade 13. This makes it possible to obtain good acoustic characteristics in the interior space.

[0086] Furthermore, the storage 56 stores an ANC map 84, and the CPU 50 obtains ANC control parameters from the ANC map 84 based on the opening degree of the roof shade 13. Therefore, it is possible to set highly accurate ANC control parameters according to the opening degree of the roof shade 13.

[0087] Furthermore, the ANC control parameters include balance, fader, tone control, equalizer, pass filter, time delay, and phase related to the ANC sound generated by the vibration of the transducer 20. Therefore, by performing a correction process based on the ANC control parameters on the ANC control signal, a highly accurate ANC control signal corresponding to the opening degree of the roof shade 13 can be generated.

[0088] Furthermore, each ANC control parameter is set to a value that reduces the error between the characteristics of the ANC sound actually output from the roof glass 12G and the characteristics of the ANC sound that reaches the interior space, compared to the case where the ANC control parameters remain unchanged even when the opening degree of the roof shade 13 changes. Therefore, the error between the characteristics of the ANC sound actually output from the roof glass 12G and the characteristics of the ANC sound that reaches the interior space can be reduced.

[0089] Similarly, the storage 56 stores an audio map 86, and the CPU 50 obtains audio control parameters from the audio map 86 based on the opening degree of the roof shade 13. Therefore, it is possible to set highly accurate audio control parameters according to the opening degree of the roof shade 13.

[0090] Furthermore, the audio control parameters include balance, fader, tone control, equalizer, pass filter, time delay, and phase related to the audio sound generated by the vibration of the transducer 20. Therefore, by performing correction processing based on the audio control parameters on the audio control signal, a highly accurate audio control signal corresponding to the opening degree of the roof shade 13 can be generated.

[0091] Furthermore, each audio control parameter is set to a value that reduces the error between the characteristics of the audio sound actually output from the roof glass 12G and the characteristics of the audio sound reaching the interior space, compared to the case where the audio control parameters remain unchanged even when the opening degree of the roof shade 13 changes. Therefore, the error between the characteristics of the audio sound actually output from the roof glass 12G and the characteristics of the audio sound reaching the interior space can be reduced.

[0092] In the second embodiment, both the ANC control signal and the audio control signal are generated, but either the ANC control signal or the audio control signal may be generated. Furthermore, either the ANC control signal or the audio control signal may be output to the transducer 20.

[0093] Furthermore, the control parameters for ANC do not necessarily have to include any of the following: balance, fader, tone control, equalizer, pass filter, time delay, and phase, or they may include other parameters.

[0094] Furthermore, the modifications described in the first embodiment may also be applied to the second embodiment.

[0095] Furthermore, as in the third embodiment described later, when a noise detection device 94 and an output sensor 104 (see Figure 18) are used, the ANC control parameters may include a transmission path. The transmission path is a transmission path selected from the sound or vibration transmission path between the noise detection device 94 and the roof glass 12G, and the sound transmission path between the output sensor 104 and the roof glass 12G. When the roof shade 13 is closed, the sound transmission path from the roof glass 12G to the position of the occupant's ear changes, so it is preferable that the transmission path as an ANC control parameter is set according to the degree of opening of the roof shade 13. For example, if noise, which is a repetitive sound, is generated between the occupant's ear and the roof glass 12G depending on the degree of opening of the roof shade 13, the sound transmission path between the output sensor 104 and the roof glass 12G is set as the transmission path as an ANC control parameter. Then, a feedback control process may be performed to generate an ANC sound based on the output signal output from the output sensor 104 (i.e., the error signal output from the error microphone). On the other hand, if external noise flows into the occupants' ears from outside the vehicle 10 through the roof glass 12G depending on the degree of opening of the roof shade 13, a sound or vibration transmission path between the noise detection device 94 and the roof glass 12G is set as a transmission path for ANC control parameters. Then, a feedforward control process may be performed to generate an ANC sound based on a reference signal output from the noise detection device 94.

[0096] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0097] In the third embodiment, the following configuration is added to the sound output device 1 compared to the second embodiment.

[0098] Figure 18 shows the hardware configuration of the acoustic output device 1 according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. The control device 16 includes an A / D conversion circuit 102. The A / D conversion circuit 102 is connected to an input / output I / F 58 and an output sensor 104. The output sensor 104 is, for example, a microphone, which detects sound output from the roof glass 12G and outputs an output signal corresponding to the detected sound. The output sensor 104 is positioned in the interior space, for example, facing the roof glass 12G. The output signal includes information about the sound output (for example, acoustic information such as frequency and sound pressure) when sound is output from the roof glass 12G based on a control signal. The A / D conversion circuit 102 generates a digital output signal by performing A / D conversion on the analog output signal input from the output sensor 104.

[0099] Figure 19 shows the functional configuration of the control device 16 according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. The CPU 50 additionally performs update processing to update the ANC map 84 and the audio map 86 (see Figure 15) according to the sound output control program 170. The update processing is performed by the CPU 50 operating as a difference unit 194 and an update unit 196 according to the sound output control program 170.

[0100] Figure 20 shows the operation of the control device 16 according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. The update process may be executed after each routine of the sound output control process, or after multiple routines of the sound output control process. The difference unit 194 acquires the control signal generated by the output unit 182, which is a functional unit of the sound output control process. The difference unit 194 also acquires the output signal input to the control device 16 from the output sensor 104 according to the sound output when sound is output from the roof glass 12G based on the control signal. The difference unit 194 then derives the error between the control signal and the output signal by subtracting the output signal from the control signal.

[0101] The update unit 196 generates an update map based on the opening degree of the roof shade 13 acquired by the acquisition unit 72, which is a functional unit of the sound output control processing, and the error derived by the difference unit 194. The update map is similar to the ANC map 84 and the audio map 86, and includes a map for updating the ANC map 84 and a map for updating the audio map 86.

[0102] The update unit 196 may generate an update map based on the opening degree of the roof shade 13 and the error derived by the difference unit 194, using a learning model trained with training data that takes the opening degree of the roof shade 13 and the error between the control signal and the output signal as input data, and ANC control parameters and audio control parameters as output data. Alternatively, the update unit 196 may generate an update map based on the opening degree of the roof shade 13 and the error derived by the difference unit 194 using various functions. The update map is generated to minimize the error between the control signal and the output signal. Then, the update unit 196 updates the ANC map 84 and the audio map 86 stored in the storage 56 using the generated update map. The learning model used to update the ANC map 84 and the audio map 86 may be an artificial intelligence model, a machine learning model, a deep learning model, or a generative AI model.

[0103] Figure 21 shows the flow of the update process according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. The flow of the update process, which is the operation of the control device 16, will be described below.

[0104] First, in step ST130, the CPU 50 acquires the output signal input from the output sensor 104 to the control device 16 and the control signal generated by the output unit 182, which is the functional unit for acoustic output control processing.

[0105] Next, in step ST132, the CPU 50 uses the control signal and output signal acquired in step ST130 to derive the error between the control signal and the output signal by subtracting the output signal from the control signal.

[0106] Next, in step ST134, the CPU 50 generates an update map based on the opening degree of the roof shade 13 acquired by the acquisition unit 172, which is a functional unit for acoustic output control processing, and the error derived in step ST132.

[0107] Next, in step ST136, the CPU 50 updates the ANC map 84 and the audio map 86 stored in the storage 56 using the update map generated in step ST134, and the update process is completed.

[0108] As detailed above, in the third embodiment, the CPU 50 updates the ANC map 84 and the audio map 86 based on the opening degree of the roof shade 13, the control signal output to the acoustic output module 14, and the output signal input from the output sensor 104 to the control device 16 in response to the control signal. Therefore, even if the mechanical characteristics of the acoustic output module 14 or the roof shade 13 change due to changes over time, for example, the error between the control signal and the output signal can be reduced by updating the ANC map 84 and the audio map 86.

[0109] In the third embodiment, the output sensor 104 is a microphone that detects sound output from the roof glass 12G, but it may also be a vibration sensor that detects vibrations generated in the roof glass 12G. Alternatively, an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of vibrations generated in the roof glass 12G may be used as the vibration sensor.

[0110] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, both the ANC map 84 and the audio map 86 are updated, but either the ANC map 84 or the audio map 86 may be updated.

[0111] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the update process is performed in the control device 16, but it may also be performed in a server that is communicatively connected to the control device 16.

[0112] Although the first to third embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that each of the above embodiments can be implemented in various other ways.

[0113] For example, in each of the above embodiments, the control device 16 is exemplified as a CPU 50, but instead of the CPU 50, or together with the CPU 50, at least one other CPU, at least one GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and / or at least one TPU (Tensor Processing Unit) may be used.

[0114] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, examples are given in which the sound output control programs 70 and 170 are pre-stored in the storage 56. However, the sound output control programs 70 and 170 may also be stored in a portable, non-temporary, computer-readable storage medium such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory (hereinafter simply referred to as "non-temporary storage medium"). The sound output control programs 70 and 170 stored in the non-temporary storage medium may then be installed in the control device 16.

[0115] Alternatively, the sound output control programs 70 and 170 may be stored in a storage device of another computer or server connected to the control device 16 via a network, and the sound output control programs 70 and 170 may be downloaded and installed in the control device 16 upon request.

[0116] Furthermore, it is not necessary to store all of the sound output control programs 70 and 170 in the storage device of another computer, server device, or other device connected to the control device 16, or in the storage device 56; it is acceptable to store only a portion of the sound output control programs 70 and 170.

[0117] Furthermore, the sound output control programs 70 and 170 may be treated as program products.

[0118] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the control device 16 is exemplified as a computer including a CPU 50, ROM 52, RAM 54, and storage 56. However, instead of a computer, a device including an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and / or PLD (Programmable Logic Device) may be used. Alternatively, instead of a computer, a combination of hardware and software configurations may be used.

[0119] Furthermore, the following types of processors can be used as hardware resources to perform the various processes described in each of the above embodiments. Examples of processors include a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that functions as a hardware resource for performing various processes by executing software, i.e., a program. Other examples of processors include dedicated electronic circuits, which are processors with circuit configurations specifically designed for performing particular processes, such as FPGAs, PLDs, or ASICs. Each of these processors has built-in or connected memory, and each processor performs various processes by using this memory.

[0120] The hardware resources that perform various processes may consist of one of these various processors, or they may consist of a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Alternatively, the hardware resources that perform various processes may consist of a single processor.

[0121] Examples of configurations using a single processor include, firstly, a configuration in which one or more CPUs and software are combined to form a single processor, and this processor functions as a hardware resource that executes various processes. Secondly, there is a configuration using a processor that realizes the functions of the entire system, including multiple hardware resources that execute various processes, on a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as exemplified by SoC (System-on-a-Chip). In this way, various processes are realized using one or more of the above types of processors as hardware resources.

[0122] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors can more specifically utilize electronic circuits that combine circuit elements such as semiconductor elements. Also, the gaze detection process described above is merely an example. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary steps can be deleted, new steps added, or the processing order rearranged, as long as it does not deviate from the main purpose.

[0123] This disclosure covers all computer program products. Computer program products include all forms of products for providing programs. For example, computer program products include programs provided through networks such as the Internet, and non-temporary computer-readable recording media such as CD-ROMs, DVDs, and USB memory sticks on which programs are stored.

[0124] The descriptions and illustrations presented above are detailed explanations of the parts related to this disclosure and are merely examples of this disclosure. For example, the above explanation of the structure, function, operation, and effect is an example of the structure, function, operation, and effect of the parts related to this disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that you may delete unnecessary parts, add new elements, or replace parts of the descriptions and illustrations presented above, as long as you do not deviate from the spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, in order to avoid confusion and facilitate understanding of the parts related to this disclosure, explanations of common technical knowledge, etc., that do not require special explanation to enable the implementation of this disclosure have been omitted from the descriptions and illustrations presented above.

[0125] All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually noted to be incorporated by reference.

[0126] The following are additional notes relating to each of the above embodiments. (Addendum 1) An acoustic output device comprising: a glass plate provided on a vehicle; an acoustic output member provided on the glass plate; and a control device for controlling the acoustic output member, wherein the control device comprises: a generation unit that generates a control signal for causing the acoustic output member to output sound based on control parameters; an output unit that outputs the control signal to the acoustic output member; and a setting unit that sets the control parameters based on the opening degree of a shade provided on the glass plate. (Addendum 2) The acoustic output device according to Addendum 1, wherein one or more acoustic output members are provided on the glass plate, and the output unit outputs a single control signal to one or more of the acoustic output members. (Addendum 3) The acoustic output device according to Addendum 1, wherein two or more acoustic output members are provided on the glass plate, and the output unit outputs different control signals to two or more of the acoustic output members. (Note 4) The sound output device according to Note 3, wherein the two or more sound output members include a first sound output member and a second sound output member arranged side by side in the opening and closing direction of the shade, and the setting unit sets the control parameters corresponding to each of the first sound output member and the second sound output member according to the opening degree. (Note 5) The sound output device according to any one of Notes 1 to 4, wherein the setting unit sets the control parameters based on the opening degree from relational information representing the relationship between the opening degree and the control parameters. (Note 6) The sound output device according to Note 5, further comprising an update unit that updates the relational information based on the opening degree, the control signal, and the output signal corresponding to the sound output by the sound output member. (Note 7) The sound output device according to any one of Notes 1 to 6, wherein the control parameters include at least one of balance, fader, tone control, equalizer, pass filter, time delay, and phase related to the sound output by the sound output member.(Note 8) The acoustic output device according to any one of Notes 1 to 7, comprising: a noise detection device provided in the interior or exterior space of the vehicle, which detects sound or vibration and outputs a reference signal corresponding to the detected sound or vibration; and an output sensor which detects sound output by the acoustic output member and outputs an output signal corresponding to the detected sound, wherein the control parameter includes a transmission path selected from the sound or vibration transmission path between the noise detection device and the glass plate, and the sound transmission path between the output sensor and the glass plate. (Note 9) The acoustic output device according to any one of Notes 1 to 8, wherein the setting unit sets the control parameter to a value that reduces the error between the characteristics of the sound output by the acoustic output member and the characteristics of the sound reaching the interior space of the vehicle, compared to the case where the control parameter remains unchanged even when the opening degree of the shade changes. (Note 10) The sound output device according to any one of Notes 1 to 9, wherein the glass plate includes a roof glass provided on the roof of the vehicle, and the shade includes a roof shade provided on the roof glass. (Note 11) A sound output control program that causes a computer to execute a process including: generating a control signal for outputting sound by a sound output member provided on the glass plate based on control parameters; outputting the control signal to the sound output member; and setting the control parameters based on the opening degree of a shade provided on the glass plate. (Note 12) A computer program product including a sound output control program that causes a computer to execute a process including: generating a control signal for outputting sound by a sound output member provided on the glass plate based on control parameters; outputting the control signal to the sound output member; and setting the control parameters based on the opening degree of a shade provided on the glass plate.

Claims

1. An acoustic output device comprising: a glass plate provided on a vehicle; an acoustic output member provided on the glass plate; and a control device for controlling the acoustic output member, wherein the control device includes: a generation unit that generates a control signal for causing the acoustic output member to output sound based on control parameters; an output unit that outputs the control signal to the acoustic output member; and a setting unit that sets the control parameters based on the opening degree of a shade provided on the glass plate.

2. The sound output device according to claim 1, wherein the glass plate is provided with one or more sound output members, and the output unit outputs a single control signal to one or more of the sound output members.

3. The sound output device according to claim 1, wherein the glass plate is provided with two or more sound output members, and the output unit outputs different control signals to the two or more sound output members.

4. The sound output device according to claim 3, wherein the two or more sound output members include a first sound output member and a second sound output member arranged side by side in the opening and closing direction of the shade, and the setting unit sets the control parameters corresponding to each of the first sound output member and the second sound output member according to the opening degree.

5. The setting unit sets the control parameter based on the opening degree using relational information representing the relationship between the opening degree and the control parameter, according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The acoustic output device according to claim 5, further comprising an update unit that updates the relationship information based on the opening degree, the control signal, and the output signal corresponding to the sound output by the acoustic output member.

7. The sound output device according to claim 6, wherein the update unit updates the relational information using a learning model.

8. The sound output device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control parameters include at least one of balance, fader, tone control, equalizer, pass filter, time delay, and phase related to the sound output by the sound output member.

9. An acoustic output device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: a noise detection device provided in the interior or exterior space of the vehicle, which detects sound or vibration and outputs a reference signal corresponding to the detected sound or vibration; and an output sensor which detects sound output by the acoustic output member and outputs an output signal corresponding to the detected sound, wherein the control parameter includes a transmission path selected from the sound or vibration transmission path between the noise detection device and the glass plate, and the sound transmission path between the output sensor and the glass plate.

10. The sound output device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the setting unit sets the control parameter to a value that reduces the error between the characteristics of the sound output by the sound output member and the characteristics of the sound reaching the interior space of the vehicle, compared to the case where the control parameter remains unchanged even when the opening degree of the shade changes.

11. The sound output device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control parameters can be updated externally via the cloud or an information terminal.

12. The sound output device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the glass plate includes a roof glass provided on the roof of the vehicle, and the shade includes a roof shade provided on the roof glass.

13. An acoustic output control program that causes a computer to perform the following processes: generating a control signal for outputting sound from an acoustic output member provided on a glass plate based on control parameters; outputting the control signal to the acoustic output member; and setting the control parameters based on the opening degree of a shade provided on the glass plate.

Images