JP2004019334A - Voice answer back device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a voice answer back device assembled into a keyless device and which informs of a lock/unlock condition by a voice alarm, especially into which a voice alarm corresponding to user's taste can be appropriately assembled. <P>SOLUTION: The voice answer back device is assembled into a keyless device 100 for locking/unlocking a vehicle door by a signal transmitted from a remote control 110. The voice answer back device 200 is constituted of a voice encoding part 210 encoding voices input from the outside, a memory sections 221-222 reserving encorded digital voice data, a voice decoding section 230 converting digital voice data of the memory section 221-222 in correspondence with locking/unlocking of the keyless device 100 to analog voice and outputting it, a speaker 250 issuing a voice alarm by the analog voice data, and a controller 260 for control, is provided. In this way, the device can inform of lock/unlock condition with the voice alarm. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a keyless device that is locked or unlocked by a remote control operation, that is, in a keyless device in which locking and unlocking is performed, relates to an audio answerback device that notifies a lock / unlock state by an audio alarm, and particularly relates to an alarm according to a user's preference. It also includes those in which voice can be appropriately incorporated.
[0002]
The main operation of a keyless device is usually to lock (lock) or unlock (unlock) a vehicle door by operating a remote controller (small transmitter). It is common to add equipment. For example, it is means for blinking a hazard lamp or the like at the time of locking.
[0003]
That is, the driving sound of the keyless device (operation sound when locking and unlocking) is a sound that can be easily heard by the user (operator) in or near the vehicle, but the surrounding noise level is high, When the user is relatively far away from the vehicle, there is a concern that the user cannot hear well and forget to lock. On the other hand, if the method of blinking the lamp is additionally provided, the user can surely visually recognize the locked state, and it is possible to prevent forgetting to lock, thereby obtaining high security.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the case of such a lamp blinking method, it is necessary for the user to watch the lamp portion of the vehicle at least, and in a bright environment such as daytime, it is difficult to confirm the blinking of the lamp itself. There is also.
[0005]
According to the present invention, in such a conventional keyless device, the lock / unlock state is notified by an audible alarm when unlocking or unlocking, alone or in combination with a conventional lamp blinking method. The present invention is to provide a sound answer back device which can appropriately incorporate an alarm sound according to the above.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention according to claim 1 is incorporated in a keyless device that locks and unlocks a vehicle door by a signal transmitted from a remote controller, and converts digital voice data stored in a memory unit in advance when locking and unlocking the keyless device into analog voice. An audio answerback device is characterized in that it is converted into data and an audio alert is issued.
[0007]
The present invention according to claim 2 is incorporated in a keyless device that locks and unlocks a vehicle door by a signal transmitted from a remote controller, and further includes an audio encoding unit that encodes externally input audio, and an encoded digital signal. A memory unit for storing audio data, a voice decoding unit for converting the digital audio data in the memory unit into analog audio data and outputting the analog audio data in response to locking and unlocking of the keyless device, and a speaker for issuing an audio alarm by the analog audio data And a controller for control.
[0008]
The present invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the memory unit is divided into a lock memory unit for storing digital audio data when locking and an unlock memory unit for storing digital audio data when unlocking. A voice answerback device according to claim 2.
[0009]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the second or third aspect, a voice from an external voice data supply device is input to the voice encoding unit via an external auxiliary recording unit. It is in the voice answerback device.
[0010]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the auxiliary recording unit has a cable connection section, a memory switching section, and a display section for displaying a memory switching state. It is in.
[0011]
The present invention according to claim 6, wherein an alarm generation test line is provided between the recording unit and the speaker, and a test audio is output when audio is input from an external audio data supply device. 5. The sound answerback device according to item 5.
[0012]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the auxiliary recording unit is provided with a changeover switch for storing multi-audio data to store a plurality of digital audio data in the memory unit, while the auxiliary recording unit is used for selecting multi-audio data. 7. The sound answerback device according to claim 4, wherein the operation changeover switch is provided to select digital sound data as appropriate.
[0013]
The present invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that the keyless device is provided with an operation number detection unit for detecting the number of operations of the remote controller, and when a predetermined number of operations is performed within a short time, an audio alarm is stopped. A sound answer back device according to claim 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7.
[0014]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the keyless device further includes an operation number detection unit that detects the number of operation times of the remote controller, and generates an audio alert when a predetermined number of operation times occurs within a short time. A sound answer back device according to claim 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7.
[0015]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a voice answerback device in a keyless device according to the present invention. In the figure, 100 is a keyless device, 110 is a remote controller for transmitting a lock signal S _L and an unlock signal S _UL , 120 is an antenna, 130 is a lock / unlock discriminator for signals from the remote controller 110, 140 is a door lock actuator The control unit 150 is a door lock actuator including a lock claw and a lock rod.
[0016]
The keyless device 100 portion may at the same structure as the conventional structure, by transmitting a lock signal S _L and the unlock signal S _UL by remote control operation, is determined by the locking and unlocking determination unit 130, corresponding thereto Since the drive signals _OL and _OUL are output, the door lock actuator 150 is driven to lock and unlock the door.
[0017]
Reference numeral 200 denotes a voice answer back device of the present invention which is added to the keyless device 100. Reference numeral 210 denotes an audio encoding unit having a built-in A / D converter for encoding an externally input audio, reference numerals 221 and 222 denote nonvolatile memory units for storing encoded digital audio data, and reference numeral 230 denotes a keyless device. An audio decoding unit having a built-in D / A converter for converting digital audio data in the memory units 221 and 222 into analog audio data and outputting the analog audio data in accordance with the locking / unlocking of 100, and 240 from the audio decoding unit 230 An amplifier (amplifier) for amplifying analog audio data; 250, a speaker that issues an audio alarm based on the analog audio data; 260, a control controller having a built-in MPU for controlling each unit; 270, a power supply unit for each unit; Denotes an external auxiliary recording unit, and 290 denotes an alarm generation test line provided between the auxiliary recording unit 280 and the speaker 250. A. Reference numerals 310 and 320 denote devices for inputting sound from the outside to the sound encoding unit 210, for example, a small CD reproducing device, a sound data supply device such as a recorder having a built-in IC memory or tape, and a built-in reproducing function. Microphone.
[0018]
The memory unit 221 and 222, in the illustrated case the divided display to a lock memory unit M _L alarm sound when locking is stored in the unlock memory unit M _UL alarm sound upon unlocking is stored However, these may be in the form of content division in an integrated memory. At least the memory unit M _L, the M _UL, it is assumed that one of the alarm sound is stored. Note that, as in another embodiment to be described later, the memory units M _L and M _UL may be configured to store a plurality of alarm voices of various varieties.
[0019]
In any case, the main part of the audio answerback device 200 is housed in a box-type main unit 400 that can be retrofitted, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the auxiliary recording unit 280 is also formed of a small box-type device, and includes a cable connection unit 281 for the audio data supply devices 310 and 320, a memory switching unit 282 such as a push button switch, and a memory switching state. Is provided in the display unit 283 having a plurality of LEDs (three LEDs) for displaying. Here, the memory switching section 282 functions as a switch for switching between the memory sections 221 and 222 when the cable is not connected to the cable connection section 281 (before connecting the cables from the audio data supply devices 310 and 320). After connection to the cable connection unit 281, it functions as a recording switch from the audio data supply devices 310 and 320.
[0020]
Further, in response to the operation of the memory switching unit 282, the LED of the display unit 283 emits light in different colors. That is, at the time of switching to the memory unit 221 (lock memory unit M _L ) in which the alarm sound at the time of locking is stored, the light emits “green” and the memory unit 222 (unlock memory) in which the alarm sound at the time of unlocking is stored. ( _MUL ), and emits "orange", and emits "red" when an alarm sound is recorded. The change in the emission color allows the user to perform the operation without making a mistake.
[0021]
Further, the main unit 400 and the auxiliary recording unit 280 are connected to each other by connectors or the like by respective cables 410 and 284 shown in FIG. The main unit 400 is attached to the keyless device 100 by another cable 420 and is also connected to the speaker unit 500 having the speaker 250 shown in FIG.
[0022]
In the audio answerback apparatus 200 configured as described above, when the desired alarm sound is stored and stored in the memory units 221 and 222, the following may be performed. First, the user presses the push button switch of the memory switching unit 282 of the auxiliary recording unit 280 to select whether to save the alarm sound when locking or to save the alarm sound when unlocking. Thereafter, the output cable of the microphone 320 and the audio data supply device 310 such as a CD playback device are connected to the cable connection unit 281.
[0023]
For example, in order to store and save an alarm sound at the time of locking, “the door is locked”, the memory switching unit 282 is pressed, and the switching information is input to the controller 260. This enables access to the memory unit 221 is a lock memory unit M _L. At this time, the display unit 283 having the built-in LED emits “green” light. Thereafter, the output cables of the audio data supply devices 310 and 320 are connected to the cable connection unit 281, and the memory switching unit 282 is kept pressed.
[0024]
Then, the switching information is input to the controller 260, and at this time, the display unit 283 including the LED emits “red” light. At the same time, the alarm sound “the door is locked” is input to the sound encoding unit 210 and encoded, while the encoded digital audio data is stored and stored in the memory unit 221 by the operation of the controller 260. . Needless to say, at this time, "the door has been locked" is recorded in advance in the audio data supply device 310, and the audio data supply device 310 is set to be in a reproducible state. With the microphone 320, the user need only blow in directly.
[0025]
On the other hand, for example, in order to store and save the alarm sound at unlocking, “the door is unlocked”, the output cables of the audio data supply devices 310 and 320 are connected to the cable connection portion 281 of the auxiliary recording unit 280. After extracting, the memory switching unit 282 is pressed, and the switching information is input to the controller 260. This enables access to the memory unit 222 which is the unlocked memory unit _MUL . At this time, the display unit 283 in which the LED is built emits “orange” light. Thereafter, the output cables of the audio data supply devices 310 and 320 are connected to the cable connection unit 281, and the memory switching unit 282 is kept pressed again.
[0026]
Then, the switching information is input to the controller 260, and at this time, the display unit 283 including the LED emits “red” light. At the same time, the alarm sound “door unlocked” is input to the sound encoding unit 210 and encoded, while the encoded digital audio data is stored and stored in the memory unit 222 by the operation of the controller 260. .
[0027]
Since the length of generation of the alarm sound at this time is within approximately several seconds, at most within 10 seconds, the user needs to operate the memory switching unit 282 in accordance with the utterance length. In order to facilitate this operation, in the present invention, an alarm generation test line 290 is provided between the auxiliary recording unit 280 and the speaker 250 so that a voice alarm is output directly from the speaker 250 when a voice is input. .
This makes it possible to easily perform the cueing and ending operations of the sound from the external sound data supply device 310 and the microphone 320.
[0028]
In this way, once the desired alarm sound is stored in the corresponding memory units 221 and 222, when the remote control 110 is operated in the keyless device 100 from the next time, the lock signal _SL and the unlock signal In response to the _SUL , an audio alarm such as "The door has been locked" or "The door has been unlocked" is issued. This allows the user to know the locked or unlocked state of the door aurally. Therefore, depending on the sound pressure level of the voice alarm, even when the ambient noise level is slightly higher or when the vehicle is relatively far away from the vehicle, it is possible to hear well. Also, even in a bright environment such as in the daytime, the user can easily hear the sound unlike the confirmation of the blinking of the lamp. Of course, a higher recognition effect can be obtained if used in combination with the conventional operation sound or lamp blinking method. The adjustment of the sound pressure level can be performed by rotating the adjusting section 430 of the variable resistor incorporated in the amplifier 240 that is exposed in a part of the main unit 400.
[0029]
There is no particular problem in storing the alarm sound in the memory unit 221 or the memory unit 222 even if the stored digital audio data up to that time is rewritten each time the alarm sound is input. However, the user may be tired of using the same voice alarm for a long time, and higher convenience is obtained if a plurality of alarm voices are stored in advance.
[0030]
In order to cope with this, for example, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the memory unit 221 (lock memory unit M _L ) and the memory unit 222 (unlock memory unit M _UL ) It is preferable to store a plurality of alarm voices (digital voice data) substantially in pairs. For example, in addition to the above-described as "was to release the door lock" of "was to release the door lock,""lockcompletion" and "unlocked", and "bye-bye" and "Hello", "door lock on" and "door Lock-off "," music (melody of specific singer's song, classical music, movie music, etc.) "and" music (music of different specific singer's song, different classical, movie music, etc.) "and the like.
[0031]
In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, a switch 285 for storing multi-sound data and a switch 286 for selecting multi-sound data are newly provided in the auxiliary recording unit 280. Here, when the changeover switch 285 for storing the multi-audio data is operated (for example, when it is turned on), the operation signal is input to the controller 260. This ON signal, by performing the input operation similar to the alarm sound and above, as shown in FIG. 3 (A), (B) , of a plurality portions of the lock memory unit M _L and the unlock memory unit M _UL digital Audio data can be stored sequentially.
[0032]
The plurality of digital audio data stored in this manner can be selected, for example, by the number of operations of the switch 286 for selecting multi audio data.
In other words, the number of operations of the changeover switch 286 is to be input to the controller 260, by the controller 260, FIG. 3 (A), the storage of lock memory unit _{M L} and the unlock memory unit _{M UL} shown in (B) The audio content corresponding to the number (NO) can be selected by software. Then, the last selected voice content may be set as the specified value of the warning voice.
[0033]
FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the voice answerback device in the keyless device according to the present invention. In this apparatus, an operation number detection unit 600 for detecting the number of operations of the remote controller 110 is provided, and when a predetermined number of operations, for example, two operations are performed within a short time, for example, about two seconds, an audio alarm is issued. It is to stop.
[0034]
That is, the detection signal from the operation number detection unit 600 is input to the controller 260, and the voice alarm can be stopped by the controller 260 based on the input data.
[0035]
This is because, in the case of a late-night apartment parking lot, an underground parking lot of a hotel or a public facility, or the like, an audible alarm may resonate greatly in the surroundings. In such a situation, if the user performs the remote control operation twice within a short period of time, the voice alarm can be stopped intentionally, and the inconvenience to others can be eliminated.
[0036]
In addition, when the normal voice alarm is stopped and the voice alarm is requested, the number of times of operation of the remote controller 110 within a short time is also detected by the operation number detecting unit 600, and the voice alarm can be generated only in this case. .
[0037]
In the above embodiment, the remote controller 110 if there are two operation buttons, but was of a type that transmits a lock signal S _L and the unlock signal S _UL, the invention is not limited thereto. Even if the operation button is switched with one operation button, it can be handled if the lock / unlock determination unit 130 determines this.
[0038]
【The invention's effect】
As is clear from the above description, the following excellent effects can be obtained by the audio answerback apparatus according to the present invention.
[0039]
(1) First, when the keyless device is locked or unlocked, the digital audio data stored in the memory unit in advance is converted into analog audio data to issue an audio alarm when the keyless device is unlocked or unlocked, Even when the ambient noise level is high or the user is relatively far away from the vehicle, the user can reliably know the locked / unlocked state of the vehicle door. Needless to say, unlike the case of the lamp blinking method, the user does not particularly need to pay close attention to the vehicle lamp part, and can hear without any problem even in a bright environment such as daytime.
[0040]
(2) In the case of the present invention according to the second aspect, when the apparatus comprises an audio encoding unit, a memory unit, an audio decoding unit, a speaker, and a controller for control, the user can securely lock the vehicle door, as described above. -While being able to know the unlocked state, the user can appropriately incorporate an alarm sound according to his / her preference. Thereby, the effect of preventing the user from getting tired due to the long-term use of the same voice alarm can be obtained. Further, a higher recognition effect can be obtained by an alarm sound according to the user's preference.
[0041]
(3) When the memory unit is divided into a lock memory unit for storing digital audio data at the time of locking and an unlock memory unit for storing digital audio data at the time of unlocking, A pair of alarm sounds such as "The door has been locked" or "The door has been unlocked" can be stored in both parts. Of course, it is possible to easily cope with storage of a plurality of alarm sounds.
[0042]
(4) When the audio from the external audio data supply device is input to the audio encoding unit via the external auxiliary recording unit as in the present invention, the user needs the auxiliary recording unit at hand. , The alarm sound can be easily stored. Of course, since the main unit is separated from the main unit, the space of the main unit can be saved, and at the same time, the main unit can be stored in the storage portion of the dashboard portion when not in use.
[0043]
(5) In the case where the auxiliary recording unit has a cable connection portion, a memory switching portion, and a display portion for displaying a memory switching state, the alarm switching portion outputs an alarm sound. It can be saved according to the audio length and transferred to the lock memory section or unlock memory section. At this time, if there is a display unit that displays the memory switching state, the user can surely perform the saving operation without making a mistake while visually confirming the emission color of the display unit.
[0044]
(6) According to the present invention, when an alarm generation test line is provided between the auxiliary recording unit and the speaker to output a test sound at the time of voice input from an external voice data supply device, the user is required to be audible. Since the alarm sound can be saved while checking the state of the alarm sound, an easy and error-free operation can be performed.
[0045]
(7) According to the present invention, the auxiliary recording unit is provided with a changeover switch for storing multi-audio data, and a plurality of digital audio data are stored in the memory unit, while the multi-audio data is stored in the auxiliary recording unit. When the digital audio data is appropriately selected by providing a selection operation changeover switch, a plurality of various alarm sounds can be stored in the lock memory section and the unlock memory section as described above. Thereby, the effect of preventing the user from getting tired due to the long-term use of the same voice alarm can be obtained. Further, a higher recognition effect can be obtained by an alarm sound according to the user's preference. Needless to say, switching between a plurality of alarm sounds can be easily performed, so that high convenience can be obtained.
[0046]
(8) As in the present invention as set forth in claim 8 or 9, a number-of-operations detecting section for detecting the number of operations of the remote controller is provided, and when a predetermined number of operations is performed within a short time, an audio alarm is stopped, When generating an audio alert, the user can select an optimal state with his / her own intention in consideration of surrounding conditions.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment in which a voice answerback device according to the present invention is combined with a keyless device.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a unit configuration of a voice answerback device according to the present invention.
3A and 3B show examples of a plurality of alarm voices stored in a memory unit used in the present invention, wherein FIG. 3A shows an example of a lock memory and FIG. 3B shows an example of an unlock memory.
FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an auxiliary recording unit when a plurality of alarm sounds are stored and stored in a memory unit.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing another embodiment in which the voice answerback device according to the present invention is combined with a keyless device.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 100 Keyless device 110 Remote controller 130 Lock / unlock discriminating unit 140 Door lock actuator control unit 150 Door lock actuator 200 Voice answerback device 210 Voice encoding unit 221-2 Memory unit 230 Voice decoding unit 240 Amplifier 250 Speaker 260 Controller 280 Auxiliary Recording unit 281 Cable connection unit 282 Memory switching unit 283 Display unit 285 Switching switch for storing multi audio data 286 Switching switch for selecting multi audio data 290 Alarm generation test line 310 Audio data supply device 320 Microphone 600 Number of times of operation detection unit

Claims (9)

It is incorporated in a keyless device that locks and unlocks a vehicle door in response to a signal transmitted from a remote controller, and converts digital audio data stored in a memory unit stored in advance into analog audio data when locking and unlocking the keyless device, and issues an audio alarm. A voice answer back device characterized by the above-mentioned. A voice encoding unit that is incorporated in a keyless device that locks and unlocks a vehicle door by a signal transmitted from a remote control, and that encodes audio input from the outside, a memory unit that stores encoded digital audio data, An audio decoding unit that converts digital audio data in the memory unit into analog audio data and outputs the analog audio data in response to the locking and unlocking of the keyless device, a speaker that issues an audio alarm using the analog audio data, and a controller for control A voice answer-back device. 3. The voice answer back according to claim 2, wherein said memory unit is divided into a lock memory unit for storing digital audio data when locking and an unlock memory unit for storing digital audio data when unlocking. apparatus. The audio answerback device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein audio from an external audio data supply device is input to the audio encoding unit via an external auxiliary recording unit. The audio answerback device according to claim 4, wherein the auxiliary recording unit has a cable connection unit, a memory switching unit, and a display unit for displaying a memory switching state. The voice answerback device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein an alarm generation test line is provided between the auxiliary recording unit and the speaker, and a test voice is output when voice is input from an external voice data supply device. The auxiliary recording unit is provided with a changeover switch for storing multi-audio data, and the memory unit is stored with a plurality of digital audio data, while the auxiliary recording unit is provided with an operation changeover switch for selecting multi-audio data. 7. The audio answerback device according to claim 4, wherein digital audio data is selected. 7. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an operation number detection unit configured to detect an operation number of the remote controller, wherein when a predetermined number of operations is performed within a short time, an audio alarm is stopped. 7. The voice answerback device according to 7. 7. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: an operation number detection unit configured to detect an operation number of the remote controller, and generating an audio alert when a predetermined number of operations is performed within a short time. 7. The voice answerback device according to 7.

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