DE102006060189A1 - Audio signal outputting device e.g. radio, for e.g. automobile, has receiving unit for outputting audio signals, when other audio signals are not received over input, where latter signals are transmitted, when latter signals are received - Google Patents

Abstract

The device e.g. vehicle radio (10), has a signal input (20) for receiving audio signals (22) from a navigation unit (12). A detecting unit (26) detects whether the signals (22) are received over the input, where the detecting unit is activated in a preset operating mode of the device. A receiving unit (14) outputs audio signals (18) to a loudspeaker (16), when the detecting unit detects that the signals (22) are not received over the input. The signals (22) are transmitted to the loudspeaker, when the detecting unit detects that the signals (22) are received over the input. An independent claim is also included for a method for operating an audio signal outputting device.

Description

The The invention relates to a device for outputting audio signals to a loudspeaker according to the preamble of Claim 1. Furthermore, it relates to a method of operation such a device according to the preamble of claim 11.

One commercial mobile navigation device has usually via an internal speaker for output of acoustic driving recommendations. Such a speaker has however, especially at high ambient levels, such as for example, during a ride with loud played Entertainment music or open cabriolet occur unsatisfactory Sound characteristics.

One On-board device for outputting audio signals, such as for example, a car radio, a CD player or a vehicle telephone, often has a signal input for one other device generated audio signals. Such a signal input is also referred to as AUX input (auxiliary input). The device can be switched to a mode in which one to the signal input provided audio signal forwarded to a speaker and is converted by this into a sound signal. In this way may be the coupled to the device speaker, which better in comparison with the speaker of the mobile navigation device for sending messages inside a motor vehicle suitable for the issue of acoustic driving recommendations be used of the mobile navigation device.

there However, there is the problem that the on-board Device coupled speakers between the short driving recommendations sends out a noise signal. The only way, this It is conventional to suppress the noise signal in that the user after each driving recommendation the device switches to another mode, in which one at the signal input provided noise signal is not forwarded to the speaker becomes. Before a new acoustic driving recommendation the user must then switch the device back to the previous mode. This multiple switching, however, many users perceive as disturbing.

It is additionally known from the prior art that a mobile device coupled to an on-board device for outputting audio signals outputs a muting signal to the device via a separate line attached to the device in addition to a signal line. Upon receipt of the mute signal over the separate line, the audio signal output device is then switched to a mode in which only an audio signal provided by the mobile device via the signal line to the device is forwarded to a speaker coupled to the device. For example, this describes US 6,377,825 B1 a mobile telephone which is designed to mute the vehicle radio coupled to the mobile telephone before transmitting the message received by the mobile telephone. However, providing an on-vehicle device for outputting audio signals with an additional line for providing the mute signal increases the cost of such a device.

The The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a cost-effective, Low-noise and accessible to a user with little work Possibility to provide around the speakers of an in-vehicle Device for a mobile device.

The Task is by a device for outputting audio signals to a speaker according to claim 1 and a method of operating such a device according to the Claim 11 solved.

The Inventive device for dispensing Audio signals is characterized by a detection unit which detects whether audio signals arrive via the signal input, wherein in a predetermined operating mode of the device the Detection unit is activated, the internal unit, at least during the detection unit does not receive audio signals via detects the signal input, outputs audio signals to the loudspeaker, and if the detection unit via the signal input recorded incoming audio signals, this forwarded to the speaker become. During the time intervals in which the detection unit no arrival of audio signals via the signal input detected, signals arriving via the signal input, at most in a reduced signal intensity forwarded to the speaker of the device. Preferably omits the forwarding of the signals to the speaker during these time intervals.

This ensures good noise suppression without requiring the user to toggle the device between a mode in which signals are passed from the signal input to the loudspeaker and a mode in which this is omitted. This relieves the user of work and thus increases the user comfort of a device according to the invention. With such a detection unit, it is also no longer necessary to equip a device with a speaker and a signal input for providing audio signals by an external device with a separate line for providing a mute signal by the external device. This reduces the cost of such a device.

Preferably redirects the device in the predetermined mode of operation a detection of incoming via the signal input Audio signals by the detection unit both this and of the internal unit generated audio signals as the overall audio signals continue to the speaker. The user then has the option provided simultaneously by the internal unit and the external unit To hear news or music. Is the external device a navigation device and the device for delivering of audio signals a car radio, so can the driving recommendations be superimposed on a radio program. The radio program can of course in its absolute volume be steamed.

When Alternative to this embodiment, the device in the predetermined mode of operation after detecting over the signal input arriving audio signals by the detection unit outputting audio signals generated by the internal unit interrupt the speaker. This ensures that that a user provided by the external unit Information or the music played by the external unit perceives very well.

The Detection unit may be configured to have a level of over determine the signal input arriving signals and the determined level compare with a given minimum level to between Noise signals and incoming via the signal input Distinguish audio signals. Likewise, the detection unit be designed to be a from the external unit via the signal input incoming registration signal or deregistration signal to recognize as such. The registration unit then only evaluates the Signals, which after a registration signal and before a deregistration signal via the signal input arrive as an audio signal. Both possibilities ensure a safe distinction between noise signals and audio signals. There will then be no noise to the speaker forwarded.

When In addition to this, the registration unit can be designed by means of a detection signal arriving via the signal input recognize a type of attached external unit and only if the recognized type corresponds to a given type, the over the signal input arriving audio signals to the speaker forward. For example, only one navigation device generated audio signals to the speaker, as this correspond to an information which is for a driver especially during a, ride is important. Is on the other hand a cassette recorder or a CD player connected to the device, so can forward their audio signals to the speaker depends on an additional input of the user be. This ensures that the driver prefers the can hear messages needed by him and not by sounds not wanted by him is disturbed.

additionally can the device with an actuator for Switching the device from the predetermined operating mode be equipped in another mode of operation, wherein in the other Operating mode the detection unit is disabled and forwarding the incoming via the signal input audio signals the loudspeaker depending on a press of the actuating element takes place. A user of one Device has the ability to self-determine whether the device receives the audio signals provided via the signal input should automatically forward to the speaker. Would like to the user does not receive the messages corresponding to the audio signals so he just has to type in an appropriate input make the actuator.

The Device according to the invention can be a radio, a tape recorder, a CD player, a telephone, a computer, a TV or a combination device with at least two of the be enumerated devices. Leave it the present invention for various types of Use devices that are connected to speakers.

Preferably is a motor vehicle with an inventive Device equipped. As a driver during a Drive should leave both hands on the steering wheel, offers him the equipment of his motor vehicle with the invention Device significantly easier when coupling a Mobile device to the speaker of the device.

For example is the motor vehicle with a navigation device with a Signal output equipped to provide audio signals, wherein the signal output of the navigation device to a signal input coupled to the device according to the invention is. Navigation devices are designed to be in irregular Intervals to issue short acoustic driving recommendations. By coupling the signal output of the navigation device to the signal input of a device according to the invention can these driving recommendations from the speakers of the device be sent out with a good sound quality, without that this for the driver with intermittently sent out Noise or with an increased workload connected is.

The inventive method is characterized by detecting whether the signals arriving via the signal input audio signals or Noise signals are, switching or continuing operation of the device in the first or the first functional mode, if an arrival of audio signals is detected via the signal input, and, if an arrival of noise signals is detected via the signal input, switching or further operation of the device in the second functional mode. Thus, the method according to the invention also offers a cost-effective possibility of using the loudspeakers of a device for transmitting the messages of an external unit with a good sound quality.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the attached 1 explained in more detail, which schematically shows a car radio with a coupled mobile navigation device.

In 1 are a vehicle radio 10 and a mobile navigation device 12 shown. The vehicle radio 10 is mounted in a dashboard, not shown, of a motor vehicle. It has a receiving unit 14 and a speaker 16 on. About an input device, not shown, the receiving unit 14 be set to a certain reception frequency. The receiving unit 14 then receives radio signals from a coupled antenna having a frequency corresponding to the set reception frequency and outputs corresponding audio signals 18 to the speaker 16 out. The speaker 16 converts the audio signals 18 the receiving unit 14 into sound signals.

The vehicle radio 10 additionally has a signal input 20 for receiving externally provided audio signals 22 on. In the example off 1 is the signal output 24 of the navigation device 12 to the signal input 20 of the vehicle radio 10 coupled. The from the navigation device 12 generated audio signals 22 , which correspond to acoustically outputable driving recommendations, can thus by the vehicle radio 10 be received.

A registration unit 26 detects when the audio signals 22 to the signal input 20 to be provided. The detection unit measures this 26 the level of the at the signal input 20 incoming signals. If the level of the signals is below a predetermined minimum level, this evaluates the detection unit 26 in that the signals are noise signals. The registration unit 26 is designed so that it does not connect the noise signals to the speaker 16 forwards. Detects the capture unit 26 however, that the level of the signals is above the predetermined minimum level, so evaluates the detection unit 26 the signals as audio signals 22 and redirects the audio signals 22 to the speaker 16 further.

Alternatively, the detection unit 26 also be designed to be on the signal input 20 recognized registration or deregistration signal as such. The registration unit 26 then evaluates the between the registration signal and the deregistration signal via the signal input 20 received signals as audio signals 22 They speak to the loudspeaker 16 forwards. The signals received after a deregistration signal are received by the detection unit 26 detected as noise signals. Forwarding these noise signals to the speaker 16 is then from the capture unit 26 prevented.

On the speaker 16 will be from the receiving unit 14 generated audio signals 18 and that of the capture unit 26 forwarded audio signals 22 mixed together. Previously, the intensity of at least one of the two audio signals 18 or 22 to be changed. For example, the intensity of the receiving unit 14 generated audio signals 18 decreases and / or the intensity of the detection unit 26 forwarded audio signals 22 elevated. As a result, a user of the vehicle radio 10 the audio signals 22 corresponding driving recommendations, which from the speaker 16 be emitted mono or stereo, better perceives.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the detection unit 26 be designed to capture audio signals 22 at the signal input 20 a mute signal to the receiving unit 14 issue. The mute signal causes the receiving unit 14 no audio signals for a given time interval 18 generated. The speaker 16 converts only the data from the detection unit in this time interval 26 provided audio signals 22 into sound signals. A user can handle the audio signals 22 better understand the corresponding driving recommendations.

10

vehicle radio

12

navigation device

14

receiver unit

16

speaker

18 and 22

Audio signals

20

signal input

24

signal output

26

acquisition unit

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - US 6377825 B1 [0005]

Claims (11)

Device ( 10 ) for outputting audio signals ( 18 . 22 ) to a speaker ( 16 ), with - an internal unit ( 14 ) for generating audio signals ( 18 ) due to externally received signals or from a medium of read signals and - a signal input ( 20 ) for receiving audio signals ( 22 ) from one to the signal input ( 20 ) external unit ( 12 ), characterized by - a registration unit ( 26 ), which detects whether via the signal input ( 20 ) Audio signals ( 22 ), wherein in a predetermined operating mode of the device ( 10 ): a.) the registration unit ( 26 ) is activated, b.) the internal unit ( 14 ), at least while the registration unit ( 26 ) not an arrival of audio signals ( 22 ) via the signal input ( 20 ), audio signals ( 18 ) to the speaker ( 16 ) and c.) if the registration unit ( 26 ) via the signal input ( 20 ) incoming audio signals ( 22 ), connect them to the loudspeaker ( 16 ) to get redirected. Device ( 10 ) according to claim 1, wherein the device ( 10 ) in the predetermined operating mode after detection via the signal input ( 20 ) incoming audio signals ( 22 ) by the registration unit ( 26 ) both this and the internal unit ( 14 ) generated audio signals ( 18 ) as overall audio signals to the loudspeaker ( 16 ). Device ( 10 ) according to claim 1, wherein the device ( 10 ) in the predetermined operating mode after detection via the signal input ( 20 ) incoming audio signals ( 22 ) by the registration unit ( 26 ) dispensing from the internal unit ( 14 ) generated audio signals ( 18 ) to the speaker ( 16 ) interrupts. Device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the detection unit ( 26 ) is designed to provide a level above the signal input ( 20 ) and to compare the detected level with a predetermined minimum level in order to distinguish between noise signals and via the signal input ( 20 ) incoming audio signals ( 22 ) to distinguish. Device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the detection unit ( 26 ), one from the external unit ( 12 ) via the signal input ( 20 ) to recognize incoming registration signal or Abmeldesignal as such. Device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the detection unit ( 26 ) is designed to use a signal input ( 20 ) receive a type of the coupled external unit ( 12 ) and only if the recognized type corresponds to a predetermined type, which via the signal input ( 20 ) incoming audio signals ( 22 ) to the speaker ( 16 ). Device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6 with an actuating element for switching the device ( 10 ) from the predetermined operating mode to another operating mode, wherein in the other operating mode the detecting unit ( 26 ) is disabled and the forwarding via the signal input ( 20 ) incoming audio signals ( 22 ) to the speaker ( 16 ) takes place depending on an actuation of an actuating element. Device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the device ( 10 ) is a radio, a tape recorder, a CD player, a telephone, a computer, a television or a combination device with at least two of the enumerated devices. Motor vehicle with a device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8. Motor vehicle according to claim 9 with a navigation device ( 12 ) with a signal output ( 24 ) for providing audio signals ( 22 ), the signal output ( 24 ) of the navigation device ( 12 ) to a signal input ( 20 ) of the device ( 10 ) is coupled according to one of claims 1 to 8. Method for operating a device ( 10 ) for outputting audio signals ( 18 . 22 ) to a speaker ( 16 ), whereby the device ( 10 ) an internal unit ( 14 ) for generating audio signals ( 18 ) due to externally received signals or from a medium of read signals and a signal input ( 20 ) for receiving audio signals ( 22 ) from one to the signal input ( 20 ) external unit ( 12 ), the device ( 10 ) in a first functional mode and in a second functional mode is switchable, wherein via the signal input ( 20 ) incoming signals only in the first functional mode to the speaker ( 16 ), characterized by the steps: detecting whether the signal input ( 20 ) incoming signals audio signals ( 22 ) or noise signals, - Switching or further operation of the device ( 10 ) in the first or the first functional mode, if an arrival of audio signals ( 22 ) via the signal input ( 20 ), and, if an arrival of noise signals via the signal input ( 20 ), switching or continuing operation of the device ( 10 ) in the second functional mode.