JP2001034329A - Synthetic voice volume controller and combustion equipment using the controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a synthetic voice volume controller having use convenience while maintaining the safety by distinguishing a volume message from a buzzer tone when both the buzzer tone and voice message are influenced by the change in volume. SOLUTION: The synthetic voice volume controller is provided with an operation button group 30, a control part 31 for controlling operation on the basis of a signal from the button group 30, a synthetic voice generator 36 for recording voice message data including a false buzzer tone, an amplifier 37, a voice generation means 37, and a variable volume means 35 for changing a volume level. At the time of receiving an instruction for changing the volume level, voice message data indicating the contents of a voice change are generated by the changed volume level, and in the case of an alarm tone or voice message data for urging attention, its volume is changed and the buzzer tone is fixed on prescribed volume.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a control device for setting a sound volume in a device for outputting sound, and a combustion apparatus using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, sound generating means of a combustion device such as an oil fan heater is mainly based on a buzzer, and an operation sound when an operation button of an operation panel such as a temperature setting or a time setting is operated, or when refueling or ventilating. Various operation sounds to be notified according to the operation state, such as an alarm sound (warning sound) at the time of an alarm, are issued.

On the other hand, in recent years, various voice synthesis LSIs have been supplied at low cost, and various devices for generating voice using the voice synthesis means (hereinafter referred to as a voice generation function) have been realized. In addition to the buzzer, the fan heater is equipped with a voice synthesis generator, amplifier, and speaker.
It is publicly known to produce a message such as "I am out of oil. Please refuel" or "Please ventilate."

[0004] Such various operation sounds are output from a buzzer and a voice message is output from a speaker, but the volume of each is set in advance by a volume or a switch regardless of the type of operation sound or the content of the voice message. The volume is fixed, and the set value of the volume can be confirmed by checking the position of the volume knob, LED, LCD, etc.
And so on, so that the operator can visually recognize it.

[0005]

However, a buzzer that outputs various operation sounds and a speaker that emits a voice message have different response frequency bands, and even if output at the same signal level, the sound is different. There was a problem that the frequency of the buzzer was larger.

[0006] On the other hand, the operation of the operation buttons on the operation panel is performed while approaching the equipment, while the operation button is always close to the equipment at the time of a notification sound when kerosene is running out and refueling is required or a caution sound prompting ventilation. Not always, and those warning sounds are suddenly announced, so they are often missed. Therefore, if the volume setting of the operation sound is set based on the operation sound of the operation button, it is difficult to hear the notification sound such as kerosene running out, and conversely, if the volume of the notification sound is increased, the sound when operating the operation button becomes loud. I was dissatisfied.

[0007] The same applies to the volume of voice messages, and announcement messages that convey simple operating procedures are complicated when the user becomes accustomed to the operation of the equipment, so the volume is often reduced. A necessary voice message such as an emergency message such as a warning is not transmitted, and there is a problem that safety is impaired.

[0008] Further, if the volume is set to "mute" to stop the voice message, no operation sound is output, and a sense of security that the operation of the operation button is correctly received cannot be obtained, and the operation feeling is deteriorated. There are also issues.

Further, in the above-mentioned conventional example, if a volume is provided for the volume setting, a hole is made in the operation panel,
There is a problem that it is necessary to take measures against static electricity and dust.

[0010] In order to solve this problem, it is also known to provide an electronic volume and set the volume by using two buttons, high volume and low volume. While you can know the set volume from the position of,
Since the set volume cannot be known with the electronic volume, it is necessary to newly provide a display unit for expressing the volume.
However, this solution has a problem that the space of the display unit is increased and the cost is increased.

Further, in the above-mentioned conventional example, since the sound volume is merely replaced with a numerical value, a character, or a figure and displayed, and the actual sound volume is not checked by listening, the operation sound or the warning report is actually given. There is a problem that it cannot be understood unless the voice of the user is uttered.

According to the present invention, the volume can be set in accordance with the contents of various operation sounds and voice messages, and the volume can be set while actually listening to the set volume, without requiring a display space for indicating the volume setting. It is another object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive voice synthesis volume control device with improved operability.

[0013]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and comprises a group of operation buttons for performing operation and various setting operations; a control unit for performing operation control based on signals from the group of operation buttons; Voice message data including a pseudo-buzzer sound that resembles a response sound or a notification sound generated when a signal is output from the control unit and when various signals are generated, such as when the operation button group is pressed and when an abnormality occurs, is recorded. A voice synthesizer for reproducing a part or all of the voice message as needed, an amplifier for amplifying an output signal from the voice synthesizer, and voice uttering means for uttering the amplified signal as voice; A volume changing means for changing a volume level of the voice uttering means, and when receiving a volume level change instruction, a voice message data indicating the content of the volume change. The volume is changed in the case of an alarm sound or a voice message that calls attention while the volume is changed at the same time as changing the volume level, but the sound heard near the device, such as the operation sound of the operation button, is fixed at a predetermined volume. In this case, the sound is not affected by the change in volume.

According to the present invention, the volume can be set in accordance with the contents of various operation sounds and voice messages, and the volume can be set while actually listening to the set volume. A display space for indicating the volume setting is not required, and the space can be saved and the cost can be reduced.

Further, even if the volume of the voice message is set to the mute state, the volume of the key operation sound does not change, so that the sense of security of accepting the key is not lost. Instead, the buzzer sounds the notification, so that it is possible to maintain the usability and the safety while eliminating the trouble of uttering the voice.

Further, at the time of uttering a voice message for warning or caution concerning safety, the volume can be automatically increased regardless of the volume setting value, and the safety can be improved.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A voice synthesis volume control device according to a first aspect of the present invention is an operation button for performing operation and various setting operations, and a control for reading a signal from the operation button and performing operation control based on the operation button. And voice message data including a pseudo-buzzer sound that resembles a response sound or a notification sound generated when a signal is output from the control unit and when various signals are generated such as when the operation button is pressed and when an abnormality occurs. A voice synthesizer for recording and reproducing part or all of the voice message as required, an amplifier for amplifying an output signal from the voice synthesizer, and a voice utterance for uttering the amplified signal as voice Means and a volume varying means for changing a volume level of the voice uttering means.

Since a response sound or a notification sound generated when various signals are generated is included in the voice message data as a pseudo buzzer sound, a plurality of notification means are not required and the configuration can be made at low cost.

Further, in the voice synthesizing volume control device according to the present invention, the volume varying means fixes the volume level to a predetermined level according to the content of the voice message data to be reproduced when receiving an instruction to change the volume level. It is provided with a voice content judging unit.

[0020] Regardless of the set value of the volume, the response sound of the operation button that is approached to the device is always fixed to the same volume, so that the volume can be adjusted according to how the voice message is heard. Even if the volume setting is “OFF”, a response sound “pip” is output when the operation button is pressed, so that the operation can be reliably recognized.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the voice synthesis volume control device, the volume variable means automatically changes a volume level according to the content of voice message data to be reproduced.

Then, since the volume is automatically changed between the buzzer and the voice message having different frequency bands, the necessity of changing the volume is reduced, and the convenience can be improved.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a voice synthesis volume control device,
The notification means is provided with both a buzzer and a speaker.

[0024] Even if there is a failure in the notifying means, an alarm at the time of device abnormality can be reliably notified.

A voice synthesis volume control device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention includes a volume change instruction means, and when the volume change instruction means is operated, changes the voice message data indicating that the volume has been changed. It is configured to utter at a set volume level.

Since the sound volume can be set while actually listening to the sound volume, the sound volume can be accurately checked, and a display space for indicating the sound volume setting is not required, so that the configuration of the operation panel can be simplified. .

The voice synthesizing volume control device according to claim 6 further comprises volume change instructing means, and outputs a pseudo buzzer sound instead of voice message data when the volume change instructing means is set to "OFF". The configuration is as follows.

Even if the volume is set to "OFF" because the voice message is noisy or the voice is bothersome, the buzzer sounds to notify the user that there is no fear of overlooking an abnormality or an alarm, thereby ensuring safety. be able to.

A combustion apparatus according to a seventh aspect uses the voice synthesis volume control device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects in a combustion apparatus.

[0030] Even if the volume is changed, the caution or warning of refueling or ventilation is surely notified at an appropriate volume, so that safety can be further improved.

[0031]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of a voice synthesis volume control apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an external view of an oil fan heater using the apparatus, and FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the operation panel of FIG.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 1 denotes a cabinet of an oil fan heater, 2 denotes an operation panel for performing operations and various setting operations, and 3 denotes an opening through which a sound from a notification means such as a buzzer or a speaker is emitted.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 21 denotes an operation switch for instructing operation on / off; 21a, an operation lamp; 22a, a 3-hour lamp which is turned on to prompt ventilation when the operation time is 3 hours or more; Is a 3-hour key for canceling the 3-hour operation at that time and instructing continuation of operation, 23 is a numeric display for displaying the room temperature, the set temperature and the timer time, 24 is an up / down key for setting the set temperature and the timer time, 2
5 is a timer key for instructing a timer setting, 25a
Is a timer lamp which lights up when a timer is set and turns off when the timer time comes. 26 is a volume switching key which is a volume change instructing means. The up / down key 24 for setting the set temperature and the timer time is used as a volume switching key. 26
Each of the operation buttons is constituted by a tact switch, and a response sound is returned when the button is pressed, so that reception can be confirmed.

Numeral 27 denotes a refueling lamp which is lit with a caution sound when kerosene is low, 28 is a ventilation lamp which is illuminated with an audible alarm when room oxygen is low and ventilation is required, 29 is an abnormality such as a failure. This is a reset lamp that lights up with a caution sound at the time of detection.

In the control block diagram of FIG. 1, reference numeral 30 denotes an operation button group which is a set of the operation switch 21, three-hour key 22, up / down key 24, timer key 25, and volume switch key 26. At the same time as reading the signal from the operation button group 30 and controlling the overall operation, the operation such as "Preheating", "Ignition", "Stopping soon", and "Timer operation is set" in each operation process A control unit for generating an audio signal of message information indicating a state;
The operation button detection unit 33 that detects the time of pressing down 0 and generates a response sound or an audio signal of message information, detects an abnormal signal output from the control unit 31 and, for example, “is out of oil” “abnormal” This is an abnormality detection unit that generates message information related to warnings and warnings such as "stopped by" and "please ventilate" and an alarm sound.

Reference numeral 35 denotes a sound volume changing means for sequentially changing the sound volume in the order of “large” → “small” → “mute” → “large” →... Each time the volume switch key 26 is pressed. A sound content judging unit 35a for judging the contents of the sound signals output from the operation button detecting unit 32 and the abnormality detecting unit 33 and selecting an output destination of the sound volume change, and a sound volume set to the sound volume according to the instruction of the sound volume switching key 26 Change part 35b and volume switching key 2
6 and a sound volume fixing unit 35c for setting a predetermined sound volume irrespective of the instruction.

Here, the voice content judging unit 35a is "preheating", "ignited", and "soon to stop."
In the case of voice message information in which it is preferable that the volume can be changed according to the use situation such as “timer operation has been set” or the user's preference, the volume change unit 35b
Select "Pip", "Pee", "Boo", "Pip"
In the case of a key operation response or a buzzer sound at the time of an alarm which should not be changed depending on the preference, the sound volume fixing unit 35c is selected.

A voice synthesizing device 36 records voice message data and pseudo buzzer sound data, and reproduces part or all of the data in response to an instruction from the volume varying means 35. An amplifier for amplifying the output signal of the synthesis generator 36,
This is a speaker that serves as a voice uttering unit that utters a voice in response to the output of.

In the above configuration, when the operation switch 21 of the oil fan heater 1 is pressed, the operation button detection section 32 outputs a "beep" response sound signal in response to the depression, and the voice content determination section 35a outputs the response sound. Is determined as a buzzer sound, and the sound volume fixing unit 35c is selected. The voice synthesis generator 36 selects a predetermined buzzer sound from the pseudo buzzer sound data, and
A beeping sound is output from the speaker via.

On the other hand, when the operation switch 21 is turned on, the control section 31 starts the operation of the oil fan heater, performs preheating of the vaporizer for vaporizing kerosene, checks ignition and ignition, and controls combustion and operation processes. At the same time, when a predetermined process is reached, an audio signal of message information such as "ignited" is output. In response to the audio signal, the audio content determination unit 35a selects the volume change unit 35b,
The voice synthesis generator 36 selects a predetermined voice message from the voice message data, and, via the amplifier 37,
“Ignition” is uttered from the speaker 38.

Next, the operation when the volume is changed will be described. First, when the volume switching key 26 is operated once, the operation button detecting unit 32 outputs "volume", which is message information when the volume is "low". The audio content determination section 35a selects the volume change section 35b and lowers the volume by one step at the same time. The voice synthesis generator 36 selects a predetermined voice message from the voice message data, and outputs a low volume message “the volume has been changed” from the speaker via the amplifier 37. Next, when the volume switching key 26 is operated again, the operation button detection unit 32 outputs a voice signal of "mute the voice" which is the message information at the time of the volume "OFF", and the voice content determination unit 35a performs the same operation as the previous time. The volume change unit 35b is selected by the volume. Speech synthesis generator 3
In 6, a predetermined voice message is selected from the voice message data, and the voice is turned off at a low volume from the speaker 38 via the amplifier 37. Similarly, when the volume switching key 26 is further operated, the volume is set to “loud”, and then “loud volume has been changed” is uttered at a higher volume.

Here, even if the volume is set to "high", "low", or "off", in the case of a buzzer sound typified by a response sound of the operation button, the voice content determining unit 35a sets the volume to a fixed volume. Since 35c is selected, a buzzer sound is always generated at a constant volume. Therefore, for example, even when the volume setting is “OFF”, when the operation button is pressed, a response sound “pip” is output, so that operability is not impaired.

In addition, the voice content judging section 35a of the above embodiment.
Is to select the volume changing unit 35b and the volume fixing unit 35c with the voice message and the buzzer sound. It is also possible to distinguish the above selection from the case of the "warning message" at the time of safety detection.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of Embodiment 2 having a plurality of the above-mentioned sound volume fixing sections. The same parts as those in Embodiment 1 are given the same numbers and their explanation is omitted.

The volume fixing section 35d is provided with the volume fixing section 35c.
The volume is set to be "loud" different from the above, and when the content of the voice message is an "alarm message", the volume fixing unit 35d is selected.

Therefore, even when the volume setting is "small" or "off", the "high" volume is automatically selected in the case of an unsafe or abnormal situation, so that attention is certainly drawn. You can do it.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, when the volume is changed, every time the volume switching key 26 is operated, "the volume has been changed" at a low volume, and "the sound is muted" at a low volume. `` The volume has been changed '' is repeated at a loud volume, so even if there is no indication of the volume level, it is possible to immediately check the volume to be set and the operation confirmation of the volume change Can be done.

Also, the buzzer sound is generated as a pseudo buzzer sound by the voice synthesizing generator and sounds with a speaker, so that the buzzer is not required.

Note that “volume has been changed” and “mute the voice” in the above embodiment are examples, and if the same volume change is expressed, “volume is high” “volume is low” , "The volume setting is XX,""The sound has been turned off," and the like.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of the present invention and is a flow chart of the operation of the volume varying means 35.

First, the operation when the volume is set to "low" will be described.
The determination unit determines whether the signal input to the terminal is voice message information or a buzzer sound. If the signal is a buzzer sound, desired data is selected from the pseudo buzzer sound data in step 42, and in step 43 After the fixed volume “small” is set, the process moves to the next flow.

On the other hand, if the signal is voice message information, the flow advances to step 44 to determine whether or not the content of the voice message is an "alarm message". If the content of the voice message is "warning message", it is determined in step 45 that the volume setting is not "off", and the process proceeds to step 46. In step 46, a desired "warning message" is selected. To set the volume to "high". If the content of the voice message is not an "alarm message", it is determined in step 48 that the volume setting is not "off", and the flow advances to step 49. In step 49, a desired "driving process message" is selected.
The volume is set to "low" at and the flow moves to the next flow.

Next, the operation when the volume is set to "OFF" will be described. If the signal input to the volume varying means 35 is a buzzer sound, the step of determining the volume "OFF" is performed. , The volume is set to “low” and the flow moves to the next flow. If the signal is a voice message and the content is an "alarm message", step 45
Is determined to be "OFF", and the routine proceeds to step 42, where pseudo buzzer sound data is set. If it is not an "alarm message", it is determined in step 48 that the volume is "off", and the flow proceeds to the next flow without setting a voice message.

According to the above configuration, even if the volume is set to "OFF" because the voice message is noisy or the voice is troublesome, the buzzer sounds to notify the user that there is no fear of overlooking the abnormality or alarm. No, it is safe.

In the above embodiment, the content of the voice message is "alarm message" or "operation process message".
Although it is determined whether or not a buzzer sound is generated when the volume is set to “OFF”, the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, if there is data that generates a message “Set temperature is XX degrees” when the set temperature is changed, a similar effect can be obtained by generating a buzzer sound when the volume is set to “OFF”.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 6 is a control block diagram showing Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The same parts as those in Embodiment 1 are given the same numbers and their explanation is omitted.

The output of the volume changing section 35b is connected to a voice synthesizing generator 60, and the output of the volume fixing section 35c is connected to a sound generating means 61 for sounding a buzzer.

In the above configuration, the notifying means is the sound generating means 61
And a speaker 38, and a notification means is selected by a buzzer sound and a voice message.

Therefore, even if the speaker 38 breaks down, the buzzer sound can be generated by the sound generating means 61, and conversely, even if the sound generating means 61 breaks down, a voice message can be produced by the speaker, so that the alarm at the time of equipment abnormality can be reliably issued. It can be notified to.

[0061]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the response sound or the notification sound generated when various signals are generated is included in the voice message data as a pseudo buzzer sound. It can be configured at low cost without the need for a notification means.

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the response sound of the operation button approaching the device is always fixed to the same volume regardless of the set value of the volume. Adjusting the volume according to how the message is heard does not impair the operation feeling.For example, even when the volume setting is "Off", when the operation button is pressed, a beep sounds and a response sound is output. Can be reliably recognized.

Further, according to the voice synthesis volume control device of the third aspect, even if the volume setting is “small” or “off”,
In case of unsafe or abnormal situation, the volume of "high" will be automatically selected, which can alert you with certainty, and automatically changes the volume with buzzer and voice message with different frequency band Therefore, the necessity of changing the volume is reduced, and the convenience can be improved.

Further, according to the voice synthesizing volume control device of the fourth aspect, even if the speaker 38 breaks down, the sound generating means 6
1, a buzzer sound can be generated, and conversely, even if the sound generating means 61 breaks down, a voice message can be uttered with a speaker, so that an alarm at the time of equipment abnormality can be reliably notified.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the volume can be set while actually listening to the set volume even if there is no display indicating the volume level. It is possible to immediately check how much the volume is set to, and it is possible to simplify the configuration of the operation panel without requiring a display space for indicating the volume setting.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, even if the volume is set to "OFF" because the voice message is noisy or the voice is troublesome, the buzzer sounds to notify the user that the abnormality or alarm is overlooked. There is no worry and safety can be ensured.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, even when the volume is changed, the caution and warning of refueling and ventilation specific to the combustion equipment are surely notified at an appropriate volume, thereby further improving safety. can do.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an operation of a voice synthesis volume control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view of an oil fan heater using the same device.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of an operation panel of the oil fan heater.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the operation of the voice synthesis volume control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an operation of a volume varying unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an operation of a voice synthesis volume control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 30 operation button group 31 control unit 35 volume varying means 35 a audio content judging unit 36 voice synthesis generator 37 amplifier 38 speaker (voice utterance means)

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Masahiro Takiguchi 1006 Kazuma Kadoma, Kazuma, Osaka Prefecture Inside Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Reference) 3K068 NA14 NA15 NA17 PB01 PB07 5H223 AA11 FF04

Claims (7)

[Claims] An operation button group for performing driving and various setting operations, a control unit for reading a signal from the operation button group and performing operation control based on the operation button group, and when a signal is output from the control unit, Voice message data including a response sound or a pseudo buzzer sound that resembles a notification sound generated when various signals are generated such as when the operation button group is depressed and when an abnormality occurs is recorded, if necessary, as part of the voice message or A voice synthesizer that reproduces the entirety, an amplifier that amplifies an output signal from the voice synthesizer, a voice uttering unit that utters the amplified signal as voice, and a volume level of the voice uttering unit that is changed. A voice synthesis volume control device provided with volume variable means. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said volume changing means includes a voice content judging section for fixing the volume level to a predetermined level according to the content of the voice message data to be reproduced when receiving an instruction to change the volume level. The voice synthesis volume control device according to claim 1 or 2. 3. The voice synthesis volume control device according to claim 1, wherein the volume changing means automatically changes the volume level according to the content of the voice message data to be reproduced. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notifying means includes both a buzzer and a speaker.
Item 7. The speech synthesis volume control device according to Item 1. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a volume change instructing means, wherein when the volume change instructing means is operated, voice message data indicating the contents of the volume change is uttered at the changed volume level. The voice synthesis volume control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a volume change instruction means, wherein when the volume change instruction means is set to "OFF", a pseudo buzzer sound is output instead of the voice message data. 6. The voice synthesis volume control device according to any one of 1 to 5. 7. A combustion apparatus using the voice synthesis amount control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.