JP2003022083A - Guidance device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To adequately generate an audible sound corresponding to circumferential environment. SOLUTION: A sound source 4 can output a selected audible sound signal selected out of different audible sound signals for guidance. The selected audible sound signal outputted from the sound source 4 is amplified with an amplifier 6 and supplied to a speaker 10. A microprocessor unit 12 outputs a lapse signal each time a previously set time elapses according to a clock signal from a clock circuit 14. When a body is detected in a previously set area, a pyroelectric sensor 18 generates a body detection signal. According to a signal previously selected from the lapse signal and body detection signal, the microprocessor unit 12 makes the sound source 4 to output the selected audible sound signal.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a guide device for guiding a person with an audible sound.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various methods have been adopted to guide visually impaired persons in stations and buildings. For example, Braille blocks are provided on the floor, and audible guidance is provided. As a voice guidance method, there is a method of giving a guidance sound to a specific place. For example, in order to indicate that there is a toilet, stairs, etc., a chime sound is continuously emitted at regular intervals in the vicinity of these.

[0003]

In this method, for example, the chime sound is continuously emitted at a constant interval, so that the visually impaired person who needs the chime sound emits the chime sound even when he is not in the place. So it causes noise problems to the surroundings. Further, in order to emit a chime sound, it is necessary to install a speaker, an amplifier, and a sound source device, which are individual devices, at installation locations such as stairs and toilets, which makes installation and maintenance troublesome.

An object of the present invention is to provide a guide device which can appropriately generate an audible sound according to the surrounding environment. Another object of the present invention is to provide a guide device that is easy to install and maintain.

[0005]

The guiding device according to the present invention has a sound source. The sound source is capable of outputting a selected audible sound signal selected from among different audible guiding sound signals. As the guidance audible sound, for example, different chime sounds or announcement sounds can be used.For example, the guidance audible sound suitable for the place where the guidance device is installed is selected as the selectable audible sound signal. It Amplifying means for amplifying the audible sound signal output from the sound source and a speaker to which the output signal from the amplifying means is supplied are provided. A timer that outputs a progress signal each time a preset time has elapsed and a sensor that generates an object detection signal when an object is detected in a preset area are also provided. The elapsed signal from the timer and the object detection signal from the sensor are input to the control means. The control means outputs a selectable audible sound signal to the sound source when a preselected one of the progress signal and the object detection signal is input.

According to this guiding device, for example, when the control means selects the elapsed signal from the timer, each time the elapsed signal is generated, that is, every time a predetermined time elapses.
A selective audible sound signal is output from the sound source, amplified by the amplification means, and emitted from the speaker. Therefore, it is suitable for a place or a time zone where a large number of passersby pass by continuously. On the other hand, when the control unit selects the object detection signal from the sensor, an audible sound signal from the sound source is generated each time the object detection signal is generated, that is, each time a passerby passes through a preset area, for example. Is output, amplified by the amplification means, and emitted from the speaker. Therefore, it is suitable for a time zone or a place where the traffic volume is small. As described above, according to this guiding device, it can be used in a state according to the situation of the installation place.

At least the sound source, the amplification means, the speaker, the timer and the control means can be housed in the same housing. It should be noted that the sensor may be provided inside the housing, or may be provided near the housing and apart from the housing. A power supply unit provided in this housing operates the sound source, the amplification unit, the timer, the control unit, and the sensor. The power supply unit can be connected to a commercial AC power supply provided outside the housing.

According to this structure, most of the devices constituting the guiding device are housed in one housing, so that the installation work can be easily performed and the maintenance can be easily performed. Moreover, since the power supply units for all the devices forming the induction device are provided in the housing, it is not necessary to individually connect each device to the commercial AC power supply, which facilitates the installation work.

The control means causes the sound source to output a selective audible sound signal based on the progress signal in a first predetermined time period, and the object detection signal in a second predetermined time period. It is also possible to cause the sound source to output a selectively audible sound signal based on the above. The second time zone can be set after the first time zone, and conversely, the first time zone can be set after the second time zone. Also, the first
Also, a plurality of second time zones can be provided,
The pattern of the combination of the plurality of first and second time zones is arbitrary. For example, after one second time zone, one first time zone
, Followed by another first time zone followed by another second time zone, or one first time zone followed by one second time zone. May be followed by another second time zone, which may be followed by a further first time zone. The selectable audible sound signals may be different between the first time zone and the second time zone, and different selectable audible sound signals may be selected based on the progress signal in the plurality of first time zones. A hearing sound signal can be selected, and similarly, different selection audible sound signals can be selected in a plurality of second time zones in which the selection audible sound signal is output based on the object detection signal.

In the case of such a configuration, the control by the timer and the control by the sensor can be performed according to the time zone. Therefore, according to the change in the traffic volume of the passerby at the place where the guide device is installed. Appropriate control, for example, timer control when the traffic is large and sensor control when the traffic is small can be performed.

Further, the control means can change the output of the selective audible sound signal according to the time zone. For example,
Selectable audible sound signal used when timer control or sensor control is performed in a certain time zone such as early morning, and selective audible sound signal used when timer control or sensor control is performed in another time zone such as daytime And the selective audible sound signal used when the timer control or the sensor control is performed in another time zone such as nighttime.
In this case, the selectable audible sound signals may be all chime sounds, all announce sounds, or chime sounds or announce sounds depending on the time zone. In this way, not only the selective audible sound signal itself can be made different, but also the volume and the reproduction pattern can be made different. Further, the time zone mentioned here also includes calendar information such as days of the week and public holidays. In other words, it is possible to perform optimum output in response to changes such as weekdays, holidays, and days with special events.

With this configuration, it is possible to emit an audible sound suitable for the time zone.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The guiding device according to one embodiment of the present invention is used, for example, in a station yard, and has one housing 2 as shown in FIG. A sound source 4 is arranged in the housing 2. The sound source 4 has a sound source memory 4a. It stores a plurality of audible sound signals, for example, sound sign signals such as a plurality of different chime sounds, and a plurality of digital audible sound data for generating a plurality of different announcement sound signals.
As the sound sign signal, for example, equipment that is installed in a station such as a toilet, an elevator, a staircase, and a doorway is represented by different chimes. Further, the announcement signal is, for example, a voice signal indicating that a plurality of facilities provided at the above-mentioned station will soon approach.
The selected one of these digital audible sound data is
The voice synthesis LSI 4b of the sound source 4 converts it into an analog selectable audible signal (sound sign signal or announcement signal) and outputs it.

This selective audible signal is supplied to level adjusting means provided in the housing 2, for example, amplifying means provided in the housing 2 via an electronic volume 6, for example, a low frequency amplifier 8. It The output signal of the low frequency amplifier 8 is supplied to the speaker 10 provided in the housing 2 and emitted. As the speaker 10, for example, a two-way speaker for high frequencies and low frequencies can be used. The electronic volume 6 can control the volume in three stages of high, medium, and low, for example.

Control means, for example, a microprocessor unit 12 is also provided in the housing 2. This microprocessor unit 12 has a built-in EEPROM 1
The sound source 4 and the electronic volume 6 are controlled according to the program stored in 2a. For example, the microprocessor unit 12 controls the selection of the selectable audible sound signal generated by the sound source 4 and the control of the volume emitted from the speaker 10.

A clock circuit 14 is also provided in the housing 2. The clock signal from this clock circuit 14 is
It is supplied to the microprocessor 12. The microprocessor 12 uses this clock signal to measure the time. Further, the microprocessor 12
Based on the clock signal, it also functions as a timer that generates a progress signal each time a preset time elapses, or generates a set time elapse signal when the clocked time reaches a preset time. The microprocessor unit 12 also controls the sound source 4 based on the elapsed signal from the timer and the set time elapsed signal, as described later.

Further, a sensor section 16 is provided outside the housing 2. The sensor section 16 is provided with a sensor, for example, a pyroelectric sensor 18. This pyroelectric sensor 1
Reference numeral 8 generates an object detection signal when an object such as a human body is present within a predetermined monitoring area. This object detection signal is supplied to the microprocessor unit 12, and the microprocessor 12 can also control the sound source 4 based on this object detection signal.

The sensor section 16 is further provided with a light receiving section 22 for receiving a remote control optical signal transmitted from a remote control transmitter 20 for remotely controlling the guiding device. The light receiving signal from the light receiving section 22 is provided. Are supplied to the microprocessor unit 12, and the microprocessor 12 controls based on the received light signal.

Further, the sensor section 16 is provided with a display section 24 having a light emitting element such as an LED, and receives a lighting signal from the microprocessor unit 12 to display the operating condition of the guiding device. . The sensor unit 16
Can also be formed integrally with the housing 2.

A power supply 26 is also provided in the housing 2. The power supply 26 operates by connecting an outlet 28 to a commercial AC power supply (not shown) provided outside the housing 2, and generates a DC voltage from the commercial AC power supply,
The DC voltage is supplied to the sound source 4, the electronic volume 6, the low frequency amplifier 8, the microprocessor unit 12, and the clock circuit 14. Further, although not shown, the power source 26
The DC voltage is also supplied to the pyroelectric sensor 18, the light receiving unit 22, and the display unit 24 of the sensor unit 16. In addition, since evacuation guidance lights, etc. are often already installed near the installation location of such guidance devices, and commercial AC power is often already installed for evacuation guidance lights. There is very little need to install commercial AC power.

For example, when the sound source 4, the low frequency amplifier 8, the microprocessor 12 and the like are housed in separate housings and each housing is provided with a power source, each power source must be connected to a commercial AC power source. , That work is troublesome. However, in this embodiment, the sound source 4, the low-frequency amplifier 8, the microprocessor 12, and the like are housed in the housing 2, and the operating power supply is supplied from the power supply 26 common to these, so that the power supply 26 is By simply connecting to a commercial AC power supply, all devices can be supplied with operating power, and installation work is easy.

In the remote transmitter 20, the power source 26 is turned on and off, the volume of the electronic volume 6 is adjusted, and the time measured by the microprocessor unit 12 is corrected.
The control of the start of the test operation of this guidance device is instructed. When the remote control transmitter 20 is controlled in this way and is not controlled, if the remote control transmitter 20 is stored in a place away from the guiding device, for example, in a management room, the settings may be changed by mischief. It can be prevented.

The housing 2 of this guiding device is installed, for example, at a predetermined place in the premises of a station, for example, near stairs, toilets, elevators, entrances and exits. The sensor unit 16 is also arranged in the vicinity of the housing 2, and the pyroelectric sensor 18 is arranged so as to be able to detect a pedestrian coming toward a staircase, a toilet, an elevator, an entrance or the like.

Then, the microprocessor 1 is arranged so that the sound source 4 generates a sound sign or an announcement, for example, a sound sign or an announcement sound for stairs, depending on its installation location.
2 is set.

Further, when the pyroelectric sensor 18 detects a passerby, the sensor mode is set to generate the above-mentioned sound sign or announcement sound. As a result, when there is a passerby going to the stairs, a sound sign or announcement for the stairs is emitted. If this passerby is visually impaired, it will soon be known that there are stairs, toilets, elevators, doorways, etc.

When comparing the sound signature and the announcement sound, the sound signature is more preferable in consideration of noise to the surroundings. In the case of audible signs, the visually impaired person may not know what the audible signs represent in an unfamiliar environment. However, at stations regularly used by visually impaired people, visually impaired people should also learn the meaning of sound signs by making sure that all visually impaired people in the surrounding area know what each sound sign represents in advance. Since it is possible, the sound sign has the same effect as the announcement sound.

As described above, in the sensor mode, the sound signature and the announcement sound are generated only when the passerby passes by.
Since no sound sign or announcement sound is emitted continuously, noise problems around the station do not occur.

Alternatively, the timer of the microprocessor 12 is caused to generate a progress signal at predetermined time intervals, and in accordance with the generation of the progress signal, a timer mode for generating a preselected sound sign or announcement sound is set. In this way, when there are relatively many passersby,
By repeatedly generating the sound sign or the announcement sound at regular time intervals, the sound sign or the announcement sound can be reliably transmitted to the visually impaired person.

Therefore, according to this guiding device, the guiding can be performed by either the timer mode or the sensor depending on the situation.

At the station, the traffic volume of passers-by may change depending on the time of day. In such a case, the sensor mode and the timer mode can be selectively used according to the time zone.

For example, FIG. 2 shows the switching of the mode depending on the time zone performed in this guiding device, and at the same time, the control of the volume and the selective audible sound is also performed.

In the time zone from the first train to 7:20 when the traffic volume is small, a predetermined sound sign 1 is sounded at the volume "small" every time the pyroelectric sensor 18 detects a passerby. The sound sign 1 is, for example, a chime sound that represents what kind of equipment is provided near the place where this guiding device is installed for the visually impaired. The volume "low" is
Even if there are few passersby and visually impaired people are walking, there is little ambient noise. Therefore, even if the volume is "low", the visually impaired can hear the sound sign 1 sufficiently, and it also makes noise around the station. This is to suppress

During the morning commuting time, which is expected to increase considerably, from 7:20 to 9:00, the announcement 1 is set to "volume" every time 120 seconds are counted by the timer. To pronounce. Announcement sound 1
Is an announcement sound indicating to the visually impaired what kind of equipment is provided near the place where this guidance device is installed. When there is a large amount of traffic, in the sensor mode, the passerby is always detected, so that the announcement sound 1 is continuously emitted, which may cause noise around the station. Therefore, the announcement sound 1 is emitted at regular intervals in the timer mode. However, because there is a large amount of traffic, if there is a visually impaired person, there is a lot of noise around it, and it is difficult for the visually impaired person to hear it.
I am trying. Moreover, because the visually impaired person understands directly what kind of equipment the announcement sound has, the announcement sound is used. However, if the announcement sound is frequently emitted, it becomes a noise around the station, so the announcement is made every 120 seconds so that the interval of the emission becomes longer.

Although the number of passers-by is less than the morning commuting time,
In the time zone from 9:00 to 17:00, which is considered to be more than the first time, the sound sign 1 is sounded at the volume "medium" every 60 seconds counted by the timer. Since the traffic volume is less than the morning commuting hours, it is considered that the noise around the visually impaired people is less than the commuting hours even when they are walking. Therefore, it is considered that visually impaired persons can fully hear even at the volume "medium". However, since the volume is "medium" and it is the sound sign 1 rather than the announcement sound, it is considered that it is unlikely to make noise around the station, so the interval of sound emission is
It is shorter than the morning commuting time.

During the evening commuting time period from 17:00 to 19:30, the timer is set to 120 as in the morning commuting time period.
Every time the second is clocked, the sound sign 1 is sounded at the volume “loud”. However, the announcement sound 1 was used during the morning commuting time, but the sound sign 1 is used instead. This is because it is considered that the traffic volume is smaller than that in the morning commuting time, so that noise around the station is considered.

From 19:30 to 22:00, when the traffic volume is less than the night commuting time, a timer is used to
Every time the second is clocked, the sound sign 1 is sounded at the volume “medium”. Since the traffic volume is reduced, it is considered that the visually impaired person can hear the sound sign 1 even when the visually impaired person walks, the noise around the person is small and the sound level is “medium”. However, since the volume is "medium", the pronunciation interval is shorter than the night commuting time so that the visually impaired person can hear it reliably.

In the time zone from 22:00 until the last train when the traffic volume becomes very small, the sound sign 1 is sounded at the volume "low" only when the pyroelectric sensor 18 again detects a passerby.
Even when the visually impaired are walking,
Since the ambient noise is considered to be small, it is considered that the visually impaired can fully hear the sound even if the visually impaired passes the sound only when the visually impaired passes.

Since there are no pedestrians in the time zone from the last train to the first train, this induction device is stopped.

In order to switch between the sensor mode and the timer mode depending on the time zone, the time measured by the microprocessor unit 12 is set to the preset start time, 7:20, 9 o'clock, 17 o'clock. At each hour, 19:30, 22:00, the last train time, that is, each time the boundary time of the time zone is reached, a set time elapsed signal is generated, and the control is switched based on this.

Further, for example, the announcement sound 1 is used in the morning commuting time zone, and the sound sign 1 is used in the remaining time zones so that the selectable audible sound signal to be used differs depending on the time zone. Note that the sound sign 1 was used for times other than the morning commuting time. For example, just before the last train, the sound sign indicating that the last train is about to be emitted is emitted in the timer mode at regular time intervals. You can also do it. That is, different sound signs can be used in different time zones.

Although the pyroelectric sensor 18 is used as the sensor in the above embodiment, the sensor is not limited to this.
For example, it is possible to use a photoelectric sensor including a light emitting element and a light receiving element, which generates an object detection signal when a light beam from the light emitting element is blocked by an object such as a passerby.
Further, the pyroelectric sensor 18 is provided in the housing 2 or in the vicinity thereof. In addition, it is possible to detect with higher accuracy. In addition,
The sound source memory 4a stores the data of the sound signature and the announcement sound in advance, but these data can be rewritten from the outside. If the microprocessor 12 is connected to the network, the data can be rewritten from a remote place. Therefore, maintainability can be improved.

Each time the pyroelectric sensor 18 generates an object detection signal, it is stored together with the time of occurrence, and by totaling it, it is possible to know the number of people passing by the time zone. If the microprocessor unit 12 determines the operation pattern of the sound signature based on this, the operation can always be performed according to the traffic volume of the passerby, and the noise problem can be solved.

In the above embodiment, the case where the guiding device is installed in the station has been described, but it may be installed in a building, for example.

[0044]

As described above, according to the guide device of the present invention, either the control by the timer or the control by the detection of the passerby is performed according to the traffic of the passerby at the installation location of the guider. , Can generate audible sound properly. In addition, in the guidance device according to the present invention, most of the devices that compose the guidance device are housed in a single housing, so installation work and maintenance can be performed easily, and the guidance device according to the present invention can be installed in the housing. Since the power supply unit for the device is provided, it is not necessary to individually connect each device to the commercial AC power supply, and the installation work is facilitated. Also,
In the guiding device according to the present invention, the control by the timer and the control by the sensor can be selectively performed according to the time zone, and therefore, depending on the change in the traffic volume of the passerby at the place where the guiding device is installed. Appropriate control can be performed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a guidance device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a reproduction timing of the guiding device in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 case 4 sound source 8 amplifier (amplifying means) 10 speaker 12 microprocessor unit (controlling means, timer) 18 pyroelectric sensor (sensor)

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Atsushi Kimura             2-14-24-101 Takagi, Minami-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture             Amonet Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 5D108 CA03 CA07 CA15 CA29

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A sound source capable of outputting a selected audible sound signal selected from different guiding audible sound signals, an amplification means for amplifying the selected audible sound signal output from the sound source, and an amplification means for amplifying the selected audible sound signal. A speaker to which an output signal is supplied, a timer that outputs a progress signal each time a preset time has elapsed, a sensor that generates an object detection signal when an object is detected in a preset area, and the timer. From the progress signal and the object detection signal from the sensor, and when a preselected one of the progress signal or the object detection signal is input, the selected audible sound signal is output to the sound source. And a control means for controlling the induction device. 2. The induction device according to claim 1, wherein at least the sound source, the amplification unit, the speaker, the timer, and the control unit are housed in the same housing and provided in the housing. An induction device in which a power supply unit operates the sound source, the amplification unit, the timer, the control unit, and the sensor, and the power supply unit is connectable to a commercial AC power supply provided outside the housing. 3. The induction device according to claim 1, wherein the control means causes the sound source to output the selectable audible sound signal based on the elapsed signal in a predetermined first time period, A guiding device that causes the sound source to output the selected audible sound signal based on the object detection signal in a second predetermined time period. 4. The guiding device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the output of the selective audible sound signal depending on a time zone.