JP2004096664A - Hands-free call device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hands-free call device which suppresses the voice or speech of a partner which a fellow passenger in a front passenger seat hears, realizes privacy and maintains confidentiality, and is suitable for a privacy purpose. <P>SOLUTION: The hands-free call device is provided with 1st speakers 102a and 102b, which output the voice and the speech of the telephone conversation for the driver, a hands-free control unit 100 which performs hands free conversation using a mobile phone 101, and 2nd speakers 103a and 103b which output mask tone that masks the voice and speech of the speech to the fellow passenger in the front passenger seat, when hands-free call is made, using the hands-free control unit. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a hands-free communication device for making a hands-free communication in a vehicle, and more particularly, to a hands-free communication device for outputting a call voice from a communication partner using a car telephone or a mobile phone from a speaker provided in the vehicle. About.
[0002]
[Prior art]
With the explosive spread of mobile phones in recent years, there is an increasing demand for making calls using mobile phones even when driving a car. However, it is dangerous for a driver to hold a mobile phone and make a call while driving, which poses a safety problem. Therefore, there is an increasing demand for a hands-free communication device that allows a driver to make a hands-free call without having a mobile phone while driving by using a microphone and a speaker for loudspeaking installed in the vehicle.
Here, a conventional hands-free communication device will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0003]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a conventional hands-free communication device. The hands-free communication device 600 includes a hands-free control unit 601, a telephone connection control unit 602, an operation / display unit 603, an amplification unit 604, a hands-free microphone 620, and a speaker 630. Then, the telephone connection control unit 602 and the mobile phone 610 are connected, and the amplifying unit 604 and the speaker 630 are connected. Here, the speaker 630 is also used as a vehicle audio speaker.
The conventional hands-free communication device configured as described above performs the following operation.
[0004]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the conventional hands-free communication device when there is an incoming call from the outside.
First, when the mobile phone 610 detects an incoming call from outside (S101), the mobile phone 610 sends an incoming call detection signal indicating the reception of an externally transmitted radio wave to the hands-free control unit via the telephone connection control unit 602. The hands-free control unit 601 that has received the incoming call detection signal and notifies the driver of the incoming call of the mobile phone 610 via the operation / display unit 603 (S102).
[0005]
Here, when the driver instructs a response by performing a button operation on the operation / display unit 603 (S103), the hands-free control unit 601 instructs the mobile phone 610 to respond via the telephone connection control unit 602. Then, the mobile phone 610 responds to the incoming call. When the mobile phone 610 responds to the incoming call, the mobile phone 610 sends a call start signal notifying of radio wave reception to the hands-free control unit 601 via the telephone connection control unit 602, and receives the call start signal. The hands-free control unit 601 sends an instruction to the telephone connection control unit 602 to establish a connection with the hands-free microphone 620 and the speaker 630. Then, upon receiving the instruction, the telephone connection control unit 602 establishes a connection with the hands-free microphone 620 and the speaker 630, inputs a driver's voice from the hands-free microphone 620, and outputs the speaker unit 630 via the amplification unit 604. Output the voice of the other party (S104). In this way, a state is established in which a call can be made by the present apparatus (S105).
On the other hand, when the driver does not give a response and the other party disconnects the transmission (S108), the operation of the present device is terminated.
[0006]
Further, in a state where a call can be made by the present device, when the driver instructs the end of the call via the operation / display unit 603, the hands-free control unit 601 makes a call to the mobile phone 610 via the telephone connection control unit 602. When the mobile phone 610 disconnects the call or the other party disconnects the call (S106), the mobile phone 601 sends a call end signal indicating that the call has ended. The information is sent to the hands-free control unit 601 via the telephone connection control unit 602. The hands-free control unit 601 that has received the call end signal sends an instruction to the telephone connection control unit 602 to disconnect the hands-free microphone 620 and the speaker 630 to the telephone connection control unit 602, and receives the instruction. The telephone connection control unit 602 disconnects the hands-free microphone 620 and the speaker 630 (S107), returns to the state before the incoming call, and ends the operation of the present apparatus.
[0007]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of the conventional hands-free communication device when a driver makes a call.
First, when the driver makes a call, the hands-free control unit 601 issues a call instruction to the mobile phone 610 via the telephone connection control unit 602 by operating the button on the operation / display unit 603 (S111). The mobile phone 610 makes a dial call.
[0008]
Here, when the other party responds to the call from the driver (S112), mobile phone 610 sends a call start signal notifying the reception of radio waves to hands-free control unit 601 via telephone connection control unit 602. The hands-free control unit 601 having received the call start signal sends an instruction to the telephone connection control unit 602 to establish a connection with the hands-free microphone 620 and the speaker 630. Then, upon receiving the instruction, the telephone connection control unit 602 establishes a connection with the hands-free microphone 620 and the speaker 630, inputs the driver's voice from the hands-free microphone 620, and outputs the speaker unit 630 via the amplifying unit 604. Output the voice of the other party (S113). In this way, a state is established in which a call can be made by the present apparatus (S114).
On the other hand, if the other party does not respond and the driver gives an instruction to cut off the transmission (S117), the operation of the present device ends.
[0009]
Further, in a state in which a call can be made by the present device, when the driver instructs the end of the call via the operation / display unit 603, the hands-free control unit 601 causes the mobile phone 610 to communicate with the mobile phone 610 via the telephone connection control unit 602. When an instruction to disconnect the call is sent and the mobile phone 610 disconnects the call or when the other party disconnects the call (S115), the mobile phone 601 sends a call end signal indicating that the call has ended. The information is sent to the hands-free control unit 601 via the telephone connection control unit 602. The hands-free control unit 601 that has received the call end signal sends an instruction to the telephone connection control unit 602 to disconnect the hands-free microphone 620 and the speaker 630 to the telephone connection control unit 602, and receives the instruction. The telephone connection control unit 602 disconnects the hands-free microphone 620 and the speaker 630 (S116), returns to the state before the incoming call, and ends the operation of the present apparatus.
[0010]
As described above, in the configuration of the conventional hands-free communication device, the voice of the communication partner is output from a speaker provided in the vehicle compartment, for example, an existing audio speaker or the like, and transmitted to the driver (for example, , Patent Documents 1 and 2).
[0011]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-8-46678 (specification pages 1-5, FIG. 1)
[0012]
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent No. 3244062 (specification page 2)
[0013]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, according to the conventional hands-free communication device as described above, since the voice of the other party leaks into the passenger compartment, if there is a passenger in the passenger seat or the like, there is a problem that the content of the call can be heard by the passenger. There is. As a result, privacy protection and confidentiality cannot be achieved, and passengers are also uncomfortable.
Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and suppresses the sound of a call partner from being heard by a passenger in a passenger seat or the like. It is intended to provide a device.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a hands-free communication device according to the present invention comprises: first output means for outputting a call voice to a driver; call detection means for detecting the start of a hands-free call; A second output unit that outputs a masking sound for masking the call voice to a passenger when the detection unit detects the start.
[0015]
Further, the hands-free communication device further includes a sound image localization unit that performs sound image localization processing for localizing the mask sound to a specific position serving as a virtual sound source with respect to the mask sound, and the second output unit Output the mask sound that has been subjected to the sound image localization processing.
Further, the present invention can be realized as a hands-free call method in which each component in the hands-free call device is a step, and can also be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute each step.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an appearance of a hands-free communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017]
This hands-free communication device is a device that allows a driver to make a call in a vehicle compartment by using a microphone and a speaker installed in the vehicle compartment without holding a mobile phone in a hand. First speakers 102a and 102b installed in the headrest portion, second speakers 103a and 103b installed in the headrest portion of the passenger seat 300, and audio devices installed in front of the driver's seat 200 and the passenger seat 300, respectively. The speakers 104a and 104b, the hands-free microphone 105 installed on the sun visor 201 located above the driver's seat 200, and the hands-free control unit 100 embedded in the front between the driver's seat 200 and the passenger's seat 300. Prepare. Then, the mobile phone 101 brought into the vehicle is connected to the hands-free control unit 100 via a cable and a connector.
[0018]
The hands-free control unit 100 is connected to and controls the mobile phone 101, the first speakers 102a and 102b, the second speakers 103a and 103b, the audio speakers 104a and 104b, and the hands-free microphone 105. Device. The hands-free control unit 100 will be described later.
[0019]
The first speakers 102a and 102b are speakers that output the voice of the other party, and are installed in the headrest portion of the driver's seat 200.
The second speakers 103a and 103b are speakers that output a mask sound that prevents a passenger from hearing the contents of the call, and are installed in the headrest portion of the passenger seat 300.
[0020]
Here, the mask sound is a sound or noise that masks the call sound of the call partner. The masking sound includes various sounds generated by operating the automobile to reduce the discomfort of the masking sound to passengers in the passenger seat, such as air-conditioner ventilation noise, sound having characteristics close to engine noise and road noise, and the like. It is desirable to use Further, music or the like reproduced by the audio unit 130 may be used, or noise-based sound such as white noise or pink noise may be used.
[0021]
In addition, the air-conditioner ventilation noise referred to here is a sound similar to the air-conditioner ventilation sound, the engine noise is a sound similar to the rotation sound of the engine of the car, and the road noise is a result of the car running. , A sound generated between a rotating tire and a road surface. These sounds having characteristics close to those of the air-conditioner ventilation noise, engine noise, and road noise are stored in the hands-free control unit 100 in advance as recorded sounds.
[0022]
In addition, white noise is a uniform noise having no variation in strength depending on the sound range, and pink noise is a noise having a property that the intensity of the included sound decreases as the frequency increases. Since the pink noise is closer to the spectrum of the actual music than the white noise, it is possible to suppress passengers from feeling uncomfortable.
[0023]
The audio speakers 104a and 104b are speakers that output music from a vehicle-mounted audio or a reproduction sound of a radio or the like, and are installed in a vehicle room, for example, in front left and right doors.
[0024]
The hands-free microphone 105 is a microphone that collects a driver's voice and converts it into an audio signal, and has directivity for collecting sound from a predetermined direction. It is attached to the vehicle interior, for example, the sun visor 201, the ceiling of the vehicle interior, or the like.
[0025]
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of the hands-free control unit 100 shown in FIG.
The hands-free control unit 100 includes a hands-free control unit 110 that controls each unit constituting the hands-free control unit 100, a telephone connection control unit 111 that controls the mobile phone 101, and accepts an operation from a user, and responds to the operation. The operation / display unit 112 that sends the operation signal to the hands-free control unit 110, receives a display output signal from the hands-free control unit 110, and performs screen output display, and a first speaker 102a and 102b connected to the first speakers 102a and 102b. Amplifying section 113, mask sound control section 120 for performing control such as generating mask sounds output from second speakers 103a and 103b, and second amplifying section 121 connected to second speakers 103a and 103b. Function as audio equipment for playback, radio and CD players Provided that the audio unit 130, an audio amplification unit 131 is connected to an audio speaker 104a and 104b.
[0026]
The hands-free control unit 110 includes a CPU, a ROM and a RAM in which a control program is stored, and is connected to the telephone connection control unit 111, the operation / display unit 112, the mask sound control unit 120, and the audio unit 130. The processing unit transmits and receives a status signal and the like to and from each of the units, and sends an instruction signal based on the status signal and the like to each of the units. Here, the state signal is a state of the car or the inside of the car, for example, whether the car is running or stopped, whether the engine of the car is on or off, or whether the switch of the air conditioner is on. This signal indicates whether the vehicle is in the OFF state, the OFF state, or the like. The instruction signal is a signal that the hands-free control unit 110 determines a process to be executed by each unit of the hands-free control unit 100 based on the state signal and the like, and instructs execution of the process.
That is, when the hands-free control unit 110 receives, for example, an incoming call detection signal for notifying an incoming call from the mobile phone 101 via the telephone connection control unit 111, the operation / display unit 112 displays a display for notifying the driver of the incoming call. Send the indicated output signal.
[0027]
The telephone connection control unit 111 is a processing unit that includes a CPU, controls outgoing / incoming calls of the mobile phone 101, and transmits / receives a voice signal to / from the mobile phone 101. The telephone connection control unit 111 is connected to the mobile phone 101 via a cable and a connector, receives an incoming call detection signal from the mobile phone 101 using the cable and the connector, and converts the received incoming call detection signal into a hands-free control unit. 110, and receives a transmission instruction signal and the like from the hands-free control unit 110, and transmits the received transmission instruction signal and the like to the mobile phone 101 using the cable and the connector. Further, the telephone connection control unit 111 receives the other party's voice signal from the mobile phone 101, sends the received other party's voice signal to the first amplification unit 113, and receives the driver's voice signal from the hands-free microphone 105. Then, the received driver voice signal is transmitted to the mobile phone 101 using the cable and the connector.
[0028]
The operation / display unit 112 has a function as an input device for receiving an operation instruction from the driver, and a function as an output device for notifying the driver of the incoming of the mobile phone 101 by a screen display or the like. It is. The operation / display unit 112 sends an operation instruction signal to the hands-free control unit 110 when the driver receives an operation instruction input from the driver, for example, by touching a panel button or the like. When a display output signal is received from 110, screen display output is performed.
[0029]
The first amplifying unit 113 is a processing unit that increases the amplitude of the other party's audio signal to increase the volume, receives the other party's audio signal from the telephone connection control unit 111, amplifies the other party's audio signal, To the first speakers 102a and 102b.
[0030]
At the start of the hands-free call, the mask sound control unit 120 generates a mask sound that prevents a passenger from hearing the contents of the call, or generates a mask sound according to the state signal detected by the hands-free control unit 110. This is a processing unit that controls each unit that performs sound image localization processing on sound. As shown in FIG. 3, the mask sound control unit 120 generates a mask sound and sends the generated mask sound to the second amplifying unit 121, the main control unit 122 receiving a state signal from the hands-free control unit 110. It is composed of a mask sound generator 123 and the like. The components constituting the mask sound control unit 120 will be described later in detail.
[0031]
The second amplification unit 121 is a processing unit that increases the amplitude of the mask sound signal to increase the volume, receives the mask sound signal from the mask sound control unit 120, amplifies the mask sound signal, and performs the second amplification. Send to the speakers 103a and 103b.
[0032]
The audio unit 130 is a processing unit that functions as an audio device that performs reproduction and the like of a radio and a CD player. The audio unit 130 receives a radio wave or reads data from a CD, and outputs an audio state signal to the hands-free control unit 110 based on the received radio wave and the read data. , And outputs the audio signal to the audio amplifier 131. Here, the audio status signal is one of the status signals described above, and is a signal indicating whether or not the audio unit 130 is receiving a radio wave, whether or not music is being reproduced, and the like. In addition, when receiving an audio audio signal transmission instruction signal from hands-free control section 110, audio section 130 sends an audio audio signal to mask sound generating section 123.
[0033]
The audio amplification unit 131 is a processing unit that increases the amplitude of the audio audio signal and increases the volume, receives the audio audio signal from the audio unit 130, amplifies the audio audio signal, and outputs the audio speakers 104a and 104b. Send to
[0034]
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of the mask sound control unit 120 shown in FIG.
The mask sound control unit 120 receives the status signal from the hands-free control unit 110, performs a process based on the signal, processes the mask sound by signal processing, and outputs the processed mask sound to the second. A mask sound generation unit 123 to be sent to the amplification unit 121, a mask sound storage unit 124 that stores a mask sound generated in advance, and a sound image localization processing unit 125 that generates a sound image localization processing signal to be added to the mask sound signal .
[0035]
The main control unit 122 includes a CPU or the like, includes a mask sound setting table 122a, and, when receiving a state signal from the hands-free control unit 110, refers to the mask sound setting table 122a and responds to the state signal. The processing unit sends the set mask sound generation instruction signal to the mask sound generation unit 123. The mask sound setting table 122a will be described later.
[0036]
The mask sound generation unit 123 receives a mask sound generation instruction signal from the main control unit 122 and reads a mask sound signal from the mask sound storage unit 124 or receives an audio sound signal from the audio unit 130 according to the mask sound generation instruction signal. This is a processing unit that sends the mask sound signal to the second amplifying unit 121 by using it as a mask sound signal. Further, the mask sound generation unit 123 sends a sound image localization processing instruction signal to the sound image localization processing unit 125, receives a sound image localization processing signal from the sound image localization processing unit 125, and performs a sound image localization signal process on the mask sound signal. A process of transmitting the mask sound signal subjected to the localization signal processing to the second amplifying unit 121 is performed.
[0037]
The mask sound storage unit 124 is a recording medium such as a hard disk that holds a mask sound recorded in the hands-free control unit 100 in advance.
[0038]
The sound image localization processing unit 125 includes a sound image localization setting table 125a. Upon receiving a sound image localization processing instruction signal from the mask sound generation unit 123, the sound image localization processing unit 125 refers to the sound image localization setting table 125a and responds to the sound image localization processing instruction signal. The processing unit sends the sound image localization processing signal set in this way to the mask sound generation unit 123. The sound image localization setting table 125a will be described later.
[0039]
Here, sound image localization means that when a human perceives a certain sound with two ears, a subtle sound pressure difference and a phase difference occur between one ear and the other ear, and the sound pressure difference and the phase difference In order to determine the direction of the sound source by processing and analyzing by the brain, it means to control the direction of the sound source position recognized by humans by applying signal processing to the audio signal to have a sound pressure difference and a phase difference, The sound image localization processing signal is a signal used for a process of adding the sound image localization to the mask sound signal. The sound source controlled by the sound image localization is referred to as a virtual sound source position in this specification.
[0040]
FIG. 4A is a diagram showing the mask sound setting table shown in FIG.
The mask sound setting table 122a records the setting of the mask sound to be generated in accordance with the state signal received by the main control unit 122 from the hands-free control unit 110.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4A, for example, when the car is running and the air conditioner and the audio are ON, the mask sound to be generated is audio sound, and the left and right speakers, that is, the second speaker, Will be output from the speakers 103a and 103b.
[0041]
The main control unit 122 analyzes the status signal received from the hands-free control unit 110, refers to the mask sound setting table 122a, and sends a mask sound generation instruction signal corresponding to the state signal to the mask sound generation unit 123. Although not shown in FIG. 4A, the mask sound setting table 122a also includes a setting as to whether or not to perform the sound image localization processing.
[0042]
FIG. 4B is a diagram showing the sound image localization setting table shown in FIG.
The sound image localization setting table 125a records the setting of the sound image localization processing to be added to the mask sound according to the sound image localization processing instruction received from the mask sound generation unit 123 by the sound image localization processing unit 125, and creates a virtual sound source position. For this purpose, parameters relating to sound pressure and phase are held for each mask sound.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4B, for example, if the mask sound to be generated is air conditioner ventilation noise, the sound image localization processing unit 125 refers to the sound image localization setting table 125a to set the virtual sound source position to the air conditioner ventilation hole. A sound image localization processing signal including parameters relating to the sound pressure and the phase to be transmitted to the mask sound generation unit 123.
[0043]
The operation of the hands-free communication device according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of the hands-free communication device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0044]
First, the driver initiates a hands-free call by instructing the mobile phone 101 to make a call or responding to an incoming call of the mobile phone 101 via the operation / display unit 112 (S1). ). At this time, the mobile phone 101 transmits a call start signal to the telephone connection control unit 111 via the cable and the connector, and the telephone connection control unit 111 transmits the call start signal to the hands-free control unit 110.
[0045]
Next, upon receiving the call start signal from the telephone connection control unit 111, the hands-free control unit 110 sends an instruction signal for establishing a connection with the hands-free microphone 105 and the first amplification unit 113 to the telephone connection control unit 111. send. Then, based on the instruction signal, the telephone connection control unit 111 establishes a connection with the hands-free microphone 105 and the first amplifying unit 113, receives a driver's voice input signal from the hands-free microphone 105, and The connection with the first speakers 102 a and 102 b is established via the first amplifier 113, and the audio signal of the other party is sent to the first amplifier 113. Thus, the voice of the other party is output from the first speakers 102a and 102b (S2).
[0046]
Further, upon receiving the call start signal, the hands-free control unit 110, based on an instruction from the operation / display unit 112 by the driver or a setting previously stored in the RAM or the like in the hands-free control unit 110, Then, it is determined whether to output a mask sound from the second speakers 103a and 103b or to output a call voice (S3).
[0047]
Here, when outputting the mask sound, the hands-free communication device according to the present embodiment operates as follows.
Here, in order to specifically explain, a case where the car is running, the air conditioner is ON, and the audio unit 130 is playing music will be described as an example.
[0048]
First, the hands-free control unit 110 detects a state signal indicating that the vehicle is running and a state signal indicating that the air conditioner is ON by using sensors provided at various parts of the vehicle, and music is being reproduced from the audio unit 130. Detect audio status signal.
Then, the hands-free control unit 110 sends the detected state signal to the main control unit 122 (S4), and sends to the audio unit 130 an instruction signal to send the audio sound signal being reproduced to the mask sound generation unit 123.
[0049]
Next, the main control unit 122 having received the state signal refers to the mask sound setting table 122a and sends a mask sound generation instruction signal for generating a mask sound corresponding to the state signal to the mask sound generation unit 123. That is, the value at the upper left corner of the table shown in FIG. 4A is the mask sound to be generated, and the main control unit 122 generates the audio sound as the mask sound and outputs it from the second speakers 103a and 103b. A mask sound generation instruction signal is sent to the mask sound generation unit 123. Although not shown in FIG. 4A, it is assumed that the value at the upper left corner includes a value for performing sound image localization processing.
[0050]
Then, the mask sound generation unit 123 that has received the mask sound generation instruction signal receives, from the audio unit 130, the audio sound signal being reproduced by the audio unit 130. After that, the mask sound generation unit 123 sends a sound image localization processing instruction signal including the type of the mask sound to the sound image localization processing unit 125.
[0051]
The sound image localization processing unit 125, which has received the sound image localization processing instruction signal, refers to the sound image localization setting table 125a and converts the sound image localization processing signal corresponding to the type of the mask sound included in the sound image localization processing instruction signal into a mask sound generation unit. Send to 123. In other words, as shown in FIG. 4B, the mask sound generation unit 123 uses the sound image localization processing signal having a virtual sound source position at the position where the audio speaker 104b on the front left side of the passenger seat is installed as the mask sound by the audio sound. Send to
[0052]
After that, the mask sound generation unit 123 that has received the sound image localization processing signal performs sound image localization processing on the audio sound signal, and sends the generated mask sound signal to the second amplification unit 121. Then, the mask sound of the audio sound is output from the second speakers 103a and 103b via the second amplifier 121 (S5).
[0053]
As described above, the mask sound by the audio sound is subjected to the sound image localization processing in which the position where the audio speaker 104b is installed as the virtual sound source position, and the mask sound is output from the second speakers 103a and 103b. The occupant in the seat can be given the illusion that the mask sound of the audio sound is heard from the audio speaker 104b, and the occupant's attention can be diverted from the hands-free call.
[0054]
On the other hand, when the second speakers 103a and 103b do not output the mask sound but output the call voice, the hands-free control unit 110 transmits an instruction signal for establishing the connection with the second amplification unit 121 to the telephone connection control unit. Send to 111. Then, based on the instruction signal, the telephone connection control unit 111 establishes a connection with the second amplifying unit 121, establishes a connection with the second speakers 103a and 103b via the second amplifying unit 121, The audio signal of the other party is sent to the second amplifier 121. Thus, the voice of the other party is also output from the second speakers 103a and 103b (S6).
[0055]
Here, when the driver instructs the disconnection of the call through the operation / display unit 112 or the call is disconnected from the other party, the mobile phone 101 connects the telephone via the cable and the connector. When transmitting the call end signal to the control unit 111, the telephone connection control unit 111 sends the call end signal to the hands-free control unit 110 (S7).
When receiving the call end signal, the hands-free control unit 110 sends an instruction signal to disconnect the connection between the hands-free microphone 105 and the first amplification unit 113 to the telephone connection control unit 111.
[0056]
Thereafter, the telephone connection control unit 111 disconnects the connection between the hands-free microphone 105 and the first amplifying unit 113 based on the instruction signal, and ends the operation of the present apparatus. The state returns to the state before the start (S8).
[0057]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, in a hands-free communication device that enables hands-free communication using a microphone and a speaker provided at a predetermined position in a vehicle cabin, a speaker that outputs call voice is operated. By installing a speaker near the passenger seat that outputs a masking sound that makes it difficult for passengers to hear the voice of the call, the driver can protect the privacy of the call without the passenger knowing the contents of the call. In addition, a hands-free call that realizes confidentiality can be performed. Further, by applying the sound image localization processing to the mask sound, it is possible to prevent a passenger from feeling uncomfortable with the mask sound and to obtain a higher confidentiality effect.
[0058]
As described above, the hands-free communication device according to the present invention has been described based on the embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
For example, in the above embodiment, the hands-free control unit 100 is configured to include the audio unit 130 and the audio amplifying unit 131. However, the hands-free control unit 100 includes a physically separated audio device and a cable or the like. Connection may be used, or may be combined with a car navigation system.
[0059]
In the above-described embodiment, the first speakers 102a and 102b are installed in the headrest portion of the driver's seat 200, and the second speakers 103a and 103b are installed in the headrest portion of the passenger seat 300. The installation location is not limited to these. That is, the first speakers 102a and 102b may be provided at a position as far as possible from the passenger seat and at a position where the driver can easily hear the communication voice in order to suppress sound leakage of the communication voice to the passenger seat. In order to suppress the influence of the masking sound on the driver's seat, the second speakers 103a and 103b may be provided at a position as far as possible from the driver's seat and at a position as close as possible to the passenger. Note that a speaker that outputs a mask sound may be installed in the rear seat 400 in order to similarly make it difficult for a passenger other than the passenger seat to hear the call sound.
[0060]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the speaker for outputting the call voice and the speaker for outputting the mask sound are respectively provided for exclusive use. However, it is not always necessary to provide the speaker for exclusive use, and a speaker for another use, for example, an audio speaker is used. Alternatively, the call voice and the mask sound may be separately output.
[0061]
Further, in the above embodiment, the same mask sound is output from the second speakers 103a and 103b. However, the left and right divided second speakers 103a and 103b are added to the mask sound setting table 122a. The setting for outputting different mask sounds from each of these may be recorded, and different mask sounds may be output from the second speakers 103a and 103b.
[0062]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the hands-free call device according to the present invention includes a first output unit that outputs a call voice to a driver, a call detection unit that detects the start of a hands-free call, and the call detection unit. And a second output unit that outputs a masking sound for masking the call voice to a passenger when the start is detected.
This allows the passenger to hear the masking sound, and the masking sound masks the other party's call voice during the hands-free call. Protection and confidentiality can be achieved.
[0063]
Further, the hands-free communication device further includes a sound image localization unit that performs sound image localization processing for localizing the mask sound to a specific position serving as a virtual sound source with respect to the mask sound, and the second output unit Output the mask sound that has been subjected to the sound image localization processing.
[0064]
As a result, since the mask sound heard by the passenger is localized so that it can be heard from the virtual sound source, the passenger's attention can be directed to a direction other than the call voice, and the confidential effect can be further enhanced, As a result, privacy and confidentiality of the driver can be further protected.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an appearance of a hands-free communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a hands-free control unit of the device.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a mask sound control unit of the apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a mask sound setting table of the apparatus.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of the apparatus.
FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional hands-free communication device.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of operation when a conventional hands-free communication device receives a call.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of an operation of the conventional hands-free communication device when making a call.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 Hands-free control unit
101,610 mobile phone
102a, 102b first speaker
103a, 103b second speaker
104a, 104b Audio speaker
105,620 Hands-free microphone
110, 601 Hands-free control unit
111, 602 Telephone connection control unit
112, 603 Operation / display unit
113 1st amplification part
120 Mask sound control unit
121 second amplification section
122 Main control unit
122a Mask sound setting table
123 Mask sound generator
124 mask sound storage
125 sound image localization processing unit
125a Sound image localization setting table
130 Audio control unit
131 Audio Amplifier
200 driver's seat
201 Sun visor
300 Passenger seat
400 rear seats
600 Hands-free communication device
604 amplifier
630 speaker

Claims (16)

A hands-free communication device for making a hands-free call using a mobile phone or a car phone in a car,
First output means for outputting a call voice to the driver;
Call detection means for detecting the start of a hands-free call,
A second output unit that outputs a masking sound for masking the call voice to a passenger when the call detection unit detects the start; The hands-free communication device further comprises:
A mask sound obtaining means for obtaining a mask sound to be output,
The second output means includes:
The hands-free communication device according to claim 1, wherein the mask sound acquired by the mask sound acquiring means is output. The mask sound obtaining means,
Equipped with a storage unit that holds a mask sound recorded in advance,
3. The hands-free communication device according to claim 2, wherein the acquisition is performed by reading out the previously recorded mask sound from the storage unit. The hands-free communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mask sound output from the second output unit is a sound having characteristics similar to an air-conditioner ventilation sound. The hands-free communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mask sound output from the second output unit is a sound having characteristics close to road noise. 3. The hands-free communication device according to claim 1, wherein the mask sound output from the second output unit is music. The hands-free communication device further comprises:
State detecting means for detecting the state of the car at the time of detecting the start of hands-free call by the call detecting means,
The mask sound obtaining means,
4. The hands-free communication device according to claim 2, wherein a mask sound is acquired according to a detection result of the state detection unit. The mask sound obtaining means,
8. The hands-free communication device according to claim 7, wherein when the state detection means detects that the air conditioner of the vehicle is in an ON state, a sound having characteristics close to the air-conditioner ventilation sound is acquired as a mask sound. . The mask sound obtaining means,
8. The hands-free communication device according to claim 7, wherein when the state detection unit detects that the vehicle is running, a sound having characteristics close to road noise is acquired as a mask sound. The mask sound obtaining means,
8. The hands-free communication device according to claim 7, wherein when the state detection unit detects that the car audio is playing music, the music being played by the car audio is acquired as a mask sound. . The hands-free communication device further comprises:
A sound image localization unit that performs sound image localization processing for localizing the mask sound to a specific position serving as a virtual sound source with respect to the mask sound,
The second output means includes:
The hands-free communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mask sound subjected to the sound image localization processing is output. The sound image localization means,
The hands-free communication device according to claim 11, wherein when the mask sound is a sound having characteristics close to an air-conditioner ventilation sound, the mask sound is localized with the specific position as an air-conditioner ventilation hole. The sound image localization means,
The hands-free communication device according to claim 11, wherein when the mask sound is a sound having characteristics close to road noise, the mask sound is localized with the specific position being a lower part of the vehicle body. A hands-free call method for making a hands-free call using a mobile phone or a car phone in a car,
A first output step of outputting a call voice to a driver;
A call detection step for detecting the start of a hands-free call;
A second output step of outputting a masking sound for masking the call voice to a passenger when the call detection step detects the start. The hands-free calling method further includes:
A sound image localization step of performing a sound image localization process for localizing the mask sound to a specific position to be a virtual sound source for the mask sound,
The second output step includes:
The hands-free communication method according to claim 14, wherein the mask sound subjected to the sound image localization processing is output. A program for a hands-free communication device,
A program for causing a computer to execute the steps in the hands-free call method according to claim 14 or 15.

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