JP2006080886A - Wireless headrest - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide new technique capable of performing handsfree conversation by a headrest without setting a conversation source such as a portable telephone at a particular place. <P>SOLUTION: Headrests 10-1 to 10-4 equipped in vehicle seats is provided with a wireless communication function to thereby make it possible to exchange sound data with various sound sources used in the vehicle, such as a portable telephone 50, a portable player 52 and a car stereo 54, and the exchanged sound data is outputted form speakers provided in the respective headrests 10-1 to 10-4. In addition, communication functions of the respective headrests 10-1 to 10-4 are used so that persons in the vehicle can have a conversation with one another through the headrests. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless headrest, and more particularly, to a wireless headrest effective for alleviating discomfort during wearing.

As a hands-free device for a mobile phone, those described in the following documents are known.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-247173 discloses a configuration that enables hands-free operation by setting a mobile phone in a charger including a speaker and a microphone.

On the other hand, as a headset type hands-free device, those described in the following documents are known.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-509570 discloses a configuration in which a headset can be attached to a stand and used as a desktop microphone.

Moreover, what was described in the following literature is known as a headrest type hands-free device.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-92741 JP-A-8-324354 JP 9-149112 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-004287 JP 2000-232922 A JP 2001-095646 A JP 2001-146136 A JP 2001-260762 A JP 2001-260763 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-05773 JP 2002-271463 A JP 2002-362245 A JP 2003-224653 A JP 2004-015090 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2004-016711 and JP-A-2004-016711 disclose many examples in which a microphone and a speaker are incorporated in a headrest provided in an automobile so that a hands-free call using the headrest is possible.

  However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, in order to perform a hands-free call, it is necessary to take out the mobile phone from the bag or pocket and set it in the charger. Because it was necessary to make a call with a mobile phone, the hands-free call could not be maintained. In particular, when used in a vehicle, the configuration in which the mobile phone is set in the charger becomes unnecessarily large, and the center of gravity is not stable, so that the installation location in the vehicle is restricted.

  Further, in the configuration of the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, since the connection with the call source is wired, the trouble remains, and similarly to the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, it is not possible to make a call with the mobile phone in a bag or pocket.

  In the configurations of Patent Documents 3 to 16, as in Patent Document 1, in order to perform a hands-free call, it is necessary to take out the mobile phone from the bag or pocket and connect it to the headrest. There was a problem that the removal and fixing were troublesome.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a novel technique that enables a hands-free call using a headrest without setting a call source such as a mobile phone at a specific location.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 comprises means for establishing wireless communication with a call source, and a speaker and a microphone capable of voice exchange with the call source via the wireless communication. It is characterized by.

  Here, as a call source, various telephone devices such as a mobile phone, a fixed telephone, a public telephone, an IP telephone, a computer apparatus such as a PC or a PDA, an audio apparatus such as a radio or a stereo, various apparatuses that handle audio signals And other wireless headrests included.

  These call sources and headrests incorporate a wireless communication circuit capable of exchanging audio signals by two-way or one-way wireless communication, and can transmit and receive audio signals via a wireless communication connection established between these circuits. Done. As a wireless communication standard used here, Bluetooth is recommended which is suitable for exchanging audio signals and hardly affected by other signals.

  According to the above configuration, since the exchange of the audio signal between the headrest and the call source is performed via wireless communication, for example, a hands-free call using the headrest can be performed while the mobile phone is kept in a bag or pocket.

  Here, since the headrest is arranged at a position very close to the user, for example, even if it is content that the passenger does not want to be heard during driving, it is possible to make a hands-free call with a volume that only the self can hear, Even if you are driving alone, you can make a hands-free call that avoids the hassle of wearing a headset.

  Further, in a hands-free scene for an automobile, it is possible to reduce the danger caused by making it difficult to hear an uncomfortable feeling during driving and an external sound by covering the ear with a headset.

  The invention according to claim 2 includes a plurality of wireless headrests each including wireless communication means, a speaker, and a microphone, and each wireless headrest communicates with another wireless headrest via the wireless communication means. It is possible to do this.

  By enabling communication between headrests in this way, it becomes possible to carry out conversations between passengers via headrests.For example, driving on a highway or with windows open Even in a noisy environment, conversations between passengers can be conducted.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there are provided means for establishing wireless communication with the call source, a speaker for outputting the received sound received from the call source to the outside, and a position where the transmitted sound can be captured. And a second microphone provided at a position where external sound can be captured.

  As described above, by providing the external sound capturing function, it is possible to capture external sound that must be caught even during a call, such as a siren. In addition, by providing a function for synthesizing the received sound and the external sound, for example, it is possible to provide a more comfortable call such as adjusting the volume balance between the received sound and the external sound.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided means for establishing wireless communication with a communication source, a speaker for outputting an audio signal received from the communication source to the outside, and a position where external sound can be captured. A microphone, a determination unit that determines the type of external sound captured from the microphone, and a unit that adjusts the volume of the audio signal received from the communication source based on the determination result of the determination unit. And

  Here, the communication source includes a mobile phone, a music playback device such as a car stereo or a portable music player, and other wireless headrests.

  In this way, by providing a function that adjusts the volume of the received sound according to the type of external sound, an external sound that must be caught even during a call or listening to music, such as a siren, is heard. If this is the case, the siren can be reliably caught by automatically reducing the received sound.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided: means for establishing wireless communication with a plurality of communication sources; means for selecting a communication source for establishing the wireless communication; and an audio signal received from the selected communication source. And a speaker for outputting to the camera.

  By providing a communication source selection function in this way, for example, when it is desired to have a conversation with a passenger, the wireless communication with the passenger's wireless headrest is established. When wireless communication with the headrest is established and one or all of them want to listen to music, the user can freely select a source such as selecting a music player as a communication source.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the means for establishing wireless communication with a plurality of communication sources, the determination means for determining the type of the signal received from the communication sources, and the determination result of the determination means, It comprises means for selecting a communication source for establishing wireless communication, and a speaker for outputting an audio signal received from the selected communication source to the outside.

  By adopting a configuration in which a plurality of communication sources can be automatically switched in this way, for example, when an incoming call is received from a mobile phone while listening to music, a configuration that automatically switches to a mobile phone call When there is a conversation request from the passenger, the communication can be switched to the passenger.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a headrest communication system capable of wireless communication with various communication sources can be provided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and can be modified as appropriate.

  FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a system configuration of a wireless headrest according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, in this system, wireless headrests 10-1 to 10-4 in which a wireless function is incorporated in a headrest provided in a seat in the vehicle are provided in each seat.

  As a result, each of the wireless headrests 10-1 to 10-4 is configured as a wireless headrest that can wirelessly communicate with the mobile phone 50, the portable player 52, the car stereo 54, and other headrests as communication sources. Here, bi-directional communication is performed between each communication source and the headrest 10 by the wireless connection 60. As a communication standard, Bluetooth suitable for voice communication and capable of multi-connection up to seven is applied. Therefore, each communication source is equipped with a Bluetooth circuit.

  The wireless headrest 10 is preferably used in a hands-free scene where use of the mobile phone 50 is restricted such as during driving. For example, when the mobile phone 50 receives an incoming call while driving, the mobile phone 50 and the headrest 10 are connected via the wireless link 60, and in this state, the mobile phone 50 is attached to the ear. You can make a hands-free call even if you keep it in your bag or pocket.

  In addition, if you want to listen to music played on the portable player 52 or car stereo 54, switch the Bluetooth communication channel to the music source, select your favorite source, and listen to the music from the speaker built in the headrest. I can listen.

  In addition, when a conversation between passengers is desired, the conversation via the headrest can be performed by switching the Bluetooth communication channel to another headrest. At that time, it is also possible to have a conversation using the music reproduced by the car stereo 54 as BGM by the voice recognition / synthesis function provided in the headrest.

  Furthermore, when the siren is ringing outside the car, the siren Siren is interrupted during the music or conversation by the voice recognition / synthesis function provided in the headrest even during the listening or conversation of the music. Alternatively, the siren Siren can be surely caught by stopping music and conversation.

  Each headrest 10-1 to 10-4 is provided with two speakers, which can be played back in either stereo or monaural, and automatically according to the format of the sound source. The output method is selected.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the headrest shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the headrest 10 includes a headrest main body 12 that accommodates various circuits, speakers 14-1 and 14-2 attached to the headrest main body 12, a microphone 18 for transmission, and an external sound collecting unit. It comprises a microphone 20 and a power cord 30 that can be connected to a cigarette lighter or the like. The headrest body 12 is provided with a power switch (not shown) that switches ON / OFF of the power from the power cord 30.

  Here, the speakers 14-1 and 14-2 are respectively arranged on the left and right of the headrest 10 corresponding to the stereo output of the music source of the portable player 52 etc., and output Sound (R) and Sound (L).

  The microphone 18 for transmitting has a built-in microphone for catching a voice uttered by the user, and can be expanded and contracted like a rod antenna by a bellows structure of the angle adjusting unit 22 so that it can be directed in a desired direction. The headrest body 12 is attached in a rotatable state. When not having a conversation or listening to music, the microphone 18 can be housed by sending it to the back side of the headrest body 12.

  The external sound collecting microphone 20 is provided at a position where the external sound is preferably captured, and the external sound collected by the microphone 20 is subjected to voice processing inside the headrest 10. For example, if a specific sound pattern such as a siren is included in the sound captured by the external sound collecting microphone 20, music or conversation is interrupted and only the siren is output from the speakers 14-1 and 14-2. By doing so, the user is made aware of the presence of the siren.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal circuit configuration of the headrest shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the headrest 10 includes a Bluetooth circuit 100 that provides a wireless communication function with a mobile phone and other headrests, and an audio process that performs noise canceller and equalizer processing on a signal output from the Bluetooth circuit 100. A circuit 104; nonvolatile memories 112-1 and 112-2 for storing programs and data necessary for the circuits 100 and 104; an audio amplifier 106 for amplifying a signal processed by the sound processing circuit; The first and second microphones 108-1 and 108-2 serving as input interfaces and speakers 110-1 and 110-2 serving as audio output interfaces are configured.

  Here, the first microphone 108-1 is incorporated in the microphone 18 for transmission shown in FIG. 2, and the second microphone 108-2 is installed in the microphone 20 for collecting external sound shown in FIG. The speakers 110-1 and 110-2 are respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the headrest body 12 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a first configuration example of the audio processing circuit shown in FIG. 3 and its operation. The audio processing circuit 104 shown in the figure includes weight calculators 150-1 to 150- provided corresponding to signals input from the Bluetooth circuit 100, the first microphone 108-1, and the second microphone 108-2, respectively. 3 and a synthesis circuit 152 that synthesizes the outputs of the respective arithmetic units 150-1 to 150-3.

  The received sound from the Bluetooth circuit 100 input to the weight calculator 150-1 is weighted as “A”, input to the synthesis circuit 152 as “A · received sound”, and input to the weight calculator 150-2. The transmitted sound from the first microphone 108-1 is weighted with “B” and input to the synthesis circuit 152 as “B / transmitted sound” and input to the weight calculator 150-3. The external sound from the microphone 108-2 is weighted as “C” and input to the synthesis circuit 152 as “C / external sound”.

  Here, each of the weight calculators 150-1 to 150-3 is configured to receive an external volume control signal, and the user can select a desired value for each of the weight values A, B, and C. Can be set.

  The synthesizing circuit 152 synthesizes the signals obtained from the respective weight calculators 150-1 to 150-3 to generate a synthesized signal “A / received sound + B / transmitted sound + C / external sound”. The synthesized signal is output from the speakers 110-1 and 110-2 via the audio amplifier 106.

  The external sound processing of the audio processing circuit 104 allows the external sound to be always output from the speaker even during a call or listening to music, so that even one ear can be blocked. Application to hands-free for automobiles can be expected.

  Furthermore, the voice balance between conversation and music and external sound can be adjusted to the user's preference, and if the external sound includes sirens and warning sounds, the external sound volume is automatically increased. Since it can be set, various hands-free applications can be expected.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a second configuration example and operation of the audio processing circuit shown in FIG. The audio processing circuit 104 shown in the figure includes an audio decoder 154 that decodes signals input from the Bluetooth circuit 100, the first microphone 108-1, and the second microphone 108-2, the Bluetooth circuit 100, and the first circuit. Weight calculators 150-1 to 150-3 provided corresponding to signals respectively input from the microphone 108-1 and the second microphone 108-2, and outputs of the calculators 150-1 to 150-3 are obtained. And a combining circuit 152 for combining.

  The audio decoder 154 determines the type of each input audio signal. For example, when a siren or a warning is included in the external sound obtained from the second microphone 108-2, the weight value C is set. In addition to setting a large value, the weight values A and B are set small or blocked to encourage the user to reliably catch sirens and warnings.

  Here, the audio decoder 154 is configured to receive an external volume control signal, and the user can set a favorite value for each of the weight values A, B, and C. The configurations and operations of the weight calculators 150-1 to 150-3 and the synthesis circuit 152 are the same as those in the example shown in FIG.

  As described above, the audio processing circuit 104 automatically adjusts the weighting amount of each voice based on the voice recognition by the voice decoder 154, so that it can reliably catch sirens and warnings included in the external sound. Can do.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the synthesis process executed by the voice processing circuit shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the voice processing circuit shown in FIG. 5 determines whether or not the received external sound includes a siren (step S100). Are set to be small, and the weight value C of the outside sound including the siren is set to be large (step S102).

  Thereafter, A, B, and C are respectively weighted to the received reception sound, transmission sound, and external sound to synthesize them (step S104), and the synthesized signal is output from the speaker.

  On the other hand, if the external sound does not include a siren (NO in step S100), the process of step S102 is skipped and the process of step S104 is executed. Thereafter, the processing from step S100 to step S104 is repeated until the power of the headrest is turned off (NO in step S106).

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example in which an external channel switching function is added to the internal circuit of the headrest shown in FIG. As a wireless establishment method of the Bluetooth circuit 100, there are a method of selecting a communication partner according to a priority order registered in advance, a method of automatically scanning a partner capable of establishing communication, and the example shown in FIG. This is an example in which a communication partner can be selected by an instruction from a user.

  As described above, when it is possible to select a communication partner according to an instruction from the user, the channel selection signal Channel Select is input from the outside and input to the Bluetooth circuit 100 as shown in FIG. The communication partner indicated by the channel selection signal Channel Select is preferentially selected.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration example in which an automatic channel switching function is added to the internal circuit of the headrest shown in FIG. The example shown in the figure is an example in which the communication partner can be selected depending on the type of sound received from the microphone 108-1 or 108-2.

  As described above, when the communication partner can be selected depending on the type of the received voice, as shown in the figure, the voice processing circuit 104 performs voice recognition of the signal taken from each microphone, and this recognition result. Based on the above, the channel selection signal Channel Select is input to the Bluetooth circuit 100.

  Here, a specific automatic process is registered for each type of audio signal in the nonvolatile memory 112-2, and the audio processing circuit 104 selectively executes the registered automatic process. For example, when receiving a voice input of “Seat A” from the user while listening to music, when a radio link with a headrest provided on the seat A is established, or when emergency news is received from the radio Then, the process of switching the radio link to the car stereo or the process of switching the radio link to the mobile phone when there is an incoming call from the mobile phone.

  FIG. 9 is a plan view showing another system configuration of the wireless headrest according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the wireless link of each communication source may be configured to be performed via the relay device 62. Others are the same as the example shown in FIG.

  As described above, the Bluetooth circuit of each headrest is configured to establish a wireless link with the relay device 62 through the relay device 62. If the relay device 62 has a router function, the cellular phone 50 and the sound source of the portable player 52 can be shared by each headrest.

  In the above-described example, the communication between the communication source existing in the same vehicle and the headrest has been described as an example. However, the communication may be performed with the communication source existing in another vehicle.

  According to the present invention, since a hands-free call using a headrest is possible without setting a communication source such as a mobile phone or a portable player at a specific location, various on-board sound sources are mixed and in-vehicle communication is desired. Application to hands-free is expected.

It is a top view which shows the system configuration | structure of the wireless headrest which concerns on this embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the headrest shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the internal circuit structure of the headrest shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a first configuration example and an operation of the audio processing circuit illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a second configuration example and operation of the sound processing circuit illustrated in FIG. 3. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the synthetic | combination process which the audio | voice processing circuit shown in FIG. 5 performs. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example in which an external channel switching function is added to the internal circuit of the headrest illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example in which a channel automatic switching function is added to the internal circuit of the headrest illustrated in FIG. 3. It is a top view which shows another system configuration | structure of the wireless headrest which concerns on this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Wireless headrest, 12 ... Headrest main body, 14 ... Speaker, 18 ... Transmitting microphone, 20 ... External sound collecting microphone, 22 ... Angle adjustment part, 24 ... Base plate, 30 ... Power cord, 50 ... Mobile phone, 52 ... Portable player, 54 ... Car stereo, 60 ... Wireless link, 62 ... Repeater, 100 ... Bluetooth circuit, 102 ... Battery, 104 ... Audio processing circuit, 106 ... Audio amplifier, 108 ... Microphone, 110 ... Speaker, 112 ... Non-volatile 150, weight calculator, 152 ... synthesis circuit, 154 ... audio decoder

Claims (6)

Means for establishing wireless communication with a call source;
A wireless headrest comprising a speaker and a microphone capable of voice exchange with the call source via the wireless communication. A plurality of wireless headrests including wireless communication means, a speaker, and a microphone,
A wireless headset characterized in that communication with another wireless headrest is enabled via the wireless communication means. Means for establishing wireless communication with a call source;
A speaker for outputting the received sound received from the call source to the outside;
A first microphone provided at a position where the transmission sound can be captured;
A wireless headrest comprising: a second microphone provided at a position where external sound can be captured. Means for establishing wireless communication with a communication source;
A speaker for outputting an audio signal received from the communication source to the outside;
A microphone installed at a position where external sound can be captured;
Determining means for determining the type of external sound captured from the microphone;
Means for adjusting a volume of an audio signal received from the communication source based on a determination result of the determination means. Means for establishing wireless communication with a plurality of communication sources;
Means for selecting a communication source for establishing the wireless communication;
A wireless headrest comprising: a speaker that outputs an audio signal received from the selected communication source to the outside. Means for establishing wireless communication with a plurality of communication sources;
Determining means for determining the type of signal received from the communication source;
Means for selecting a communication source for establishing the wireless communication based on a determination result of the determination means;
A wireless headrest comprising: a speaker that outputs an audio signal received from the selected communication source to the outside.

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