JP2006186926A - Voice communication apparatus for automobile - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize multi-function and integrated function by installing an apparatus with a simple operation inside an automobile, and providing connection function with a personal computer etc. without requiring cable connection. <P>SOLUTION: A case 10 is provided with a Bluetooth (R) module 17, a speaker 11, and a microphone 14; and a USB standard connector unit 15 is put into a cigar lighter socket 7 to be supplied with power source. Thus, a hands-free call function relayed by cellular phone 2 is exhibited. The case 10 is provided with an internal memory 19, and a detecting unit 20 for detecting a power source line and a signal line to be connected to a connector portion 15, and mode switching is performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an automobile voice communication apparatus that enables a hands-free call for making a call without gripping a mobile phone in an automobile.

  A voice communication device for automobiles, that is, a hands-free kit, has a relay circuit section, a microphone, and a speaker, and can carry out hands-free communication with the other party without gripping a mobile phone even while driving a car. And Hands-free kits have been attracting attention as ancillary devices due to the stricter penalties for calling while holding a mobile phone while driving due to the revision of the Road Traffic Law.

  On the other hand, in a personal computer or the like, information is exchanged by wirelessly connecting to a peripheral device by a short-range wireless system. As the short-range wireless system, for example, a Bluetooth wireless system that wirelessly connects a short distance of about 10 m using a carrier wave in a 2.4 GHz frequency band (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In a personal computer or the like, information is exchanged by connecting to a peripheral device using a universal serial bus (USB) standard cable.

  For example, in an in-vehicle device such as a car navigation device, it is possible to store a large amount of information by incorporating a hard disk device, and the information is connected to a personal computer by the USB standard cable described above. It also has a function to send and receive. The car navigation device reproduces the music information stored in the hard disk device and outputs it from the in-vehicle speaker.

The applicant previously provided a hands-free kit in which wiring is reduced by performing wireless connection with a mobile phone by Bluetooth wireless system according to Patent Document 2.
JP 2004-120313 A JP 2004-72259 A

  By the way, a conventional hands-free kit is generally installed on a dashboard or the like and is also installed on a console box or the like and connected to a holder loaded with a mobile phone by a cable. In the hands-free kit, power is supplied through a cigarette lighter plug inserted into a cigarette lighter socket. Accordingly, it is troublesome to install the hands-free kit in the vehicle and connect the cables, and there is a problem in that the cables placed in the narrow vehicle get in the way and make the appearance worse.

  In general, a driver changes his / her mood by driving while listening to music from a car radio or car audio. The driver made a call with the other party through the hands-free kit after turning off the power of the car radio or the like that had been heard when there was an incoming call or turning down the volume. Therefore, the hands-free kit requires the driver to perform an incoming call response operation, and also has a problem of missing the incoming call when listening to music or the like at a large volume.

As described above, in-vehicle devices such as a car navigation apparatus are multi-functional and multi-functional. For example, a connection function with a personal computer or the like brought into the vehicle is also required. Conventional hands-free kits have only hands-free calling functions, and are not multi-functional and complex.

  The above-mentioned prior application hands-free kit by the applicant described above has been well received because it has been improved in workability due to the elimination of wiring and has become multi-functional. In hands-free kits, a personal computer, etc., is brought into the vehicle to send and receive various types of information, and further multi-functional and multi-functionalization based on the demand for further systematization with car audio equipment etc. Is being considered.

  Therefore, the present invention can be installed in a vehicle by a simple operation without the need for cable connection, and has a function of connecting with a personal computer or the like to achieve multi-function and multi-function voice communication for automobiles. It has been proposed for the purpose of providing a device.

  An audio communication device for an automobile according to the present invention that achieves the above-described object is provided with a short-range wireless Bluetooth module, a speaker, and a microphone in a housing, and a plug portion is provided in an automobile cigarette lighter socket. When inserted, it receives a power supply and provides a hands-free call function that relays the mobile phone. The audio communication device for automobiles includes a universal serial module, internal memory means, a universal serial bus standard connector connected to the plug, and a connection between the connector and the external power supply line in the housing. And a detection unit that detects any one of the signal line connections.

  In an automobile voice communication device, a connection with a mobile phone is performed wirelessly by a Bluetooth module and power is supplied from a cigarette lighter socket, so that a troublesome and disturbing cable is not required and can be easily installed in a vehicle. It is possible to bring it into another vehicle and use it as a portable type. In an audio communication device for automobiles, wireless connection is made with a personal computer etc. brought into the vehicle by a Bluetooth module and wired connection via a universal serial bus standard cable connected to a universal serial bus standard connector part. Configure the universal serial bus system. In the audio communication device for automobiles, a power cable connected to a cigarette lighter socket or a universal serial bus standard cable connected to a personal computer or the like is connected to a universal serial bus standard connector, and each cable is connected by a detection unit. Detect state. In the automobile voice communication apparatus, when the connection state of the power supply cable is detected by the detection unit, the hands-free call mode is set and held in a waiting state for an incoming call response. In the audio communication device for automobiles, when the detecting unit detects the connection state of the universal serial bus standard cable, that is, the signal cable, the switching to the stand-alone mode or the universal serial bus standard dongle mode is performed.

  In the audio communication device for automobiles according to the present invention, the connector portion of the universal serial bus standard specification is constituted by a series A plug, and is connected to the cigarette lighter socket of the automobile via a power adapter into which the series A plug is inserted. . In the audio communication device for automobiles, the power adapter is provided with an insertion opening for inserting the series A plug on one end side of the case body, and a cigarette lighter plug to be inserted into the cigarette lighter socket of the automobile on the other end side. A DC / DC regulator that converts the cigarette lighter socket voltage into a predetermined voltage and supplies it to the Bluetooth module is incorporated.

  The voice communication device for automobiles can be simplified in structure because the connector portion of the universal serial bus standard specification serves both as a power line connector and a signal line connector.

  Furthermore, in the audio communication device for automobiles according to the present invention, the internal memory means is a flash memory or a hard disk, and information is exchanged with a personal computer connected via a universal serial bus standard specification connector or Bluetooth module. Give and receive. The voice communication device for automobiles has an internal memory means capable of storing a large amount of information, so that it can be connected to a personal computer as a universal serial bus standard device while constituting a stand-alone device. Also functions as a bus standard dongle. The voice communication device for automobiles is capable of voice chat on the Internet by using a built-in speaker and microphone, and is thus multi-functional.

  The automobile voice communication apparatus according to the present invention configured as described above can be installed in the vehicle by a simple operation and can be used by bringing it into another vehicle. According to the voice communication device for automobiles, it can be used not only as a function of hands-free calling but also as a stand-alone having an internal memory, and further connected to a personal computer or the like to construct a universal serial bus system for information Etc. can be exchanged, and multi-function and multi-function can be achieved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. An automobile voice communication device (hereinafter referred to as a hands-free kit) 1 shown as an embodiment has a wireless connection function (hereinafter referred to as a Bluetooth function) based on a Bluetooth wireless system and a universal as will be described in detail later. A connection function based on the serial bus standard (hereinafter referred to as a USB function). The hands-free kit 1 is wirelessly connected to the cellular phone 2 by the Bluetooth function, and is connected to, for example, the personal computer 3 by wireless or wired by the Bluetooth function or the USB function. The hands-free kit 1 can constitute a stand-alone and reproduce and output, for example, music information.

  As is well known, the Bluetooth wireless system uses a carrier wave in the 2.4 GHz frequency band to perform mutual exchange of information and the like by wirelessly connecting devices in a short distance of about 10 m. In the Bluetooth wireless system, packet-based data communication and real-time voice communication can be performed wirelessly between a host device and a plurality (1 to 7) of devices. In the Bluetooth wireless system, the maximum downlink data transmission rate is 721 Kbps, the maximum uplink data transmission rate is 57.6 Kbps (provided that the 2001 specification Ver. 1.1), and three 64 Kbps audio channels are provided. Provided.

  In addition, as is well known, the universal serial bus standard wirelessly connects a personal computer and peripheral devices so that information can be exchanged at a maximum transfer rate of 12 Mbps. In the universal serial bus standard, a personal computer is used as a host and four signal cables, a power source and a ground cable are used, with a predetermined connector structure in which the upper side is series B and the lower side is series A. Various information exchanges and power supply from the upper side to the lower side are performed.

As shown in FIG. 1, the hands-free kit 1 is brought into the vehicle and wirelessly connected to the mobile phone 2, so that the driver installs the mobile phone 2 in a console box or the like while the vehicle is driving. It is possible to make a hands-free call with the other party while it is loaded. The hands-free kit 1 is mounted on a cigarette lighter socket 7 provided on the console panel 6 via a power adapter 5 which will be described in detail later, and receives power supply from the in-vehicle battery 8. The hands-free kit 1 is a portable type that is mounted on the cigarette lighter socket 7 so that it can be reduced in size and weight and does not have an internal power source. However, the hands-free kit 1 may have a certain size as a stationary type. In a good case, a rechargeable secondary battery may be built in and a so-called three-power supply type used by connecting to a commercial power source may be used.

  The hands-free kit 1 is attached to the cigarette lighter socket 7 in a state of being integrated with the power adapter 5, but is not limited to such usage. The hands-free kit 1 is configured to be the above-described stationary type that is attached to, for example, a dashboard according to the length of the cable by connecting, for example, a cable with a USB standard specification connector drawn from the power adapter 5. Is also possible. Even if the hands-free kit 1 is such a stationary type, wiring work is unnecessary and the cable length is the shortest, so there is no obstacle.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the hands-free kit 1 includes a substantially thin box-shaped housing 10, and a sound emitting portion 11 a of an internal speaker 11 is provided on the front surface portion 10 a of the housing 10 and the power is turned on / off. An operation unit 12 in which a plurality of push buttons for performing the operation, the switching operation of each mode or the volume adjustment operation described above is arranged is provided. The hands-free kit 1 is provided with a flexible tube 13 that can be bent at an arbitrary angle or direction with a slight force on the ceiling surface portion 10 b of the housing 10. A microphone 14 is assembled to the flexible tube 13 with the sound collecting portion facing the tip. The hands-free kit 1 is provided with a USB standard specification connector portion 15, which will be described in detail later, on the back surface portion 10 c of the housing 10.

  In the hands-free kit 1, a liquid crystal display or a display unit having a plurality of LEDs may be provided on the front surface part 10 a of the housing 10. The hands-free kit 1 may display a signal transmission / reception state, a mode setting state, and the like by the liquid crystal display and the display unit, and display when an incoming call is received by the mobile phone 2. It becomes possible. The hands-free kit 1 may display the operation guidance information on the liquid crystal display and guide the voice from the internal speaker 11.

  In the hands-free kit 1, the operation unit 12, the microphone 14, and the connector unit 15 are provided in the housing 10 as described above. In the hands-free kit 1, a controller 16 (Central Processing Unit) composed of a CPU in charge of the overall control operation, as shown in FIG. And a USB module 18 or an internal memory 19. The hands-free kit 1 includes a detection unit 20 that detects the connection state of the connector unit 15. The hands-free kit 1 includes a power supply circuit unit, a driver circuit unit for a liquid crystal display, and the like (not shown).

  Specifically, a well-known series A plug standardized as a lower-level connector in the USB standard is used for the connector unit 15. The connector unit 15 is connected to the personal computer 3 and peripheral devices via a USB cable, and the power adapter 5 is coupled to the connector unit 15 as will be described later. The hands-free kit 1 is supplied with power from a higher-level device through a connector unit 15, and is connected with a cigarette lighter socket 7 through a power adapter 5 and receives power from an in-vehicle battery 8.

  When the hands-free kit 1 operates each push button of the operation unit 12, a predetermined control signal is output from the operation unit 12 to the controller 16. Based on this control signal, the controller 16 outputs a control signal for causing the Bluetooth module 17 and the USB module 18 to perform a predetermined operation. The controller 16 controls storage and reproduction operations of information and the like in the internal memory 19 based on a control signal from the operation unit 12. The controller 16 outputs a mode switching control signal based on a detection signal from the detection unit 20 described later. The controller 16 supplies a predetermined control signal for controlling the hands-free kit 1 to each unit.

  Although not described in detail, the Bluetooth module 17 includes a microcomputer 21, a transmission / reception unit 22, an antenna 23, a D / A converter 24, an A / D converter 25, and the like. ing. In the Bluetooth module 17, the microcomputer 21 performs input / output processing and control processing operations. In the Bluetooth module 17, the transmission / reception unit 22 includes a transmission circuit unit, a reception circuit unit, a switching circuit unit that switches transmission / reception operations, and the like.

  The Bluetooth module 17 has an automatic network search function, and searches for Bluetooth function devices existing in a predetermined range to construct a network. The Bluetooth module 17 controls the transmission / reception output according to the mutual distance from the Bluetooth function device so that information can be exchanged in a stable state. The Bluetooth module 17 has a power control function and is in a low power consumption mode in a standby state.

  The Bluetooth module 17 converts the digital audio signal from the microcomputer 21 into an analog signal by the D / A converter 24, supplies it to the internal speaker 11, and reproduces and outputs it from the internal speaker 11. The Bluetooth module 17 converts the analog audio signal from the microphone 14 into a digital signal by the A / D converter 25 and inputs it to the microcomputer 21. The Bluetooth module 17 wirelessly connects the hands-free kit 1 to the mobile phone 2 or the personal computer 3 via the transmission / reception unit 22 so that voice signals and data can be exchanged.

  Although not described in detail, the USB module 18 receives the FIFO that divides the original data into standard data transfer packet sizes, the SIE that performs data operations necessary for the transfer situation, the buffer unit according to the transfer speed, and the synchronization pattern. A functional circuit unit such as a DPLL that generates a data sampling clock is generally provided as a module. The USB module 18 supplies power of a predetermined voltage supplied to each part of the hands-free kit 1 through a power adapter 5 that is inserted into the cigarette lighter socket 7 as will be described later.

  The internal memory 19 can write and read appropriate information by using a RAM (Random Access Memory). As the internal memory 19, for example, a hard disk unit having a large capacity storage characteristic may be provided. Further, the hands-free kit 1 may be provided with a structure for inserting / removing a card-shaped portable memory medium, for example, and can hold and use a large amount of information. The internal memory 19 stores various types of information and outputs stored information based on the control signal output from the controller 16.

  The hands-free kit 1 can take in music information supplied from a personal computer 3 or the like connected using the Bluetooth function or the USB function, and store it in the internal memory 19. The hands-free kit 1 can take in music information distributed to the mobile phone 2 using the Bluetooth function and store it in the internal memory 19. The hands-free kit 1 can store the contents of the hands-free call in the internal memory 19.

  The hands-free kit 1 constitutes a stand-alone by taking out music information and the like stored in the internal memory 19 by operating a push button of the operation unit 12 and reproducing it from the internal speaker 11. The hands-free kit 1 supplies the information stored in the internal memory 19 to a personal computer 3 connected using the Bluetooth function or the USB function.

The detection unit 20 detects whether the cable connected to the connector unit 15 is a power line that supplies only power or a signal line that supplies signals and power. For example, the detection unit 20 detects whether a power supply is supplied by detecting a voltage change between a signal line connecting the connector unit 15 and the USB module 18 and a power supply line and the ground. Is detected, and a detection signal is output to the controller 16. Of course, the detection unit 20 is not limited to such a detection method, and may perform the above-described detection operation by an appropriate method.

  In the hands-free kit 1, the connector portion 15 is coupled to the power adapter 5, and the power adapter 5 is attached to the cigarette lighter socket 7 to supply power. The power adapter 5 has a case body 26 made of an insulating resin. As shown in FIG. 2, an insertion slot 27 for inserting the connector portion 15 is provided on one end side of the case body 26 and an automobile is provided on the other end side. A cigarette lighter plug 28 having a known structure to be fitted into the cigarette lighter socket 7 is provided. As described above, the power adapter 5 uses a USB series A plug so that the connector portion 15 uses a USB series A plug, but the details are omitted inside the insertion slot 27, but the series B plug is connected to the series A plug. 29 is built in.

  The power adapter 5 is provided with a DC / DC regulator 30 inside the case body 26. The DC / DC regulator 30 is connected with a connector 29 on one side and a cigarette lighter plug 28 on the other side. The DC / DC regulator 30 transforms the voltage of DC12V of the cigarette lighter socket 7 into DC5V which is the specification voltage of the Bluetooth module 17 and supplies it to the handsfree kit 1.

  The hands-free kit 1 configured as described above integrates the power adapter 5 by inserting the connector portion 15 into the insertion slot 27 and coupling with the connector 29. The hands-free kit 1 is mounted on the console panel 6 as shown in FIG. 1 by inserting the cigarette lighter plug 28 into the car cigarette lighter socket 7 by the power adapter 5. The hands-free kit 1 is supplied with power from the cigarette lighter socket 7 via the power adapter 5 by turning on the power push button of the operation unit 12.

  When the mobile phone 2 is loaded in the mobile phone holder 4 in a power-on state, the hands-free kit 1 constructs a network with the mobile phone 2 by an automatic network search function. When the mobile phone 2 receives an incoming call, the hands-free kit 1 receives a ringing tone transmitted from the mobile phone 2 side by the Bluetooth function and emits the sound from the internal speaker 11 to notify the driver of the incoming call. Do. The hands-free kit 1 outputs an incoming response control signal to the mobile phone 2 by the Bluetooth function when the driver performs a response operation using the push button of the operation unit 12.

  The hands-free kit 1 transmits and receives a reception sound from the other party and a driver's transmission sound by the Bluetooth function with the mobile phone 2 that is in a call state based on the incoming response control signal. The hands-free kit 1 emits the received sound from the other party from the internal speaker 11 and collects the driver's transmitted sound by the microphone 14 and transmits it to the other party via the mobile phone 2. Make a call. The hands-free kit 1 may automatically output an incoming call response control signal to the mobile phone 2 by receiving, for example, a predetermined number of ringing sounds.

The hands-free kit 1 can also build an in-vehicle network system with the mobile phone 2 including, for example, a car audio system having a Bluetooth function. The hands-free kit 1 can also transfer the received sound from the other party transmitted from the mobile phone 2 to the speaker of the car audio system for output. The hands-free kit 1 can also output the music information stored in the internal memory 19 from the speaker of the car audio system.

  The hands-free kit 1 functions as a USB dongle by connecting to a personal computer 3 brought into the vehicle via a USB cable, for example. The hands-free kit 1 is supplied with power from the personal computer 3 via a USB cable and exchanges information. The hands-free kit 1 enables a mobile phone 2 and a personal computer 3 to form a network in the vehicle via the Bluetooth function, and enables voice chat on the Internet using the internal speaker 11 and the microphone 14. .

  The hands-free kit 1 constitutes a stand-alone by receiving power supply from the cigarette lighter socket 7 in a state where the mobile phone 2 is in a power-off state and an in-vehicle network system with a Bluetooth function is not constructed. The hands-free kit 1 enables music information stored in the internal memory 19 to be output from, for example, the internal speaker 11 or a speaker of a car audio system having a Bluetooth function.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the hands-free kit 1 shown in the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the technical scope of the present invention. Of course, the present invention extends to these modified ones. It is.

It is explanatory drawing of the state which installed the hands-free kit shown as embodiment in the vehicle. It is a disassembled perspective view of the hands-free kit and a power adapter. It is a block diagram of the hands-free kit and a power adapter.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Hands-free kit 2 Mobile phone 3 Personal computer 5 Power adapter 7 Cigarette lighter socket 10 Case 11 Internal speaker 12 Operation part 13 Flexible tube 14 Microphone 15 Connector part 16 Controller 17 Bluetooth module 18 USB module 19 Internal memory 20 Detection part 21 Micro Computer 22 Transceiver 23 Antenna 24 D / A converter 25 A / D converter 26 Case body 27 Insertion slot 28 Cigarette lighter plug 29 Connector 30 Regulator

Claims (3)

Hands that have a short-range wireless Bluetooth module, a speaker, and a microphone installed in the housing, and the plug is inserted into a car cigarette lighter socket to receive power and relay the mobile phone. A voice communication device for automobiles that provides a free call function,
In the housing, a universal serial bus module, internal memory means, a universal serial bus standard connector connected to the plug, and a connection between the connector and the outside is a power line connection or a signal line connection. And a detection unit for detecting that either
A vehicle voice communication apparatus, wherein switching between a hands-free call mode and a stand-alone mode or a universal serial bus dongle mode is performed based on a detection signal output from the detection unit. The connector part of the universal serial bus standard specification is a series A plug,
A cigarette lighter plug that is inserted into the cigarette lighter socket of the automobile is used on the other end side of the case body, and a cigarette lighter socket voltage with respect to the Bluetooth module is provided. The automobile voice communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the automobile voice communication apparatus is connected to the cigarette lighter socket of the automobile via a power adapter having a built-in DC / DC regulator that converts the voltage into a predetermined voltage. The internal memory means is a flash memory or a hard disk, and exchanges information with a personal computer connected via the universal serial bus standard specification connector section or the Bluetooth module. The automobile voice communication device according to 1.

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