JP2007269044A - On-vehicle sounding device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To give a horn a posh tone without impairing reliability, and to inform the approach of a vehicle by adding traveling sound of natural tone in a vehicle with a small traveling sound such as an electric automobile. <P>SOLUTION: The on-vehicle sounding device comprises a sound collecting means collecting sound generated by a vehicle and converting that to a first electric signal, a signal processing means giving sound signal processing to the first electric signal to output a second electric signal, and a sound emitting means inputting the second electric signal to emit sound. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an on-vehicle sound generating device that generates an alarm sound of a vehicle.

Conventionally, the timbre of a car horn and the like has been mechanical and has no luxury. In order to change the tone of the horn, it is common to replace the horn of the horn with a commercial product.
As another technique, while driving a car or the like, for example, a voice guide such as “turn to the right” or “back” is issued to call attention to the surroundings.

  However, since the horn sound is a warning sound, drastically changing the timbre may cause a security problem. In addition, the horn is also required to be reliable so that a sound must be emitted when the driver operates the horn switch.

  On the other hand, electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles that have begun to spread in recent years have a problem that the running noise is low, and it is difficult for pedestrians to notice the approach of the vehicle, particularly when traveling at a low speed. As a technique for avoiding such problems, it is conceivable to use the above-mentioned voice guide, but the voice guide will say "I will start" or "I am driving" to confirm the existence of the vehicle. It is unnatural to show. In addition, it is difficult for a pedestrian to intuitively imagine the running state (speed feeling, etc.) of a vehicle simply by emitting the sound of an existing horn.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to give a high-class feeling to the tone of a horn without impairing the reliability of the alarm. Another object is to generate a natural timbre of running sound in a vehicle with low running sound such as an electric vehicle to inform the surroundings of the approach of the vehicle.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and an in-vehicle sound generator according to the present invention collects sound generated by a vehicle and converts it into a first electric signal; A signal processing unit that performs acoustic signal processing on one electrical signal and outputs a second electrical signal; and a sound emitting unit that inputs and emits the second electrical signal.

  In the on-vehicle sound generating device, a switch operation detecting means for detecting an operation of a switch relating to the horn of the vehicle, and a third electric signal for sound generation when the switch operation detecting means detects the operation of the switch. Sound generation means for outputting to the sound emission means, wherein the sound emission means inputs the third electric signal and emits the sound.

  In the on-vehicle sound generating device, a switch operation detecting means for detecting an operation of a switch related to traveling of the vehicle, and a third electric signal for sound generation is generated when the switch operation detecting means detects the operation of the switch. Sound generation means for outputting to the sound emission means, wherein the sound emission means inputs the third electric signal and emits the sound.

  In the on-vehicle sound generating device, an abnormality for detecting an abnormal state based on a signal intensity detecting means for detecting the intensity of the first electric signal, a detection result of the switch operation detecting means and a detection result of the signal intensity detecting means. Detecting means, and the sounding means outputs an electric signal representing an alarm sound as the third electric signal when the abnormality detecting means detects an abnormality.

  In the on-vehicle sound generating device, signal intensity detecting means for detecting the intensity of the first electric signal, speed detecting means for detecting the traveling speed of the vehicle, detection results of the switch operation detecting means, and the signal intensity detecting means First abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormal state based on the detection result of the second, second abnormality detection means for detecting the abnormal state based on the detection result of the speed detection means and the detection result of the signal intensity detection means, The sound generation means outputs an electric signal representing an alarm sound as the third electric signal when either the first abnormality detection means or the second abnormality detection means detects an abnormality. Features.

  In the on-vehicle sound generating device, the sound emitting means includes an amplifier that amplifies the third electric signal and a plurality of speakers driven by the amplifier, and the amplifier includes the vehicle among the plurality of speakers. It is characterized in that a specific speaker is selectively driven according to the traveling direction of the sound.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to give a high-class feeling to the timbre of the horn without impairing the reliability of the alarm. Further, in a vehicle with a low traveling sound such as an electric vehicle, it is possible to add a traveling sound of a natural tone generated from the vehicle to inform the surroundings of the approach of the vehicle.

<First embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The on-vehicle sound producing device according to the present embodiment can be applied to general vehicles such as automobiles, motor-driven bicycles, and light vehicles. In the present embodiment, an automobile will be described as an example.
FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of the on-vehicle sound producing device according to the first embodiment. The on-vehicle sound generator collects sound of a horn, processes the sound, and emits the sound. As shown in the figure, a horn switch 100, a horn 101, a microphone 102, an A / D converter 103, an effect DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 104, a D / A converter 105, an amplifier 106, a speaker 107, a switch detection unit 108, a sound generation circuit 109, a sound pressure detector 110, a comparator 111, and an abnormality detection unit 112. The

  Here, the horn switch 100 is a switch that is connected to the horn 101 and that is operated by an occupant who is a user of the in-vehicle sound generator to ring the horn 101. The horn 101 emits an alarm sound according to the operation of the horn switch 100. The alarm device composed of the horn switch 100 and the horn 101 is a kind of security device conventionally provided in an automobile. In the present invention, the alarm device is used as it is without any change in order to maintain the reliability related to the alarm.

The microphone 102 is installed at a position where the alarm sound emitted from the horn 101 can be efficiently collected, and converts the alarm sound into an electrical signal of an analog amount. The microphone 102 functions as sound collecting means in the present invention.
The A / D converter 103 converts an analog electric signal that is an output signal of the microphone 102 into a digital signal. The effect DSP 104 is connected to the output of the A / D converter 103 and processes the alarm sound of the horn into a reverberant sound, an overtone, or the like by performing predetermined acoustic signal processing on the digital signal that is the output signal. . The effect DSP 104 functions as signal processing means in the present invention.

  The D / A converter 105 is connected to the outputs of the above-described effect DSP 104 and the tone generation circuit 109 described later, and converts the digital signals that are the output signals into analog electrical signals and outputs them. The amplifier 106 is connected to the output of the D / A converter 105 and amplifies an analog electric signal output therefrom. The speaker 107 is connected to the output of the amplifier 106, and converts an analog electric signal output therefrom into sound and emits the sound. These amplifier 106 and speaker 107 function as sound emitting means in the present invention.

The switch detection unit 108 is connected to the horn switch 100 and detects an operation of the horn switch 100. This functions as a switch operation detection means in the present invention.
The sound generation circuit 109 is connected to the output of the switch detection unit 108 and synthesizes the sound generation signals and outputs them as digital signals.

The sound pressure detector 110 is connected to the output of the A / D converter 103 and detects the intensity of the output signal to determine whether or not an alarm sound having a sound pressure above a certain level is input to the microphone 102. Is. This functions as a signal strength detection means in the present invention.
The comparator 111 is connected to the output of the switch detector 108 and each output of the sound pressure detector 110, and compares these two output levels. The abnormality detection unit 112 detects an abnormal state from the output signal of the comparator 111 and outputs an abnormality detection signal to the sound generation circuit 109. The comparator 111 and the abnormality detection unit 112 function as abnormality detection means in the present invention.

Next, the operation of the on-vehicle sound producing device according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.
The operation of the present embodiment is classified into three types: a tone color processing operation, a sound generation operation, and an abnormality monitoring operation, and each operation will be described below.
First, when an automobile occupant (user) operates the horn switch 100, the horn 101 is activated and an alarm sound is generated. Up to this point, the sounding operation of the alarm sound by normal horn is performed.

(1) Tone processing operation The tone processing operation described below is performed in conjunction with the sounding operation of the horn.
First, the microphone 102 collects an alarm sound emitted from the horn 101 and converts it into an analog electric signal (first electric signal). The A / D converter 103 converts the analog signal into a digital signal and outputs it to the effect DSP 104.

  The effect DSP 104 performs acoustic signal processing on the digital signal input from the A / D converter 103 and processes it into a digital signal (second electrical signal) such as reverberation or harmonics that makes the listener feel a high-class feeling. In addition to such acoustic signal processing, digital signal processing using a pitch change process, a karaoke hamorn function, or the like can be performed, and a user can select desired acoustic signal processing. In the present embodiment, the digital signal representing the reverberation sound of the alarm sound is processed.

Subsequently, the digital signal subjected to the acoustic signal processing is converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 105. The amplifier 106 amplifies the analog signal and drives the speaker 107. The speaker 107 converts the analog signal into a sound and emits a reverberant sound.
Note that the user can arbitrarily change the volume of the reverberant sound by adjusting the amplification degree of the amplifier 106.

  As described above, a normal warning sound is emitted from the horn 101, while this warning sound is processed into a reverberant sound by the apparatus and emitted from the speaker 107. Therefore, since the reverberation sound arrives with the warning sound emitted from the horn 101 to surrounding pedestrians, it feels as if the reverberation sound is included in the warning sound of the horn, and the horn is emitted. The tone of the alarm sound can be felt in high quality.

(2) Sound generation operation In parallel with the above-described timbre processing operation, a sound generation operation described below is performed.
When the horn switch 100 is operated, the switch detection unit 108 detects the operation of the horn switch 100 and outputs a sound generation start signal. Here, for example, the switch detection unit 108 outputs a high level signal (sound generation start signal) when the operation of the horn switch 100 is detected, and the low level signal when the operation of the horn switch 100 is not detected. Is output.

  Subsequently, when the sound generation start signal is input, the sound generation circuit 109 generates a predetermined acoustic signal and outputs it as a digital signal (third electric signal). The sound generation circuit 109 stores sound data for generating a plurality of types of acoustic signals in advance, and the type of the acoustic signal can be arbitrarily selected by the user. The sound data includes various sound effects in addition to the reverberation sound described above. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that sound data representing a sound effect is selected in advance.

  Next, the D / A converter 105 converts a digital signal of sound data representing the sound effect into an analog signal. The amplifier 106 amplifies the analog signal of the sound effect and supplies it to the speaker 107. The speaker 107 converts the amplified analog signal into sound and emits a sound effect.

In addition to the conventional horn sound generated from the horn 101, the sound generation circuit 109 synthesizes the reverberation sound obtained by processing the horn sound as an acoustic signal, and the sound generation circuit 109. The above sound effect is emitted from the speaker 107. As a result, the three kinds of sounds reach the surrounding pedestrians as, for example, a gentle sound with a high-class feeling and a lingering sound, which is desired by the user.
For example, if the effect DSP 104 generates a harmonic that is twice as high as the frequency of the horn sound, an octave harmony sound can be added to the conventional horn sound.

(3) Abnormality monitoring operation In parallel with the above-described tone color processing operation and sound generation operation, the abnormality monitoring operation described below is also performed.
The sound pressure detector 110 constantly monitors the intensity of the digital signal that is the output of the A / D converter 103 and detects a sound pressure above a certain level of the alarm sound input to the microphone 102. That is, the sound pressure detector 110 outputs a high level signal when, for example, a predetermined sound pressure above a certain level is detected, and outputs a low level signal when a sound pressure below a certain level is detected. Output. The output from the sound pressure detector 110 and the output from the switch detector 108 are input to the comparator 111, respectively. The comparator 111 is composed of an exclusive OR circuit.

  Here, for example, when an abnormality (failure) occurs in which the sound pressure exceeding a certain level of the alarm sound is not detected due to a failure of the horn 101 or a failure of the microphone 102 even though the horn switch 100 is operated. The output signal of the sound pressure detector 110 is at a low level. The output signal of one switch detection unit 108 is at a high level.

  Or, for example, when an abnormality (failure) is detected such that a sound pressure higher than a certain level is detected due to a failure of the horn 101 or a failure of the microphone 102 even though the horn switch 100 is not operated, The output signal of the pressure detector 110 is at a high level. On the other hand, the output signal of the switch detection unit 108 is at a low level because the horn switch 100 is not operated.

  Therefore, under the two conditions described above, the output signal of the comparator 111 is at a high level (a signal indicating an abnormal state), and the abnormality detection unit 112 that receives this signal detects an abnormality and An abnormality detection signal is output. Using the abnormality detection signal as a trigger, the sound generation circuit 109 generates an alarm signal (third electric signal) for notifying an abnormality (failure) and emits an alarm sound from the speaker 107 to the device. Inform about abnormalities.

On the other hand, during normal operation, the level of the output signal of the switch detection unit 108 and the level of the output signal of the sound pressure detector 110 match, so the output signal of the comparator 111 is low level, and the abnormality detection unit 112 that receives this signal. Does not output an abnormality detection signal to the sound generation circuit 109.
Note that the high level and low level of the signal defined in the above embodiment are not limited thereto, and the signal level may be switched as long as the same function is exhibited.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to give a high-quality human auditory sound to the surrounding alarm sound by simply adding the in-vehicle sound generating device without changing the existing alarm device at all. . In addition, it is possible to realize a warning sound of a user's favorite tone without impairing the original reliability of the vehicle warning device. Furthermore, the on-vehicle sound producing device can be realized at low cost.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The on-vehicle sound producing device according to the present embodiment can be applied to general vehicles such as automobiles, motor-driven bicycles, and light vehicles. In the present embodiment, an automobile will be described as an example.
FIG. 2 shows the overall configuration of the on-vehicle sound producing device according to the second embodiment. This in-vehicle sound generator collects the operation sound of the automobile (engine, motor, mechanism sound, etc.), processes the sound, and emits it. Switch (control switch) 200, mechanism unit (motor or the like) 201, microphone 202 functioning as a pickup sensor, A / D converter 203, DSP for effect 204, D / A converter 205, amplifier 206, speaker 207, switch detection unit 208, The sound generation circuit 209, the sound pressure detector 210, the comparator 211, the abnormality detection unit 212, the speed detection unit 213, the comparator 214, and the abnormality detection unit 215 are configured.

  Here, the driving switch 200 is a switch that is connected to the mechanism unit 201 and is operated by an occupant who is a user of the in-vehicle sounding device to start the engine and the motor and perform other driving control. For example, a plurality of switches (not shown) such as a switch interlocked with a direction indicator operated when making a right turn or a left turn, or a switch interlocked when a back gear is selected by operating a gear may be provided. The mechanism unit 201 operates according to the operation of the operation switch 200. The operation switch 200 and the mechanism unit 201 are those conventionally provided in an automobile. In the present invention, the operation switch 200 and the mechanism section 201 are used as they are without any change in order to maintain the reliability related to the operation of the automobile.

The microphone 202 is installed at a position where the operation sound generated by the mechanism unit 201 can be efficiently collected, and converts the operation sound into an analog electric signal. The microphone 202 functions as sound collecting means in the present invention.
The A / D converter 203 converts an analog electric signal that is an output signal of the microphone 202 into a digital signal. The effect DSP 204 is connected to the output of the A / D converter 203 and applies a predetermined acoustic signal processing to the digital signal that is an output signal thereof, so that the operation sound of the mechanism section is similar to that of a vehicle running. The sound is processed so as not to cause discomfort to the surrounding people. This functions as signal processing means in the present invention.

  The D / A converter 205 is connected to the outputs of the above-described effect DSP 204 and a tone generation circuit 209 described later, and converts the digital signals that are the output signals into analog electric signals and outputs them. The amplifier 206 is connected to the output of the D / A converter 205 and amplifies an analog electric signal output therefrom. The speaker 207 is connected to the output of the amplifier 206, and converts an analog electrical signal output therefrom into sound and emits the sound. The amplifier 206 and the speaker 207 function as sound emitting means in the present invention.

The switch detection unit 208 is connected to the driving switch 200 and detects an operation of the driving switch 200. This functions as a switch operation detection means in the present invention.
The sound generation circuit 209 is connected to the output of the switch detection unit 208 and synthesizes the sound generation signals and outputs them as digital signals.

The sound pressure detector 210 is connected to the output of the A / D converter 203, and determines whether or not an operating sound having a sound pressure higher than a certain level is input to the microphone 202 by detecting the intensity of the output signal. Is. This functions as a signal strength detection means in the present invention.
The comparator 211 is connected to the output of the switch detection unit 208 and each output of the sound pressure detector 210, and compares the two output levels. The abnormality detection unit 212 detects an abnormal state from the output signal of the comparator 211 and outputs an abnormality detection signal to the sound generation circuit 209. The comparator 211 and the abnormality detection unit 212 function as first abnormality detection means in the present invention.

The speed detection unit 213 is connected to a speedometer (not shown) or the like, and determines whether or not the speed of the automobile is above a certain level. This functions as speed detection means in the present invention.
The comparator 214 is connected to the output of the speed detector 213 and each output of the sound pressure detector 210, and compares the two output levels. The abnormality detection unit 215 detects an abnormal state from the output signal of the comparator 214 and outputs an abnormality detection signal to the sound generation circuit 209. The comparator 214 and the abnormality detection unit 215 function as second abnormality detection means in the present invention.

Next, the operation of the on-vehicle sound producing device according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.
The operation of the present embodiment is classified into four types: timbre processing operation, sound generation operation, abnormality monitoring operation 1 and abnormality monitoring operation 2, and each operation will be described below.
First, when a vehicle occupant (user) operates the driving switch 200, the mechanism unit 201 operates to generate an operation sound. Up to this point, the operation is a normal automobile.

(1) Tone Processing Operation A tone processing operation described below is performed in conjunction with the sound generation operation of the automobile.
First, the microphone 202 collects the operation sound generated by the mechanism unit 201 and converts it into an analog electric signal (first electric signal). The A / D converter 203 converts the analog signal into a digital signal and outputs it to the effect DSP 204.

  The effect DSP 204 performs acoustic signal processing on the digital signal input from the A / D converter 203 to generate a digital signal (second electric signal) such as a sound that makes the listener imagine the actual driving of the car or a sound that does not disturb the ear. ).

Subsequently, the digital signal subjected to the acoustic signal processing is converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 205. Then, the amplifier 206 amplifies the analog signal and drives the speaker 207. The speaker 207 converts the analog signal into sound and emits running sound.
The user can arbitrarily change the volume of the traveling sound by adjusting the amplification degree of the amplifier 206.

  As described above, a small operation sound is emitted from the mechanism unit 201, while the operation sound is processed into a traveling sound that makes the user imagine a vehicle traveling by the apparatus, amplified, and emitted from the speaker 207. Therefore, even when the operation sound generated by the mechanism unit 201 is small, the driving state of the vehicle can be accurately grasped from the driving sound emitted from the speaker 207, for example, when the vehicle approaches. Intuitive image.

(2) Sound generation operation In parallel with the above-described timbre processing operation, a sound generation operation described below is performed.
When the driving switch 200 is operated, the switch detection unit 208 detects the operation of the mechanism unit 201 and outputs a sound generation start signal. Here, for example, the switch detection unit 208 outputs a high level signal (sound generation start signal) when the operation of the driving switch 200 is detected, and the low level when the operation of the driving switch 200 is not detected. The signal is output.

  Subsequently, when the sound generation start signal is input, the sound generation circuit 209 generates a predetermined acoustic signal and outputs it as a digital signal (third electric signal). The sound generation circuit 209 stores sound data for generating a plurality of types of acoustic signals in advance, and the type of the acoustic signals can be arbitrarily selected by the user. The sound data includes an audio signal and various sound effect signals. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that sound data of sound effects is selected in advance.

  Next, the D / A converter 205 converts the digital signal of the sound effect into an analog signal. The amplifier 206 amplifies the analog signal of the sound effect and supplies the amplified signal to the speaker 207. The speaker 207 converts the amplified analog signal into sound and emits a sound effect.

  Incidentally, as described above, there may be a plurality of switches (not shown) corresponding to each control means (direction indicator, back gear, etc.). In that case, the switch detection unit also has each switch. A plurality are provided corresponding to each other (not shown). Each switch detection unit outputs a sound generation start signal corresponding to the operated switch.

  When the sound generation start signal corresponding to each switch is input, the sound generation circuit 209 generates a sound signal associated in advance and outputs it as a digital signal. For example, when the user selects the back gear, a back sound generation start signal is input, and a voice signal “I will back” is issued. When turning left by operating the direction indicator, A sound start signal is input and a sound signal “turn left” is generated.

  Further, in this case, a selector (selection device) (not shown) is provided between the amplifier 206 and a plurality of speakers (not shown) or in the sound generation circuit 209. The selector inputs sound generation start signals corresponding to the plurality of switches described above, and selects a signal path corresponding to the sound generation start signal on a one-to-one basis from the plurality of signal paths. That is, the selector selects an arbitrary object from a plurality of speakers and generates a sound. The plurality of speakers are provided in the traveling direction of the vehicle according to the corresponding operation, for example, the speaker corresponding to the back operation is provided at the rear of the vehicle, and the speaker corresponding to the left turn operation is provided on the left side of the vehicle.

  Specifically, a series of sound generation operations will be described. For example, when the user selects a back gear, the back gear switch is first turned on, and the back gear switch detection unit that detects the operation generates a sound generation start signal. Output. Subsequently, the sound generation circuit 209 to which the sound generation start signal is input generates a sound signal “backs up” and outputs it as a digital signal (third electric signal).

Next, the D / A converter 205 converts the audio digital signal into an analog signal. Then, the amplifier 206 amplifies the audio analog signal and inputs it to the selector. The selector also inputs the sound generation start signal as a control signal, selects a signal path to a speaker provided at the rear of the vehicle based on the signal, and supplies the amplified analog signal. The speaker provided in the rear part of the automobile converts the amplified analog signal into sound and emits a sound “backing” toward the rear.
Note that a volume may be provided instead of the selector, and the sound production volume may be adjusted for each of the plurality of speakers.

  By the tone processing operation and sound generation operation described so far, in addition to the very small operation sound generated from the vehicle mechanism unit 201 and other small running sounds, the sound generated from the motor, the mechanism unit, etc. The sound subjected to the acoustic signal processing and the sound effect synthesized by the sound generation circuit 209 are amplified and emitted from the speaker 207. Thereby, these three kinds of sounds reach the surrounding pedestrians as natural running sounds that are not harsh. Accordingly, it is possible to inform the surroundings of the approach of a vehicle whose running sound is very quiet.

  In addition, since the sound generated by the vehicle is processed and emitted at that time, the sound unique to the vehicle can be expressed, and surrounding pedestrians can intuitively understand the image of the vehicle (vehicle type, speed, etc.). Can be formed. That is, according to the on-vehicle sound generating device, it is possible to generate and emit sound that is appropriate for the vehicle type and the traveling speed.

  In addition, when the sound generation circuit 209 generates a sound as described above, when making a right turn or a left turn, or when retreating, a pedestrian in the direction of travel of the vehicle is informed by the sound to call attention. It is possible to further improve safety by using it together with the processing of running sound.

In parallel with the above-described tone color processing operation and sound generation operation, two types of abnormality monitoring operations described below are also performed.
(3) Abnormality monitoring operation 1
The sound pressure detector 210 constantly monitors the digital signal that is the output of the A / D converter 203 and detects a sound pressure above a certain level of the operating sound input to the microphone 202. That is, the sound pressure detector 210 outputs, for example, a high level signal when detecting a predetermined sound pressure above a certain level, and outputs a low level signal when detecting a sound pressure below a certain level. . The output of the sound pressure detector 210 and the output of the switch detection unit 208 are input to the comparator 211, respectively. The comparator 211 is composed of an exclusive OR circuit.

  Here, for example, although the operation switch 200 is operated, an abnormality (failure) has occurred in which a sound pressure exceeding a certain level of operating sound is not detected due to a failure of the mechanism unit 201 or a failure of the microphone 202. In this case, the output signal of the sound pressure detector 210 is at a low level. The output signal of one switch detection unit 208 is at a high level.

  Or, for example, when an abnormality (failure) occurs in which a sound pressure of a certain level or more is detected due to a failure of the mechanism unit 201 or a failure of the microphone 202 even though the operation switch 200 is not operated. The output signal of the sound pressure detector 210 is at a high level. On the other hand, the output signal of the switch detection unit 208 is at a low level because the operation switch 200 is not operated.

  Therefore, under the above two conditions, the output signal of the comparator 211 is at a high level (a signal indicating an abnormal state), and the abnormality detection unit 212 that receives this signal outputs an abnormality detection signal to the sound generation circuit 209. To do. Using the abnormality detection signal as a trigger, the sound generation circuit 209 generates, for example, an alarm sound signal (third electric signal) for notifying an abnormality (failure) and emits an alarm sound from the speaker 207, thereby allowing the user to Inform the device of abnormality.

  On the other hand, during normal operation, the level of the output signal of the switch detection unit 208 and the level of the output signal of the sound pressure detector 210 match, so the output signal of the comparator 211 becomes high level, and the abnormality detection unit 212 that receives this signal. Does not output an abnormality detection signal to the sound generation circuit 209.

(4) Abnormality monitoring operation 2
The speed detection unit 213 detects the traveling speed of the automobile from a speedometer (not shown) or the like, and detects a speed above a certain level. That is, for example, the speed detection unit 213 outputs a high level signal when detecting a predetermined speed or more, and outputs a low level signal when detecting a speed below the predetermined speed. The output of the speed detector 213 and the output of the sound pressure detector 210 are input to the comparator 214, respectively. The comparator 214 is composed of an exclusive OR circuit.

  Here, for example, when an abnormality (failure) in which a sound pressure exceeding a certain level of operation sound is not detected due to a failure of the microphone 202 or the like despite the speed being above a certain value, the sound pressure detector 210. The output signal becomes low level. The output signal of one speed detector 213 is at a high level.

  Alternatively, for example, when an abnormality (failure) occurs in which a speed exceeding a certain level is not detected due to a speedometer failure or the like even though the speed is above a certain level, the output signal of the speed detection unit 213 is low level. It becomes. On the other hand, the output signal of the sound pressure detector 210 is at a high level because an operating sound is detected.

  Therefore, under the above two conditions, the output signal of the comparator 214 is at a high level (signal indicating an abnormal state), and the abnormality detection unit 215 that receives this signal outputs an abnormality detection signal to the sound generation circuit 209. To do. Using the abnormality detection signal as a trigger, the sound generation circuit 209 generates, for example, an alarm sound signal (third electric signal) for notifying an abnormality (failure) and emits an alarm sound from the speaker 207, thereby allowing the user to Inform the device of abnormality.

On the other hand, during normal operation, the level of the output signal of the speed detector 213 and the level of the output signal of the sound pressure detector 210 match, so the output signal of the comparator 214 is low, and the abnormality detector 215 that receives this signal. Does not output an abnormality detection signal to the sound generation circuit 209.
Note that the high level and low level of the signal defined in the above embodiment are not limited thereto, and the signal level may be switched as long as the same function is exhibited.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to change the running sound that can be heard around by simply adding the on-vehicle sound generator without changing the existing automobile system. In addition, a running sound with an appropriate volume can be emitted with a natural tone without impairing the original reliability of the automobile. Furthermore, the on-vehicle sound producing device can be realized at low cost.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail, the concrete structure is not restricted to this embodiment, The design change etc. of the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention are included.

  The present invention is suitable for use in an on-vehicle sound generator that generates a warning sound of a vehicle.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of an on-vehicle sound generator that changes a timbre tone according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a whole block diagram of the vehicle-mounted sound generator which changes the driving | running | working sound of a motor vehicle same as the above.

Explanation of symbols

100; horn switch, 101; horn, 102; microphone, 103; A / D converter, 104; DSP for effects, 105; D / A converter, 106; amplifier, 107; speaker, 108; switch detection unit, 109; Circuit 110; sound pressure detector 111; comparator 112; abnormality detection unit 200; operation switch 201; mechanism unit 202; microphone 203; A / D converter 204; effect DSP 205; D / A converter 206; amplifier 207; speaker 208; switch detection unit 209; sound generation circuit 210; sound pressure detector 211; comparator 212; abnormality detection unit 213; speed detection unit 214; Comparator, 215; abnormality detection unit.

Claims (6)

Sound collecting means for collecting the sound generated by the vehicle and converting it into a first electric signal;
Signal processing means for performing acoustic signal processing on the first electric signal and outputting a second electric signal;
Sound emission means for inputting and emitting the second electrical signal;
In-car sounding device equipped with. Switch operation detecting means for detecting an operation of a switch related to the horn of the vehicle;
Sound generation means for generating a third electrical signal for sound generation and outputting to the sound emission means when the switch operation detection means detects an operation of the switch;
The on-vehicle sound generating device according to claim 1, wherein the sound emitting means inputs the third electric signal and emits the sound. Switch operation detecting means for detecting an operation of a switch relating to the traveling of the vehicle;
Sound generation means for generating a third electrical signal for sound generation and outputting to the sound emission means when the switch operation detection means detects an operation of the switch;
The on-vehicle sound generating device according to claim 1, wherein the sound emitting means inputs the third electric signal and emits the sound. Signal intensity detection means for detecting the intensity of the first electrical signal;
An abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormal state based on the detection result of the switch operation detecting means and the detection result of the signal intensity detecting means;
3. The on-vehicle sound generating device according to claim 2, wherein the sounding means outputs an electric signal representing an alarm sound as the third electric signal when the abnormality detecting means detects an abnormality. Signal intensity detection means for detecting the intensity of the first electrical signal;
Speed detecting means for detecting the traveling speed of the vehicle;
First abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormal state based on the detection result of the switch operation detection means and the detection result of the signal intensity detection means;
A second abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormal state based on the detection result of the speed detection means and the detection result of the signal intensity detection means;
The sound generation means outputs an electric signal representing an alarm sound as the third electric signal when either the first abnormality detection means or the second abnormality detection means detects an abnormality. 4. The on-vehicle sound generator according to 3.   The sound emitting means includes an amplifier that amplifies the third electric signal and a plurality of speakers driven by the amplifier, and the amplifier specifies a specific one of the plurality of speakers according to the traveling direction of the vehicle. 6. The on-vehicle sound generator according to claim 1, wherein the speaker is selectively driven.

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