JP2008115630A - Vehicular notification device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicular notification device for sounding a predetermined notification sound without delay at the time of completion of a predetermined on-vehicle device operation. <P>SOLUTION: The vehicular notification device for sounding the predetermined notification sound at the time of completion of the predetermined on-vehicle device operation, has a measuring means for measuring a sound pressure level in the environment of one's own vehicle, and an output level control means for controlling an output level of the predetermined notification sound, based on the sound pressure level in the environment of the one's own vehicle, measured by the measuring means. Specifically the predetermined on-vehicle device operation is an on-vehicle device operation (e.g. door locking by using a wireless key) executed by a wireless operation after termination of operation (e.g. after turning off an ignition switch) of a propelling power source (e.g. an internal combustion engine) of the one's own vehicle, and the measuring means detects the sound pressure level in the environment of the one's own vehicle when the operation of the propelling power source of the one's own vehicle is terminated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention generally relates to a vehicle notification device that emits a predetermined notification sound when a predetermined vehicle-mounted device operation is completed in a vehicle, and more particularly, a predetermined notification sound is generated without delay when a predetermined vehicle-mounted device operation is completed. The present invention relates to a vehicle alarm device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a vehicle notification device that emits a predetermined notification sound when a predetermined vehicle-mounted device operation is completed in a vehicle (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a device that outputs a buzzer sound as an answer back sound for operation confirmation when a door is locked / unlocked using a wireless key in a vehicle equipped with a so-called keyless entry system. Is disclosed.

  More specifically, in Patent Document 1, a) illuminance around the host vehicle is detected, the volume of the answer back sound is changed in proportion to the detected illuminance, and b) GPS is used. Then, the current position of the own vehicle is detected, and the detected current position of the own vehicle is b1) an area that is always zero, and b2) an area that is constantly maintained at a predetermined level other than zero with respect to the volume of the answerback sound. Or b3) An area that is changed in proportion to the illuminance around the host vehicle, and the volume of the answer back sound is controlled according to this classification.

In Patent Document 2, c) noise around the own vehicle is collected, the volume of the answerback sound is increased when the volume of noise around the own vehicle is high, and the volume of noise around the own vehicle is low. Reducing the volume of the answer back sound, and d) detecting the current position of the host vehicle using GPS, and checking the detected current position of the host vehicle against the map information to determine the volume of the answer back sound. D2) Increase near the main road / track regardless of time, d2) Increase at daytime and decrease at night near medium-scale road / track, d3) Lower level at night in residential area, d4 ) In the vicinity of the welfare facility / hospital, it is described that the control is performed such that it is lowered regardless of the time.
JP 2004-339700 A JP 2006-144432 A

  According to the conventional device described in Patent Document 1, since the volume of the answer back sound is determined based on static / fixed area information, the noise situation around the own vehicle that can change from moment to moment May not be taken into account, and the volume of the answerback sound may become inappropriate in light of the noise situation around the vehicle at that moment.

  Further, in the conventional apparatus described in Patent Document 2, the user performs door lock or door unlock using a wireless key, and an operation signal indicating completion of the door lock / door unlock operation from the operation system 10 to the control unit 51. In order to determine the volume of the answer back sound, the control unit 51 1) collects noise around the own vehicle and detects the volume of the surrounding noise of the own vehicle (for example, paragraph [0025] To [0026] and FIG. 4), or 2) using the navigation system 30 to acquire the current position of the vehicle and the map information around it (for example, paragraphs [0045] to [0046] and FIG. 7) See).

  Thus, information used to determine the volume of the answer back sound after the door lock / door unlock using the wireless key by the user is executed (the volume of noise around the vehicle, the current position of the vehicle, and the like). If the surrounding map information is detected / acquired, it takes time from user operation to answer back sound output. In other words, the answerback sound output is delayed / delayed.

  The answer back sound as described above is output to notify the user that the door lock / door unlock operation has been completed. If the answer back sound is not output immediately after the operation is completed, There is a possibility that the user is unnecessarily given a suspicion that the door lock / door unlock operation may have been unsuccessful due to a failure of the device.

  The present invention is intended to solve such a problem, and a main object thereof is to provide a vehicle notification device that emits a predetermined notification sound without delay when a predetermined on-vehicle device operation is completed.

  One aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object is a vehicle notification device that emits a predetermined notification sound when a predetermined vehicle-mounted device operation is completed in a vehicle, and the sound pressure level of the surrounding environment of the host vehicle Measuring means for measuring the output level, and output level control means for controlling the output level of the predetermined notification sound based on the sound pressure level of the surrounding environment of the host vehicle measured by the measuring means. The operation is an on-vehicle device operation (for example, door lock using a wireless key) executed by wireless operation after the propulsion power source (for example, an internal combustion engine) of the host vehicle is stopped (for example, after the ignition switch is turned off). The means is a vehicle notification device configured to detect the sound pressure level of the environment surrounding the host vehicle when the operation of the propulsion power source of the host vehicle is stopped.

  In the one aspect, the output level control means may control the output level of the predetermined notification sound so that it is proportional to the sound pressure level of the surrounding environment of the host vehicle measured by the measurement means, Alternatively, 2) Control may be performed so that the difference from the sound pressure level of the environment surrounding the host vehicle measured by the measuring means becomes constant.

  In the above aspect, the measuring means may have a dedicated sound collecting device (microphone) provided outside the vehicle so that the sound pressure level in the environment surrounding the host vehicle can be measured. The sound pressure level measured by the sound collecting device may be transmitted to the output level control means as the sound pressure level of the surrounding environment of the host vehicle. In the latter case, the sound collecting device can also be used as a microphone for voice recognition input or hands-free calling, for example.

  According to the above aspect, since the sound pressure level of the environment surrounding the host vehicle is measured in advance when the operation of the propulsion power source of the host vehicle is stopped, the user can then operate the predetermined in-vehicle device by wireless operation. When the operation is executed, it is possible to output a predetermined notification sound at an output level corresponding to the sound pressure level of the surrounding environment of the vehicle immediately after the operation is completed, and to appropriately delay or delay the notification sound output. It can be avoided.

  In the above aspect, when the operation of the propulsion power source of the host vehicle is stopped, the measuring unit measures the sound pressure level in the environment surrounding the host vehicle a predetermined number of times, and the plurality of measured sound pressure levels. Is preferably transmitted to the output level control means as the sound pressure level of the environment surrounding the host vehicle.

  Moreover, in the said one aspect | mode, based on the insight that the preference of a user's sound volume will be reflected in the volume of the audio equipment (audio equipment etc.) mounted in the own vehicle vehicle interior, With the aim of reflecting the user's preference in the output level of the predetermined notification sound, the output level control means is configured to output the predetermined notification sound based on the volume position of the acoustic device mounted in the vehicle interior of the host vehicle. It may be configured to control the output level.

  Moreover, in the said one aspect | mode, the preference at that time whether the user wants a loud sound or a small sound will be reflected in the final volume change of the audio equipment mounted in the own vehicle compartment. The output level control means is based on the final volume change of the acoustic equipment mounted in the vehicle interior of the vehicle with the aim of reflecting such a preference on the output level of the predetermined notification sound based on the insight of The output level of the predetermined notification sound may be controlled.

  Moreover, in the said one aspect | mode, the said output level control aims at making a user's psychology not be destroyed by making the said predetermined | prescribed notification sound suitable for the atmosphere of the vehicle interior before alighting. Based on the output characteristics (for example, the pitch of the music listened to when getting off the vehicle, the frequency characteristics of the news announcer's voice, etc.) It may be configured to control the output level (or pitch, melody sound, etc.).

  Moreover, in the said one aspect | mode, the said vehicle alerting | reporting apparatus aims at making the said alerting | reporting sound easy to hear by a user, and the own vehicle of the wireless apparatus (for example, wireless key etc.) used for the said wireless operation Direction detection means for detecting the direction of presence of the wireless device, and the output level control means outputs the predetermined notification sound based on the direction of presence of the wireless device relative to the host vehicle detected by the direction detection means. Controlling the level (for example, when the direction of presence of the wireless device relative to the vehicle is away from the position where the predetermined notification sound is blown in the host vehicle, the output level of the predetermined notification sound is increased. Etc.).

  Moreover, in the said one aspect | mode, based on the insight that there is a high possibility that the reflected sound when the predetermined notification sound is blown is higher when the vehicle is located indoors than when the vehicle is located outdoors. Whether the vehicle notification device is located indoors with the aim of preventing the user from feeling a difference in the output level between when the vehicle is located indoors and when the vehicle is located outdoors. Determining means for determining whether or not the output level control means is configured to lower the output level of the predetermined notification sound when the determining means determines that the host vehicle is located indoors. Also good.

  In the above aspect, the output level (and / or frequency characteristic) of the predetermined notification sound is maintained constant even if the transmission characteristic around the host vehicle changes, The vehicle notification device further includes a transfer characteristic detecting means for detecting a transfer characteristic around the own vehicle, and the output level control means is based on the transfer characteristic around the own vehicle detected by the transfer characteristic detecting means. The output level (and / or frequency characteristic) of the predetermined notification sound may be controlled.

  Furthermore, in the above aspect, for example, in a residential area in the middle of the night, the vehicle is intended to transmit only the completion of the predetermined vehicle-mounted device operation to the user without blowing the predetermined notification sound from the vehicle. When the sound notification level of the surrounding environment of the host vehicle measured by the measuring means is less than a predetermined level, the notification device for use a) instead of sounding the predetermined notification sound, a) a predetermined portable communication device (for example, portable Remote control means for blowing a predetermined predetermined notification sound from a telephone, etc. (which may be a device integrated with the wireless device used for the wireless operation), or b) vibrating the predetermined portable communication device You may make it have further.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the notification apparatus for vehicles which rings a predetermined notification sound without delay at the time of completion of predetermined | prescribed vehicle equipment operation can be provided.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The basic concept of the system that locks / unlocks the vehicle door by wireless operation, the main hardware configuration, the operating principle, the basic control method, etc. are known to those skilled in the art, so detailed description is omitted. To do.

  A vehicle wireless door lock system according to an embodiment (Example 1) of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wireless door lock system 100 according to the present embodiment.

  A wireless door lock system 100 according to the present embodiment is carried by a user and transmits a door lock radio signal by a predetermined user operation (for example, pressing a predetermined button), and a vehicle to be controlled (not shown). The vehicle-mounted device 102 mounted on the vehicle.

  The in-vehicle device 102 generally notifies the user of the function of locking the vehicle door of the host vehicle when the door lock radio signal transmitted from the wireless key 101 is received and the completion of the operation when the door lock operation is completed. For outputting a buzzer sound as an answer back sound.

  The in-vehicle device 102 includes a key signal receiving unit 103 that receives a door lock radio signal transmitted from a wireless key. When the key signal receiving unit 103 receives the door lock radio signal transmitted from the wireless key, the key signal receiving unit 103 notifies the main control unit 107 (described later) that a door lock operation has been requested by the user.

  The in-vehicle device 102 further includes an external sound pressure level measuring unit 104 that measures the sound pressure level in the environment around the host vehicle. In this embodiment, the outside sound pressure level measuring unit 104 is a dedicated sound collecting device (for example, not shown) disposed outside the vehicle so as to collect all sounds existing in the surrounding environment of the host vehicle. Microphone).

  Alternatively, as a modified example, a microphone disposed in the vehicle interior for voice recognition input or hands-free calling is used in place of the microphone dedicated to the outside of the vehicle, and the sound is collected by the microphone disposed in the vehicle interior. The generated sound may be used as an alternative by imitating the sound collected in the environment surrounding the host vehicle.

  The in-vehicle device 102 further includes a door lock control unit 105 that drives and controls the door lock mechanism based on an instruction from the main control unit 107 to be described later and shifts the door of the unlocked vehicle to the locked state. . When the door lock operation is normally completed, the door lock control unit 105 reports the fact to the main control unit 107.

  The in-vehicle device 102 further includes a buzzer sound output unit 106 that generates and outputs a buzzer sound informing that the wireless door lock is completed. In the present embodiment, the buzzer sound output unit 106 includes a sound output unit (for example, a speaker) (not shown) installed toward the outside of the vehicle so that the output buzzer sound reaches the user outside the vehicle. In this embodiment, the buzzer sound output unit 106 is configured to be able to arbitrarily adjust the sound pressure level of the generated / output buzzer sound.

  The in-vehicle device 102 further includes a main control unit 107 that comprehensively controls each component of the in-vehicle device 102. In the present embodiment, the main control unit 107 is, for example, a body ECU (Electronic Control Unit). Further, in this embodiment, it is assumed that on / off switching information of the ignition switch (IG) is input to the main control unit 107.

  Next, a flow of output processing of a buzzer sound as an answer back sound for the wireless door lock operation in the vehicle-mounted device 102 having such a configuration will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.

  First, the main control unit 107 determines whether the ignition switch is turned off from the input IG on / off switching information (S201).

  If it is determined that the ignition switch has been turned off (“YES” in S201), the main control unit 107 has a high possibility that the driver will get off the host vehicle because the operation of the engine has been stopped. Further, it is determined that there is a high possibility that the door lock operation will be performed by wireless operation after getting off the vehicle, and in preparation for the buzzer sound output as the answer back sound after the wireless door lock is completed, the external sound pressure level measuring unit 104 Then, measurement of the sound pressure level in the environment surrounding the host vehicle is started (S202).

  At this time, the vehicle exterior sound pressure level measurement unit 104 measures the sound pressure level in the environment surrounding the host vehicle a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period, for example, and sets the average value of the measured sound pressure levels for a plurality of times as a final value. It is preferable.

  When the sound pressure level in the environment surrounding the host vehicle is measured in this way by the sound pressure level measurement unit 104 outside the vehicle, the main control unit 107 is then suitable for the sound pressure level in the environment surrounding the host vehicle based on the measurement result. The sound pressure level when the buzzer sound is output is determined (S203).

  Specifically, in order to ensure that the user as the operator can hear the buzzer sound that is the answerback sound of the wireless door lock operation, the buzzer sound becomes higher as the sound pressure level in the surrounding environment of the vehicle is higher. Output at sound pressure level.

  More specifically, for example, 1) The sound pressure level of the buzzer sound is increased so that the sound pressure level at the output of the buzzer sound increases in proportion to the measured sound pressure level in the surrounding environment of the vehicle. Or 2) Determine the sound pressure level of the buzzer sound so that the difference between the measured sound pressure level of the surrounding environment of the vehicle and the sound pressure level when the buzzer sound is output is always constant. May be.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the vehicle outside sound pressure level measuring unit 104 has been confirmed in advance at the stage of turning off the ignition switch in which neither the driver getting off nor the transmission of the door lock radio signal from the wireless key 101 has been confirmed yet. Then, the sound pressure level of the surrounding environment of the host vehicle is measured, and the sound pressure level of the buzzer sound suitable for the measured sound pressure level of the surrounding environment of the host vehicle is determined in advance.

  This is because when the ignition switch is turned off, the driver gets off the vehicle, and the door lock operation is performed using a wireless key, a typical series of user-parking behavior patterns is considered. It is relatively close in time to the time when the door lock operation by wireless key operation is completed, and there will be no significant difference in the sound pressure level in the surrounding environment of the vehicle, so the ignition switch is OFF. Even if the sound pressure level of the buzzer sound at the completion of wireless door lock is determined based on the sound pressure level of the environment around the vehicle measured immediately after Based on the insight that the same effect is obtained as when the sound pressure level of the buzzer sound is determined based on the level. .

  In this way, after the ignition switch is turned off, when the sound pressure level at the time of output of the buzzer sound that is the answer back sound at the completion of the wireless door lock is determined in advance, the main control unit 107 then displays the wireless door from the user. It waits for the completion of the lock request and the door lock operation performed in response thereto (S204).

  More specifically, the main control unit 107 first waits for whether or not the door lock radio signal transmitted from the wireless key is received by the key signal receiving unit 103, and if received, receives the door lock control unit 105. Is instructed to execute the door lock operation, and this time, the door lock control unit 105 waits for a report that the door lock operation is normally completed.

  The key signal receiving unit 103 receives the door lock radio signal transmitted from the wireless key, and in response to this, the main control unit 107 instructs the door lock control unit 105 to execute the door lock operation, and further, the door lock control unit When 105 reports to the main control unit 107 that the door lock operation has been normally completed (“YES” in S204), the main control unit 107 instructs the buzzer sound output unit 106 to determine in advance in S203. A predetermined buzzer sound is output at the sound pressure level (S205).

  In this way, since the buzzer sound that is the answer back sound for notifying the completion of the wireless door lock is sounded at an appropriate sound pressure level according to the sound pressure level of the surrounding environment of the own vehicle, the user can The buzzer sound can be detected without fail regardless of the surrounding environment.

  On the other hand, when the user does not execute the wireless door lock operation after turning off the ignition switch (eg, “NO” in S204), for example, when the ignition switch is turned on after the ignition switch is turned off, the main control unit 107 pre- Information about the determined sound pressure level is discarded, and the sound pressure level at the time of output of the buzzer sound that is an answer back sound for notifying completion of the wireless door lock is temporarily reset (S206).

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, before the user requests execution of the wireless door lock operation, the sound pressure level at the time of output of the buzzer sound that is an answer back sound to notify the completion of the wireless door lock is set for the user. Since it is determined in advance based on the sound pressure level of the surrounding environment of the host vehicle so that it is easy to hear, immediately after the execution of the wireless door lock operation is completed, the sound pressure level that is easy to hear for such a user is obtained. Buzzer sound can be output.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the occurrence of a situation in which the output of the buzzer sound is delayed / delayed even though the execution of the wireless door lock operation is completed is appropriately avoided. There is no extra suspicion that it may have occurred.

  In the first embodiment, the main control unit 107 is configured to be able to acquire the volume position of an audio device (such as an audio device) mounted in the vehicle interior, and the main control unit 107 is based on the volume position. The buzzer sound output unit 106 may be configured to control the output level of the predetermined buzzer sound. According to this modification, the user's preference of the sound volume reflected in the volume position of the in-vehicle acoustic device can be reflected in the output level of the predetermined buzzer sound output from the buzzer sound output unit 106. In addition, the sound pressure level familiar to the user can be adjusted. The reflection method can be the same as the volume curve characteristic of the audio, but if it is the same, it may give the user a sense of incongruity due to a sudden change in the buzzer sound. Therefore, it is preferable to have a relatively gentle curve characteristic.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the main control unit 107 is configured to be able to acquire the final volume change (how much the volume has been increased / decreased) of the audio equipment mounted in the vehicle interior, and the main control unit 107 May be configured to control the output level of the predetermined buzzer sound to be output to the buzzer sound output unit 106 based on the final volume change. According to this modification, it is possible to reflect the preference at that time whether the user wants a loud sound or a small sound in the output level of the predetermined buzzer sound output from the buzzer sound output unit 106. .

  Further, in the first embodiment, the output characteristics of the audio equipment installed in the vehicle interior of the host vehicle (for example, the pitch of the music that was listened to when getting off the vehicle, the frequency characteristics of the voice of the news announcer, etc.) ), And the output level (or pitch, melody sound, etc.) of the predetermined buzzer sound that the main control unit 107 outputs to the buzzer sound output unit 106 based on the output characteristics. And the like, the pitch may be increased when the user is listening. According to this modification, since the output level of the predetermined buzzer sound output from the buzzer sound output unit 106 can be adjusted to the atmosphere in the vehicle compartment before getting off, the predetermined buzzer sound It can prevent that a user's psychology is destroyed by outputting. The time until the door is locked after the vehicle stops may be measured. If the time is shorter than normal, it may be determined that the user is in a hurry and the pitch of the buzzer may be increased. In this case, since it is possible to match the user's intention to hurry, a sense of unity between the vehicle and the user (driver) can be obtained.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the main control unit 107 is configured to detect the direction in which the wireless key 101 is present with respect to the host vehicle (for example, the key signal receiving unit 103 has a plurality of antennas, and the main control unit 107 The direction of the wireless key 101 is estimated from the antenna position having the highest sensitivity among the plurality of antennas), and the buzzer sound output unit 106 is based on the direction of the wireless key 101 detected by the main control unit 107. You may comprise so that the output level of the said predetermined buzzer sound made to output may be controlled. According to this modification, for example, when the direction in which the wireless key 101 is present with respect to the host vehicle is far from the position where the buzzer sound output unit 106 is present in the host vehicle, the buzzer sound output is greater than when the buzzer sound output unit 106 is close. The predetermined buzzer sound output from the buzzer sound output unit 106 may be made easier to be heard by the user by performing control such as increasing the output level of the predetermined buzzer sound output from the unit 106. it can.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the main control unit 107 is configured to be able to determine whether or not the host vehicle is located indoors (for example, the main control unit 107 is connected to a GPS from a car navigation system mounted on the host vehicle. If it is determined that the vehicle is located indoors, the information on whether or not the signal is received can be obtained, and if the signal is not received, it is determined that the vehicle is located indoors). The main control unit 107 may be configured to lower the output level of the predetermined buzzer sound that the buzzer sound output unit 106 outputs. When the vehicle is located indoors, it is considered that there is a high possibility that the reflected sound when the predetermined buzzer sound is output is greater than when the vehicle is located outdoors. It is possible to prevent the user from feeling a difference in the output level between when the vehicle is located indoors and when the vehicle is located outdoors.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the main control unit 107 is configured to be able to detect the transmission characteristics around the host vehicle (for example, comparing the engine sound after the vehicle is stopped and before the engine is stopped and its reflected sound, (E.g., estimating the transfer characteristic at the stop location), and controlling the output level of the predetermined buzzer sound to be output to the buzzer sound output unit 106 based on the transfer characteristic around the host vehicle detected by the main control unit 107. It may be configured. According to this modification, the output level (and / or frequency characteristic) of the predetermined buzzer sound can be kept constant even if the transfer characteristic around the host vehicle changes.

  Next, a vehicle wireless door lock system according to another embodiment (embodiment 2) of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component as above-mentioned Example 1 (FIG. 1), and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wireless door lock system 300 according to the present embodiment.

  Similar to the wireless door lock system 100 according to the first embodiment, the wireless door lock system 300 according to the present embodiment is carried by the user, and the door lock wireless system 300 is operated by a predetermined user operation (for example, pressing a predetermined button). It consists of a wireless key 101 for transmitting a signal and an in-vehicle device 301 mounted on a control target vehicle (not shown).

  However, unlike the in-vehicle device 102 according to the first embodiment, the in-vehicle device 301 according to the present embodiment is configured to be able to perform wireless communication with the mobile communication terminal M carried by the user in addition to the components included in the in-vehicle device 102. A communication unit 302 is further included.

  The mobile communication terminal M is, for example, a mobile phone. However, it may be other than a mobile phone as long as it is a small communication terminal that the user can carry and carry. Further, the mobile communication terminal M may be integrated with the wireless key 101. That is, the mobile communication terminal M may be configured to incorporate the function of the wireless key 101.

  In this embodiment, the communication connection method between the communication unit 302 and the mobile communication terminal M may be any communication method known to those skilled in the art. For example, communication such as mobile phone communication, wireless LAN communication, and Bluetooth communication may be performed. It is possible to use it.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the communication connection between the communication unit 302 and the mobile communication terminal M is not limited to a direct communication connection, for example, a communication connection via a relay station that is a fixed station or a satellite station. There may be.

  Next, a flow of output processing of a buzzer sound as an answer back sound for the wireless door lock operation in the vehicle-mounted device 302 having such a configuration will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.

  First, the main control unit 107 determines whether or not the ignition switch is turned off from the input IG on / off switching information (S401).

  If it is determined that the ignition switch is turned off (“YES” in S401), the main control unit 107 starts measuring the sound pressure level in the environment surrounding the host vehicle in the vehicle exterior sound pressure level measurement unit 104, as in the first embodiment. (S402).

  When the sound pressure level in the surrounding environment of the own vehicle is measured by the outside sound pressure level measuring unit 104 in this way, the main control unit 107 then determines that the measured sound pressure level in the surrounding environment of the own vehicle is less than a predetermined threshold value. It is determined whether or not (S403).

  Here, the predetermined threshold value is used to determine whether or not the surrounding area of the vehicle is so quiet that the buzzer sound that informs the user of the completion of the operation when the wireless door lock is completed is heard. It is a threshold value.

  If it is determined that the measured sound pressure level in the environment surrounding the host vehicle is less than the predetermined threshold (“YES” in S403), the main control unit 107 will buzzer sound when the wireless door lock is completed later. Instead of causing the output unit 106 to output a buzzer sound, the user can safely lock the wireless door by outputting a predetermined sound from the mobile communication device M held by the user through the communication unit 302 or by vibrating the mobile communication device M. It is determined that the situation should be communicated to the completion.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the measured sound pressure level in the surrounding environment of the host vehicle is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold (“NO” in S403), the main control unit 107, when the wireless door lock is later completed, It is determined that there is no problem even if the buzzer sound output unit 106 outputs a buzzer sound. Thereafter, the processing in each step of S404, S405, S407, and S408 is the same as the processing in each step of S203 to S206 in FIG.

  When the wireless door lock is completed later, the main control unit 107 should notify the user that the wireless door lock has been successfully completed through the mobile communication device M instead of causing the buzzer sound output unit 106 to output a buzzer sound. If it is determined that the situation is present (“YES” in S403), the main control unit 107 then waits for a wireless door lock request from the user and completion of a door lock operation performed in response thereto (S406).

  More specifically, the main control unit 107 first waits for whether or not the door lock radio signal transmitted from the wireless key is received by the key signal receiving unit 103, and if received, receives the door lock control unit 105. Is instructed to execute the door lock operation, and this time, the door lock control unit 105 waits for a report that the door lock operation is normally completed.

  The key signal receiving unit 103 receives the door lock radio signal transmitted from the wireless key, and in response to this, the main control unit 107 instructs the door lock control unit 105 to execute the door lock operation, and further, the door lock control unit When 105 reports to the main control unit 107 that the door lock operation has been normally completed (“YES” in S406), the main control unit 107 instructs the communication unit 302 to output a predetermined sound to the mobile communication device M. The output is performed or the mobile communication device M itself is vibrated (S409).

  In the present embodiment, the remote operation for outputting sound to the mobile communication device M via the communication unit 302 is performed in the mobile communication device M by, for example, the communication unit 302 calling the mobile communication device M through the mobile phone network. It may be realized by ringing a predetermined or user-designated ring tone, or the communication unit 302 is remotely controlled to reproduce a sound stored in advance in the mobile communication device M through a wireless LAN or Bluetooth communication connection. May be realized.

  Similarly, in this embodiment, the remote operation of vibrating the mobile communication device M via the communication unit 302 is performed by, for example, the mobile communication device M being placed on the mobile communication device M via the mobile phone network by the communication unit 302 making a phone call. The communication unit 302 may be remotely controlled so that a vibration function preinstalled in the mobile communication device M is activated through a wireless LAN or Bluetooth communication connection. It may be realized by.

  In this way, by using the mobile communication terminal M possessed by the user, it is possible to reliably notify only the user that the wireless door lock has been completed without causing troubles around the host vehicle.

  On the other hand, when the user does not execute the wireless door lock operation after the ignition switch is turned off, for example, when the ignition switch is turned on after the ignition switch is turned off (“NO” in S406), the main control unit 107 includes the communication unit 302. No routine is given, and one routine of this flow is terminated.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a buzzer sound is output at a sound pressure level that is easy to hear for the user immediately after the execution of the wireless door lock operation is completed, as in the first embodiment. When it is determined that the surrounding area of the vehicle is so quiet that the buzzer sounds in the vehicle, by using the mobile communication terminal M possessed by the user, the operation completion of the wireless door lock is transmitted to the user. The environment around the vehicle can be kept quiet.

  In the second embodiment, when a call is made from the communication unit 302 to the mobile communication terminal M through the mobile phone network, a sound is output from the mobile communication terminal M or the mobile communication terminal M is vibrated. When the call button is pressed according to the sound output or vibration, the mobile communication terminal M may be configured to output a voice message or a display message with a content such as “the door is locked”. preferable.

  As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the second embodiment can be implemented in combination with any of the various modifications described in the first embodiment.

  In the foregoing, two embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above two examples (and their modifications).

  For example, in Examples 1 and 2, the measurement of the sound pressure level in the environment surrounding the host vehicle is started after the ignition switch is turned off. However, this is only an example, and the present invention is limited to such an embodiment. It is not something. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in the first and second embodiments, the purpose of starting the sound pressure level measurement in the surrounding environment of the host vehicle after the ignition switch is turned off is until the execution of the wireless door lock operation is completed. For example, driving is performed in order to complete the measurement of the sound pressure level of the surrounding environment of the own vehicle and the calculation processing of the sound pressure level of the buzzer sound suitable for the measured sound pressure level of the surrounding environment of the own vehicle. A seating sensor may be installed in the seat, and measurement of the sound pressure level in the environment surrounding the host vehicle may be started when the driver's seating is confirmed by the seating sensor after the ignition switch is turned off. Similarly, when the driver's seat door is opened after the ignition switch is turned off, or when the driver's seat door is opened and closed after the ignition switch is turned off, the measurement of the sound pressure level in the surrounding environment of the vehicle is started. Also good.

  In the first and second embodiments, the vehicle to be controlled is an engine vehicle. However, as is apparent to those skilled in the art, the application of the present invention is not limited to the engine vehicle, and the vehicle is of any power source. Applicable.

  In the first and second embodiments, the answer back sound of the wireless door lock operation is a buzzer sound. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the notification employed in the notification device according to the present invention is also used. The sound is not limited to a buzzer sound and may be any sound. Furthermore, it may be a voice message.

  In the first and second embodiments, the sound pressure level of the buzzer sound is changed according to the sound pressure level in the surrounding environment of the host vehicle. However, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, this is replaced with the sound pressure level. Alternatively or additionally, the volume and / or tone may be changed.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above-described first and second embodiments, as in the prior art described above, the answer back sound is also taken into account such as the vehicle position, time, illuminance around the vehicle, or any combination thereof. The sound pressure level of a certain buzzer sound may be determined. Even in that case, as in the first and second embodiments, the optimal sound pressure level of the buzzer sound based on these parameters is calculated before the wireless door lock operation is completed, such as immediately after the ignition switch is turned off. It is preferable to execute in advance.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for a vehicle wireless door lock system capable of locking a vehicle door by wireless operation. The power source type, fuel type, appearance design, weight, size, running performance, etc. of the vehicle to be controlled are all unquestioned.

It is a schematic block diagram of the wireless door lock system which concerns on one Example (Example 1) of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the answer back sound output process by the wireless door lock system which concerns on one Example (Example 1) of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the wireless door lock system which concerns on another Example (Example 2) of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the answer back sound output process by the wireless door lock system which concerns on another one Example (Example 2) of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100,300 Wireless door lock system 101 Wireless key 102,301 In-vehicle apparatus 103 Key signal receiving part 104 Outside vehicle sound pressure level measurement part 105 Door lock control part 106 Buzzer sound output part 107 Main control part 302 Communication part

Claims (13)

In a vehicle, a vehicle notification device that emits a predetermined notification sound when a predetermined in-vehicle device operation is completed,
Measuring means for measuring the sound pressure level in the environment surrounding the vehicle;
Output level control means for controlling the output level of the predetermined notification sound based on the sound pressure level of the surrounding environment of the host vehicle measured by the measurement means,
The predetermined in-vehicle device operation is an in-vehicle device operation executed by wireless operation after the propulsion power source operation of the host vehicle is stopped,
The vehicle notification device, wherein the measuring means is configured to detect a sound pressure level in an environment surrounding the host vehicle when an operation of a propulsion power source of the host vehicle is stopped. The vehicle notification device according to claim 1,
The output level control means controls the output level of the predetermined notification sound so as to be proportional to the sound pressure level of the surrounding environment of the host vehicle measured by the measurement means. . The vehicle notification device according to claim 1,
The output level control means controls the output level of the predetermined notification sound so that the difference from the sound pressure level of the surrounding environment of the host vehicle measured by the measuring means becomes constant. Vehicle notification device. The vehicle alarm device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The measuring means measures the sound pressure level of the environment surrounding the host vehicle a predetermined number of times when the operation of the propulsion power source of the host vehicle is stopped, and calculates an average value of the measured sound pressure levels around the host vehicle. An informing device for a vehicle, which transmits the sound pressure level of the environment to the output level control means. The vehicle alarm device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The measuring means has a sound collecting device disposed in a vehicle interior, and transmits the sound pressure level measured by the sound collecting device to the output level control means as the sound pressure level of the surrounding environment of the host vehicle. An informing device for a vehicle. The vehicle alarm device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The vehicle notification device, wherein the output level control means controls an output level of the predetermined notification sound based on a volume position of an acoustic device mounted in a vehicle interior of the host vehicle. The vehicle alarm device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The vehicle notification device, wherein the output level control means controls an output level of the predetermined notification sound based on a final volume change of an acoustic device mounted in a vehicle interior of the host vehicle. The vehicle alarm device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The vehicle notification device, wherein the output level control means controls an output level of the predetermined notification sound based on an output characteristic of an acoustic device mounted in a vehicle interior of the host vehicle. The vehicle alarm device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
Direction detection means for detecting the direction of presence of the wireless device used for the wireless operation relative to the host vehicle;
The output level control means controls the output level of the predetermined notification sound based on the direction in which the wireless device is detected with respect to the host vehicle detected by the direction detection means. The vehicle alarm device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
A determination unit for determining whether or not the host vehicle is located indoors;
The output level control means reduces the output level of the predetermined notification sound when the determination means determines that the host vehicle is located indoors. The vehicle alarm device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
It further has a transfer characteristic detecting means for detecting a transfer characteristic around the host vehicle,
The vehicle notification device, wherein the output level control means controls an output level of the predetermined notification sound based on a transfer characteristic around the host vehicle detected by the transfer characteristic detection means. The vehicle alarm device according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
When the sound pressure level of the environment surrounding the vehicle measured by the measuring means is less than a predetermined level, a second predetermined notification sound is generated from a predetermined portable communication device instead of generating the predetermined notification sound. A vehicle alarm device further comprising a remote control means. The vehicle alarm device according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
A second remote control means for vibrating a predetermined mobile communication device instead of sounding the predetermined notification sound when the sound pressure level of the environment surrounding the vehicle measured by the measurement means is less than a predetermined level; A vehicle notification device characterized by comprising:

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