JP3966227B2 - Simulated engine sound generator and vehicle operation system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a simulated engine sound generator and a vehicle operation system used for an electric vehicle, an electric motorcycle, or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, in a vehicle driven by an electric motor, such as an electric vehicle or an electric motorcycle, the sound of the vehicle itself is quiet. Therefore, a simulated engine sound that approximates the engine sound of a gasoline car is generated, and the driver emits the engine sound. It has been considered to be able to taste a sense of speed by listening. Conventionally, there has been proposed an apparatus for controlling the volume of the simulated engine sound according to the external environment of the vehicle, instead of generating the simulated engine sound monotonously. This simulated engine sound control device determines whether the vehicle is running or stopped based on the speed, motor speed, etc., and increases or decreases the volume. Is detected by navigation and the volume is reduced. In addition, the driver's intention to make the audio sound easier to hear because the car audio volume has been increased, or externally from an information center or Internet server such as VICS (traffic information) or E-Mail with voice. Reduce the volume to make them easier to hear when receiving information. Further, when the speed limit is exceeded, control is performed to increase the volume so that the driver hesitates to exceed the speed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-233001 (paragraphs 0008-0049, FIGS. 1 to 8)
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described simulated engine sound control device, the position information of the place where the sound of the simulated engine sound is to be controlled is obtained from the navigation, such as crossing or near the school. In particular, although it is a place where sound is reflected and the sound of the simulated engine sound should be controlled, such as in tunnels and underpasses, the location information cannot be obtained because GPS radio waves do not reach, and the simulated engine There was a problem that the sound could not be controlled. In addition, there is a problem that the position information cannot be acquired unless the navigation is attached to the vehicle.
[0005]
On the other hand, in motorcycles, there are people who feel annoyed when the sound of the simulated engine sound generator of a nearby vehicle and the sound of their own vehicle sound asynchronously or randomly when waiting for a signal, etc. Although it is desirable to synchronize the engine sound, the conventional simulated engine sound control apparatus has a problem that the simulated engine sound cannot be synchronized. Further, the simulated engine sound does not need to be a sound that simply simulates an actual engine sound, and can be enjoyed as a musical sound, for example. In that case, this problem that the sound of a nearby vehicle sounds asynchronously is remarkable.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a simulated engine sound generator that can synchronize simulated engine sounds and improve listening comfort when a plurality of vehicles approach, and It is to provide a vehicle operation system. Another object of the present invention is to generate simulated engine sounds that do not require navigation and that can accurately acquire position information of locations where GPS radio waves do not reach and control simulated engine sounds. It is to provide an apparatus and a vehicle operation system.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention proposes the following means.
The invention according to claim 1 is a simulated engine sound generating device that is installed in a vehicle and generates a simulated engine sound, a simulated engine sound generating means that generates a simulated engine sound, and a short-range wireless communication installed in another vehicle a short-range wireless communication means sends and receives signals to and from the unit, the synchronization signal transmission means for transmitting a synchronization signal, wherein the simulated engine sound generation means is synchronized to the simulated engine sound generated through the short-range wireless communication means And control means for synchronizing the simulated engine sound with the simulated engine sound of the other vehicle based on a synchronization signal received from the other vehicle .
In this specification, “short distance” means various communication mainly for data transmission between communication devices in a relatively limited area such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared communication, and wireless LAN. In the system, it means a distance at which communication by each system functions effectively.
[0008]
The invention according to claim 2 is the simulated engine sound generating device according to claim 1, wherein the simulated engine sound generating means generates the simulated engine sound based on simulated engine sound generation data, The simulated engine sound generation data is transmitted to or received from another vehicle via a distance wireless communication means .
[0015]
The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that in the vehicle operation system, a plurality of vehicles equipped with the apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 are provided.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a simulated engine sound generating apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a short-range wireless communication unit which demodulates a radio signal received from the outside and outputs it to the bus line 7 and transmits a control signal received via the bus line 7 to the outside. In addition, every time a certain time elapses, a link signal for notifying the surroundings of the approach of the host vehicle is radiated on the radio wave. The short-range wireless communication unit 1 uses a wireless communication system based on the Bluetooth standard. Reference numeral 2 denotes a detection unit that detects the state of the motor, such as the number of revolutions of the motor for driving the vehicle, and outputs the detection result to the bus line 7 as control data. Reference numeral 3 denotes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls each part of the apparatus. Details of the processing performed by the CPU 3 will be described later. Reference numeral 4 denotes a storage unit that stores a program of the CPU 3 and a simulated engine sound pattern. Here, the simulated engine sound pattern is obtained by converting a synthesized waveform obtained by performing various waveform processing based on a reference waveform or a recorded waveform of an actual engine sound into digital PCM data. Reference numeral 5 denotes a sound source that creates a simulated engine sound from the simulated engine sound pattern read from the storage unit 4, and the volume is adjusted based on the volume level output from the CPU 3. Reference numeral 6 denotes a speaker that generates a simulated engine sound signal output from the sound source 5.
[0017]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the vehicles 8 and 9 loaded with the above-described simulated engine sound generator. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the simulated engine sound generator according to the embodiment of FIG. The operation of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0018]
First, the operation of the apparatus when the two vehicles in FIG. 2 are not approaching will be described. When the electric motor for driving the vehicle is started (step Sa1), the CPU 3 subsequently reproduces the simulated engine sound (step Sa2). That is, the CPU 3 first reads a simulated engine sound pattern from the storage unit 4 and outputs it to the sound source 5. The sound source 5 forms a simulated engine sound signal based on the pattern supplied from the CPU 3 and outputs it to the speaker 6. Thereby, a simulated engine sound is generated. Further, the CPU 3 detects the state of the electric motor (such as the number of revolutions) based on the output of the detection unit 2, and outputs a sound volume designation corresponding to the state to the sound source 5. Moreover, CPU3 judges whether the electric motor stopped based on the output of the detection part 2 (step Sa3). If it is determined that the electric motor has stopped, the sound source 5 is instructed to stop the simulated engine sound (step Sa5). This stops the simulated engine sound.
[0019]
If the determination in step Sa3 is “NO”, it is next determined whether or not a link signal of another vehicle is received (step Sa4). If the determination result is “NO”, the process returns to step Sa2 again, and thereafter, the processing of steps Sa2 to Sa4 is repeated.
[0020]
Next, the case where another vehicle equipped with the simulated engine sound generator of FIG. 1 approaches (see FIG. 2) will be described.
When another vehicle in which the same simulated engine sound pattern data as that of the own vehicle is set in the sound source 5 approaches and the short-range wireless communication unit 1 receives a link signal transmitted by the other vehicle, the link signal is transmitted to the bus line 7. Is sent to the CPU 3 via. When the link signal is sent to the CPU 3, the determination result in step Sa4 becomes “YES”, and the process of the CPU 3 proceeds to step Sa7. In step Sa7, it is determined whether the vehicle is a master or a slave. Here, when two vehicles equipped with a simulated engine sound generator approach each other, link signals are transmitted from both vehicles, but the one that detects it first becomes the master and slave signals to other vehicles To send. Even if the link signal is received, the vehicle that has received the slave signal from the partner vehicle before transmitting the master signal becomes the slave.
[0021]
When the host vehicle is the master (the determination in step Sa7 is the master), the CPU 3 requests the sound source 5 for a start timing signal of one cycle of the simulated engine sound signal. When a start timing signal is received from the sound source 5 (step Sa8 is “YES”), a synchronization signal is output to the short-range wireless communication unit 1. The short-range wireless communication unit 1 transmits the synchronization signal on a radio wave (step Sa9).
[0022]
On the other hand, when the own vehicle is a slave (the determination in step Sa7 is a slave), the CPU 3 determines whether or not a synchronization signal has been received (step Sa10). If the synchronization signal has not been received, the process returns to step Sa2, and thereafter the processes of steps Sa2, Sa3, Sa4, Sa7, and Sa10 are repeated. When a synchronization signal is received (step Sa10 is “YES”), a synchronization instruction is output to the sound source 5. The sound source 5 receives the instruction and generates a simulated engine sound from the start position of one cycle (step Sa11).
[0023]
Further, when the two vehicles described above are separated by a certain distance or more, the short-range wireless communication unit 1 cannot receive the link signal. In this case, the determination at step Sa4 is “NO”, and thereafter, the processes at steps Sa2, Sa3, and Sa4 are repeated again.
As described above, according to the above embodiment, when two vehicles equipped with the simulated engine sound generator approach each other more than a certain distance, the simulated engine sounds generated by both vehicles are synchronized, and the engine sound is pleasant to hear. .
[0024]
The synchronization signal sent between the short-range wireless communication units 1 of different vehicles may be sent every time the sound cycle starts or may be sent only once. Further, the synchronization information may be corrected by the CPU 3 of the opponent vehicle by sending time information from the start not only at the start of the cycle but also during the cycle.
[0025]
Further, as a method of reproducing two vehicles, both vehicles may be responsible for sound generation by half in a cycle. For example, when the simulated engine sound is the music shown in FIG. 4, the A car and the B car may be alternately sounded in the period of the section M. Further, if the music has a plurality of parts, the parts responsible for pronunciation in each vehicle may be divided. For example, the A car may sound the melody part, and the B car may sound the accompaniment part.
[0026]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, for example, the A car and the B car in the period of the section M may be sounded with a certain section (one measure) shifted like a ring. That is, when the A car comes in the second bar, the B car may start the first bar.
[0027]
Further, if the short-range wireless communication unit 1 can be linked between three or more vehicles at a time, the simulated engine sound may be synchronized between the vehicles.
[0028]
In addition, when the same simulated engine sound pattern data is not set in the sound sources 5 of a plurality of vehicles, the sounds cannot be synchronized, so the volume of each vehicle or slave vehicle may be reduced.
[0029]
Further, even when the same simulated engine sound pattern data is not set in the sound source 5 of a plurality of vehicles, if the same data is stored in the storage unit 4 of each vehicle, the data of the short-range wireless communication unit 1 of each vehicle is stored. The same simulated engine sound pattern data may be set in the sound source 5 of each vehicle by communicating indexes and the like. Further, if the same data is not stored in the storage unit 4 of each vehicle, the data itself is communicated between the short-range wireless communication units 1 of each vehicle, and the same simulated engine sound pattern data is set in the sound source 5 of each vehicle. It may be.
[0030]
In this embodiment, the simulated engine sound of each vehicle is controlled using short-range wireless communication, but the method is not limited to this. For example, the vehicle may be provided with a microphone, and the microphone may directly pick up the opponent's simulated engine sound and control its own sound according to the sound (for example, by detecting the period).
[0031]
Next explained is the second embodiment of the invention.
The block configuration of the simulated engine sound generating apparatus according to the second embodiment is the same as that of FIG. 1, but the processing of the CPU 3 is different from that of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the simulated engine sound generator according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a vehicle provided with the simulated engine sound generation device 11 according to the second embodiment and the short-range wireless transmission device 10 provided on the road. That is, when this embodiment is used, a short distance in advance to an important point on the road, for example, near a railroad crossing, near a school, or a place where the sound of an engine such as a tunnel or underground parking is to be controlled. It is assumed that the wireless transmission device 10 is provided. The short-range wireless transmission device 10 has a built-in Bluetooth standard wireless transmitter and constantly transmits a low-power control signal.
[0032]
In FIG. 7, when the vehicle is at a position away from the short-range wireless transmission device 10 by a certain distance or more, first, the processing of steps Sb1, Sb2, and Sb3 of FIG. 6 is performed, and this processing is performed at step Sa1 shown in FIG. , Sa2, and Sa3. Next, it progresses to step Sb4 and it is judged whether the control signal was received. If the determination result is “NO”, the process returns to step Sb2, and thereafter steps Sb2, Sb3, and Sb4 are repeated. And when an electric motor is stopped, it progresses to Step Sb6 and stops a simulation engine sound.
[0033]
Next, when the vehicle approaches the short-range wireless transmission device 10 by a certain distance or more, the short-range wireless communication unit 1 receives a control signal from the short-range wireless transmission device 10 and outputs it to the CPU 3. When the control signal is supplied to the CPU 3, the determination in step Sb4 in FIG. 6 becomes “YES”, and the process proceeds to step Sb5. In step Sb5, the CPU 3 outputs an instruction to decrease the volume to the sound source 5. The sound source 5 receives this instruction and lowers the volume level of the simulated engine sound signal.
When the vehicle is away from the short-range wireless transmission device 10 by a certain distance or more, the short-range wireless communication unit 1 does not receive the control signal. In this case, the determination in step Sb4 is “NO”, and the sound volume reduction instruction from the CPU 3 to the sound source 5 is stopped. As a result, the simulated engine sound returns to the normal volume thereafter.
[0034]
In addition to receiving the control signal from the short-range wireless transmission device 10 and controlling the volume, the tone color, tempo, and pitch of the sound may be changed.
[0035]
As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, it is not necessary to install navigation in the vehicle by installing the short-range wireless transmission device in a place where sound is to be controlled, and the position of the place where GPS radio waves do not reach It is possible to control the simulated engine sound by accurately acquiring information.
[0036]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the simulated engine sound generation apparatus according to claim 1 and claim 2, provided with a short-range wireless communication means, a control means for controlling a simulated engine sound in accordance with the signal received thereby Since it is provided, it is possible to control the simulated engine sound from the outside.
[0038]
Further, according to the simulated engine sound generation apparatus according to claim 1 and claim 2, short-range wireless communication means to receive and control means the signals from the short-range wireless communication means installed in another vehicle Since it outputs, a simulated engine sound can be reliably controlled when vehicles approach each other.
[0039]
Further, according to claim 1 and according to claim 2 simulated engine sound generation apparatus and, according to the vehicle operation system according to claim 3 having the same, synchronization signal transmission means for transmitting a synchronizing signal synchronized with typical pseudo engine sound And a control means for synchronizing the simulated engine sound to the synchronization signal received from the other vehicle, the simulated engine sound generated by both vehicles can be synchronized, and the engine sound can be made pleasant to hear. . In other words, since the simulated engine sound pattern is generated by repeating a certain period of sound, it is effective to synchronize the sounds because the simulated engine sounds of multiple vehicles are not synchronized and the listening comfort deteriorates. is there. Further, technically, the simulated engine sound can also be made musical, and at that time, the deterioration of listening comfort due to the non-synchronization of the sound appears remarkably, so the effect of the present invention is further enhanced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a simulated engine sound generator of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle with a simulated engine sound generator and a vehicle operation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a musical score showing a sound pattern that sounds alternately between vehicles equipped with different simulated engine sound generators in the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a musical score showing a sound pattern sounded in a ring form between vehicles equipped with different simulated engine sound generators in the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a simulated engine sound generator for explaining the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle with a simulated engine sound generator and a vehicle operation system according to the embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Short-range wireless communication part, 2 ... Detection part, 3 ... CPU, 4 ... Memory | storage part, 5 ... Sound source, 6 ... Speaker, 7 ... Bus line, 8 ... Vehicle with simulated engine sound generator (master), 9 ... Vehicle with simulated engine sound generator (slave), 10 ... Short-range wireless transmitter, 11 ... Simulated engine sound generator

Claims (3)

In a simulated engine sound generator that is installed in a vehicle and generates simulated engine sound,
Simulated engine sound generating means for generating simulated engine sound;
A short-range wireless communication means sends and receives signals to and from a short-range wireless communication means installed in other vehicles,
Synchronization signal transmitting means for transmitting a synchronization signal synchronized with the simulated engine sound generated by the simulated engine sound generating means via the short-range wireless communication means;
Control means for synchronizing the simulated engine sound with the simulated engine sound of the other vehicle based on a synchronization signal received from the other vehicle ;
A simulated engine sound generator characterized by comprising: The simulated engine sound generating means generates the simulated engine sound based on simulated engine sound generation data,
The simulated engine sound generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the simulated engine sound generation data is transmitted to or received from another vehicle via the short-range wireless communication means . A vehicle operating system comprising a plurality of vehicles on which the device according to claim 1 or 2 is mounted.

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