JP5267970B2 - Sound field control device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sound field control device, and more particularly to a sound field control device that controls the sound field of a space by controlling the output of sound to a predetermined space.

  In recent years, information systems are used in various places, and the importance of sounds related to user interfaces in the information systems is increasing. In other words, information systems having a function of providing sound information to the user's hearing are increasing. For example, there is a vehicle system in which an electronic control device that controls an engine, a brake, a transmission, and the like in a vehicle and an electronic control device that controls multimedia by an audio and navigation system are connected. In such a vehicle system, guide voices and warnings may be provided to the driver, and information such as music may be provided to the passenger. Therefore, it is necessary to control information (sound) provided by a request source (an application that cooperates with each electronic control device) according to the needs of each user in each seat.

  In addition, there is an information system that provides a plurality of sounds to the user so that the sound can be provided to the user of the above-described information system by an optimal expression method. In such an information system, according to the physical configuration of the output device (speaker or the like), a specific sound (alarm or the like) is interrupted in the main sound (BGM or the like), and a technique (mixing) for superimposing the sound is used. Providing sound at the same time.

  Here, as an example of the vehicle system described above, a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 will be described. In the vehicle system disclosed in Patent Document 1, first, the position of an occupant is detected by an occupant position detection unit. Then, the operation control unit performs mixing processing in a plurality of mixer units for the audio transmitted from the main audio signal transmission unit (CD, external audio signal, etc.) and the interrupt audio signal transmission unit (traffic information, navigation, etc.). Select the site to perform. As a result, corresponding to the detected occupant position, the interrupt sound is mixed with the main sound and output.

JP 2005-236791 A

  However, the above-described technology has a problem that an optimal sound field cannot be provided easily and quickly when a new information system is constructed by integrating information systems that output a plurality of sounds. For example, let us consider a case where an alarm sound due to a collision prevention notification (a vehicle control function by an electronic control device linked with an engine or a brake) is to be added to the interrupt sound signal transmission unit. In such a case, it is necessary to redesign the sound output method for the additional function (warning sound) and the existing function (traffic information, interrupt sound such as navigation). This is because each sound source itself and the competitive relationship of each sound source have a characteristic for each vehicle system to be mounted, and each is unique. For this reason, it is necessary to design the vehicle system from scratch in accordance with the physical configuration of the output device and the competitive specifications of each sound source. In such a case, designing takes time, cost, and the optimal sound field can be easily and easily created. Providing quickly is difficult.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a sound field control device that can provide an appropriate sound field to a user while facilitating the design of the sound field control device, which is the above-described problem. It is in.

Therefore, a sound field control device that controls the output of sound to a space where sound output means is installed, which is an aspect of the present invention,
Sound output setting means for setting and storing sound output setting information representing a predetermined sound output method;
Sound output management means for determining an output method of the output request sound based on the sound output setting information set for the output request sound that is the output requested sound in response to the sound output request;
Sound output control means for outputting an output request sound from the sound output means in the determined output method;
The structure that is equipped with.

In addition, the sound field control system according to another aspect of the present invention is
A sound output means installed in a predetermined space, and a sound field control device for controlling the sound output from the sound output means to the space,
The sound field control device is
Sound output setting means for setting and storing sound output setting information representing a predetermined sound output method;
Sound output management means for determining an output method of the output request sound based on the sound output setting information set for the output request sound that is the output requested sound in response to the sound output request;
A sound output control means for outputting an output request sound from the sound output means by the determined output method is adopted.

Moreover, the program which is the other form of this invention is:
To the computer that controls the output of sound to the space where the sound output means is installed,
Sound output setting means for setting and storing sound output setting information representing output characteristics of a predetermined sound;
Sound output management means for determining an output method of the output request sound based on the sound output setting information set for the output request sound that is the output requested sound in response to the sound output request;
Sound output control means for outputting the output request sound from the sound output means in the determined output method;
To achieve the above.

Furthermore, a sound field control method for controlling sound output to a space where sound output means is installed, which is another embodiment of the present invention,
A sound output setting step for setting and storing sound output setting information representing an output method of a predetermined sound; and
A sound output management step for determining an output method of the output request sound based on the sound output setting information set for the output request sound that is the output requested sound in response to the sound output request;
A sound output control step of outputting an output request sound from the sound output means by the determined output method;
It has the configuration of having.

  According to the present invention configured as described above, the design of the sound field control device is facilitated, and an optimal sound field can be provided to the user. As a result, there is an excellent effect that the convenience of the user can be improved.

  The present invention provides a sound field suitable for sound to be output in a system that outputs sound to a predetermined space. In particular, the present invention is suitable for application when a space for simultaneously outputting a plurality of sounds is provided. For example, the present invention can be applied to a vehicle system, a system that controls cockpits such as airplanes and railways, and a system that controls home appliances in a home (home network).

And one form of this invention is:
A sound field control device for controlling the output of sound to a space where sound output means is installed,
Sound output setting means for setting and storing sound output setting information representing a predetermined sound output method;
Sound output management means for determining an output method of the output request sound based on the sound output setting information set for the output request sound that is the output requested sound in response to the sound output request;
Sound output control means for outputting an output request sound from the sound output means in the determined output method;
The structure that is equipped with.

  According to the above invention, first, a system designer or the like sets and stores sound output setting information representing output characteristics of a predetermined sound. Thereafter, when there is a request for outputting a predetermined sound, the sound field control device determines an output method for the output request sound based on the sound output setting information set for the output request sound. Then, based on the determined output method, the output requested sound is output from the sound output means to the space. Thus, when there is a sound output request, the sound field control device automatically determines the sound output method based on the preset sound output setting information and outputs the sound. Therefore, by setting the sound output setting information, it is possible to easily obtain a sound field suitable for the output request source for the user, and to improve convenience.

  The sound output setting information includes information representing an output method of the predetermined sound with respect to a competitive sound that is another sound competing with the predetermined sound, and the sound output management means outputs the competitive sound. The output request sound output method is determined based on the sound output setting information set for the output request sound in response to the output request for a predetermined sound in the case.

  Further, the sound output setting information includes competing sound output setting information indicating output characteristics of a competing sound that is another sound competing with a predetermined sound, and the sound output managing means is configured to output a competing sound. In response to an output request for a predetermined sound in the above, based on the sound output setting information set for the output request sound, determine the output method of the output request sound and the competing sound that competes with the output request sound, The sound output control means adopts a configuration in which the output request sound and the competing sound are output from the sound output means in accordance with the determined output method.

  Thereby, when a competing sound that competes with a predetermined sound is output, the sound field control device, when there is an output request for the predetermined sound, based on the sound output setting information of the output request sound, The output method of the output request sound and the competition sound is automatically determined. Then, an output request sound and a competing sound are output according to the determined output method. Therefore, by setting the sound output setting information, a sound field suitable for a plurality of sounds can be easily provided to the user.

  Further, the sound output setting information has a configuration in which the sound output management means includes procedure information representing a procedure for determining an output method of the output request sound and the competing sound. Thereby, the sound field control device determines the output method of the output request sound and the competing sound in the procedure based on the set procedure information. Therefore, it is possible to speed up the sound output method determination process. Further, by setting the procedure information, it is possible to provide the user with a sound field that is more suitable for the output request sound and the competing sound.

  Further, the competitive sound output setting information is configured to include competitive sound output operation information indicating the output operation of the competitive sound when the output request sound is output. At this time, the competing sound output operation information is configured to include attenuation rate information indicating the degree of output by attenuating the volume when outputting the competing sound. Further, the competitive sound output operation information includes a configuration in which it includes attenuation rate information for each sound output means that outputs the competitive sound.

  Thereby, the sound field control device automatically determines and outputs the output operation of the competing sound when the output request sound is output based on the sound output setting information. For example, the volume of the competing sound is attenuated and output, and further output at a different attenuation rate for each position of the sound output means. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with a more desirable sound field according to the output request sound and the competing sound.

  The sound output setting information includes output position information for specifying a sound output means for outputting a sound, and the sound output management means is a competing sound in which the output position information of the output request sound competes with the output request sound. When the output position information matches the output request information, the output method of the competing sound is determined based on the sound output setting information set for the output request sound. Thereby, when the output positions of the output request sound and the competing sound match, the output method of the output request sound and the competing sound is determined. Therefore, when a plurality of sounds are output from the same speaker, it is possible to provide a more desirable sound field to the user according to preset output characteristics of each sound, thereby improving convenience. be able to.

  The sound output setting information includes priority information indicating a priority indicating that priority is given to other sounds, and the sound output management means outputs the priority of the output request sound. When the priority is lower than the priority of the competing sound, it is determined that the output request sound is not output. As a result, an output request sound having a lower priority than the competing sound is not output. As a result, the output of unnecessary sounds with low priority can be suppressed, and the user's troublesomeness can be eliminated.

  Furthermore, the sound output setting means has a function of adding and / or changing sound output setting information based on information input from the outside, thereby adding or changing a new sound output system. Even if it exists, the output of the sound according to the setting can be performed by adding or changing the sound output setting information. Therefore, a desired sound field can be easily provided to the user according to a change in a system that outputs a plurality of sounds, and further convenience can be improved.

And the sound field control system which is the other form of this invention is
A sound field control system comprising: a sound output means installed in a predetermined space; and a sound field control device that controls sound output from the sound output means to the space,
The sound field control device
Sound output setting means for setting and storing sound output setting information representing a predetermined sound output method;
Sound output management means for determining an output method of the output request sound based on the sound output setting information set for the output request sound that is the output requested sound in response to the sound output request;
Sound output control means for outputting the output request sound from the sound output means in the determined output method,
The structure is taken.

  In the sound field control system, the sound output setting information includes information indicating an output method of the predetermined sound with respect to a competing sound that is another sound competing with the predetermined sound, and the sound output managing unit includes: A configuration is adopted in which an output request sound output method is determined based on sound output setting information set for the output request sound in response to a request output of a predetermined sound when a competing sound is output. .

  Further, in the sound field control system, the sound output setting information includes competing sound output setting information indicating a competing sound output method that is another sound competing with a predetermined sound, and the sound output managing means In response to an output request for a predetermined sound when a sound is output, based on the sound output setting information set for the output request sound, an output request sound and a competing sound competing with the output request sound The output method is determined, and the sound output control means controls the output request sound and the competing sound from the sound output means in accordance with the determined output method.

Moreover, the program which is the other form of this invention is:
To the computer that controls the output of sound to the space where the sound output means is installed,
Sound output setting means for setting and storing sound output setting information representing a predetermined sound output method;
Sound output management means for determining an output method of the output request sound based on the sound output setting information set for the output request sound that is the output requested sound in response to the sound output request;
Sound output control means for outputting an output request sound from the sound output means in the determined output method;
To achieve the above.

  In the program, the sound output setting information includes information indicating an output method of the predetermined sound with respect to a competitive sound that is another sound competing with the predetermined sound. A configuration is adopted in which an output request sound output method is determined based on sound output setting information set for the output request sound in response to an output request for a predetermined sound when the sound is output.

  Further, in the program, the sound output setting information includes competing sound output setting information indicating a method of outputting a competing sound that is another sound competing with a predetermined sound, and the sound output managing means outputs the competing sound. In response to an output request for a predetermined sound in the case where the output request sound is set, an output method for outputting the output request sound and a competing sound competing with the output request sound is determined based on the sound output setting information set for the output request sound. The sound output control means determines the output request sound and the competition sound from the sound output means in accordance with the determined output method.

Furthermore, a sound field control method for controlling sound output to a space where sound output means is installed, which is another embodiment of the present invention,
A sound output setting step for setting and storing sound output setting information representing an output method of a predetermined sound; and
A sound output management step for determining an output method of the output request sound based on the sound output setting information set for the output request sound that is the output requested sound in response to the sound output request;
A sound output control step of outputting an output request sound from the sound output means by the determined output method;
It has the configuration of having.

  In the sound field control method, the sound output setting information includes information indicating an output method of the predetermined sound with respect to a competing sound that is another sound competing with the predetermined sound, and the sound output management method includes: A configuration is adopted in which an output request sound output method is determined based on sound output setting information set for the output request sound in response to a request output of a predetermined sound when a competing sound is output. .

  Furthermore, in the sound field control method, the sound output setting information includes competing sound output setting information indicating an output method of a competing sound that is another sound competing with a predetermined sound, and the sound output management step includes a competing sound output setting step. In response to an output request for a predetermined sound when a sound is output, based on the sound output setting information set for the output request sound, an output request sound and a competing sound competing with the output request sound An output method is determined, and the sound output control step adopts a configuration in which output request sound and competition sound are output from the sound output means in accordance with the determined output method.

  The sound output setting information includes output position information for specifying a sound output means for outputting sound, and the sound output management step includes a competitive sound in which the output position information of the output request sound competes with the output request sound. When the output position information matches the output request information, the output method of the competing sound is determined based on the sound output setting information set for the output request sound. Furthermore, the sound output setting information includes priority information indicating a priority indicating that the sound is output with priority over other sounds, and the sound output management step outputs the priority of the output request sound. When the priority is lower than the priority of the competing sound, it is determined that the output request sound is not output.

  Even the invention of the system, program, and method having the above-described configuration acts on the same operation as the sound field control device, and thus the above-described object of the present invention can be achieved.

  Hereinafter, specific configurations and operations of the present invention will be described in the embodiments. In the following embodiments, a device for controlling a sound field in a vehicle is illustrated as an example of a sound field control device, but the sound field control device in the present invention is limited to the case of controlling a sound field in a vehicle. Not. In other words, as described above, the present invention can also be applied to an apparatus that controls the sound field of any space such as an aircraft cockpit or a house.

<Embodiment 1>
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a sound output control system installed in a vehicle. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control device. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sound output request source system. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the sound field data storage unit, and FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a setting state of each data. FIG. 6 shows an example of a design template, and FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the contents. FIG. 8 shows an example of sound characteristic data, and FIG. 9 shows an example of output area data. 10 to 12 are diagrams illustrating an example of output rule data, and FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of individual setting data. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device.

[Constitution]
As shown in FIG. 1, a space for outputting sound in the present embodiment is in a vehicle 100 that includes a front seat composed of a driver seat and a passenger seat and a rear seat located behind the front seat. The vehicle 100 includes a plurality of speakers SP that output sound around the inside thereof. Note that one or a plurality of speakers form a set, and information indicating an area (output area) for outputting sound is assigned to each speaker. For example, two speakers positioned in front of the driver's seat are speakers positioned in the output area of reference SP1, and three speakers positioned beside the driver's seat are set as speakers positioned in the output area of reference SP2. Has been. And in the example of FIG. 1, the speaker SP located in each output area SP1-SP7 is provided.

  Further, the vehicle 100 includes a control device 1 (sound field control device) that controls to output sound from the speaker SP in a space inside the vehicle 100. The control device 1 is composed of a computer having an arithmetic device (CPU) and a storage device (hard disk or flash memory), receives a sound output request from the sound output request source system 7, and receives the sound output request from the speaker SP. It has a function to control the output of sound.

  Specifically, the control device 1 incorporates the program of the present invention in a CPU (not shown), so that as shown in FIG. 2, the sound output setting unit 2, the sound output management unit 3, and the sound output process Part 4. In addition, the control device 1 includes a design template storage unit 5 and a sound field data storage unit 6 in a storage device (not shown). Furthermore, the control device 1 includes a sound output request system 7 that requests the output of sound. Hereinafter, each configuration will be described in detail.

  First, as described above, the sound output request source system 7 includes the car navigation system 70 and the vehicle control system 80 that request the control device 1 itself to output sound from the speaker SP. A request source application that requests a specific sound output of the car navigation system 70 includes a guide voice application 71 that performs route guidance, a traffic information notification application 72 that notifies traffic information, and further reproduces and outputs music. There are audio applications 73 and the like. Further, as a request source application that requests a specific sound output of the vehicle control system 80, a collision prevention notification application 81 that detects a state of the vehicle and a surrounding situation and performs a collision prevention notification, an obstacle information notification, and the like. An obstacle information notification application 82, a guide voice application 83, and the like. Note that the request source application (system) that issues the sound output request is not limited to the above-described one. Further, the sound output request source system 7 such as the car navigation system 70 may not be provided in the control device 1.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the sound field data storage unit 6 stores sound characteristic data 61, output area data 62, output rule data 63, and individual data 64. As shown in FIG. 5, these data 61 to 64 are data set and stored by a system designer or the like based on design template data 50 stored in the design template storage unit 5 as will be described later.

  The sound output setting unit 2 (sound output setting means) basically represents a predetermined sound output method and sets design template data and / or sound field data (sound output setting information) that defines a sound field. Thus, it has a function of registering in the sound field data storage unit 6. In other words, from the specifications of the sound requested to be output by the sound output request source system 7 described above, the factors that influence the sound field due to the arrangement of speakers from which each sound is output and competition with other sounds should be examined. Set the output method of multiple sounds defined by. The sound output setting unit 2 sets and stores the design template data and sound field data according to inputs from the system designer and user. However, the sound output setting unit 2 is not limited to setting each data by input from a system designer or a user of the vehicle 100. The design template data 50 is stored in advance, and based on this, the sound output setting unit 2 may automatically set and store the sound field data.

  The design template data 50 is data in which an output method of each sound output from each application (hereinafter referred to as “request source application”) that is a request source of output sound is set. An example of the design template data 50 is shown in FIG. As shown in this figure, the design template data 50 includes a “request source application”, a “purpose” of sound output by each request source application, an “output area” that specifies a speaker to be output, an “acoustic effect”, and a “volume”. (Not shown).

  Further, the design template data 50 includes “competitor” information indicating another requesting application that outputs a competing sound that is another sound competing with the sound output by the requesting application. Furthermore, the design template data 50 includes competitive sound output setting information indicating the output method of the competitor. This competitive sound output setting information includes, for example, information that the output of the competitive sound that is output simultaneously with the sound that is output by the requesting application itself, and an attenuation rate that indicates the degree of output by attenuating the volume of the competitive sound. Information, which represents the output operation of the competitive sound, such as information. The attenuation rate information includes attenuation rate information in which an attenuation rate is set for each speaker (for each output area) from which a competitive sound is output.

  FIG. 7A shows a correspondence relationship between the output area set in the design template data 50 and each speaker (SP). FIG. 7B shows a competitive relationship between the applications that make a sound output request set in the design template data 50.

  As described above, the design template data 50 includes information indicating the output method for each request source application. The design template data 50 may be set by, for example, the manufacturer or system designer who designed each requesting application entering the control device 1 or by the user himself / herself. It may be set. The contents of the design template data 50 can be easily changed according to the operation of the system designer or the like.

  In addition, the sound output setting unit 2 can generate sound from the request source application based on each information included in the design template data 50 described above, or automatically in response to an input from the system designer or the like from the outside. Set as sound field data to determine the output method. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the sound characteristic data 61, the output area data 62, the output rule data 63, and the individual data 64 are organized as sound field data, and sound field data storage is performed. Store in unit 6. The sound field data may be information obtained by organizing the information in the design template data 50, or may include newly added data. Hereinafter, each of the data 61 to 64 included in the sound field data will be described.

  The sound characteristic data 61 is information that defines the characteristics of sound output from the request source application in the vehicle 100. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, “main sound source” and “interrupt sound source” are defined separately according to the purpose of each request source application. Here, “main sound source” refers to a sound that can switch sound sources in response to user operations (for example, switching from CD to radio), and in this example, BGM such as audio data corresponds. The “interruptible sound source” refers to one or more sound sources that can be interrupted with respect to the “main sound source”, and refers to a sound that is notified to the user. Furthermore, the sound characteristic data 61 includes priority information indicating the priority of giving priority to other sounds. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the priority of the “interrupt sound source” is defined higher than that of the “main sound source”, and also between the “interrupt sound sources” depending on the purpose of the interrupt. Defines the priority for sound output.

  The output area data 62 is information defining an output area of a speaker set for each request source application. In the example shown in FIG. 9, for each output area (SP1, SP2,...) Stored in the design template data 50, a request source application that outputs sound from each output area is defined. Here, the output area does not directly indicate a physical output device such as the speaker SP, but indicates an area (SP1 to SP7) in which one or more physical devices are bundled from the physical arrangement of the vehicle system. ing. Furthermore, the output area data 62 defines sound effects (for example, stereo, monaural, etc.) of sound requested by the requesting application in each output area. In this way, by setting the output area data 62, even if the vehicle type or the like changes and the physical speakers (sound output means) increase or decrease, the request source application wants an appropriate output area. Sound can be output.

  The output rule data 63 (procedure information) is a procedure for determining the output method of the output request sound from the request source application and the sound (competitive sound) already output at this time, that is, a plurality of Information defining application rules for superimposing sounds. Here, an example of the output rule data is shown in FIGS. As shown in these figures, the output rule data is defined by logic (flow chart) that determines the output method of each sound based on the output areas and priorities of the plurality of sounds described above. When determining the output method based on the output rule data, the output method is further determined with reference to the individual data 64 defining the specific output expression method of each request source application. The individual data 64 includes information such as the volume (default value) for each request source application, the output operation (attenuation, stop, etc.) of the request source sound and the competitor's competing sound, and the attenuation rate for the competing output area. Defined. The details of the output rule data 63 will be described in detail when the following operation is described.

  The design template data 50 and the sound field data 6 described above can be freely changed and set according to the vehicle 100. For example, according to changes in competing specifications, system configuration, device configuration, etc. of a request source application that requests output of sound mounted on the vehicle 100, a part that needs to be changed can be set freely and easily when designing a vehicle system. Can do.

  Also, the sound output management unit 3 (sound output management means) shown in FIG. 2 is set according to the design template data 50 as described above when a sound output request is received from the request source application (7). The sound output method is determined based on the sound field data 6. At this time, according to the flowchart of the output rule data 63, the sound characteristic data 61, the output area data 62, and the individual data 64 are referred to and the output method of each sound is determined. For example, the output area, the output volume, the sound effect, the output stop or the attenuation rate of the competitive sound, etc. are determined. Based on the determined output method, the sound output processing unit 4 (sound output control means) outputs the sound requested by each request source application from each speaker SP.

[Operation]
Next, the operation of the system configured as described above will be described mainly with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The operation of the system is roughly divided into two stages. First, in the first stage, a procedure for determining a method for outputting a plurality of sounds by overlapping them in advance is defined. Then, in the second stage, a method for separately playing a plurality of sounds according to the defined procedure is determined, and the sound is actually output to provide an optimal sound field. Details will be described below.

  First, in the first stage, design template data 50 is created from the physical layout of output devices (speakers, headphones, etc.) in the vehicle system and competing specifications in the request source application in order to define a method for outputting a plurality of sounds in a superimposed manner. And remember. The information described in the design template data 50 is further organized into sound characteristic data 61, output area data 62, output rule data 63, and individual data 64, and set and stored as sound field data. (Step S31, sound output setting step).

  Here, for example, it is assumed that there is an application A that performs vehicle control, an application B that provides navigation information, and an application C that provides multimedia information (for example, BGM). In this case, sound field data, which is a method of superimposing a plurality of sounds, is defined based on design template data 50 set and stored in advance as follows.

  First, as shown in FIG. 8, sound characteristic data 61 is defined. Here, the applications A and B are defined as interrupt sound sources because they appropriately provide optimal information to the user according to the situation. The application C (BGM) is defined as a main sound source because the sound source is switched based on the operation of the user (driver, passenger) (for example, switching from CD to radio). Also, the priority order of output sounds by each requesting application is defined. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the priority of request source applications A and B (guide voice) is defined higher than that of the request source application C (BGM). The priority of the request source application A (obstacle information notification) and the request source application B (accident information notification) is defined higher than that, and the priority of the application A (collision prevention notification) is defined higher.

  Next, output area data 62 is defined based on the design template data 50 as shown in FIG. For example, the request source application A defines output areas (SP1 and SP2) for the driver seat, and the request source application B sets output areas (SP1, SP2, SP6, SP7) for the driver seat and the passenger seat. Define. Further, the request source application C defines an output area (all of SP1 to SP7) for all the passengers.

  Finally, output rule data 63 for determining the output method is defined. Hereinafter, the logic of the output rule data 63 to be defined will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 10, it is defined so as to determine whether or not the output area of the speaker outputting sound from the request source application is the same with reference to the output area data 62 of FIG. 9 (step S1). Then, when the output areas are the same, it is defined so as to determine whether or not the sound priority is high (step S2). At this time, if the priority of the sound requested to be output is lower than the sound output previously (Yes in step S2), the output request is defined to be discarded (step S3).

  On the other hand, when the priority is high (No in step S2), it is defined to proceed to the competition control process of FIG. 11 (step S4). Then, in the competition control process shown in FIG. 11, the individual data 64 is read (step S11) and defined to extract an individual data portion that matches the request source application (step S12). And it defines so that an output method may be set with reference to this extracted individual data part (step S13). Thereafter, the process proceeds to the output method setting process shown in FIG. 12, securing the output area (step S21), determining the output method such as the volume of the request source application that requested the output (step S22), and the contention that has already been output. The setting of the output sound from the request source application (steps S23 and S24) is defined.

  In addition to the output rule data 63, individual data 64 representing a detailed output method for each request source application is also defined. For example, the individual data is defined as shown in FIG. 13 based on the design template data 50. Specifically, a request source application, its volume, a request source application that is a competitor, and its output operation (attenuation rate, etc.) are defined.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to the second stage, and when there is an actual sound output request, the plurality of sounds are superimposed and output according to the procedure for determining the method of superimposing the plurality of sounds defined in the first stage described above. The method to perform is determined (sound output management process). Then, a plurality of sounds are output according to the determined output method to provide an optimal sound field (sound output control process).

  Here, it is assumed that the request source application A provides attention information (forward obstacle notification) to the driver while the request source application C is being executed (BGM playback for all speakers). Then, the control device 1 operates as follows.

  First, the request source application C has already played music (BGM) from all speakers (step S32). In the meantime, when the request source application A provides the driver with caution information (forward obstacle notification), the sound output management unit 3 sends an output request (forward obstacle notification) from the request source application A. ) Is received (Yes in step S33). Then, the sound output management unit 3 determines the output method of the request source application C and the request source application A that have already output BGM according to the sound field data set as described above. That is, a method of superimposing and outputting the forward obstacle notification from the request source application A that is the output request sound and the BGM from the request source application C that is the contention sound that is already output in competition with this is determined. (Step S34).

  Specifically, first, it is determined with reference to the output area data shown in FIG. 9 whether or not the forward obstacle notification from the request source application A and the output area of the BGM from the request source application C are the same (FIG. 9). 10 step S1). Then, since the request source application C occupies all the speakers, it is found that the request source application C competes with the request source application A for the output areas of SP1 and SP2 (Yes in step S1 in FIG. 10).

  Subsequently, the priorities of the BGM and the forward obstacle notification are compared with reference to the sound characteristic data in FIG. 8 (step S2 in FIG. 10). Then, it is determined that the request source application A that is an interrupt sound source has higher priority than the request source application C that is a main sound source (No in step S2 of FIG. 10). Then, as will be described later, according to the logic shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 and the individual data shown in FIG. 13, the sound output of the request source application C in response to the sound output request (forward obstacle notification) of the request source application A. The output method of each sound is determined in detail so as to resolve the BGM conflict (step S4 in FIG. 10).

  In the contention control process shown in FIG. 11, first, the individual data is read (step S11 in FIG. 11), and the part corresponding to the sound output request (forward obstacle notification) of the request source application A from the individual data. Is extracted (step S12 in FIG. 11). Then, according to the corresponding part extracted from the individual data, a detailed output method is determined based on the logic shown in FIG. Specifically, first, the setting state of the speakers (Nos. 1 to 5) corresponding to the output areas (SP1 and SP2) is acquired, and the speaker as the output area is secured (step S21 in FIG. 12). And the volume etc. at the time of notification of the front obstacle of the request origin application A are set with respect to the secured output area (step S22 of FIG. 12). If the output areas of the competitor BGM match, the BGM output setting from the request source application C is performed from the individual data relating to the competitor (steps S23 and S24 in FIG. 12). For example, the setting is made such that the volume output by the request source application C is attenuated 100% from the competing speakers. However, no attenuation is set for the non-conflicting output area in which the attenuation rate of the requesting application C that is the competitor is not set.

  As described above, the setting of the front obstacle notification of the request source application A (volume etc.) and the setting of the BGM of the application C as the competitor (attenuation rate) are performed on the secured output area. The output area is provided to the request source application A (step S25 in FIG. 12). Thereby, the request source application A outputs a sound according to the output method set for the provided output area (step S35 in FIG. 14). Further, the request source application C for which an output area has already been provided outputs BGM according to the set output method (step S35 in FIG. 14). In this case, since the output areas SP1 and SP2 have an attenuation rate of 100%, the output from the output area is muted and output from the other output areas without being attenuated.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, even in a situation where a plurality of sounds are output in the vehicle, the characteristics of the request source are taken into consideration from the purpose of the information provided to the user and the needs of the user. By setting in advance, an optimal sound field can be provided to the user (driver, passenger). Therefore, even when a system for outputting sound in the vehicle is added or changed, it is possible to flexibly cope with providing an optimal sound field. For example, even when the vehicle system is derived and developed in consideration of the vehicle type, destination, etc., it is possible to respond flexibly. Specifically, when designing a vehicle system, differences in system configuration (for example, differences in onboard ECUs (electronic control units) depending on the vehicle type), differences in device configuration (for example, differences in device placement due to destinations in Japan, overseas, etc.) ), The sound field data is set in advance as described above for the portion that needs to be changed, so that it can be dealt with freely and easily. Furthermore, derivative development can be handled flexibly, and man-hours can be reduced and quality can be improved in product development.

<Embodiment 2>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing individual data in the present embodiment.

  The vehicle system in the present embodiment has almost the same configuration as that of the first embodiment described above. The present embodiment is different in that the individual data is changed and set. In other words, in the present embodiment, the individual data has contents corresponding to an example in which the physical arrangement of the driver's seat and the passenger seat is symmetric due to the difference in destination for which the vehicle system is provided (denoted as overseas destination). It is set. For domestic destinations, as shown in FIG. 1, the output areas for the driver's seat are SP1 and SP2, and the output areas for the passenger seat are SP6 and SP7. Are SP6 and SP7, and the output areas for the passenger seat are SP1 and SP2.

  In this embodiment, when the request source application A notifies the front obstacle, the guide voice of the request source application B that is the competitor and the output sound of the BGM of the application C are attenuated in the competing output area. There is a need to. At this time, as described above, the arrangement of the driver's seat is different for overseas destinations, so the output method (action) for the competitor in the individual data is changed as shown in FIG. Specifically, the attenuation rate for each output area is defined in reverse. That is, the attenuation rate of SP1 and SP2 for domestic destinations is 100% and the attenuation rate of SP6 and SP7 is 50% (see FIG. 13), whereas for overseas destinations, the attenuation rates of SP1 and SP2 are 50%, The attenuation factor of SP6 and SP7 is defined as 100% (see FIG. 15).

  The individual data described above can be changed when a user or manufacturer inputs information to the control device 1. Therefore, by defining appropriate sound field data at the time of designing the vehicle system according to the configuration by destination, it is possible to freely change the procedure for absorbing the changed portion by destination and superimposing the sound in mixing for each vehicle system.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be applied to applications such as a device that controls an area that provides a plurality of sounds within a predetermined space (sound field control). For example, the present invention can be applied to a vehicle system, a system that controls cockpits such as airplanes and railways, and a system that controls home appliances in a house (home network).

It is the schematic which shows the whole structure of the sound output control system installed in the vehicle. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of a control apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of a sound output request source system. It is a figure which shows an example of the data memorize | stored in the sound field data storage part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the setting condition of each data memorize | stored in the sound field data storage part. It is a figure which shows an example of design template data. It is a figure explaining the content of design template data. It is a figure which shows an example of sound characteristic data. It is a figure which shows an example of output area data. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of output rule data. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of output rule data. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of output rule data. It is a figure which shows an example of individual setting data. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a control apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the individual setting data in Embodiment 2.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control apparatus 2 Sound output setting part 3 Sound output management part 4 Sound output processing part 5 Design template memory | storage part 6 Sound field data storage part 7 Sound output request origin system 50 Design template 61 Sound characteristic data 62 Output area data 63 Output rule data 64 Individual data 70 Car navigation system 71 Guide voice application 72 Traffic information notification application 73 Audio application 80 Vehicle control system 81 Collision prevention notification application 82 Obstacle information notification application 83 Guide voice application 100 Vehicle SP Speakers SP1 to SP7 Output area

Claims (10)

A sound field control device for controlling the output of sound to a space where sound output means is installed,
Sound output setting means for setting and storing sound output setting information representing a predetermined sound output method;
Sound output management means for determining an output method of the output request sound based on the sound output setting information set for the output request sound which is the output requested sound in response to the sound output request;
Sound output control means for outputting the output request sound from the sound output means in the determined output method;
Bei to give a,
The sound output setting information includes competing sound output setting information indicating a method for outputting a competing sound that is another sound competing with the predetermined sound, and output position information for specifying the sound output means for outputting the sound. Including
The sound output management means, based on the sound output setting information set for the output request sound in response to the output request for the predetermined sound when the competing sound is output, The output position information of the output request sound matches the output position information of the contention sound competing with the output request sound. And determining the output method of the competing sound based on the sound output setting information set for the output request sound,
The sound output control means performs output control of the output request sound and the competing sound from the sound output means according to the determined output method.
A sound field control device characterized by that. The sound output setting information includes procedure information representing a procedure for determining an output method of the output request sound and the competing sound in the sound output management means.
The sound field control device according to claim 1 . The contention sound output setting information includes contention sound output operation information representing an output operation of the contention sound when the output request sound is output.
The sound field control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The competitive sound output operation information includes attenuation rate information indicating a degree of output by attenuating the volume when the competitive sound is output.
The sound field control apparatus according to claim 3 . The competitive sound output operation information includes the attenuation rate information for each of the sound output means from which the competitive sound is output.
The sound field control device according to claim 4 . The sound output setting information includes priority information indicating a priority indicating that the sound is output with priority over other sounds,
The sound output management means determines that the output request sound is not output when the priority of the output request sound is lower than the priority of the competitive sound being output.
The sound field control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sound field control apparatus is a sound field control apparatus. The sound output setting means has a function of adding and / or changing the sound output setting information based on information input from outside.
The sound field control device according to claim 1, wherein the sound field control device is a sound field control device. A sound field control system comprising: sound output means installed in a predetermined space; and a sound field control device that controls sound output from the sound output means to the space,
The sound field control device includes:
Sound output setting means for setting and storing sound output setting information representing a predetermined sound output method;
Sound output management means for determining an output method of the output request sound based on the sound output setting information set for the output request sound which is the output requested sound in response to the sound output request;
At the determined output method, Bei example and a sound output control means for outputting from said sound output means the output sound request,
The sound output setting information includes competing sound output setting information indicating a method for outputting a competing sound that is another sound competing with the predetermined sound, and output position information for specifying the sound output means for outputting the sound. Including
The sound output management means, based on the sound output setting information set for the output request sound in response to the output request for the predetermined sound when the competing sound is output, The output position information of the output request sound matches the output position information of the contention sound competing with the output request sound. And determining the output method of the competing sound based on the sound output setting information set for the output request sound,
The sound output control means performs output control of the output request sound and the competing sound from the sound output means according to the determined output method.
A sound field control system characterized by that. To the computer that controls the output of sound to the space where the sound output means is installed,
Sound output setting means for setting and storing sound output setting information representing a predetermined sound output method;
Sound output management means for determining an output method of the output request sound based on the sound output setting information set for the output request sound which is the output requested sound in response to the sound output request;
Sound output control means for outputting the output request sound from the sound output means in the determined output method;
And realize
The sound output setting information includes competing sound output setting information indicating a method for outputting a competing sound that is another sound competing with the predetermined sound, and output position information for specifying the sound output means for outputting the sound. Including
The sound output management means, based on the sound output setting information set for the output request sound in response to the output request for the predetermined sound when the competing sound is output, The output position information of the output request sound matches the output position information of the contention sound competing with the output request sound. And determining the output method of the competing sound based on the sound output setting information set for the output request sound,
The sound output control means performs output control of the output request sound and the competing sound from the sound output means according to the determined output method.
A program to make things happen . A sound field control method for controlling the output of sound to a space where sound output means is installed,
A sound output setting step for setting and storing sound output setting information representing an output method of a predetermined sound; and
A sound output management step for determining an output method of the output request sound based on the sound output setting information set for the output request sound that is the output requested sound in response to the sound output request;
A sound output control step for outputting the output request sound from the sound output means in the determined output method;
I have a,
The sound output setting information includes competing sound output setting information indicating a method for outputting a competing sound that is another sound competing with the predetermined sound, and output position information for specifying the sound output means for outputting the sound. Including
In the sound output management step, the output request sound is set based on the sound output setting information set for the output request sound in response to the output request for the predetermined sound when the competing sound is output. The output position information of the output request sound matches the output position information of the contention sound competing with the output request sound. And determining the output method of the competing sound based on the sound output setting information set for the output request sound,
The sound output control step performs output control of the output request sound and the competitive sound from the sound output unit according to the determined output method.
A sound field control method characterized by the above.

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