WO2011030837A1 - Vehicle-mounted signal-processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a vehicle-mounted signal-processing device provided with: a signal processing means, a transmission antenna, a testing-signal generating means, and a controlling means. The testing-signal generating means generates a testing signal that, although different from a broadcasting signal generated by the signal processing means, meets the same standard as the broadcasting signal and that can be demodulated with a receiving device mounted on a vehicle. The controlling means switches, according to a switching signal input from outside, between outputting, to the aforementioned transmission antenna, a broadcasting signal generated by the aforementioned signal processing means, and outputting a testing signal generated by the aforementioned signal processing means.

Description

In-vehicle signal processor Cross-reference of related applications

This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-208183 filed with the Japan Patent Office on September 9, 2009, and is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-208183. The entire contents are incorporated into this international application.

The present invention relates to an in-vehicle signal processing device that is mounted on a moving body such as an automobile, generates a broadcast signal by performing signal processing on an input signal, and transmits the broadcast signal from a transmission antenna.

In general, for in-vehicle devices such as TVs and car audios, "genuine products" that can be installed at vehicle production factories and dealers, such as vehicle manufacturer options and dealer options, and car accessories stores There is a “commercially available product” that can be attached by, for example. In many cases, the “commercial product” cannot be directly connected to the “genuine product” on-vehicle equipment.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, a “genuine product” receiving apparatus including a head unit (for example, FM receiver) 91 of a car audio device, an in-vehicle antenna 94, and a transmission cable 97 for transmitting a reception signal connecting them. When a “commercially available” CD (Compact Disk) or MD (Mini Disk) disk changer 92 (see FIG. 6B) is attached to a vehicle equipped with 90, the disk playback output from the disk changer 92 In some cases, an audio signal is directly input to the head unit 91, and a reproduced audio cannot be generated from the speaker 91c connected to the head unit 91.

Therefore, in such a case, an RF modulator 93 as shown in FIG. 6B is normally used as a relay device.
That is, in this case, the disc playback audio signal output from the disc changer 92 is input to the RF modulator 93, and is modulated into an RF signal using a predetermined frequency in the FM band by the FM modulator 93a in the RF modulator 93. The

The modulated RF signal is input from the RF output terminal 93 c to the antenna input terminal 91 a of the head unit 91 via the transmission cable 96, and is reproduced by the FM demodulator 91 b built in the head unit 91. The audio signal is demodulated.

Further, the RF modulator 93 is provided with an RF input terminal 93b for inputting a reception signal from the in-vehicle antenna 94 (that is, an FM broadcast signal from a broadcasting station) via the transmission cable 97, and the RF modulator 93 93 outputs an FM broadcast signal input from the in-vehicle antenna 94 to the RF input terminal 93b to the head unit 91 from the RF output terminal 93c or an RF signal (modulated by the FM modulator 93a) by an external operation. That is, it is possible to switch whether the FM broadcast signal output from the FM modulation section 93a is output from the RF output terminal 93c.

The RF modulator 93 shown in FIGS. 6B-6C includes a remote-control transmitter 98 for remote operation that is configured separately from the RF modulator 93 in order to perform the output switching and the operation of the disk changer 92 described above. A remote control receiving unit 95 is provided that receives a transmission signal (remote control signal) from the remote control transmitter 98 and inputs it to the RF modulator 93 via the control cable 95a.

Therefore, when the disc changer 92 which is a “commercial product” is mounted on the vehicle, the head unit 91 which is a “genuine product” can function as an FM receiver by using the RF modulator 93 as described above. It can function as a disc playback audio signal generator without loss (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-242877

As shown in FIG. 6B, in the configuration in which the “commercial product” RF modulator 93 and the “genuine product” head unit 91 are connected via the transmission cable 96, when the RF modulator 93 is mounted on the vehicle, The existing transmission cable 97 drawn from the antenna 94 is detached from the antenna input terminal 91a of the head unit 91, reconnected to the RF input terminal 93b of the RF modulator 93, and further, connected to the RF output terminal 93c of the RF modulator 93. Since it is necessary to connect the antenna input terminal 91a of the head unit 91 with the transmission cable 96, there is a problem that it takes time and labor for wiring the transmission cables 96 and 97.

On the other hand, in order to solve this problem, as shown in FIG. 6C, a transmission antenna 99 is connected to the RF output terminal 93c of the RF modulator 93 via the transmission cable 96, and the FM modulator 93a of the RF modulator 93 The generated RF signal (FM broadcast signal) may be transmitted from the transmission antenna 99.

That is, in this way, the receiving device 90 can receive the RF signal (FM broadcast signal) transmitted from the transmitting antenna 99 using the existing in-vehicle antenna 94. The RF modulator 93 can be used without modification.

However, in the method of transmitting a radio wave by providing the transmission antenna 99 in this way, the strength of a signal that can be transmitted from the transmission antenna 99 is limited by the Radio Law, and generally only a radio wave with a very low power is output. Therefore, there is a problem that the position of the transmitting antenna 99 is extremely limited.

In other words, in order to satisfactorily receive the signal transmitted from the transmission antenna 99 by the existing in-vehicle antenna 94, the optimum position of the transmission antenna 99 with respect to the in-vehicle antenna 94 is determined and the transmission antenna 99 is disposed. There is a need.

When optimizing the arrangement position of the transmission antenna 99 in this way, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 6C, the RF modulator 93 signals the output signal from the disk changer 92 in which the signal level of the output signal is stable. Since processing (specifically FM modulation) is performed and transmission is performed from the transmission antenna 99, the operation of optimizing the arrangement position of the transmission antenna 99 may be performed, for example, while the disc changer 92 is reproducing a CD.

That is, in this way, even if the electric field intensity of the radio wave radiated from the transmission antenna 99 is limited, the radio wave is radiated stably without interruption. The work can be easily performed while confirming the sound output from the speaker 91c on the receiving device 90 side.

However, when only selling and installing the RF modulator 93 including the transmission antenna 99 at a car goods store or the like, an external device such as the disk changer 92 must be prepared in advance (in other words, If there is no external device), there is a problem that the optimization work for examining and installing the optimum position of the transmission antenna 99 cannot be easily performed.

Further, for example, when a receiving device for receiving terrestrial analog television broadcasts is mounted on a vehicle, the in-vehicle signal processing device that replaces the RF modulator 93 receives terrestrial digital television broadcasts and digital television broadcasts of a desired broadcast channel. It is conceivable to provide a signal processing device that selects and demodulates a signal, generates an analog television broadcast signal of a preset transmission channel from the demodulated video and audio signals, and transmits the analog television broadcast signal to an existing receiving device.

In this type of in-vehicle signal processing device, a receiving antenna for receiving a broadcast wave of digital terrestrial television broadcasting is provided, and a received signal received by the receiving antenna is subjected to signal processing (channel selection / demodulation). However, depending on the broadcast radio wave reception status, the video and audio signals cannot be restored, and the analog TV broadcast signal cannot be transmitted from the transmission antenna. Conceivable.

In other words, digital terrestrial television broadcasting has a property (cliff effect) in which a received image rapidly deteriorates when the received electric field strength is lower than a predetermined value. The reception status of digital terrestrial television broadcasting signals may be affected by external factors such as the environment of the place where the transmission antenna is installed (such as when it is used inside a building such as a garage, the influence of the presence of surrounding buildings, or the influence of topography). If the reception level of the digital terrestrial television broadcast signal is affected, the digital television broadcast signal cannot be processed normally.

In this case, since the analog TV broadcast signal cannot be normally transmitted from the transmission antenna, the transmission antenna is checked while confirming the video and audio reproduced through the receiving device for receiving the terrestrial analog TV broadcast. It becomes impossible to carry out the optimization work of the arrangement position.

Therefore, in an in-vehicle signal processing device that receives a terrestrial digital television broadcast as described above, converts a terrestrial digital television broadcast signal of a predetermined broadcast channel into an analog television broadcast signal, and transmits the analog terrestrial television broadcast signal. There is a problem that the position of the vehicle at the time of performing the conversion work is limited.

The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and in an in-vehicle signal processing device that generates a broadcast signal by performing signal processing on an input signal and transmits the broadcast signal from a transmission antenna to a vehicle-mounted antenna, the input signal An object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily and reliably execute the optimization operation of the arrangement position of the transmission antenna by enabling a broadcast signal to be transmitted from the transmission antenna even when an abnormality occurs.

A first aspect of the present invention made to achieve such an object is an in-vehicle signal processing device, which performs signal processing on an input signal to generate a broadcast signal that can be demodulated by a receiving device mounted on the vehicle. A signal processing unit for generating, a transmission antenna for transmitting a broadcast signal generated by the signal processing unit toward a vehicle-mounted antenna connected to the receiving device, and a broadcast signal generated by the signal processing unit Although the contents are different, the signal processing for the transmitting antenna is performed in accordance with a test signal generating means for generating a test signal that can be demodulated by the receiving device in the same standard as the broadcast signal, and a switching signal input from the outside And control means for switching between outputting the broadcast signal generated by the means and outputting the test signal generated by the test signal generating means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the in-vehicle signal processing device according to the first aspect, a reception antenna that receives a predetermined broadcast radio wave, and a specific broadcast signal from among the reception signals received by the reception antenna. And a channel selection demodulator that demodulates the video or audio signal by selecting the channel, and the signal processing unit selects the video or audio signal demodulated by the channel selection demodulator by the channel selection demodulator. A broadcast signal having a standard different from that of the demodulated broadcast signal is generated.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the in-vehicle signal processing device according to the second aspect, the broadcast signal received by the receiving antenna and channel-demodulated by the channel-demodulating means is a digital broadcast signal. The broadcast signal generated by the signal processing means is an analog broadcast signal.

Next, a fourth aspect of the present invention is an in-vehicle signal processing device according to any one of the first to third aspects, comprising operating means that is operated by a user to generate the switching signal. The control means switches a signal output to the transmitting antenna to the broadcast signal or the test signal in accordance with a switching signal from the operation means.

In addition, according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the in-vehicle signal processing device according to any one of the first to third aspects, it is determined whether or not an input signal input to the signal processing means is normal. And determining means for fetching a determination result by the determining means as the switching signal, and outputting the broadcast signal to the transmitting antenna if the input signal is normal, and the input signal is abnormal. If there is, the test signal is output to the transmitting antenna.

According to the in-vehicle signal processing apparatus of the first aspect, the signal processing means generates a broadcast signal that can be demodulated by the receiving apparatus by performing signal processing on the input signal, and the test signal generating means serves as the signal processing means. Although the content is different from that of the broadcast signal generated in this manner, a test signal that can be demodulated by the receiving apparatus is generated in the same standard as the broadcast signal.

Whether the control means outputs the broadcast signal generated by the signal processing means or the test signal generated by the test signal generation means to the transmission antenna in accordance with the switching signal input from the outside. Switch.

Therefore, according to the in-vehicle signal processing device of the first aspect, for example, an external device such as a disk changer for inputting an input signal to be signal processed is not connected to the signal processing means. When the processing means cannot generate a normal broadcast signal, the switching signal input to the control means switches the signal that the control means outputs to the transmission antenna to the test signal generated by the test signal generation means, The receiving device can normally receive the transmission signal from the transmission antenna of the in-vehicle signal processing device.

For this reason, the vehicle equipped with the existing receiving device equipped with the in-vehicle antenna is mounted with the in-vehicle signal processing device according to the first aspect, so that the in-vehicle antenna can receive the transmission radio wave from the transmitting antenna. When performing the optimization work of setting the transmission antenna placement position to the optimum position, it is not necessary to connect an external device such as a disk changer to the in-vehicle signal processing device as in the prior art described above. It is only necessary to input a switching signal to the control means and switch the signal radiated from the transmitting antenna to the test signal.

Therefore, according to the in-vehicle signal processing device of the first aspect, it is possible to easily and reliably perform the examination and installation of the optimum position of the transmitting antenna (in other words, the operation for optimizing the arrangement position).
Further, according to the in-vehicle signal processing device of the first aspect, it is possible to switch the transmission radio wave from the transmission antenna to either a broadcast signal or a test signal even after installation on the vehicle is completed.

For this reason, for example, when an abnormality occurs in the system, such as when an audio signal is not output from a disk changer that is an external device, there is a problem in the system of the external device due to switching of the signal transmitted from the transmission antenna. Therefore, it is possible to quickly determine whether there is a problem in the system of the in-vehicle signal processing device.

Next, according to the on-vehicle signal processing device of the second aspect, a receiving antenna that receives a predetermined broadcast radio wave, and a specific broadcast signal is selected from the received signals received by the receiving antenna and video Or a channel selection demodulating means for demodulating the audio signal, and the signal processing means and the broadcast signal demodulated by the channel selection demodulating means for the video or audio signal demodulated by the channel selection demodulating means; Have different standards and generate broadcast signals that can be demodulated by the receiver.

Therefore, according to the in-vehicle signal processing device of the second aspect, it is possible to receive and demodulate a broadcast signal that cannot be received and demodulated by the existing receiving device equipped with the in-vehicle antenna. It can be converted into a broadcast signal and retransmitted from the transmission antenna, and the application of the existing receiver can be expanded.

In addition, when the in-vehicle signal processing device is used as a broadcast signal retransmission device in this way, the reception state of the broadcast radio wave by the reception antenna changes depending on the position of the vehicle. There is a problem that the place where the arrangement position optimization work is performed is limited. However, in the in-vehicle signal processing device according to the second aspect, when the transmission antenna arrangement position is optimized, the control means The switching signal may be input to the switch so that the signal radiated from the transmitting antenna is switched to the test signal.

In other words, in this way, it is possible to radiate transmission radio waves from the transmission antenna at a constant level without being affected by the reception state of the broadcast radio waves by the reception antenna. It can be done easily and reliably.

In addition, according to the in-vehicle signal processing device of the second aspect, even after the installation is completed, the transmission radio wave from the transmission antenna can be switched to either a broadcast signal or a test signal. When an abnormality occurs, it is possible to quickly determine whether there is a problem in the receiving system of the receiving device or in the transmitting system of the in-vehicle signal processing device by switching the signal transmitted from the transmitting antenna. Become.

Next, in the in-vehicle signal processing device according to the third aspect, the broadcast signal received by the receiving antenna and selected and demodulated by the channel selection demodulator is a digital broadcast signal and is generated by the signal processor. Since the broadcast signal (in other words, the broadcast signal that can be demodulated by the receiving device) is an analog broadcast signal, the in-vehicle signal processing device is mounted on a vehicle equipped with a dedicated receiving device for the analog broadcast signal. As a result, digital broadcasting can be enjoyed using the existing receiver.

For example, in order to receive terrestrial analog television broadcasts, both terrestrial analog television broadcasts (VHF, UHF) and digital terrestrial television broadcasts (UHF) can be viewed in a vehicle equipped with a receiver dedicated to analog television broadcasts. In the future, even after the terrestrial analog television broadcast is completely stopped, it is possible to continue viewing the terrestrial digital television broadcast without changing the system.

In addition, according to the in-vehicle signal processing device of the third aspect, it is possible to prevent the reception device dedicated to analog television broadcasting from being unusable when the analog television broadcasting ends, and to extend the life of the reception device dedicated to analog television broadcasting. Therefore, the in-vehicle signal processing device is very convenient for a user of a vehicle equipped with a receiving device dedicated to analog television broadcasting, and is also an environmentally friendly device.

In the third aspect, the digital broadcast signal and the analog broadcast signal are not limited to the television broadcast, and may be a radio broadcast or a data broadcast.
On the other hand, in the in-vehicle signal processing device according to the third aspect, switching between the signal transmitted from the transmission antenna is the broadcast signal generated by the signal processing means or the test signal generated by the test signal generating means Is performed by a switching signal input to the control means, and this switching signal may be input by the user operating the operating means as in the in-vehicle signal processing device of the fourth aspect.

Further, as in the in-vehicle signal processing device of the fifth aspect, instead of the operation means, a determination means for determining whether or not the input signal input to the signal processing means is normal is provided, and the control means is the determination means. If the input signal is normal, the broadcast signal may be output to the transmission antenna, and if the input signal is abnormal, the test signal may be output to the transmission antenna.

According to the in-vehicle signal processing device of the fifth aspect, since the signal to be transmitted from the transmission antenna can be automatically switched, as compared with the in-vehicle signal processing device of the fourth aspect that is manually switched. , Can improve usability.

It is a block diagram showing the structure of the vehicle-mounted signal processing apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram showing the structure of the whole vehicle-mounted television receiving system of 2nd Embodiment. FIGS. 3A and 3B are explanatory views showing a state in which each part of the in-vehicle television receiving system according to the second embodiment is attached to a vehicle, in which FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the vehicle windshield and its surroundings seen from the inside of the vehicle, It is the perspective view which looked at the rear glass and its periphery from the vehicle inner side. It is a circuit diagram showing the circuit structure of the receiving antenna and retransmitter which comprise the vehicle-mounted signal processing apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a circuit diagram showing the modification of the retransmitter of the vehicle-mounted signal processing apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 6A is a block diagram illustrating a conventional technique, FIG. 6A is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an existing receiving device, and FIG. 6B is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example when an RF modulator is directly connected to the existing receiving device. FIG. 6C is a block diagram showing a configuration example in the case where an existing receiving apparatus and an RF modulator are connected via radio waves (FM broadcast signals).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Vehicle-mounted signal processing apparatus, 3 ... Reception antenna, 5-7 ... Transmission cable, 8 ... Remote control transmitter, 9 ... Vehicle-mounted signal processing apparatus, 10 ... Antenna part, 20 ... Feeding part, 30 ... Retransmitter, 32 ... Power supply circuit 34 ... Signal separation / power output circuit 35 ... Signal processing circuit 36 ... Channel selection / demodulation circuit 37 ... Modulation circuit 38 ... Control circuit 39 ... Test signal generation circuit 40 ... Guiding information Circuit, 41 ... Transmitting antenna, 50 ... Receiver, 55 ... Television receiver, 60 ... Vehicle, 61 ... Windshield, 63 ... Ceiling, 64 ... Pillar, 65 ... Dashboard, 69 ... Rear glass, 70 ... In-vehicle antenna, 86 ... Branch circuit, 88 ... Detection circuit, 90 ... Receiver, 92 ... Disc changer, 93 ... RF modulator, 93a ... FM modulator, 93c ... RF output terminal, 93c ... Output terminal, 93d External input terminal, 93e ... test signal generation unit, 93f ... control unit, 93g ... operation unit, 93h ... remote control input terminal, 94 ... in-vehicle antenna, 95 ... remote control reception unit, 96 ... transmission cable, 98 ... remote control transmitter, 99 ... Transmission antenna

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
First, a specific usage example of the in-vehicle signal processing device 9 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

This figure shows an example of an audio system in a vehicle. For example, in a vehicle including an existing receiving device 90 configured to receive FM broadcast, the receiving device 90 is used. This is a system that makes it possible to enjoy the sound reproduced by the disk changer 92.

In addition, this embodiment is a system corresponding to the prior art shown in FIG. 6C, and in the following description, detailed description of the same configuration as the prior art is omitted.
As shown in FIG. 1, the in-vehicle signal processing device 9 of this embodiment includes an RF modulator 93 and a transmission antenna 99 that radiates an RF signal (FM broadcast signal) output from the RF modulator 93 into the vehicle. I have.

The transmitting antenna 99 is connected to the RF output terminal 93c of the RF modulator 93 via a transmission cable 96 made of a coaxial cable having a small diameter and being flexible and excellent in flexibility, and from the output terminal 93c of the RF modulator 93. The output FM broadcast signal is radiated from the transmission antenna 99 via the transmission cable 96.

Further, the length of the transmission cable 96 is set to a length that can increase the degree of freedom of the arrangement position when the transmission antenna 99 is attached to the vehicle. Specifically, the length of the transmission cable 96 can be transmitted regardless of whether the vehicle-mounted antenna 94 constituting the existing receiving device 90 is disposed on the vehicle (for example, on the rear glass instead of the windshield). The FM broadcast signal radiated from the antenna 99 is set so as to be disposed at a position where it can be satisfactorily received by the receiving device 90.

Note that if the existing receiving device 90 can receive signals satisfactorily, the RF modulator 93 and the transmitting antenna 99 may be configured integrally to remove the transmission cable 96.

Next, the RF modulator 93 is provided with an external input terminal 93d, and for example, an external device such as the disk changer 92 described above can be connected via an audio signal cable.

Then, an audio signal (such as a disc playback audio signal) transmitted via the audio signal cable is input from the external input terminal 93d to the FM modulation unit 93a. The FM modulation section 93a is an example of the signal processing means of the present invention, and generates an FM broadcast signal having a predetermined frequency by modulating an input audio signal.

Since the frequency of the FM broadcast signal generated by the FM modulation unit 93a must be a frequency that does not affect the reception of the FM broadcast received by the existing receiving device 90, the RF modulator 93 is provided with versatility. In addition, the FM modulator 93a can be selectively set from a plurality of frequencies as the frequency of the FM broadcast signal.

That is, the frequency of the FM broadcast signal is set by the control unit 93f, and the FM modulation unit 93a sets the frequency of the FM broadcast signal based on the control signal output from the control unit 93f.

The control unit 93f is configured mainly with a microcomputer. For example, the operation state of the operation unit 93g including a switch or the like provided integrally with the RF modulator 93, the control cable 95a from the remote control reception unit 95, Based on the operation information corresponding to the control signal sent via the remote control input terminal 93h, the frequency of the FM broadcast signal is determined, and a control signal representing the frequency is sent to the FM modulator 93a. The remote control receiving unit 95 receives the remote control signal transmitted from the remote control transmitter 98 and outputs it to the control unit 93f.

Next, the RF modulator 93 has a test signal (that is, a test FM broadcast signal) having the same frequency and the same standard as that of the FM broadcast signal, although the content is different from that of the FM broadcast signal generated by the FM modulator 93a. Is provided with a test signal generator 93e. And this test signal generation part 93e produces | generates a test signal based on the control signal from the control part 93f similarly to the FM modulation part 93a.

The test signal generator 93e is an example of the test signal generator of the present invention, and the test signal generated by the test signal generator 93e has the same standard as the FM broadcast signal generated by the FM modulator 93a. Any audio signal that can be identified as a test signal may be used, and the content may be music or a voice message.

The control unit 93f is an example of the control unit of the present invention, and operates the FM modulation unit 93a in accordance with a switching signal input from the operation unit 93g as the operation unit or the remote control reception unit 95, and the FM modulation unit 93a. Whether to output the FM broadcast signal generated in step S5 to the transmission antenna 99 or to operate the test signal generation unit 93e and output the test signal generated in the test signal generation unit 93e to the transmission antenna 99. Switch.

As described above, according to the in-vehicle signal processing device 9 of the present embodiment, the vehicle equipped with the receiving device 90 that does not include the external input terminal for connecting an external device such as the disk changer 92 is mounted. By mounting, an audio signal output from an external device such as the disk changer 92 can be converted into an FM broadcast signal that can be received and demodulated on the receiving device 90 side, and transmitted from the transmitting antenna 99. For this reason, if the reception device 90 adjusts the reception frequency so as to receive the FM broadcast signal, it is possible to enjoy the desired music using an external device such as the disk changer 92.

Further, in order to allow the receiving apparatus 90 to normally receive the FM broadcast signal transmitted from the transmission antenna 99, the location of the transmission antenna 99 is examined (optimization work). When an attached device is not connected and an audio signal to be signal processed cannot be input to the FM modulation unit 93a, the operation unit 93g or the remote control transmitter 98 is operated to switch to the control unit 93f. A signal may be input, and the test signal generated by the test signal generation unit 93e may be output to the transmission antenna 99.

That is, in this way, when performing the optimization work of the location of the transmission antenna 99, the reception device 90 receives the test signal transmitted from the transmission antenna 99, so that the speaker 91c of the reception device 90 can receive the test signal. The optimization work can be performed while confirming the reproduced sound to be output, and the optimization work can be easily and reliably performed.

In addition, when the on-vehicle signal processing device 9 of the present embodiment is mounted on a vehicle and an optimization operation is performed, it is not necessary to connect an external device such as the disk changer 92. Therefore, the on-vehicle signal processing device 9 In a store or the like where the attachment is performed, the attachment cost can be reduced. Also, since it is not affected by the weather, it does not make customers wait.

Furthermore, even after the installation of the in-vehicle signal processing device 9 in the vehicle is completed, the test signal can be transmitted from the transmitting antenna 99 at any time, so that the system has a problem (for example, a disk that is an external device). Even if the sound from the changer is not reproduced, etc.), the system operation check is performed quickly, and whether there is a problem with the audio signal system comprising the disk changer 92 or the audio signal cable as an external device, is the RF modulator 93 It is possible to easily determine whether there is a problem with the transmission system including the transmission antenna 99 and the like.
[Second Embodiment]
Next, an in-vehicle signal processing device 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2, the in-vehicle signal processing device 1 of the present embodiment uses a receiving device 50 as it is in a vehicle 60 on which a receiving device 50 for receiving terrestrial analog television broadcasting is mounted. This is for constructing an in-vehicle television receiving system that can enjoy digital television broadcasting, and differs from the in-vehicle signal processing device 9 of the first embodiment in the types of signals to be processed.

In other words, the in-vehicle signal processing device 9 of the first embodiment generates an FM broadcast signal having a predetermined frequency by processing (FM modulation) an audio signal from an external device such as the disk changer 92, and the transmission antenna 99. On the other hand, in the in-vehicle signal processing device 1 of the second embodiment, the terrestrial digital television broadcast wave transmitted from the external transmission tower is received by the receiving antenna 3, and the retransmitter 30 The TV broadcast signal of a predetermined channel is selected from the received broadcast signals, the video and audio signals are demodulated, and the analog TV broadcast signal of the predetermined channel set for retransmission credit is demodulated from the demodulated video and audio signals. It is generated and transmitted from the transmission antenna 41 (see FIG. 2).

Here, first, the receiving device 50 is an existing in-vehicle antenna 70 composed of a VHF antenna 51 and a UHF antenna 52 that respectively receive VHF band and UHF band analog television broadcast signals transmitted from a terrestrial analog television broadcast transmitting station 82. Are connected to the in-vehicle antenna 70 via a transmission cable 7 made of a coaxial cable, and select and demodulate an analog TV broadcast of a desired broadcast channel from the received signal from the in-vehicle antenna 70 to output video and audio (in other words, And a television receiver 55 for reproduction).

On the other hand, the in-vehicle signal processing device 1 is a so-called “commercially available product” and is retrofitted to the vehicle 60 on which the receiving device 50 is mounted.
This in-vehicle signal processing device 1 includes the above-described receiving antenna 3, retransmitter 30, and transmitting antenna 41, the transmission cable 5 that connects the receiving antenna 3 and the retransmitter 30, the retransmitter 30 and the transmitting antenna. The transmission cable 6 to be connected and the retransmitter 30 are configured separately, and includes a remote control transmitter 8 for remotely operating the retransmitter 30.

The transmission cables 5 and 6 are made of a coaxial cable having a small diameter, being flexible and having excellent flexibility so that wiring to a vehicle is easy.
Here, the receiving antenna 3 receives the UHF band radio wave transmitted from the digital terrestrial television broadcasting transmitting station 81, and transmits the UHF band digital TV broadcast signal received by the antenna unit 10 to the transmission cable. The digital television broadcast signal transmitted from the power supply unit 20 is input to the retransmitter 30 via the transmission cable 5.

The retransmitter 30 selects a digital television broadcast signal of a specific broadcast channel designated via the remote control transmitter 8 from the UHF band digital television broadcast signals input via the transmission cable 5 and displays the video. In addition to demodulating the audio signal and the demodulated video and audio signal, it is different from the specific broadcast channel and different from the broadcast channel of the terrestrial analog television broadcast broadcast in the area where the vehicle 60 is located. The transmitter / receiver is configured to generate and output an analog television broadcast signal of a channel (for example, channel 1 or channel 2 of the analog television broadcast signal in the VHF band).

A transmission antenna 41 composed of a VHF antenna is connected to the analog television broadcast signal output terminal of the retransmitter 30 via the transmission cable 6. An analog television broadcast signal is transmitted from the transmission antenna 41 toward the vehicle-mounted antenna 70 (specifically, the VHF antenna 51).

For this reason, the vehicle occupant selects the channel of the television receiver 55 of the receiving device 50 from the broadcast channel of the analog television broadcast signal retransmitted from the retransmitter 30 via the transmission antenna 41 (retransmission credit channel; By switching to channel 1 or channel 2), it becomes possible to view a digital television broadcast of a specific broadcast channel selected and demodulated by the retransmitter 30.

In addition, the vehicle occupant uses the television receiver 55 by operating the remote control transmitter 8 to change the digital television broadcast channel selected by the retransmitter 30 (specific broadcast channel). Thus, it is possible to view a digital TV broadcast of a desired broadcast channel.

In addition, if the in-vehicle signal processing device 1 of the present embodiment is used, even after the simultaneous broadcasting that simultaneously performs terrestrial analog television broadcasting and terrestrial digital television broadcasting is stopped and the radio waves of the terrestrial analog television broadcasting are stopped, the receiving device 50, you can enjoy digital terrestrial television broadcasting.

Therefore, according to the in-vehicle signal processing device 1 of the present embodiment, there is no need to replace the receiving device 50 with a receiving device for receiving terrestrial digital television broadcasts in order to view terrestrial digital television broadcasts in the vehicle. 50 can be used effectively.

Next, an arrangement state of the in-vehicle signal processing device 1 and the existing receiving device 50 in the vehicle 60 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3B.
First, in the receiving device 50, the in-vehicle antenna 70 is configured by integrally forming a VHF antenna 51 and a UHF antenna 52, as shown in FIG. 3B. It is attached integrally along.

3A, the television receiver 55 is incorporated in the center of the dashboard 65 of the vehicle 60, and is connected to the vehicle-mounted antenna 70 via a transmission cable 7 wired in the vehicle 60. Yes.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, the receiving antenna 3 of the in-vehicle signal processing device 1 is integrally attached along the glass surface at the upper end 61a of the windshield 61. It is attached to the space below the board 65. The receiving antenna 3 and the retransmitter 30 are connected via a transmission cable 5 wired along the ceiling 63 and the pillar 64 of the vehicle 60.

Further, the transmission cable 6 is drawn out from the retransmitter 30, and the transmission cable 6 is connected to the transmission antenna 41 after being routed under the floor of the vehicle 60, the pillar 64, the ceiling 63, and the like.

The transmitting antenna 41 is suitable for radiating the analog television broadcast signal in the VHF band output from the retransmitter 30 into the vehicle 60, and is also optimally received by the existing in-vehicle antenna 70 ( For example, it is attached to the same rear glass 69) as the vehicle-mounted antenna 70.

As shown in FIG. 4, the antenna unit 10 of the receiving antenna 3 is composed of two antenna elements for horizontal polarization and vertical polarization that are disposed so as to open approximately 90 ° from each other.
The power feeding unit 20 includes an amplifier circuit 13 that amplifies a reception signal from the antenna unit 10 by a predetermined amount, a remote control reception unit 15 that receives a remote control signal from the remote control transmitter 8, and the like on the circuit board 19. The antenna base end 21, the reception signal amplified by the amplifier circuit 13 and the control signal output from the remote control receiver 15 are sent toward the transmission cable 5, and the outer conductor of the transmission cable 5 and the antenna base end The antenna sending unit 25 is configured to be grounded by connecting the ground of the unit 21 to the vehicle 60. These parts are connected to each other via a connecting piece 23 extending from the antenna base end part 21.

The remote control receiver 15 transmits a remote control signal from the remote control transmitter 8 (in general, by driving an infrared light emitting element with a control signal obtained by amplitude-modulating a carrier wave of several tens of kHz with transmission data). A known optical signal that is collected by a condensing lens 15a, received by a light receiving element disposed at the focal position, and a control signal is reproduced by processing the received light signal. The remote control receiving unit outputs a control signal corresponding to the remote control signal.

Next, on the circuit board 19 of the antenna base end portion 21, separately from the amplifier circuit 13 and the remote control receiver 15, the reception signal amplified by the amplifier circuit 13 and the control signal output from the remote controller receiver 15 are provided. And a power supply separation / combination circuit 14 that separates the DC power supply voltage input from the antenna transmission unit 25 and supplies it to the amplifier circuit 13 and the remote control reception unit 15. .

The power source separation / synthesis circuit 14 is a synthesis circuit that mixes the reception signal and the control signal, and receives a digital television broadcast reception signal (UHF band digital television broadcast signal: high frequency in the several hundred MHz band) output from the amplification circuit 13. Signal) to the antenna transmitter 25 side, and a control signal (a low frequency signal in the tens of kHz band lower than the digital TV broadcast signal) output from the remote control receiver 15 to the antenna transmitter 25 side. A coil L1 to be provided.

The power source separation / combination circuit 14 also serves as a power source separation circuit, a DC cutoff capacitor C3 provided between the remote control receiver 15 and the coil L1, and a power supply line to the amplifier circuit 13 and the remote control receiver 15. And a choke coil CL1 that applies a DC power supply voltage input from the antenna sending unit 25 via the coil L1 to the power supply line and prevents the control signal from passing therethrough.

The power source separation / combination circuit 14 and the antenna sending unit 25 are connected via a signal line 16 formed on the connecting piece 23, and the antenna sending unit 25 is connected to the signal line 16 of the transmission cable 5. A connection terminal 26 for connecting the center conductor is provided.

In addition, a ground wire 17 is formed on the connecting piece 23, and the ground of the amplifier circuit 13, the remote control receiver 15, and the like is connected to a connection terminal 27 provided on the antenna transmitter 25 via the ground wire 17. It is connected to the. The connection terminal 27 is for connecting an outer conductor of the transmission cable 5 in the antenna transmission unit 25.

On the other hand, the retransmitter 30 is provided with an input terminal 31a for connecting the transmission cable 5. The input terminal 31a has a television broadcast reception signal (UHF) transmitted through the transmission cable 5. A signal separation / power output circuit 34 is connected to capture and separate the digital television broadcast signal) and the control signal and to send the DC power supply voltage generated in the retransmitter 30 to the transmission cable 5. .

The signal separation / power output circuit 34 is configured in the same manner as the power separation / combination circuit 14 provided in the power feeding unit 20 of the receiving antenna 3 and receives a television broadcast input from the transmission cable 5 to the input terminal 31a. As a separation circuit for separating the signal and the control signal, a capacitor C2 for passing a television broadcast reception signal (high frequency signal of several hundred MHz band) to the terminal R side and a control signal (low frequency signal of several tens of kHz band) The coil L2 and the capacitor C4 that are passed to the terminal C side, and the DC power supply voltage is applied to the connection point between the coil L2 and the capacitor C4, thereby outputting to the input terminal 31a (and thus the transmission cable 5) side via the coil L2. A choke coil CL2.

The retransmitter 30 also receives a television broadcast reception signal and a control signal separated by the signal separation / power output circuit 34 from terminals R and C, respectively, and processes the reception signal in accordance with the control signal. And a power supply circuit 32 that receives a power supply from a battery mounted on the vehicle 60 and generates a DC power supply voltage to be supplied to the signal processing circuit 35 and the receiving antenna 3.

Next, the signal processing circuit 35 includes a channel selection / demodulation circuit 36, a test signal generation circuit 39, a guidance information providing circuit 40, a modulation circuit 37, and a control circuit 38.
The channel selection / demodulation circuit 36 selects a digital television broadcast of a specific broadcast channel from the television broadcast reception signal (UHF band digital television broadcast signal) input from the terminal R, and selects the received reception signal ( It demodulates video and audio signals from a digital television broadcast signal), and is composed of a digital tuner for channel selection and a demodulation circuit.

The test signal generation circuit 39 generates a test broadcast video and audio signal in accordance with a command from the control circuit 38. The guide information adding circuit 40 is a channel selection / demodulation circuit 36 or a test signal generation circuit. 39 is a so-called superimpose circuit for giving guide information (information for display consisting of characters and graphics) for guiding a broadcast station of a specific broadcast channel and its channel number to a video signal output from 39.

The modulation circuit 37 is set in advance using the video signal to which the guidance information is given by the guidance information giving circuit 40 and the audio signal output from the channel selection / demodulation circuit 36 or the test signal generation circuit 39. Then, an analog television broadcast signal of the re-transmission credit channel is generated, and the generated analog television broadcast signal is output from the output terminal 31b to the transmission antenna 41 via the transmission cable 6.

Next, the control circuit 38 is constituted by a microcomputer and executes the following control processes 1) to 4).
1) Channel selection channel setting processing for setting a channel selection channel (specific broadcast channel) of a digital television broadcast signal selected by the channel selection / demodulation circuit 36 in accordance with a control signal input from the terminal C.

2) Guidance information generation processing for generating guidance information corresponding to the channel selection channel set in the channel selection channel setting processing and outputting the information to the guidance information adding circuit 40, thereby adding the guidance information to the video signal.

3) In accordance with a control signal (specifically a transmission channel switching signal) input from terminal C, the broadcast channel (retransmission credit channel) of the analog television broadcast signal generated by modulation circuit 37 is set to one of channels 1 and 2. Channel setting process for retransmission.

4) Output from the signal processing circuit 35 by switching whether to operate the channel selection / demodulation circuit 36 or the test signal generation circuit 39 in accordance with a control signal input from the terminal C (specifically, a broadcast content switching signal). Broadcast content switching processing for switching the analog television broadcast signal to be a broadcast signal corresponding to the selected digital television broadcast or a broadcast signal corresponding to the test signal.

According to the signal processing circuit 35 configured in this way, the video and audio signals of the digital television broadcast of the specific broadcast channel designated by the vehicle occupant operating the remote control transmitter 8 are demodulated, and the video and audio signals are demodulated. In addition to generating an analog television broadcast signal of a re-transmission credit channel and transmitting the generated analog television broadcast signal to the receiving device 50, a channel selection / demodulation circuit is added to the video signal of the analog television broadcast signal to be transmitted. It is possible to superimpose guidance information indicating a digital television broadcast station or channel number selected at 36.

For this reason, the vehicle occupant switches the channel selection channel of the television receiver 55 to the broadcast channel of the analog television broadcast signal retransmitted from the retransmitter 30, and the specific broadcast channel selected and demodulated by the retransmitter 30. When viewing a digital TV broadcast, it is possible to confirm the currently viewed digital TV broadcast channel or broadcast station from the guide information displayed on the TV receiver 55 together with the digital TV broadcast video. .

The signal processing circuit 35 selects an analog television broadcast signal transmitted from the transmission antenna 41 in accordance with a control signal (specifically, a broadcast content switching signal) input when the user operates the remote control transmitter 98. It is possible to switch between the broadcast signal corresponding to the digital television broadcast selected by the demodulation circuit 36 and the broadcast signal corresponding to the test signal.

Therefore, according to the in-vehicle signal processing device 1 of the present embodiment, when the transmission antenna 41 is arranged at an optimal position with respect to the in-vehicle antenna 70, the analog television broadcast signal transmitted from the transmission antenna 41 is used as a test signal. By switching to the corresponding broadcast signal and setting the reception channel of the television receiver 55 as the retransmission channel of the analog television broadcast signal, the arrangement work (optimization work) of the transmission antenna 41 at the optimum position can be performed easily and easily. It will be possible to do accurately.

That is, in this way, the transmission radio wave can be radiated from the transmission antenna 41 at a constant level without being affected by the reception state of the broadcast radio wave by the reception antenna 3. While confirming the output video and audio, the optimum position of the transmission antenna 41 can be examined and installed easily and reliably.

Even after the installation of the transmission antenna 41 is completed, the analog television broadcast signal transmitted from the transmission antenna 41 is switched to either a broadcast signal corresponding to digital television broadcast or a broadcast signal corresponding to a test signal. Therefore, if any abnormality occurs in the system, there is a problem in the reception system of the reception device 50 by switching the signal transmitted from the transmission antenna 41, or there is a problem in the transmission system of the in-vehicle signal processing device 1 You will be able to quickly determine if there is any.

In addition, since the transmission cable 6 is a thin, flexible, and flexible coaxial cable, it can be easily routed to the ceiling 63, the pillar 64, the floor, etc. of the vehicle 60. For this reason, the work time when the worker searches for the optimum position of the transmitting antenna 41 can be shortened.

Here, in this embodiment, the channel selection / demodulation circuit 36 in the signal processing circuit 35 is an example of the channel selection / demodulation means of the present invention, and the modulation circuit 37 is an example of the signal processing means of the present invention. The test signal generation circuit 39 and the modulation circuit 37 are examples of the test signal generation means of the present invention, the control circuit 38 is an example of the control means of the present invention, and the remote control transmitter 8 is an operation of the present invention. It is an example of a means.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various aspect can be taken in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.
(Modification 1)
For example, in the second embodiment, the remote control transmitter 8 switches the analog television broadcast signal transmitted from the transmission antenna 41 between a broadcast signal corresponding to a digital television broadcast or a broadcast signal corresponding to a test signal. However, the channel selection / demodulation circuit 36 determines whether or not the digital television broadcast signal of the specific broadcast channel can be normally selected and demodulated. When a channel's digital TV broadcast signal can be normally selected / demodulated, an analog TV broadcast signal corresponding to the broadcast signal is output, and a digital TV broadcast signal of a specific broadcast channel cannot be normally selected / demodulated. May output an analog television broadcast signal corresponding to the test signal.

For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 5, a part of the received signal input to the channel selection / demodulation circuit 36 is branched by a branch circuit 86, and the branched received signal is detected by a detection circuit 88. Thus, the signal level of the received signal can be detected from the voltage level of the detected signal on the control circuit 38 side.

The control circuit 38 detects the signal level of the received signal from the voltage level of the detection signal. If the signal level is higher than a preset threshold value, the channel selection / demodulation circuit 36 When it is determined that the TV broadcast signal can be normally selected and demodulated, the channel selection / demodulation circuit 36 is operated. When the signal level of the received signal is equal to or lower than the threshold value, the channel selection / demodulation circuit 36 The broadcast content switching process may be executed according to the procedure of determining that the digital television broadcast signal cannot be normally selected / demodulated and operating the test signal generation circuit 39.

That is, in this way, the analog television broadcast signal transmitted from the transmission antenna 41 can be automatically switched, so that the usability can be further improved compared to the case where the switching is performed manually.
(Modification 2)
In the first and second embodiments, the analog TV broadcast signal transmitted from the transmission antenna is switched at any time by operating a remote control transmitter or the like. At the first start-up, a broadcast signal corresponding to the test signal may be preferentially output, and thereafter, the broadcast signal to be output may be arbitrarily switched according to a manual operation.

In this way, when the system is first activated, a broadcast signal corresponding to the test signal is transmitted without manual operation, so that the optimization of the arrangement position of the transmission antenna can be started quickly. .

In this case, each time the system is restarted, a broadcast signal corresponding to the test signal is transmitted for a predetermined time, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, the system is automatically switched to transmit a normal broadcast signal. May be.

Claims (5)

1. An in-vehicle signal processing device,
   Signal processing means for generating a broadcast signal that can be demodulated by a receiving device mounted on a vehicle by performing signal processing on the input signal;
   A transmission antenna for transmitting a broadcast signal generated by the signal processing means to an in-vehicle antenna connected to the reception device;
   Although the content is different from the broadcast signal generated by the signal processing means, the test signal generating means for generating a test signal that can be demodulated by the receiving device in the same standard as the broadcast signal,
   Control means for switching whether to output a broadcast signal generated by the signal processing means or to output a test signal generated by the test signal generating means to the transmitting antenna in accordance with a switching signal input from the outside When,
   An in-vehicle signal processing device comprising:
2. A receiving antenna for receiving a predetermined broadcast radio wave;
   A channel selection / demodulation means for selecting a specific broadcast signal from the reception signals received by the reception antenna and demodulating a video or audio signal;
   And the signal processing means generates a video signal or audio signal demodulated by the channel selection demodulating means, and a broadcast signal having a standard different from that of the broadcast signal selected and demodulated by the channel selection demodulation means. The on-vehicle signal processing device according to claim 1.
3. The broadcast signal received by the receiving antenna and channel-demodulated by the channel selection / demodulation means is a digital broadcast signal, and the broadcast signal generated by the signal processing means is an analog broadcast signal. The in-vehicle signal processing device according to claim 2, wherein
4. Comprising an operating means that is operated by a user to generate the switching signal;
   4. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit switches a signal output to the transmission antenna to the broadcast signal or the test signal in accordance with a switching signal from the operation unit. The in-vehicle signal processing device described in 1.
5. Determining means for determining whether or not the input signal input to the signal processing means is normal;
   The control means captures the result of determination by the determination means as the switching signal, causes the transmission antenna to output the broadcast signal if the input signal is normal, and causes the transmission antenna to output if the input signal is abnormal. The in-vehicle signal processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the test signal is output.

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