vehicle notification sound emitter

专利摘要:
VEHICLE NOTIFICATION SOUND DEVICE A vehicle notification sound emitting device is basically equipped with a sound emitting device (1) and a notification sound control device (12). The sound-emitting device emits a movement notification sound out of a vehicle in order to inform a person in the area surrounding the vehicle that the vehicle is moving at a low speed. The notification sound control device (12) activates the sound emitting device to selectively emit the notification sound. The notification sound control device (12) includes a notification sound production section (16) and a prohibition override section (step S54). The notification sound prohibition section (16) prohibits the emission of the movement notification sound by the sound emitting device (1). The prohibition cancellation section (step S54) cancels the notification sound emission ban imposed by the notification sound prohibition section (16) or when the vehicle speed exceeds a prescribed vehicle speed or based on position information of the vehicle.
公开号:BR112012019928B1
申请号:R112012019928-5
申请日:2011-02-07
公开日:2021-02-09
发明作者:Hdeo Yoshino；Tsuyoshi KANUMA；Yoshiro Tateishi；Hironori Saito；Katsumi Kimura
申请人:Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

Cross-reference to related orders
[001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 for Japanese patent applications Nos. 2010-026119, filed on February 9, 2010, and 2010- 285570, filed on December 22, 2010. The entire disclosures of Japanese patent applications Nos. 2010-026119 and 2010-285570 are hereby incorporated by reference. Background Field of the Invention
[002] The present invention relates generally to vehicle sound emission technology to inform a person in the area surrounding the vehicle that the vehicle is moving, or is about to move, in the direction of forward, such as forward or backward. More specifically, the present invention relates to a sound emitting device for vehicle notification, which emits a notification sound to inform people of the vehicle's existence. Background Information
[003] Some vehicles have a very quiet running sound and / or movement sound (including vehicle equipment equipped with an internal combustion engine). For example, an electrically driven vehicle, such as an electric car configured to be electrically driven (EV drive) that uses only an electric motor, is typically very quiet while running and / or moving. In addition, for example, a hybrid vehicle, which has an electric drive mode (EV mode) in which the vehicle is driven only with an electric motor, is typically while it is running and / or moving. For example, a conventional motion notification sound technology is revealed in Registered Utility Model Publication No. 3149916, in which a notification sound emitting device designed to emit a forward motion notification sound to inform a person in the area surrounding a vehicle that the vehicle is moving forward when the vehicle began to move forward from a stationary state. The device is equipped with a key, more specifically a rocker switch, to turn the notification sound emission feature on and off. summary
[004] With the technology described above, the notification sound emission function can be turned on and off with a rocker switch. Thus, if the driver chooses to leave the key in the off state, then the vehicle notification sound emitting device will generally remain in a state in which the notification sound is not emitted. However, from a security perspective, the vehicle notification sound emitting device must be configured to generally remain in the state in which the notification sound is emitted and not in the state in which the notification sound is not emitted continuously.
[005] One aspect of the present disclosure is the presentation of a vehicle notification sound emitting device in which a notification sound emission function can be turned off through a manual operation performed by the driver, but the sound emission function notification is usually such that a notification sound can be output.
[006] In view of the aforementioned conventional technology, a vehicle notification sound emitting device is proposed which basically comprises a sound emitting device and a notification sound control device. The sound emitting device is configured to emit a movement notification sound out of a vehicle in order to inform a person in the area surrounding the vehicle that the vehicle is currently at a low speed. The notification sound control device is configured to trigger the sound emitting device to selectively emit the motion notification sound. The notification sound control device includes a notification sound ban section and a ban cancellation section. The notification sound prohibition section is configured to prohibit the emission of the notification sound by the sound emitting device. The prohibition override section is configured to override a notification sound emission ban imposed by the notification sound prohibition section or when the vehicle's vehicle speed exceeds a prescribed vehicle speed or based on position information of the vehicle.
[007] These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become evident to those skilled in the art with the following detailed description, which, taken together with the accompanying drawings, reveals a preferred mode of the notification sound emitting device . Brief description of the drawings
[008] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this original disclosure: Figure 1 is a control block diagram showing a vehicle notification control system or emitter that includes a sound controller notification to control a notification sound emitting device from the vehicle notification sound emitting device according to a shown embodiment; Figure 2 is a flowchart showing a control program executed by the notification sound controller shown in Figure 1 in order to control the start of an initial forward motion notification sound (S sound); Figure 3 is a flow chart showing a control program executed by the notification sound controller shown in Figure 1 in order to control a forward movement notification sound (D sound); Figure 4 is a flow chart showing a control program executed by the notification sound controller shown in Figure 1 in order to control a reverse movement notification sound (R sound); Figure 5 is a flow chart showing a control program executed by the notification sound controller shown in Figure 1 in order to prohibit the emission of a notification sound from the notification sound emitting device; and Figure 6 is a flow chart showing a control program executed by the notification sound controller shown in Figure 1 in order to increase the volume of the notification sound emitted from the notification sound emitting device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE MODALITIES
[009] Selected modalities will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the modalities are presented for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
[010] With reference initially to Figure 1, a vehicle emitting notification device is shown according to a modality. More specifically, Figure 1 is a control system diagram showing a control system for controlling the notification sound emitting devices of the vehicle notification sound emitting device. In this modality shown, a speaker external to booth 1 is presented as an external notification sound emitting device to emit a notification to a person (pedestrian or motorcyclist, for example) in an external area surrounding the vehicle. Also in this embodiment shown, a loudspeaker internal to the cabin 11 is presented as an internal notification sound emitting device for issuing a notification to the driver.
[011] In the mode shown, the vehicle in which the notification sound emitting device is used is an electric car that has only one electric motor as a power source and is electrically driven (EV drive) with the use of the electric motor. However, it should be clear from this disclosure that the vehicle notification sound emitting apparatus disclosed here can also be applied to a hybrid vehicle that has both an electric motor and an engine as power supplies, in which the vehicle is driven only with the electric motor in an electric drive mode (EV mode) and powered with power from both the electric motor and the motor in a hybrid mode (HEV mode). Similarly, the vehicle notification sound emitting apparatus disclosed herein can be applied to a motor driven vehicle that has only one engine as its power source.
[012] In the mode shown, the speaker outside cabin 1 is arranged in a space inside the engine space at the front of the vehicle. The vehicle's engine space is where a power unit is located that includes an electric motor that acts as a power source for the electric car and a transmission. More specifically, the loudspeaker outside cabin 1 is arranged in a space where mud, rocks and other contaminants caught by the wheels do not enter the loudspeaker and contaminants such as rain, snow and water from a high pressure car wash do not. will enter the speaker. With the use of this space as a sounding board for the speaker external to booth 1, the notification sound emitting device according to this modality can become a non-directional sound source.
[013] The speaker outside cabin 1 and the speaker inside cabin 11 are controlled by a notification sound controller, as shown in Figure 1. Notification sound controller 12 receives signals from a range sensor 13, a vehicle speed sensor 14, a brake key 15, a key switch 16, a volume increase key 17, an ignition key 18, an obstacle distance sensor 19 and a navigation system 20 In the mode shown, the notification sound controller 12 corresponds to a notification sound control device or section. Basically, the notification sound controller 12 is configured to activate speakers 1 and 11 (the sound emitting devices, for example) in response to the occurrence of a vehicle condition, such as a vehicle movement or preparation for a vehicle movement. Loudspeakers 1 and 11 emit different movement notification sounds depending on the condition of the vehicle. The term “motion notification sound” is generically used here to refer to both the actual movement of the vehicle and the preparation for initiating movement of the vehicle in the forward and / or reverse direction. The term “actionable state” used here refers to a vehicle in the non-moving state, but with the vehicle ready to move by pressing the accelerator or the like.
[014] The range sensor 13 is configured to detect whether the vehicle transmission is fixed in Park (P), Inverse (R), Neutral (N) or Drive (D) by reacting to a displacement operation (range selection ) performed by the driver to park the vehicle or designate the desired direction of movement.
[015] Vehicle speed sensor 14 is configured to detect vehicle speed V. Brake key 15 is set to ON when the vehicle is being braked by pressing a brake pedal and to OFF when the vehicle is not being braked (the brake pedal is released). The mute switch 16 is configured to be manually pressed in order to muffle the sound emitted from the speaker outside the booth 1. The volume increase key 17 is configured to be pressed in order to increase the volume of the sound emitted from the loudspeaker external to the cabin 1. The ignition key 18 is configured to put the power unit in an actionable state and transmits an ON / OFF signal to the notification sound controller 12 depending on the position of the ignition key 18. The obstacle distance sensor 19 is configured to detect distance L between the host vehicle and another vehicle or other obstacle in front of the vehicle. The navigation system 20 is configured to provide positional vehicle information as well as other conventional vehicle information.
[016] It will now be explained the way in which the notification sound controller 12 activates the internal speaker in the booth 11 in this mode. In case the transmission is shifted backwards (R), a range selection signal R will be received by the notification sound controller 12 of range sensor 13. In response to receiving the range selection signal, the sound controller Notification 12 activates the loudspeaker inside cabin 11 to emit a “R range selection notification sound”. The R range selection notification sound tells the driver that the R lane has been selected. In the mode shown, the track selection notification sound R is an intermittent sound. In the event that the obstacle distance L from the host vehicle is less than a pre-set distance, an obstacle detection signal will be received by the notification sound controller 12 of the obstacle distance sensor 19. In response to the receipt of the obstacle detection, the notification sound controller 12 activates the loudspeaker inside the cabin 11 to emit an “obstacle proximity notification sound” using, for example, a voice to inform the driver that the vehicle is close to a obstacle.
[017] There are other notification sounds emitted inside the vehicle cabin to warn the driver, such as a “seat belt notification sound” (not shown in the figures) emitted to warn that the seat belt is not attached. However, the seat belt notification notification sound is not output from the loudspeaker inside cabin 11, but from a separate dedicated speaker or bell that is different from the loudspeaker inside cabin 11 that is used by the controller notification sound 12 to notify you that the vehicle is close to an obstacle. In other words, in the mode shown, the loudspeaker inside the cabin 11 is a separate notification sound emitting device and distinct from those used for other notification sounds emitted inside the vehicle cabin.
[018] Operational control of the loudspeaker external to the booth 1 performed by the notification sound controller 12 shown in Figure 1 will now be explained. In this mode, the motion notification sounds emitted from the loudspeaker external to the booth 1 include, but are not limited to, an initial forward motion notification sound S, an initial forward motion notification sound D, and an initial reverse motion notification sound R. The initial forward motion notification sound S (also called sound “S”) is issued as a notification before the vehicle starts to move forward. The forward motion notification sound D (also called “D” sound) works like a motion notification sound that is emitted when the vehicle is actually moving forward. The reverse motion notification sound R (also called “R” sound) functions as a motion notification sound emitted when the vehicle is actually moving in the reverse direction and / or has been shifted on a reverse gear. The initial forward motion notification sound (S sound) and the forward motion notification sound (D sound) together constitute a forward-forward notification sound that works to notify the forward movement performed by the vehicle when the vehicle is in track D.
[019] The initial forward motion notification sound S is a soft sound similar to an electronic ringing tone produced by a software phone, the forward motion notification sound D is a pseudo-mechanical sound that resembles a mechanical sound generated when a motor-driven vehicle moves and the reverse motion notification sound R is identical to the intermittent sound proper for the track selection notification sound R emitted from the loudspeaker inside the cabin 11 when the R track is selected.
[020] As just mentioned, the forward motion notification sound D is a pseudo-mechanical sound and is emitted over a long period of time. Consequently, it can be annoying to hear the forward motion notification sound D continuously, and the driver is not required to hear the forward motion notification sound D. Conversely, the initial forward motion notification sound S is a sound smooth as a software phone and is only emitted for a short period of time from just before the vehicle starts moving forward until the vehicle starts moving forward. Thus, the initial forward motion notification sound S is not irritating to the driver and is preferably heard by the driver, so that the driver can know that an initial forward notification has been issued.
[021] In view of these requirements, in this modality the forward motion notification sound D is configured to be a pseudo-mechanical sound, as will be explained now, and the initial forward motion notification sound S is configured as a sound that is emitted by a software phone, as will be explained later.
[022] In view of the sound-propagating properties between the inside and outside of the vehicle cabin, a vehicle is typically constructed so that sounds with comparatively high frequencies (typically from 1.5 kHz to 6 kHz, although there are depending on the vehicle) do not easily penetrate inside the cab from outside the cab. However, a vehicle is typically constructed so that sounds with comparatively low frequencies (typically below 1.5 kHz, although they vary depending on the vehicle) do indeed easily penetrate inside the cab from outside the cab. In this mode, therefore, the forward motion notification sound D is configured to be a pseudo-mechanical sound over a prescribed range of comparatively high frequencies (preferably from 2 kHz to 4 kHz) that do not easily enter the interior of the booth. from outside the cabin. In this way, the forward motion notification sound D is not heard unnecessarily by the driver inside the vehicle's cab. Consequently, the forward motion notification sound D (pseudo-mechanical sound) does not become a nuisance to the driver. Furthermore, the forward motion notification sound D (pseudo-mechanical sound) is readily heard by a person in the external area surrounding the vehicle and reliably informs the person of the vehicle's existence and movement.
[023] However, if the initial forward motion notification sound S is configured to be a sound (pseudo-mechanical, for example) similar to the forward motion notification sound D, then it is not necessary to configure the notification sound Initial forward motion S at a higher volume than the car horn volume so that the driver inside the vehicle cabin is able to hear the initial forward motion notification sound S and recognize the notification sound initial forward motion was issued. However, at such a volume, a person in the surrounding area will be surprised by the sound.
[024] In this mode, therefore, the initial forward movement sound (S sound) is configured to be a soft sound like the electronic ringing tone of a software phone that is in a comparatively low frequency range that readily penetrates the inside the vehicle cabin from outside the vehicle. Due to this low frequency, the initial forward motion notification sound S readily penetrates inside the vehicle cabin from outside the vehicle, so that the driver inside the vehicle cabin can hear the notification sound Initial forward motion S and recognizes unequivocally that the initial forward motion notification was issued without the forward motion notification sound being set at a high volume (that is, without surprising people in the surrounding area). In addition, the initial S forward motion notification sound is not uncomfortable or unpleasant for the driver because it is a software phone-like sound and is only emitted for a short time from just before the vehicle start moving forward until the vehicle starts moving forward.
[025] In order to control the initial forward motion notification sound S, the notification sound controller 12 in Figure 1 runs the control program shown in Figure 2. In step S11, the notification sound controller 12 checks whether the vehicle is in an actionable state. This determination can be made by comparing the vehicle's current speed V with the vehicle's stop determination speed Vs (Vs = 1 km / h, for example) and / or by checking whether the state of the ignition key is ON or OFF. If the vehicle's current speed V is less than the vehicle's Stop determination speed Vs and the ignition key is ON, then notification sound controller 12 determines that an actionable state exists. If the vehicle's speed V is equal to or greater than the vehicle's stopping speed Vs (Vs = 1 km / h, for example), so that the vehicle is determined to be in the moving state, or if the key ignition switch is OFF, so that the vehicle is in a non-actionable state, then the notification sound controller 12 ends the control sequence and skips step S15, so that the initial forward motion notification sound S does not. is issued. Thus, in step S11, the notification sound controller 12 determines that the vehicle is stopped and that the status of the ignition key 18 is ON. In this embodiment shown, step S11 of the process performed by the notification sound controller 12 corresponds to a motion state detection session.
[026] If the notification sound controller 12 determines that the vehicle is stopped (ie, V <Vs) and that the vehicle is in an actionable state (ignition key 18 is ON) in step S11, then the controller notification tone 12 proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the notification sound controller 12 determines whether the operation that changed the range to range D (shifted to the trigger position (D)) occurred while the brake switch 15 was in the OFF state (ie , the brake was not being applied). If the result of step S12 is Yes, then the notification sound controller 12 proceeds to step S15. In step S15, the notification sound controller 12 activates the speaker external to the booth 1 so that a soft sound is emitted that resembles the electronic ringing tone of a software telephone.
[027] If the result of step S12 is NO, then notification sound controller 12 proceeds to step S13. In step S13, the notification sound controller 12 determines whether the brake switch 15 has changed from ON to OFF (that is, if the brake pedal has changed from a depressed braking state to a non-braking released state) while track D was in the selected state. If the result of step S13 is Yes, then the notification sound controller 12 proceeds to step S15. In step S15, the notification sound controller 12 activates the speaker external to booth 1 so that a soft S sound is emitted that resembles the electronic ringing tone of a software telephone. In this modality shown, step S13 of the process performed by the notification sound controller 12 corresponds to an initial motion intention detection section or device.
[028] If the result of step S13 is No, then the notification sound controller 12 proceeds to step S14 and determines whether a change in range D occurred simultaneously or substantially simultaneously with the change of brake switch 15 from ON to OFF (that is, if the brake pedal has changed from the depressed braking state to the released non-braking state). If the result of step S14 is Yes, then the notification sound controller 12 proceeds to step S15 and activates the speaker external to booth 1 so that a soft S sound is emitted that resembles the electronic ringing tone. a software phone.
[029] In summary, the notification sound controller 12 activates the speaker external to cabin 1 so that the initial forward motion notification sound S is emitted when any of the following conditions occurs while the vehicle is stationary ( V <Vs) and in an actionable state (ignition key 18 is ON) (step S11): (1) an operation that changes the range to range D occurs while the brake pedal is in the released non-braking state ( step S12); (2) the brake pedal changes from the pressed braking state to the released non-braking state while track D is in the selected state (step S13); or (3) the operation that changes the range to D range occurs simultaneously with the change of the brake pedal from the pressed brake state to the released non-brake state (step S14). Otherwise, the loudspeaker outside cabin 1 remains in an unmuted state and the initial forward motion notification sound S is not output.
[030] In this mode, the initial forward motion notification sound S is emitted just before the vehicle starts to move when the vehicle is stopped in an actionable state (step S11) and the shift operation that changes the lane for track D occurs while the brake pedal is in the released (non-braking) state (step S12), the foot that presses the brake pedal releases the brake pedal while track D is in the selected state (step S13), or the travel operation that changes the range to range D occurs simultaneously with the brake release operation in which the foot that presses the brake pedal is released from the brake pedal (step S14). In other words, in these situations the initial forward motion notification sound S is emitted immediately by the speaker outside cabin 1 before the vehicle starts to move (step S15).
[031] If the device was configured to emit the initial forward motion notification sound S upon entry of the vehicle in an actionable state due to the ignition key ON, then the initial forward motion notification sound S it would be emitted too soon and the initial forward motion notification sound S would be emitted unnecessarily during the period from when the vehicle entered the actionable state until just before the vehicle started to move. Consequently, the initial forward motion notification sound S would be emitted for a long time until the vehicle started to move and would disturb people (pedestrians, for example) in the area surrounding the vehicle. Conversely, if the initial forward motion notification sound S is emitted after the vehicle starts to move, then the initial forward motion notification sound S will not serve its purpose of notifying that the vehicle will start moving up and the meaning of the notification sound will decrease.
[032] With this mode, however, since the initial forward motion notification sound S is emitted just before the vehicle starts to move, the problem of the initial forward motion notification sound can be avoided. S be emitted for a long time before the vehicle starts to move and confuse people (pedestrians, for example) in the surrounding area or the meaning of the notification provided by the initial forward motion notification sound decreases.
[033] In order to control the forward motion notification sound D, the notification sound controller 12 in Figure 1 runs the control program shown in Figure 3. In step S21, the notification sound controller 12 checks whether the initial forward motion notification sound S is being emitted by the loudspeaker external to booth 1. If the initial forward motion notification sound S is being emitted, then controller 12 proceeds to step S22. In step S22, the notification sound controller 12 checks whether the prescribed amount of time has elapsed since the initial forward motion notification sound S started to be emitted (500 msec, for example). Controller 12 terminates the control loop and continues to emit the initial forward motion notification sound S initiated at step S15 of Figure 20 until the prescribed amount of time (500 msec) elapses.
[034] When the notification sound controller 12 determines in step S22 that the prescribed amount of time (500 msec) has elapsed since the emission of the initial forward motion notification sound S started, that is, after the initial forward motion notification S has been issued continuously for the prescribed amount of time, controller 12 proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the notification sound controller 12 performs a fusion in the transmission of the images from two cameras from the initial forward motion notification sound S with the forward motion notification sound D. The merger in the transmission of images from two cameras. initial forward motion notification sound S with forward forward notification sound D involves gradually lowering the sound pressure level of the initial forward motion notification sound S while gradually increasing the sound pressure level from the forward motion notification sound D (pseudo-mechanical sound) so that the operating state of the speaker outside the booth 1 gradually changes from the initial forward motion notification sound S to the motion notification sound to forward D. Consequently, changing the initial forward motion notification sound S to forward forward notification sound D can be done without doing q ue a person (a pedestrian, for example) in the surrounding area experiences a strange sensation about the sounds of the vehicle.
[035] In this modality, since the initial forward motion notification sound S is emitted immediately before the vehicle starts to move, as previously described with reference to Figure 2 (steps S12 to S15 in Figure 2), the initial forward motion notification sound S is emitted at an appropriate timing for the notification that the vehicle will begin to move. As explained above, the forward motion notification sound D is also emitted at an appropriate timing following the initial forward motion notification sound S. Consequently, the situation in which the forward motion notification sound can be avoided. D is emitted long before the vehicle starts to move. In this way, the motion notification sound will not cause people (pedestrians, for example) in the surrounding area to be disconcerted and the significance of the forward motion notification provided by the forward motion notification sound D will decrease.
[036] If controller 12 determines in step S21 that the initial forward motion notification sound S is not being emitted from the speaker outside cabin 1, controller 12 proceeds to step S24, where controller 12 checks whether the ignition key 18 is ON, that is, if the vehicle is in an operable state. If controller 12 determines that the vehicle is in an actionable state, then controller 12 proceeds to step S25. In step S25, controller 12 checks whether the Drive range or D is in the selected state (that is, whether range D has been selected). If track D has been selected, then controller 12 proceeds to step S26. In step S26, controller 12 determines whether the vehicle's V speed is equal to or greater than the vehicle's Stop determination speed Vs, that is, whether the vehicle is moving. If controller 12 determines that the vehicle is in an actionable state in step S24, that range D is selected in step S25 and that the vehicle is moving (V> Vs) in step S26, then controller 12 proceeds to step S27. In step S27, the controller 12 activates the speaker external to the booth 1 so that the forward motion notification sound D (pseudo-mechanical sound) is emitted.
[037] The forward motion notification sound D is a pseudo-mechanical sound, as explained earlier. The volume level of the forward motion notification sound D is kept constant. However, the frequency of the forward motion notification sound D is set to increase as the vehicle speed increases while remaining within a comparatively high frequency range into which the forward motion notification sound D cannot easily penetrate. inside the cabin outside the cabin. The frequency of the forward motion notification sound D is fixed based on the detected speed of the vehicle. Thus, in this first embodiment, the speed sensor 14 corresponds to a frequency setting device or section. In the first modality, the frequency is fixed so as to have a linear relationship with the vehicle speed, but it is also acceptable to fix the frequency as an increasingly convex or concave curve in the manner of an exponential function. The volume level is not changed, but fixed at a constant prescribed value (corresponds to a section or volume setting device); only the frequency is changed. When the forward motion notification sound D is produced in this way as a pseudo-mechanical sound whose sound pressure level remains constant and whose frequency increases as the vehicle speed increases, a person outside the vehicle can judge the distance up to the vehicle based on the volume of the forward motion notification sound D. In particular, as the volume of the forward motion notification sound D becomes higher, the person can determine that the vehicle is approaching. Since the volume of the sound emitted from the vehicle is constant, the sound pressure perceived by a person outside the vehicle differs according to the distance. Therefore, a person outside the vehicle can judge the distance between them and the vehicle based on the difference in sound pressure. In addition, the person can judge the speed of the vehicle based on the pitch of the forward motion notification sound D. The higher the pitch of the forward motion notification sound D, the higher the speed of the vehicle. Thus, based solely on the forward motion notification sound D, the person can know approximately how close the vehicle is and the speed with which it is approaching.
[038] In step S28, controller 12 determines whether vehicle speed V has reached or exceeded the prescribed vehicle speed (30 km / h) since the movement started. This prescribed vehicle speed (30 km / h) corresponds to a minimum prescribed vehicle speed value for which the forward motion notification sound D is no longer needed. This prescribed speed (30 km / h) is also called the sound reduction speed D, which represents a low vehicle speed. Thus, when the vehicle reaches the sound deceleration speed D, controller 12 begins to decrease the forward motion notification sound D. If the result of step S28 is No, then controller 12 proceeds to step S29 and determines if the vehicle speed V is below the prescribed sound input speed D, which represents a low vehicle speed. In this mode, the prescribed speed of sound input D is fixed at 25 km / h, which is lower than the speed of sound reduction D of 30 km / h (minimum vehicle speed value at which the notification sound of forward movement D is not necessary) at a hysteresis value (5 km / h). If controller 12 determines in step S28 that since the vehicle started to move, the vehicle's speed V has become equal to or greater than the speed decrease sound D of 30 km / h, then controller 12 proceeds to the step S31. In step S31, controller 12 a drives the speaker outside cabin 1 so that the forward motion notification sound D emitted in step S27 fades out and gradually disappears.
[039] If controller 12 determines in step S29 that the vehicle's speed V is below the speed of sound input D of 25 km / h, then controller 12 proceeds to step S32. In step S32, controller 12 checks whether the forward motion notification sound D is being emitted. If the forward motion notification sound D has been interrupted due to the execution of step S31, then controller 12 proceeds to step S33, where controller 12 activates the speaker outside cabin 1 so that the notification sound forward motion D gradually increase from a sound pressure level of 0 (so that the forward motion notification sound D is introduced). If controller 12 determines in step S32 that the forward motion notification sound D is being emitted, then controller 12 terminates the control loop and continues to drive the speaker outside the booth so that the forward movement D is emitted.
[040] If controller 12 determines in step S29 that the vehicle's speed V is equal to or higher than the sound input speed D (25 km / h), that is, if controller 12 determines that the vehicle's speed V vehicle is in a region of hysteresis between the speed of sound reduction D of 30 km / h and the speed of introduction of sound D of 25 km / h, then controller 12 closes the control loop so that the current operating state of the loudspeaker - speaker external to booth 1 is maintained and the forward motion notification sound D continues to be output in the current manner.
[041] If controller 12 determines in step S24 that the ignition key 18 is OFF, ie that the vehicle is in a non-actionable state, then the forward motion notification sound D is not required and controller 12 proceed to step S31. In step S31, the controller 12 activates the speaker external to the booth 1 so that the forward motion notification sound D gradually decreases.
[042] If controller 12 determines in step S25 that track D is not selected or if controller 12 determines that track D is still in the selected state, but determines that the vehicle is stopped at step S26, then the notification sound forward motion D is not necessary and controller 12 needs to activate the speaker external to booth 1 so that the forward motion notification sound D gradually disappears. In this case, however, the forward motion notification sound D is processed in a special way, which will be explained now. In step S34, controller 12 determines whether the vehicle's speed V was zero (V = 0 km / h) continuously for a prescribed amount of time (10 seconds in this mode). If the determination result is Yes in step S34, then controller 12 proceeds to step S31 and activates the speaker outside the booth so that the forward motion notification sound D gradually disappears. The prescribed amount of time set out in step S34 is preferably the amount of time to determine whether the vehicle is waiting on a light signal or traveling on a congested road. It is acceptable to vary the amount of time prescribed by measuring the stopping time that occurs on a congested road and setting the amount of time prescribed automatically or allowing the driver to set the amount of time prescribed manually considering the downtime that occurs on a congested road. Alternatively, the prescribed amount of time can be fixed in a variable way based on information provided by the vehicle's navigation system or other information provided to the vehicle about the area in which the vehicle is traveling.
[043] If controller 12 determines in step S34 that the vehicle is not stopped, that is, that the vehicle's speed V is not equal to 0 km / h, or that the vehicle is in the stopped state but the stopped state has not continued for at least the fixed amount of time (10 seconds), then controller 12 proceeds to step S35. In step S35, controller 12 determines whether the vehicle is configured to park (P), neutral (N) or another non-drive range. In this modality shown, step S35 corresponds to a section or device for determining the intention of continuing the drive. If the determination result is Yes in step S35, then controller 12 proceeds to step S36. In step S36, the controller 12 determines whether the vehicle's speed V is less than the vehicle's stopping speed Vs, that is, whether the vehicle can be considered substantially stopped. If the determination result is Yes in step S36, then controller 12 proceeds to step S31. In step S31, controller 12 activates the speaker external to booth 1 so that the forward motion notification sound D gradually disappears.
[044] In other words, even if controller 12 determines in step S34 that the vehicle is not in the stopped state, with the vehicle's speed V equal to 0 km / h or that the vehicle is in the stopped state, but was in the stopped state stopped continuously for at least a fixed amount of time (10 seconds), controller 12 still fades out the forward motion notification sound D (step S31) if the selected range is not a non-triggering range (parked or neutral) ) (step S35) and the speed V of the vehicle is below the speed of stop determination Vs of the vehicle (step S36).
[045] However, if the selected range is determined to be a non-drive range (parked or neutral) in step S35, or if it is determined that the selected range is a non-drive range (parked or neutral) in step S35, but the vehicle speed V is determined to be equal to or greater than the vehicle's Stop determination speed Vs (ie, the vehicle is determined to be moving) in step S36, then it is necessary to emit the motion notification sound for front D. Thus, controller 12 proceeds to step S27, where controller 12 continues to drive the speaker external to booth 1 so that the forward motion notification sound D is emitted.
[046] When the lane is changed from lane D to a non-drive lane (parked or neutral), there is a possibility that the vehicle will still move due to inertia. Thus, the device is configured to continue to emit the forward motion D sound from the speaker outside the booth 1 when it is determined that the selected range is a non-triggering range (stationary or neutral) in step S35, but is determined that the vehicle speed V is equal to or greater than the vehicle's Stop determination speed Vs (i.e., the vehicle is determined to be moving) in step S36. In this way, a person who is in the vicinity of the front end of the vehicle when the vehicle moves due to inertia in such a case may be compelled to take care by the movement notification sound.
[047] In this mode, when controller 12 determines that track D is not in the state selected in step S25 or when track D is still in the state selected, but controller 12 determines that the vehicle is stopped at step S26, the controller does not proceed immediately to step S31 and gradually fades the forward motion notification sound D. Instead, controller 12 continues to emit the forward motion notification sound D until step S34 is performed and only then continues until the step S31. In step S31, controller 12 causes the forward motion notification sound D to gradually disappear if controller 12 determines that the vehicle's speed V equals 0 km / h, that is, that the vehicle has been in the stopped state for an amount fixed time (10 seconds). Thus, when the vehicle is on a congested roadway or in another situation in which the vehicle stops, but the vehicle's speed V does not remain at 0 km / h (stopped state) for the fixed amount of time (10 seconds), you can avoid the uncomfortable situation in which the forward motion notification sound D gradually disappears and is then emitted again according to the initial forward motion notification sound control S shown in Figure 2 (step S15) every time that the vehicle stops. In order to achieve this goal even more effectively, it is acceptable to vary the amount of time prescribed by measuring the downtime that occurs on a congested road and establishing the amount of time prescribed automatically or allowing ensure that the driver establishes the amount of time fixed manually considering the stopping time that occurred on a congested road.
[048] In order to control the reverse motion notification sound R (sound R), the notification sound controller 12 executes the control program shown in Figure 4. In step S41, controller 12 checks whether the ignition key 18 is ON, that is, if the vehicle is in an actionable state. If the vehicle is in an actionable state, then controller 12 proceeds to step S42. In step S42, controller 12 checks whether the vehicle has been placed in reverse (that is, whether the lane is fixed to lane R). If the vehicle is in reverse (range R), then controller 12 proceeds to step S43. In step S43, the controller 12 activates the speaker external to the cabin 1 so that the reverse movement notification sound R is emitted. Thus, the reverse motion notification sound R is emitted before the vehicle actually begins to move.
[049] Thus, when the ignition key 18 is ON, that is, the vehicle is in an actionable state (step S41) and the vehicle is in reverse, that is, in range R (step S42), the notification sound reverse motion R is output from the speaker outside booth 1 immediately (step S43). Since the reverse movement notification sound R is emitted from the loudspeaker outside cabin 1 immediately when the vehicle is in reverse, that is, in range R (steps S42 and S43), a “sound selection notification sound range R ”is emitted from the loudspeaker inside cabin 11 simultaneously while the vehicle is in reverse (range R), as explained previously.
[050] As explained earlier, since the reverse motion notification sound R emitted from the speaker external to booth 1 in step S43 serves to transmit the same type of vehicle information as the R select selection notification sound emitted from the loudspeaker internal to the booth 11, the reverse motion notification sound R emitted from the loudspeaker external to the booth 1 is also configured to be an intermittent sound. The reverse movement notification sound R (intermittent sound) is controlled in order to be synchronized with the intermittent R track selection notification sound emitted from the loudspeaker inside the cabin 11. Thus, in this mode, step S43 constitutes a Sound synchronization section for internal-external notification to the cabin.
[051] It is also acceptable if, conversely, the intermittent R track selection notification sound emitted from the internal speaker in booth 11 is synchronized with the R reverse motion notification sound (intermittent sound) emitted from the external speaker. to cabin 1.
[052] One way or another, the reverse movement notification sound R (intermittent sound) emitted from the speaker outside the booth 1 and the track selection notification sound R simultaneously emitted from the speaker inside the booth 11 are synchronized and the R sound from the speaker outside the cabin 1 (which the driver does not need to hear) overlaps with the intermittent R track selection notification sound from the speaker inside the cabin 11 so that the driver cannot hear it. Thus, the problem of the driver hearing and being disturbed by the unnecessary R sound emitted from the speaker outside the cabin 1 can be alleviated.
[053] Furthermore, since the reverse movement notification sound R (intermittent sound) is synchronized with the intermittent R track selection notification sound, the intermittent periods in which neither the reverse movement notification sound R (intermittent sound) from the loudspeaker outside cabin 1 nor the track selection notification sound R from the loudspeaker inside cabin 11 can be heard, that is, the periods when the driver can easily hear another sound from notification, are longer. Thus, during these longer silent periods, such other notification sounds, such as the obstacle proximity notification sound and the seat belt notification sound mentioned above, can be heard by the driver. In this way, the driver can recognize the notification sounds immediately and obtain the corresponding information in a safe manner, which is considerably advantageous from the point of view of safety.
[054] If controller 12 determines in step S41 that the ignition key 18 is OFF, that is, that the vehicle is in a non-actionable state, then the vehicle cannot move in reverse and it is not necessary to emit the sound A. Therefore, controller 12 closes the control loop directly and skips step S43 so that the R sound is not emitted (that is, the speaker outside booth 1 is put into an unmoved state).
[055] If controller 12 determines in step S42 that the R range is not selected, then controller 12 proceeds to step S44 and determines whether a non-drive range (stationary or neutral) is selected. If controller 12 determines that the vehicle is not fixed to a non-driving range (parked or neutral), that is, that range D is selected, then it is not necessary to emit the reverse motion notification sound R and the controller 12 closes the control loop directly, thereby skipping step S43 so that the reverse motion notification sound R is not emitted (ie, the speaker outside booth 1 is placed in a non-triggered state).
[056] If controller 12 determines in step S44 that the vehicle is fixed in a non-driving range (parked or neutral), then controller 12 proceeds to step S45 and checks whether the vehicle's speed V is below the speed of determination of vehicle stop Vs, that is, whether the vehicle can be considered substantially stopped. If controller 12 determines that the vehicle is substantially stopped, then controller 12 proceeds to step S46. In step S46, controller 12 activates the speaker external to booth 1 so that the reverse movement notification sound R emitted in step S43 gradually decreases until it disappears.
[057] However, if controller 12 determines that the vehicle is in a non-driving range (parked or neutral) in step S44, but the vehicle's speed V is not less than the vehicle's Stop determination speed Vs (ie , the vehicle is not substantially stopped, but it has been determined to be moving), then controller 12 determines that the vehicle is moving in reverse, even though it is in a non-driving range (parked or neutral) and proceeds to step S47 . In step S47, controller 12 continues to activate the speaker external to booth 1 so that the reverse motion notification sound R that started to be emitted in step S43 continues to be emitted. In this way, in the situation where the vehicle continues to move in reverse due to inertia after the lane is changed from lane R to a no-drive lane (stationary or neutral), the reverse movement notification sound R may continue to be emitted from the loudspeaker outside the cabin 1. In this way, a person close to the rear end of the vehicle can be reliably warned that the vehicle is moving backwards and be urged to be careful.
[058] The situation in which the reverse movement notification sound R is emitted in step S47 can only occur if controller 12 has determined in step S42 that the range R is not in the selected state. In such a situation, as it should be clear from the previous explanation, that the R track selection notification sound is not output from the internal speaker in booth 11 and thus it is not necessary to synchronize the R track selection notification sound. emitted from the loudspeaker inside the booth 11 with the R sound from the loudspeaker outside the booth 1, as done in step S43.
[059] As explained earlier with reference to Figures 2 and 3, the forward motion notification sound D is emitted when a prescribed amount of time, 500 msec, for example, has elapsed (step S22 in Figure 3) since the initial forward movement notification sound S started to be emitted (step S15 in Figure 2) in response to the driver's selection of lane D from the stopped state (step S11 in Figure 2) and the execution of the operation by the driver preparation to start the movement of the vehicle, releasing the brake pedal, for example (steps S12 to S14 of Figure 2). Conversely, as explained earlier with reference to Figure 4, the reverse movement notification sound R is emitted immediately (step S43 in Figure 4) when the driver selects lane R (step S42 in Figure 4). The reason why the reverse motion notification sound R is output immediately will now be explained.
[060] The vehicle is intended primarily for driving forward and reverse driving is more difficult for the driver than driving forward. Furthermore, a person (a pedestrian, for example) in the surrounding area of the vehicle tends to assume that the vehicle typically moves in the forward direction and naturally takes care with regard to the forward movement of the vehicle. Conversely, the person does not expect the vehicle to move in reverse and tends to be less careful in anticipation of the reverse movement.
[061] In summary, the reverse movement notification sound R is emitted as a reverse movement notification that indicates movement in a direction that the driver is less used to and in a direction in which a person is least expected (a pedestrian) , for example) in the surrounding area. From a safety point of view, therefore, it is preferable that the reverse movement notification sound R is emitted as soon as possible in order to urge people in the surrounding area to be careful. Conversely, the D movement notification sound is emitted as a forward movement notification that indicates movement in a direction the driver is most used to and in a direction in which a person (a pedestrian, for example, is more likely) ) in the surrounding area wait as a natural direction for the vehicle to move. Furthermore, as explained earlier, the forward motion notification sound D is a pseudo-mechanical sound and it is best to keep the forward motion notification sound D issuing time as short as possible in order to ensure silence of the vehicle. Therefore, it is preferable that the forward move notification sound D is output as late as possible.
[062] Thus, as mentioned above, each notification sound (the S sound, the D sound and the R sound) is emitted under the respective different vehicle conditions in this environment. In this modality, in particular, the device is configured so that the reverse movement notification sound R is emitted immediately (step S43 in Figure 4) when the driver performs the operation of selecting the track R (step S42 in Figure 4). In addition, in this mode, the device is configured so that the forward motion notification sound D is emitted after a prescribed amount of time, such as, for example, 500 msec, has elapsed (step S22 in Figure 3) since the software phone-like sound of the initial forward motion notification sound S started to be emitted (step S15 in Figure 2) in response to the driver's selection of lane D from the stopped state (step S11 of Figure 2) and the operation performed by the driver in preparation to start moving the vehicle, releasing the brake pedal, for example (steps S12 to S14 in Figure 2). By configuring the device in this way, the notification sounds emitted for forward and reverse movement can be emitted, each of them, at a necessary delay and for a necessary period of time without confusing the person (a pedestrian, for example) in the surrounding area by the emission of unnecessary notification sounds.
[063] There are situations in which a notification sound (the S sound, the D sound and the R sound, for example) emitted from the speaker outside cabin 1, such as the initial forward motion notification sound S, the forward motion notification sound D, or reverse motion notification sound R, can be an uncomfortable disturbance for others, such as late at night or in a residential neighborhood. In such a situation, the driver can issue a notification sound ban command by pressing the mute switch 16 shown in Figure 1. The mute switch 16 is configured to issue a notification mute command every time it is pressed, so enter the ON state. When it is not being pressed, it automatically returns to its normal position (OFF position). In this mode, the key changes 16 corresponds to a device or notification sound prohibition section.
[064] The mute key 16 has a prohibited notification sound lamp that illuminates when the notification sound prohibition command is being issued. The forbidden notification sound lamp lights up when the switch 16 is pressed (while the lamp is not lit) and goes out when the switch 16 is pressed again. The forbidden notification sound lamp also goes out automatically (that is, without the driver pressing the switch changes 16 again) when the notification sound ban command is canceled due to the ignition switching off or when the vehicle speed exceeds the speed of gradual decrease of sound D. In summary, the lighting status of the prohibited notification sound lamp corresponds to the on-off state of the notification sound prohibition command.
[065] When controller 12 receives the key notification sound prohibition command changes 16, the controller 12 shown in Figure 1 executes a control program shown in Figure 5 and prohibits the emission of notification sounds ( the sound S, the sound D and the sound R), as will be explained now.
[066] In step S51, the controller 12 checks whether the switch key 16 has been switched ON, that is, whether the prohibited notification sound lamp is illuminated and the notification sound prohibition command has been issued. If the switch key 16 is OFF (if the notification sound ban command has not been issued), then the controller 12 closes the control loop and does not perform the notification sounds ban. Consequently, the notification sounds are emitted as explained above with reference to Figures 2 to 4.
[067] If controller 12 determines in step S51 that switch switch 16 has been triggered so that the notification sound prohibition lamp is illuminated (that is, so that the notification sound prohibition command has been issued) , then controller 12 proceeds to step S52. In step S52, controller 12 prohibits the emission of notification sounds so that the notification sounds (the S sound, the D sound and the R sound) are not output from the speaker outside cabin 1 regardless of the state of the controls shown in Figures 2 to 4.
[068] Then, in step S53, controller 12 can selectively use different vehicle conditions as a basis for overriding the ban on emitting a notification sound. In particular, controller 12 can be configured to use either a prescribed vehicle speed or vehicle position information as the condition of the vehicle to cancel the prohibition on the emission of a notification sound. In the modality shown, step S53 corresponds to a prohibition cancellation determination section.
[069] In case vehicle position information is used as the vehicle condition to cancel the ban on emitting a notification sound, in step S53, controller 12 determines whether vehicle V is in a residential area using the system navigation 20. If the result of this determination is No in step S53, then controller 12 closes the control loop and continues the ban on notification sound initiated in step S52 while leaving the notification sound lamp forbidden lit. If controller 12 determines in step S53 that the vehicle is in a residential area, then controller 12 proceeds to step S54.
[070] In the event that the prescribed vehicle speed is used as the vehicle condition to cancel the notification sound emission ban, in step S53, controller 12 determines whether the vehicle speed V is equal to or greater than 30 km / h, which is the minimum vehicle speed value at which the forward motion notification sound D is not required (speed of gradually decreasing sound D), as explained earlier with reference to step S28 in Figure 3. If the the result of this determination is No in step S53, then controller 12 closes the control loop and continues the ban on notification sound emission initiated in step S52 while leaving the forbidden notification sound lamp illuminated. If controller 12 determines in step S53 that the vehicle's speed V is equal to or greater than the rate of gradual sound reduction D (30 km / h, for example), then controller 12 proceeds to step S54.
[071] In step S54, controller 12 turns off the forbidden notification sound lamp and cancels the notification sound emission ban initiated in step S52, thus allowing notification sounds (the S sound, the D sound and the sound R) are emitted from the speaker external to booth 1 according to the controls shown in Figures 2 to 4. In the mode shown, step S54 corresponds to a prohibition cancellation section.
[072] With the notification sound ban control just described, the driver can prohibit the emission of notification sounds (the S sound, the D sound and the R sound) from the speaker outside the cabin 1 ( step S52) regardless of the state of the controls shown in Figures 2 to 4 by pressing the key changes 16 and causing the forbidden notification sound lamp to light up (step S51). Thus, the emission of the notification sounds can be prevented in situations where the notification sound emitted from the speaker outside the booth 1, that is, the initial forward motion notification sound S, the notification sound of forward movement D and or the reverse movement notification sound R, can be an uncomfortable disturbance for other people (pedestrians, for example) in the surrounding area, such as late at night or in a residential neighborhood.
[073] However, if the emission of notification sounds continues to be prohibited after the driver presses the key changes 16, then the notification sounds will not be emitted even after the vehicle has moved to an area where the notification sounds they will not be a nuisance and the device will not serve its purpose as a safety device. In this mode, therefore, either if the vehicle leaves an established residential area, or if the vehicle's speed V reaches or the vehicle's speed V exceeds the speed of gradually decreasing the sound D (30 km / h, for example) in the stage S53, then controller 12 determines that the vehicle has moved to a place where the notification sounds will not disturb anyone and cancels the prohibition on the emission of the notification sound (step S54). In this way, the forbidden notification sound lamp goes out and the notification sounds (the S sound, the D sound and the R sound) can be emitted from the speaker outside the booth 1 according to the controls shown in Figures 2 to 4.
[074] By canceling the ban in this way, the situation in which the notification sounds are not emitted even after the vehicle has moved to a place where the notification sounds will not disturb anyone can be avoided and the notification device can serve its purpose as a safety device. When the forbidden notification sound lamp is illuminated and the notification sound ban command is being issued, the driver can turn off the prohibited notification sound lamp and cancel the notification sound ban command by pressing the switch key 16 again. . In this way, the notification sound prohibition command can be canceled by the driver even if the vehicle condition established by step S53 is not satisfied.
[075] In this mode, controller 12 can be configured to use either the vehicle's exit from an established residential area, or the range or the speed of the gradually decreasing speed (30 km / h, for example) of D sound. by vehicle speed V as a vehicle condition to cancel the notification sound ban. Certain operational effects can be obtained by having the device determine that the vehicle has moved to a place where the notification sounds will not disturb anyone and cancel the notification sound ban when this condition is met. These effects will be explained now.
[076] If the condition for canceling the notification sound ban is set at the prescribed speed V of the vehicle, which is less than the speed of gradually decreasing the sound D (30 km / h) (ie vehicle speed V <a D), then it will be possible to cancel the ban while the vehicle is still in a place where the notification sounds may disturb others in the surrounding area. More specifically, as explained earlier, the region of low vehicle speeds below 30 km / h is the region in which the device is configured to emit the forward motion notification sound D. However, it is in this same low speed region of vehicle that the driver can press the key changes 16 (ON) to prohibit the notification sounds from being a nuisance. If the cancellation condition is set at a vehicle speed in this low vehicle speed region, then the notification sound ban will be canceled immediately when the vehicle speed reaches the prescribed vehicle speed. This would result in allowing a notification sound to be emitted and thus disturbing people (pedestrians, for example) in the area surrounding the vehicle. The same problem will exist even if a timer is displayed to cancel the ban and resume the notification tone when a prescribed amount of time has elapsed since the switch 16 has been pressed and the notification tone ban lamp has been illuminated.
[077] In this modality, however, the condition for canceling the notification sound ban is either leaving the vehicle from a residential area, determined by the navigation system 20, or reaching or exceeding a prescribed vehicle speed (the speed gradual decrease of D sound of 30 km / h, for example) by the vehicle speed V in step S53. If the vehicle is no longer in a residential area or if the vehicle's V speed has reached or exceeded the prescribed vehicle speed, then the notification sound ban is lifted. Consequently, when the driver turns OFF the key changes 16 while the vehicle is in a residential area (that is, while the vehicle speed is in a low speed vehicle region where the D sound is emitted), the prohibition of notification sounds is not canceled when the driver's finger leaves the key changes 16. Instead, the ban continues and the problem of making a notification sound while the vehicle is traveling in a residential area or below the prescribed vehicle speed (a speed of gradual decrease of D sound of 30 km / h, for example) where the notification sound can be a nuisance for a person (a pedestrian, for example) in the surrounding area can be avoided.
[078] When the vehicle is traveling in an area surrounding a factory, a crowded shopping area or another noisy place (a place where the noise level is high, for example), it can be difficult for someone (a pedestrian, for example) in a surrounding area you can hear the initial forward motion notification sound S, the forward motion notification sound D, the reverse motion notification sound R, or another notification sound emitted from the speaker outside the booth 1 it is difficult for the purpose of the notification to be fulfilled if the notification sound is emitted at a standard sound pressure level. In such a situation, the driver can issue a volume boost command by pressing a volume boost key 17 shown in Figure 1. The volume boost key 17 is configured to issue a volume boost command. of notification volume every time it is pressed so that it enters the ON state. When it is not being pressed, it automatically returns to its normal position (OFF position).
[079] When controller 12 receives the notification volume up command from volume up switch 17, notification sound controller 12 shown in Figure 1 runs a control program shown in Figure 6 and increases the volume of notification sounds, as will be explained. In step S61, controller 12 verifies that the volume increase key 17 has been turned ON, that is, whether the notification volume increase command has been issued. If the volume up switch 17 is not ON (if the notification volume up command has not been issued), then controller 12 closes the control loop and does not perform volume up of the sounds. notification. Consequently, the notification sounds are emitted as explained previously with reference to Figures 2 to 4 and the sound pressure level of the notification sounds remains at a default value.
[080] If controller 12 determines in step S61 that the volume up key 17 is ON (ie, that the notification volume up command), then controller 12 proceeds to step S62 and increases the volume of notification sounds so that the notification sound (S-sound, D-sound or R-sound) emitted from the speaker external to booth 1 according to the controls explained in Figures 2 to 4 is emitted at a level of sound pressure higher than the standard value.
[081] In step S63, controller 12 determines whether the prescribed amount of time (one minute, for example) has elapsed since the volume up switch 17 was ON (ie, since the volume up command) notification sound has been emitted). If the result of the determination is No, that is, if the prescribed amount of time has not yet elapsed since the volume up key 17 has been switched ON (that is, since the notification volume up command) emitted), then controller 12 ends the control loop and continues to perform the notification volume increase initiated in step S62. When controller 12 determines in step S63 that the prescribed amount of time has elapsed since the volume up key 17 was ON (i.e., since the notification volume up command was issued), the controller 12 proceeds to step S64 and cancels the notification volume increase performed in step S62, thereby lowering the sound pressure level of the notification sounds (the S sound, the D sound and the R sound) emitted from the loudspeaker. speaker external to booth 1 according to the controls shown in Figures 2 to 4 back to the default value.
[082] With the notification volume increase control described above, when the vehicle is traveling in the area surrounding a factory, a crowded shopping area or other noisy place where it may be difficult for a person in the surrounding area to hear a notification sound emitted from the speaker outside cabin 1, the driver can increase the volume of notification sounds by pressing the volume up key 17 (step S61) so that the controller increases the sound pressure level (step S62) of the notification sounds (the S sound, the D sound and the R sound) emitted from the speaker external to booth 1 according to the controls shown in Figures 2 to 4. In this way, a person in the surrounding area is able to hear the notification sound emitted from the speaker outside booth 1 or in the area surrounding a factory, a full shopping area or other noisy place.
[083] If the increased volume status of the notification sounds were to continue after the volume up key 17 is pressed by the driver, then the notification sounds would be too loud when the vehicle was driven to a residential area or other less noisy place (ie a place with a low noise level) and would become a nuisance to people in the surrounding area. In this modality, in particular, the forward motion notification sound D is a pseudo-mechanical sound in a comparatively high frequency range that does not readily enter the interior of the cabin from outside the cabin. Since it is difficult for the driver inside the cab to hear the forward movement notification sound, it is easy for the driver to forget to return (lower) to the volume level. Therefore, this mode is configured to cancel the volume increase of the notification sounds (step S64) when the prescribed amount of time has elapsed (step S63) since the volume increase switch 17 was turned on (that is, since that the notification volume increase command was issued), thereby lowering the sound pressure level of the notification sounds (the S sound, the D sound and the R sound) emitted from the speaker external to booth 1 of according to the controls shown in Figures 2 to 4 back to a standard level.
[084] Thus, it is assumed that by the time the prescribed amount of time has elapsed since the volume up switch 17 has been switched ON, the vehicle will have moved to a less crowded suburban area, a residential area or another quieter place. By lowering the notification sounds (the S sound, the D sound and the R sound) emitted from the speaker outside cabin 1 back to the standard sound pressure level, the volume of the resulting notification sounds increased when the switch 17 volume boost is ON can be prevented from disturbing people in the vicinity of the vehicle when the vehicle is in a quieter place.
[085] The operational effects of a notification sound emitting device according to this modality will now be explained.
[086] If the vehicle is a motor-driven vehicle that uses only one motor as a power source, then when the vehicle is stopped, but in an actionable state (that is, in a state in which the notification sound of initial forward motion S would be emitted), a pedestrian close to the vehicle may recognize that the vehicle may begin to move based on the engine idling sound. However, if the vehicle is an electric car or is in a travel mode in which only an electric motor is used as a power source, then the vehicle's operating sound is silent and it is difficult for a pedestrian to recognize that the vehicle can start moving forward from the stopped state. Therefore, when the vehicle is stopped, it is necessary to inform the pedestrian that the vehicle can start moving forward.
[087] In the first mode, therefore, the initial forward movement notification sound S is emitted when the results of step S12, step S13 and step S14 are all Yes, that is, when the driver has completed the operation of select range D and the brake release operation (so that the brake switch 16 is switched OFF). Normally, when the driver will start driving the vehicle forward, the driver changes the selected range from range P to range D while pressing the brake pedal and then the driver moves his foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal and press the accelerator pedal. Thus, by detecting whether both the operation of selecting track D and the operation of disengaging the brake have been completed, the device can detect whether the driver has completed operations in preparation for the forward drive and is waiting to press the accelerator, that is, if the vehicle is in a state that corresponds to the time immediately before the vehicle begins to move. By issuing the initial forward motion notification sound S when the D lane selection operation and the brake release operation have been completed, pedestrians in the area surrounding the vehicle can be informed that the vehicle will begin to move. move forward from a stop.
[088] With the control program for the initial forward motion notification sound S shown in Figure 2, during the period that the driver is making the brake pedal gradually return from the depressed state in the direction of the released state, but still did not release the brake pedal, controller 12 skips step S15 and does not emit the initial forward motion notification sound S because the brake switch 15 has not yet changed from ON to OFF. During a brake pedal return operation as described above, there is a possibility that the braking force will decrease and the vehicle will start to move due, for example, to a dragging force or to the downward slope of the brake surface. a carriageway. In addition, in this kind of situation, it is necessary to warn pedestrians in the vicinity of the vehicle. However, since the notification of a vehicle that begins to move in this way would occur after the vehicle has started to move, the forward motion notification sound D (which serves to warn of the movement in progress) is more appropriate that the initial forward movement notification sound (which indicates a state just before the movement starts). In addition, since the vehicle is moving slowly with a braking force applied, the emission of the initial forward motion notification sound S can give pedestrians in the surrounding area the false impression that the vehicle will begin to move quickly (while accelerating).
[089] Therefore, in this mode, as shown in Figure 3, when the vehicle starts to move forward due to a slow brake return operation, during which the initial forward motion notification sound S is not emitted , controller 12 proceeds from step S21 of Figure 4 to steps S24 to 226. Then, when it is determined that the vehicle speed V is equal to or greater than the vehicle's Stop Determination speed in step S26, controller 12 proceeds to step S27 and emits the forward movement notification sound D.
[090] Thus, when the driver performs a gradual brake pedal return operation while the vehicle is at a standstill and the vehicle begins to move due to decreased braking force, the initial forward motion notification sound is canceled and the move forward notification sound D is emitted immediately, so that a pedestrian in the surrounding area can be warned of the vehicle's movement by the move forward notification sound D (which is intended to warn of moving in progress ) instead of the less appropriate S sound (which is intended to warn of impending movement). In addition, since the initial forward motion notification sound S, which is normally emitted immediately before the movement begins, is not emitted, pedestrians in the surrounding area may recognize that the vehicle is moving slowly.
[091] In this modality, as previously mentioned, the initial forward movement notification sound is a notification sound in a prescribed region of comparatively low frequencies that easily penetrates inside the vehicle from outside the vehicle cabin and can be readily heard by the driver. Thus, since the driver can easily recognize when the initial forward motion notification has been issued, the driver can also easily recognize that the initial forward motion notification sound S has not been emitted during a brake pedal return operation. slow. Consequently, with this mode, the driver will not mistakenly think that the initial forward motion notification sound S was emitted during a slow brake pedal return operation and the driver will assume that a person close to the vehicle did not hear the notification sound. of initial forward motion S and is unaware that the vehicle will begin to move. Thus, the driver can strive to drive safely and a great advantage in terms of driving safety can be obtained.
[092] In this modality, therefore, as previously mentioned, the initial forward motion notification sound S is a notification sound in a prescribed region of comparatively low frequencies that easily penetrates inside the vehicle cabin from outside the vehicle and can be heard promptly by the driver. Thus, since the driver can easily recognize when the initial forward motion notification has been issued, the driver can also easily recognize that the initial forward motion notification sound S has not been emitted during a brake pedal return operation. slow and the driver will assume that a person close to the vehicle did not hear the initial forward motion notification sound S and is unaware that the vehicle will begin to move. Thus, the driver can strive to drive safely and a great advantage in terms of driving safety can be obtained.
[093] In the mode shown, the notification sound controller 12 activates the speaker external to cabin 1 (the notification sound emitting device, for example) to emit a notification sound out of a vehicle cabin when the vehicle is traveling at a low vehicle speed. However, the key changes 16 (a notification sound prohibition device, for example) is presented to prohibit the emission of the notification sound by the speaker outside the booth 1. As mentioned above, step S54 constitutes a song section - lament of prohibition that cancels the notification sound emission prohibition performed by the switch changes 16 when the vehicle speed exceeds the prescribed vehicle speed (that is, the speed of the vehicle's D sound decrease of 30 km / h) or leaves a residential area. Thus, the emission of notification sounds (the S sound, the D sound and the R sound) emitted from the loudspeaker outside cabin 1 can be prohibited (step S52) when the vehicle is traveling at a low speed in one place where the notification sound emitted from the loudspeaker outside booth 1 may be uncomfortable for others, such as late at night or in a residential neighborhood. Thus, the notification sounds emitted from the speaker outside cabin 1 can be prevented from disturbing pedestrians in the surrounding area. In addition, if the vehicle's speed V reaches or exceeds the vehicle's gradually decreasing sound D speed or leaves a residential area (step S53), then controller 12 determines that the vehicle has moved to a place where the sounds of notification will not bother anyone and cancels the ban on emitting notification sound, so the banned notification sound lamp goes off and notification sounds (S sound, D sound and R sound) can be emitted from above speaker outside cabin 1 according to the controls shown in Figures 2 to 4. By canceling the ban in this way, the situation in which the notification sounds are not emitted even after the vehicle has moved to a place where the sounds Notification will not bother anyone can be avoided and the notification device can serve its purpose as a security device.
[094] In the mode shown, the loudspeaker external to booth 1 (the notification sound emitting device) is configured to interrupt the emission of notification sounds when the vehicle speed exceeds the speed of gradually decreasing sound D (a unnecessary notification sound vehicle speed) and initiate the emission of notification sounds when the vehicle speed drops below the sound input speed D (a required notification sound vehicle speed) which is lower than the speed of gradual decrease of sound D. The prohibition cancellation section establishes the condition of the vehicle to cancel the notification sound ban or as exceeding the prescribed vehicle speed or based on the vehicle position information. In other words, in the modality shown, the prohibition of the notification sound is canceled due to the fact that the speed of the vehicle is equal to or greater than the speed of gradually decreasing the sound D or the exit of the vehicle from a residential area. By setting the speed of the sound D to 30 km / h and the speed of sound D to 25 km / h, the loudspeaker external to booth 1 (the notification sound emitting device, for example) can be prevented from going through a search for control. In addition, you can prevent notification sounds from being emitted in a region where they are not needed. If the condition for the cancellation of the notification sound ban is set at a prescribed vehicle speed, which is slower than the speed of gradually decreasing the sound D (30 km / h, for example), then it will be possible that the ban be canceled while the vehicle is still in a place where the notification sounds can disturb others in the surrounding area. More specifically, the region of low vehicle speeds below 30 km / h is the region in which the device is configured to emit the D sound. However, it is in this same region of low vehicle speed that the driver can press the mute key 16 (turn it ON) to prevent notification sounds from being a nuisance. If the cancellation condition is the vehicle speed in this low vehicle speed region, then the notification sound ban will be canceled immediately when the vehicle speed V reaches the prescribed vehicle speed, thus allowing a notification sound to disturb a pedestrian in the surrounding area. In this modality, however, the condition for the cancellation of the notification sound ban is that the vehicle's speed V is equal to or greater than the speed of gradually decreasing the sound D (30 km / h, for example) and the prohibition of the sound of the vehicle. notification is canceled when this condition is met. Consequently, when the driver turns the key ON 16 while the vehicle's speed V is below the speed of gradually decreasing the sound D (30 km / h), the prohibition of notification sounds is not canceled when the driver's finger leaves the key. changes 16. Instead, the ban continues and the problem of emitting a notification sound while the vehicle is moving to a place where the notification sound can be a nuisance for a pedestrian in the surrounding area can be avoided.
[095] Although only selected modalities have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be evident to those skilled in the art, from this disclosure, that various changes and modifications can be made here without abandoning the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. In addition, it is not necessary for all the advantages to be present in a specific modality at the same time. Each feature that is unique to the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, should also be considered a separate description of other inventions by the applicant, including the structural and / or functional concepts embodied by such feature (s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the vehicle notification sound emitting apparatus are presented for example only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

权利要求:
Claims (3)
[0001]
1. Vehicle notification sound emitting device comprising: a sound emitting device (1) configured to emit a motion notification sound to the outside of a vehicle to inform a person in an area surrounding the vehicle that the vehicle is moving at a low speed; and a notification sound control device (12) configured to operate the sound emitting device (1) to selectively emit the motion notification sound, FEATURED by the fact that the notification sound control device (12) includes a notification sound prohibition section (16) configured to prohibit a movement notification sound emission through the sound emitting device (1) in response to a manual operation performed by the driver, and a prohibition cancellation section (step S54) configured to automatically cancel a notification sound emission ban imposed by the notification sound prohibition section (16) in response to manual operation at which a vehicle speed (V) of the vehicle exceeds a prescribed vehicle speed and / or based on vehicle position information.
[0002]
2. Vehicle notification sound emitting device according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the notification sound control device (12) is configured to stop the emission of the motion notification sound when the speed of the vehicle (V) exceeds said prescribed vehicle speed and start emitting the motion notification sound when the vehicle speed exceeds said prescribed vehicle speed and subsequently falls below a second prescribed vehicle speed that is less than said prescribed vehicle speed, the second prescribed vehicle speed being set at a value less than that of the prescribed vehicle speed.
[0003]
3. Vehicle notification sound emitting device, according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the prohibition cancellation section (step S54) is further configured to cancel the notification sound emission prohibition in response vehicle position information, which indicates a position of the vehicle outside a pre-established residential area.

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同族专利:

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公开号 | 公开日

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BR112012019928A2|2020-08-18|

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JP5644479B2|2014-12-24|

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RU2012138539A|2014-03-20|

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CN102791523A|2012-11-21|

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EP2534009A1|2012-12-19|

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US8773253B2|2014-07-08|

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EP2534009B1|2019-04-03|

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JP2011184039A|2011-09-22|

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US20120299718A1|2012-11-29|

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RU2513092C1|2014-04-20|

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CN102791523B|2016-01-13|

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WO2011098883A1|2011-08-18|

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MX2012009235A|2012-10-09|

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法律状态:
2020-08-25| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|

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2020-12-22| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|

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2021-02-09| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 10 (DEZ) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 09/02/2021, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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JP2010-026119|2010-02-09|

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JP2010026119|2010-02-09|

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JP2010-285570|2010-12-22|

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PCT/IB2011/000203|WO2011098883A1|2010-02-09|2011-02-07|Vehicle notification sound emitting apparatus|

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