JP4727318B2 - Notification control device, system thereof, method thereof, program thereof, recording medium recording the program, and movement support device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a notification control device that controls the characteristics of sound generated from a speaker to notify the situation of an event, a system thereof, a method thereof, a program thereof, a recording medium storing the program, and a movement support device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when an event is notified by sounding a speaker, a configuration is known in which the state of the event is notified by changing the characteristics of the sound to be generated. For example, the alarm sound generated by the speaker, such as an alarm clock, the volume of the alarm sound that is generated from the speaker increases or the intermittent sound is changed to a continuous sound as the specified time such as wake-up time approaches Various configurations for controlling the above are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

  In the device described in Patent Document 1, an external circuit is added to a speech synthesis IC that outputs alarm sound data, and the total resistance value from input to output of the external circuit is controlled by the speech synthesis IC. The base current and collector current of the transistor that amplifies the current that flows can be selectively changed. A configuration is adopted in which the base current and collector current of the transistor are selectively changed by an external circuit to change the volume of the alarm sound.

  In the device described in Patent Document 2, the driving voltage waveform supplied to the motor is selectively switched by the switching unit from the driving voltage waveform generating unit capable of outputting a plurality of types of driving voltage waveforms. And the structure which controls the output form which is how to sound the alarm sound by the alarm sound generation means which drives and drives a motor with a predetermined drive voltage waveform at a preset time is adopted.

Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 9-212158 (left column on page 2-right column on page 5) JP-A-10-332854 (2nd page right column-5th page right column)

  However, in the configuration in which the volume of the conventional alarm sound or the manner of sounding is changed as described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 described above, for example, a gas leak alarm and an alarm clock time notification are provided. When different contents are notified, such as in the case of simultaneous implementation, it is difficult to determine which contents are most urgent or important. As a result, there is a problem that an appropriate response to notification may not be possible.

  In view of such a point, an object of the present invention is to provide a notification control device, a system thereof, a method thereof, a program thereof, a recording medium storing the program, and a recording medium that can easily determine the situation of an event through notification by pronunciation. It is to provide a movement support device.

The invention according to claim 1 is a notification control device that controls the characteristics of the sound to be generated from the sound generation means installed around the reference point based on a plurality of different events and notifies the situation of the event. , An event status acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of event signals relating to the status of each event, and the degree of urgency of handling each event based on the event signals acquired by the event status acquisition means in a plurality of stages the reference point and urgency degree recognizing means for recognizing the fact that any of a set degree of urgency, in accordance with the degree of urgency of the recognized the notification in this urgency degree recognition means increases the Control means for controlling the sound generation from the sound generation means in a state where the sound image localization is close to the position of the position , wherein the control means recognizes the degree of urgency of a plurality of events equal to or less than a predetermined number. This A plurality of events, as a sound image is localized at different positions depending on the urgency, is substantially notification control apparatus, characterized in that to inform the same time.

The invention according to claim 10 is a movement support device that supports the movement of the moving body by notifying the moving state of the moving body on the basis of the map information, and acquires the situation information related to the movement of the moving body. a status acquisition means, as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 for notifying guidance regarding movement on the basis of the status information acquired by the moving status acquiring means by pronunciation sound generating means as the status of the event And a notification control apparatus.

The invention according to claim 11 is a plurality of event status detection means for detecting an event status and outputting an event signal corresponding to the event status, and the event signal output from each event status detection means. The notification control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , or the movement support device according to claim 10 , wherein the state of the event is notified by controlling a characteristic of a sound generated by the sound generation unit based on And a notification control system characterized by comprising:

The invention according to claim 12 is a notification control for notifying the state of the event by controlling the characteristics of the sound generated by the sound generating means installed around the reference point based on a plurality of different events by the calculating means. The calculation means includes an event status acquisition step of acquiring a plurality of event signals related to the status of each event, and an urgency of notifying the status of each event based on the acquired event signals. the position of the reference point and any in which urgency degree recognition process to recognize that, according to the degree of urgency of the notification that the recognition increases of the degree degree of urgency which is more set stepwise And a control step for controlling the sound generation from the sound generation means in a state where the sound image localization is close to the sound image localization , and the control step recognizes the degree of urgency of a plurality of events equal to or less than a predetermined number This A plurality of events, as a sound image is localized at different positions depending on the urgency, is substantially notification control method for causing broadcast at the same time.

A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a notification control program that causes a calculation means to function as the notification control device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects.

The invention described in claim 14 is a notification control program characterized by causing a calculation means to execute the notification control method according to claim 12 .

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium on which the notification control program according to the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect is recorded so as to be readable by the calculation means.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the navigation device is a guidance and guidance device as a notification control system that also functions as the movement support device of the present invention, and a traveling state as a moving state of a vehicle, for example, a traveling state as a state of an event. A configuration for guiding and guiding will be described as an example. Note that the guidance and guidance device according to the present invention is not limited to the configuration for guiding and guiding the traveling of the vehicle, but any configuration that provides guidance regarding movement, such as the state of the vehicle and the operating state of the vehicle, is the target, and the user can carry it. It can also be applied to portable types. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the configuration applied to the guidance and guidance device, and can be applied to any configuration that notifies the status of various events by the sound of a speaker, such as a home status notification system and an alarm device of a manufacturing device. . FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the navigation apparatus. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the table structure of the notification sound class database. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing a table structure of output state information. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a processing unit included in the navigation device. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing positions A, B, C, and D set as sound image localization.

[Configuration of navigation device]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a navigation device which is a guidance and guidance device as a movement support device. The navigation device 100 is a device that provides guidance regarding movement in accordance with the movement status of a vehicle, for example, a vehicle. In addition, as a moving body, not only a vehicle but any moving bodies, such as an aircraft and a ship, are object. Examples of the navigation device 100 include a vehicle-mounted type, a portable type, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile phone, a PHS (Personal Handyphone System), a portable personal computer, and the like mounted on a vehicle as a moving body.

  The navigation device 100 is supplied with power from a battery mounted on the vehicle, and based on the map information that the navigation device 100 has, information on the current position and destination, route search and display to the destination, and the nearest predetermined Search and display of stores or display of information on service contents of stores. The navigation apparatus 100 includes a sensor unit 110 as an event state detection unit, a traffic information reception unit 120 as an event state detection unit, an e-mail transmission / reception unit 130, an input unit 140, a display unit 150, and a sound generation unit. 160, a storage unit 170 that also functions as an event superiority information storage unit, a memory 180 that also functions as a sound image localization information storage unit, a processing unit 190, and the like.

  The sensor unit 110 detects, for example, a situation of vehicle movement, that is, an event such as a current position or a traveling state, and outputs the detected signal to the processing unit 190 as a predetermined signal. The sensor unit 110 includes, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver (not shown), various sensors that detect events such as a speed sensor, an azimuth angle sensor, and an acceleration sensor (not shown) and output them as event signals. .

  The GPS receiver of the sensor unit 110 receives navigation radio waves output from a GPS satellite, which is an artificial satellite (not shown), using an antenna (not shown). Then, the GPS receiving unit calculates a pseudo coordinate value of the current position based on the signal corresponding to the received navigation radio wave, and outputs it to the processing unit 190 as GPS data.

  Further, a speed sensor, which is a sensor of the sensor unit 110, is disposed in the vehicle, for example, and detects the traveling speed or actual acceleration of the vehicle based on a signal that varies in accordance with the traveling speed that is the moving speed of the vehicle. . This speed sensor reads, for example, a pulse signal or a voltage value output by the rotation of an axle or a wheel. Then, the speed sensor appropriately outputs detection information such as the read pulse signal and voltage value to the processing unit 190. The azimuth angle sensor, which is a sensor, is provided on the vehicle and has a so-called gyro sensor (not shown), and detects the azimuth angle of the vehicle, that is, the traveling direction in which the vehicle moves forward. This azimuth angle sensor appropriately outputs detection information regarding the detected traveling direction to the processing unit 190. An acceleration sensor that is a sensor is disposed in the vehicle and detects acceleration in the traveling direction of the vehicle. The acceleration sensor converts the detected acceleration into a sensor output value that is detection information based on, for example, a pulse or voltage, and outputs the sensor output value to the processing unit 190 as appropriate.

  In addition, the sensor unit 110 detects that various lamps have been burned out, a sensor that detects whether the seat belt is not worn, a sensor that detects a temperature abnormality of cooling water of an engine that is an internal combustion engine, and an abnormality of exhaust gas Status of vehicle movement based on detection signals output from various sensors, such as sensors that detect the fact that the distance to the vehicle traveling ahead and the distance to the obstacle behind the vehicle is short and immediately before the rear-end collision Is recognized as an event. Then, for example, audio data in the WAVE format or MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) format for outputting the situation of these events by sound from the sound generation means 160 and MIDI for outputting an alarm sound corresponding to the situation of the event. The alarm sound data related to the program code compliant with the (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) standard and the ID information related to the unique ID are appropriately output to the processing unit 190 as event signals as status information. In addition, the sensor unit 110 is replaced with a lamp that can be turned on, a seat belt is worn, the temperature of the cooling water has returned to normal, the exhaust gas has returned to normal, a vehicle, etc. When the distance becomes longer and the situation immediately before the rear-end collision is lost, that is, the user's response to each event is recognized, for example, ID information corresponding to the event is output to the processing unit 190 as a response execution signal.

  In the following, when collectively explaining the sound and alarm sound for notifying the situation of a predetermined event, these will be referred to as notification sound as appropriate.

  The traffic information receiving unit 120 receives traffic information related to road traffic conditions such as traffic congestion and traffic regulations. As this traffic information receiving unit 120, for example, a VICS (registered trademark) (Vehicle Information Communication System) receiving device developed and used in Japan can be used. The traffic information receiving unit 120 using the VICS receiving apparatus has a VICS antenna (not shown), and acquires information on traffic (hereinafter referred to as VICS information) using the VICS antenna. Then, the acquired VICS information is output to the processing unit 190. Also, audio data for outputting a sound indicating that VICS information has been acquired, alarm sound data for outputting an alarm sound, and unique ID information are output to the processing unit 190 as event signals.

  The e-mail transmitting / receiving unit 130 receives so-called e-mails transmitted from the outside, and transmits e-mails generated by the processing unit 190 to the outside. The e-mail transmission / reception unit 130 has an e-mail transmission / reception antenna (not shown), and acquires e-mails by the e-mail transmission / reception antenna. Then, the acquired email is output to the processing unit 190. The e-mail transmission / reception unit 130 transmits the e-mail generated by the processing unit 190 to the outside by the e-mail transmission / reception antenna.

  The input unit 140 includes various operation buttons and operation knobs (not shown) that are input and operated by, for example, a keyboard and a mouse. The contents of the input operation of these operation buttons and operation knobs are setting items such as setting of operation contents in the navigation device 100, for example. Specifically, settings of information to be acquired and conditions to acquire, destination settings, information search, settings to display the driving status of the vehicle movement, settings to switch the display, changes to the sounding status, An example is the creation of an email. Then, the input unit 140 appropriately sets and outputs a predetermined signal to the processing unit 190 by an input operation of setting items. Further, the input unit 140 outputs, for example, each unique ID information as a countermeasure execution signal to the processing unit 190 by an input operation to the effect that the user has confirmed reception of VICS information or email. The input unit 140 is not limited to an input operation such as an operation button or an operation knob. For example, an input operation using a touch panel provided on the display unit 150, an input operation using voice, or a wireless medium such as a remote controller. Any configuration capable of setting and inputting various setting items such as a configuration for outputting a signal can be applied.

  The display unit 150 is controlled by the processing unit 190 to display the image data signal from the processing unit 190 on the screen. As image data, for example, image data such as map information, search information, e-mail, etc., TV image data received by a TV receiver (not shown), an external device such as an optical disk, a magnetic disk, and a memory card are recorded. Image data read by a drive or driver, image data from the memory 180, or the like. Examples of the display means 150 include a liquid crystal display panel, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel, a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube), an FED (Field Emission Display), and an electrophoretic display panel. .

  The sound generation means 160 has, for example, a plurality of speakers and amplifiers not shown. The plurality of speakers are disposed on the left and right sides of the front and rear, for example, in the vehicle interior space. The sounding means 160 is controlled by the processing unit 190 and outputs, that is, generates sound, voice data, sound data, or alarm sound data from the processing unit 190 as sound, sound, or alarm sound from the speaker. As an event to be notified by this pronunciation, for example, the vehicle state, the traveling direction, the traveling state, the traffic state, or the reception of VICS information or an e-mail is notified to a passenger such as a driver or a passenger. Note that the sound generation means 160 can appropriately output, for example, TV sound data received by a TV receiver, sound data recorded on a recording medium, the memory 180, or the like, or music data.

  The storage unit 170 stores search information for acquiring map information and information on a predetermined point, personal information of the user, or a notification sound class database (hereinafter referred to as a notification sound class DB) 300 as shown in FIG. Are stored so that they can be read. The notification sound class DB 300 may be stored in the memory 180. Examples of the storage unit 170 include a configuration including a drive and a driver that are readable and stored in a recording medium such as an HD (Hard Disk), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), an optical disc, and a memory card.

  Here, the notification sound class DB 300 is a database of information used when setting sound image localization when a predetermined event is notified by sound or alarm sound by the sound generation means 160. In the notification sound class DB 300, notification related information 310 as four event superiority information is configured as one data structure.

  The notification related information 310 is information indicating an event notified by one sound image localization. The notification related information 310 includes notification level information 311 as superiority degree information and notification event information 312 as event status specifying information.

  The notification level information 311 is information that expresses the degree of urgency of dealing with an event, which is the degree of superiority for notifying an event, as a notification level set in a plurality of stages. In the notification level information 311, information representing any one of “1”, “2”, “3”, and “4” is recorded. Here, the greater the notification level number represented by the notification level information 311, the greater the degree of urgency of the countermeasure. Note that the number of the notification related information 310 incorporated in the notification sound class DB 300 may be a number other than four, for example, two or six as long as it is plural.

  The notification event information 312 is information regarding an event corresponding to the notification level represented by the notification level information 311. For example, in the notification event information 312 corresponding to the notification level information 311 of the notification level 1, the fact that the event of the level 1 is reception of VICS information and reception of an e-mail indicates that, for example, an emergency of handling an event of level 1 They are recorded in the order of decreasing degree of sex. In other words, the notification event information 312 corresponding to level 1 records that the degree of urgency of handling the E-mail reception is greater than the reception of the VICS information. In addition, in each event, as the degree of urgency, the notification level is set to level 1 and the magnitude relationship of urgency at level 1 is set in two layers.

  Further, in the notification event information 312 corresponding to level 2, the fact that various lamps have been burned out and the fact that the seat belt has not been worn is recorded in order of low degree of urgency in dealing with the level 2 event. . Further, the notification event information 312 corresponding to the level 3 describes that the level 3 event is an engine water temperature abnormality and an exhaust gas abnormality in the order of low urgency of countermeasures. The notification event information 312 corresponding to level 4 indicates that the level 4 event is prohibited from entering the road on which the vehicle is going to travel and that the vehicle is just before colliding with another vehicle or obstacle. Recorded in order of decreasing urgency.

  The notification event information 312 may be information in which a character string representing each event is recorded, or information in which ID of ID information output as an event signal of each event is recorded. In addition, each notification level information 311 may record each event in the order of the urgency of dealing with the events of each level, or may further record information indicating the magnitude relationship of the urgency of each event. . Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which sets the degree of urgency to three or more hierarchy. In addition, the event corresponding to each notification level is not limited to the above-described event, and may be another event as appropriate.

  The memory 180 stores setting items input by the input unit 140, output status information 400 as shown in FIG. 3, music data, image data, sound data, and the like output from the processing unit 190 so as to be appropriately readable. The output state information 400 may be stored in the storage unit 170. The memory 180 stores various programs developed on an OS (Operating System) that controls the operation of the entire navigation apparatus 100. As the memory 180, it is desirable to use a memory having a configuration that retains memory even when the power is suddenly turned off due to a power failure, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) memory. Note that the memory 180 may be configured to include a drive, a driver, and the like that are readable and stored in a recording medium such as an HD, a DVD, or an optical disk.

  Here, the output state information 400 is information regarding the output state of the notification sound. The output state information 400 includes four pieces of position related information as one data structure. Note that the number of the position related information 410 incorporated in the output state information 400 may be a number other than four, for example, two or six as long as it is plural.

  The position related information 410 is information regarding each of positions A, B, C, and D (see FIG. 5) described later set as sound image localization of the notification sound. The position related information 410 includes position name information 411, position position information 412 as sound image localization information, status information 413, and notification ID information 414.

  The position name information 411 is information representing the name of the position corresponding to the position name information 411. That is, in the position name information 411, information representing any one of “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D” is recorded.

  The position position information 412 is information for specifying the position of the position represented by the position name information 411. In other words, in this position position information 412, for example, information related to coordinates based on the user is recorded. Note that the position position information 412 may be information that records the direction to the user, the distance from the user, and the like. Further, the position position information 412 is not limited to the configuration incorporated in the position related information 410, and may be a configuration stored in the storage unit 170 or the memory 180 as another configuration.

  The status information 413 is information indicating the output state of the notification sound at the position represented by the position name information 411 (hereinafter referred to as “status”), and is appropriately updated by the processing unit 190. In the status information 413, information indicating that the status is on is recorded when the notification sound is output, and information indicating that the status is off is recorded when the notification sound is not output. The status information 413 may be information in which a character string representing on / off is recorded, or information in which on / off is represented by flags “1” and “0”.

  The notification ID information 414 is information regarding a notification ID that identifies an event that is notified at the position represented by the position name information 411, and is appropriately updated by the processing unit 190. In the notification ID information 414, an ID of ID information output as an event signal is recorded as a notification ID. When off information is recorded in the status information 413, that is, when a notification sound is not output at the position represented by the position name information 411, the notification ID is not recorded in the notification ID information 414.

  The processing unit 190 includes various input / output ports (not shown), for example, a VICS reception port to which a VICS antenna is connected, a GPS reception port to which a GPS reception unit is connected, a sensor port to which various sensors are respectively connected, and an email transmission / reception unit 130. An email port to be connected; a key input port to which the input means 140 is connected; a display control port to which the display means 150 is connected; a sound generation control port to which the sound generation means 160 is connected; a storage port to which the storage means 170 is connected; It has a memory port to which the memory 180 is connected. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the processing unit 190 includes a navigation unit 200, an email processing unit 210 as an event state detection unit, a notification sound output processing unit 220 as a notification control device and a calculation unit, as various programs. And.

  The navigation unit 200 appropriately notifies guidance regarding the movement of the vehicle. The navigation unit 200 includes a current position recognition unit 201, a destination recognition unit 202, a display control unit 203, a route processing unit 204, a guidance notification unit 205, and an entry prohibition recognition unit 206 as an event state detection unit. And an information search means 207 and a time measuring means 208.

  The current position recognizing means 201 recognizes the current position that is the moving state of the vehicle. Specifically, a plurality of current pseudo positions of the vehicle are calculated based on the vehicle speed data and azimuth angle data output from the speed sensor and azimuth angle sensor of the sensor unit 110. Further, the current position recognizing means 201 recognizes the current pseudo coordinate value of the vehicle based on the GPS data relating to the current position output from the GPS receiving unit of the sensor unit 110. Then, the current position recognition unit 201 compares the calculated current pseudo position with the recognized current pseudo coordinate value, calculates the current position of the vehicle on the separately acquired map information, and recognizes the current position. .

  Further, the current position recognizing means 201 determines the inclination and height difference of the road on which the vehicle travels based on the acceleration data output from the acceleration sensor, calculates the current pseudo position of the vehicle, and recognizes the current position. That is, it is possible to accurately recognize the current position of the vehicle even at places that overlap on a plane such as a three-dimensional intersection or an expressway. In addition, when traveling on mountain roads and hills, the current distance is obtained by correcting the error between the travel distance obtained from speed data and azimuth angle data and the actual vehicle travel distance using the detected road slope. Recognize position.

  Note that the current position recognizing unit 201 can recognize a starting point set as a starting point set and input by the input unit 140 as a pseudo current position in addition to the vehicle current position described above as the current position. Various types of information obtained by the current position recognition unit 201 are stored in the memory 180 as appropriate.

  The destination recognizing unit 202 acquires destination information related to the destination set and input by the input operation of the input unit 140, for example, and recognizes the position of the destination. As destination information to be set and input, various information for specifying a location such as coordinates such as latitude and longitude, an address, and a telephone number can be used. The destination information recognized by the destination recognition unit 202 is stored in the memory 180 as appropriate.

  The display control unit 203 appropriately controls the display unit 150 to display various information on the screen of the display unit 150 and notify the user. The display control unit 203 also controls display of various display screens for setting and inputting various information by prompting an input operation by the input unit 140, for example.

  The route processing unit 204 calculates a travel route which is a travel route of the vehicle based on the setting item information for the search processing of the travel route set and inputted by the user and the map information stored in the storage unit 170. To search for routes. Specifically, the route processing unit 204 uses the map information based on the setting item information that has been set and input, for example, searches for a road on which the vehicle can pass, and the time required to travel to reach the destination. Movement route information such as a short route or a route with a short movement distance is generated. When generating the travel route information, the route processing means 204 appropriately acquires, for example, VICS information from the VICS output from the traffic information receiving unit 120, and generates traffic jam information that is predicted to occur at present or after a predetermined time, A route that avoids traffic jams or traffic regulation places may be set using this traffic jam information. In addition, the route processing means 204 can obtain a predicted required time for the movement from the current position as the departure point in each route of the moving route information to the destination, and can also generate required time information related to the predicted required time. . The obtained travel route information is appropriately stored in the memory 180 together with traffic jam information, required time information, and the like.

  The guidance notifying means 205 is a display means for storing guidance relating to the movement of the vehicle, for example, content for assisting the running of the vehicle, based on the movement route information acquired in advance corresponding to the running situation of the vehicle. The image is output by the image display by 150 and the sound by the sound generation means 160. Here, as an output by image display or pronunciation, a predetermined arrow, a symbol, or the like is displayed on the display means 150, or “700m ahead, the XX intersection is in the right direction in the △△ direction.” The voice can be pronounced by the sounding means 160 such as “It is a traffic jam”.

  The entry prohibition recognition unit 206 recognizes whether or not the vehicle is going to travel on the entry prohibited road. Specifically, the entry prohibition recognition unit 206 recognizes the current position and traveling direction of the vehicle based on the information obtained by the current position recognition unit 201, and the vehicle enters an entry prohibited road based on the map information. Determine if you are going to do it. If it is determined that the vehicle is about to enter an entry-prohibited road, the event data includes sound data for outputting a sound to that effect, alarm sound data for outputting an alarm sound, and unique ID information. To the notification sound output processing unit 220. In addition, after outputting the event signal, when recognizing that the entry to the prohibited road is avoided, for example, ID information is output to the notification sound output processing unit 220 as a countermeasure execution signal.

  The information search means 207 searches based on search information that is information on a predetermined point in, for example, map information stored in the storage means 170 in response to a search request for search information set and input by the input means 140, for example. Get information according to the search request. The acquired search result information is appropriately stored in the memory 180.

  The time measuring means 208 recognizes the current time based on a reference pulse such as an internal clock. Then, the time measuring unit 208 appropriately outputs time information regarding the recognized current time.

  The e-mail processing unit 210 performs various processes related to e-mail. Specifically, the email processing unit 210 appropriately acquires emails received by the email sending / receiving unit 130. Then, the sound data for outputting the sound indicating that the e-mail has been acquired, the alarm sound data for outputting the alarm sound, and the unique ID information are output to the notification sound output processing unit 220 as event signals. . In addition, the contents of the e-mail are appropriately displayed on the display unit 150. Further, the e-mail processing unit 210 generates an e-mail based on the input operation of the input unit 140 and appropriately transmits it to the outside via the e-mail transmission / reception unit 130.

  The notification sound output processing unit 220 performs a process of outputting a notification sound for notifying each event at a sound image localization corresponding to the degree of urgency of countermeasures. The notification sound output processing unit 220 includes notification level recognition means 221 as superiority degree recognition means that also functions as event status acquisition means and movement status acquisition means, and notification sound output control means 222 as control means. I have.

  The notification level recognition means 221 recognizes the notification level of the notification sound that notifies a predetermined event. Specifically, when the notification level recognition unit 221 acquires an event signal from the sensor unit 110, the entry prohibition recognition unit 206, and the email processing unit 210, the notification level recognition unit 221 is requested to output a notification sound of an event corresponding to the event signal. recognize. Furthermore, the contents of the event are recognized based on the ID information of the event signal. Then, the notification event information 312 describing the contents of this event is searched from the notification sound class DB 300, and output is requested based on the notification level information 311 of the notification related information 310 having the notification event information 312. The notification level of the notification sound (hereinafter referred to as output request notification sound) is recognized. Also, the notification level recognition unit 221 recognizes the content of the event of the notification sound output at a predetermined position based on the notification ID information 414 of the output state information 400 under the control of the notification sound output control unit 222. Based on the notification sound class DB 300, the notification level of the notification sound output at a predetermined position is recognized. Furthermore, when the notification sound of two events of level 4 is an output target, for example, the notification level recognition unit 221 recognizes the urgency of these two events.

  When notifying a plurality of events, the notification sound output control means 222 is based on the acquired event signal, and each of the sound generation conditions is different, that is, relative to the position of the user serving as the reference point according to the higher notification level. Control the sound so that it can be heard at a close distance. Further, when the notification sound of two events of a predetermined level is an output target, control is performed so that the two sounds can be heard in the vicinity according to the urgency of the two events. Specifically, the sound image localization is set to any one of positions A, B, C, and D as shown in FIG. Further, based on the position position information 412 of the position related information 410, the positions of positions A, B, C, and D set as sound image localization are recognized. Then, the state of sound output from a plurality of speakers provided in the sound generation means 160 is controlled so that the notification sound is output from the recognized position.

  Here, the positions A, B, C, and D are appropriately set as the sound image localization of the notification sound corresponding to one event. That is, the notification sound regarding the maximum four events is output from the sound generation means 160 as appropriate at substantially the same time. The position A is a position that is set as the sound image localization of the notification sound having the highest notification level when a plurality of notification sounds, for example, four notification sounds, are output at substantially the same time. This position A is set at a position substantially in front of the user H and in the vicinity thereof. The position B is a position set as the sound image localization of the notification sound whose notification level is first or second highest when, for example, four notification sounds are output. This position B is set at a position on the right side of the front of the user H and further away from the user H than the position A. Furthermore, the position C is a position set as the sound image localization of the notification sound whose notification level is the second or third highest when, for example, four notification sounds are output. The position C is set at a position on the left side of the front of the user H and further away from the user H than the position B. The position D is a position where the notification level is set as the sound image localization of the second, third, or fourth highest notification sound when, for example, four notification sounds are output. The position D is set to the left side of the position C and further away from the user H than the position C.

  In the following, processing for changing the sound image localization of a predetermined notification sound in a direction approaching the user, for example, processing for changing from position B to position A will be referred to as processing for moving the sound image localization to the previous position. Further, the process of changing in a direction away from the user, for example, the process of changing from position B to position C will be referred to as a process of lowering the sound image localization to the next position. Note that the positions of the positions A, B, C, and D are not limited to the positions described above as long as the distance from the user H becomes longer in the order of the positions A, B, C, and D. It is good also as a position.

  Further, when the notification level recognition unit 221 recognizes the notification level of the output request notification sound, the notification sound output control unit 222 determines whether or not the notification level is level 4. If it is determined that the notification level is level 4, it is recognized that the event is the most urgent to deal with, and this output request notification sound and other notification sounds of level 4 being output are appropriately output and output. The process of muting the notification sound of level 3, 2, 1 is performed, that is, the process of outputting only the notification sound of level 4. Specifically, when the notification sound output control means 222 recognizes that the level 4 notification sound that is more urgent than the output request notification sound is being output at the position A, the notification sound output control means 222 does not output the output request notification sound at the position A. It is determined that the output is made at position B. Then, the status of the position B is turned on, and the ID of the ID information of the event signal acquired by the notification level recognition means 221 is recorded in the notification ID information 414 of the position B as a notification ID. Furthermore, the sound data of the event signal and the alarm sound data acquired by the notification level recognition means 221 are used as the sound of the output request notification sound (hereinafter referred to as output request sound) or the alarm sound (hereinafter referred to as output request alarm sound). Is converted to a state of being output in the position B sound image localization. That is, for example, DSP (Digital Signal Processor) processing is performed on the audio data to convert the audio data to correspond to position B, and setting values such as panpot information and channel volume information in the program code of the alarm sound data are set to position B. Implement the process to change correspondingly. Then, based on the converted sound data and alarm sound data, the output request sound and the output request alarm sound are continuously output, for example, at the position B sound image localization.

  Further, when the notification sound output control means 222 recognizes that the output of the level 4 notification sound output at the position A during the output of the output request notification sound at the position B is completed, the notification sound output control means 222 outputs the output request notification sound. Process that is moved up to A. That is, the status of position B is turned off and the notification ID is deleted, the notification ID is recorded in the notification ID information 414 of position A, and the status of position A is turned on. Furthermore, the audio request alarm sound data and the alarm sound data are converted to output the output request alarm sound from the position A.

  Further, the notification sound output control means 222 determines that the output request notification sound is output at the position A when recognizing that the notification sound of level 4 that is less urgent than the output request notification sound is being output at the position A. To do. Then, the level 4 notification sound being output is lowered to position B. That is, the status of position A is turned off and the notification ID is deleted, the notification ID is recorded in the notification ID information 414 of position B, and the status of position B is turned on. Furthermore, the processing is performed for converting the sound data and alarm sound data of the notification sound and outputting the notification sound from the position B. Then, the notification sound output control means 222 performs processing for outputting the output request notification sound from the position A.

  Further, when the notification sound output control means 222 recognizes that the output request notification sound is level 4 and no other notification sound of level 4 is being output, the notification sound of level 3, 2, 1 being output is output. Mute Then, only level 4 output request notification sound is output from position A.

  Further, when the notification sound output control means 222 acquires the countermeasure execution signal in a state where the level 4 output request notification sound is output at the position A or the position B, the notification sound output control means 222 performs the countermeasure based on the ID information of the countermeasure execution signal. It is determined whether or not the signal corresponds to the event of the output request notification sound. If it is determined that the output request notification sound is supported, it is recognized that the handling of the level 4 event being notified by the user has been completed, and the output of the output request notification sound is terminated. Further, the status of the position where the output request notification sound is output is turned off and the notification ID is deleted. Further, the status and notification ID of each position are changed in correspondence with the notification sound of the output target such as the notification sound during mute, and the output processing of the notification sound of the output target is performed.

  Further, when the notification sound output control means 222 recognizes that the output request notification sound is not level 4 and that the level 4 notification sound is output, the notification sound output control means 222 mutes the output request notification sound. Further, when it is recognized that the output request notification sound is not level 4 and the level 4 notification sound is not output, the notification level recognition unit 221 is made to recognize the notification level of each notification sound being output. When the output request notification sound is any one of levels 3, 2, and 1 and the notification sound is output at position A, the notification level is lower than the output request notification sound among the output notification sounds. A process of lowering the sound image localization of the notification sound having the same notification level as the notification sound of the level and the output request notification sound but having low urgency to the next position is performed. That is, for example, when the output request notification sound is level 3 and the level 2 notification sound is output at position A, the level 2 notification sound is lowered from position A to position B. Further, for example, when the output request notification sound is not worn at the level 2 seat belt and the level 2 lamp burnout notification sound is output at position A, the lamp burnout notification sound is lowered to position B. .

  Further, the notification sound output control means 222 determines whether or not the status of the position A is OFF when the sound image localization of the notification sound being output is lowered. When it is determined that the notification sound is off, it is recognized that the notification sound is not output at the position A, and the output request notification sound is output at the position A. That is, the status of the position A is turned on and the notification ID is recorded. Further, the voice data and the alarm sound data are converted to a state in which the output request notification sound is output from the position A, and the output request notification sound is output from the position A. In addition, when a countermeasure execution signal corresponding to the output request notification sound is acquired, a process of terminating the output of the output request notification sound is performed.

  Further, when the notification sound output control means 222 recognizes that the status of the position A is ON and the status of the position B is OFF, the notification sound output control means 222 performs a process of outputting the output request notification sound at the position B. Then, in the state where the output request notification sound is output at position B, when it is recognized that the status of position A has been changed from on to off, that is, the output of the notification sound at position A has been completed, Processing to change the sound image localization of the notification sound to position A is performed. In addition, in a state where the output request notification sound is being output at position B, when a countermeasure execution signal corresponding to the output request notification sound is acquired, a process for terminating the output of the output request notification sound is performed. Further, when it is recognized that the statuses of positions A and B are ON and the status of position C is OFF, or when it is recognized that the status of only position D is OFF, position C and position In D, the output request notification sound is output, and the sound image localization is appropriately changed to position B or position C. When all the statuses of positions A, B, C, and D are on, when it is recognized that the status of position D is off, that is, the output of the notification sound at position D is completed, A process for outputting an output request notification sound is performed.

  In this example, the guidance notification unit 205 and the notification sound output control unit 222 are configured as separate units. However, one of the other functions may be provided as one unit.

[Operation of navigation device]
Next, the operation of the navigation device 100 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing output request notification sound output processing. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the output control processing of the level 4 output request notification sound. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the determination relationship between the notification levels. 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing the output control processing of the output request notification sound from each position.

  When the sensor unit 110, the traffic information receiving unit 120, the entry prohibition recognition unit 206, and the e-mail processing unit 210 detect each event to be notified to the user, the navigation device 100 outputs an event signal to that effect to a notification sound output process. To the notification level recognition means 221 of the unit 220. When the event level signal is acquired, the notification level recognizing means 221 determines that the output of the output request notification sound is requested (step S101), as shown in FIG. 6, and recognizes the notification level of the output request notification sound. (Step S102). Thereafter, the notification sound output processing unit 220 determines whether or not the notification level of the output request notification sound is level 4 in the notification sound output control means 222 (step S103).

  If it is determined in step S103 that the level is level 4, output control processing for the level 4 output request notification sound is performed (step S104), and the output request notification sound output processing is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S103 that it is not level 4, the notification sound output control means 222 determines whether or not a level 4 notification sound is output (step S105). If it is determined in step S105 that the level 4 notification sound is output, the output of the output request notification sound is muted (step S106), and the process of step S105 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S105 that the level 4 notification sound is not output, a notification level strength relationship determination process is performed (step S107). Then, after performing the notification level strength relationship determination processing in step S107, output control processing of output request notification sound from each position is performed (step S108), and the processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, in the output control processing of the level 4 output request notification sound, the notification sound output control means 222 determines whether another notification sound of level 4 is being output at position A as shown in FIG. Step S201). If it is determined in step S201 that the output is being performed, it is determined whether the notification sound is more urgent than the output request notification sound (step S202). If it is determined in step S202 that the urgency is higher than the output request notification sound, the position B status is turned on and the notification ID of the output request notification sound is recorded (step S203). Are output in the position B sound image localization (step S204). Thereafter, the notification sound output control means 222 determines whether or not the output of the level 4 notification sound at the position A is completed (step S205).

  If it is determined in step S205 that the output has not ended, it is determined whether or not handling of the event of the output request notification sound by the user has been completed (step S206). If it is determined in step S206 that the countermeasure has not been completed, the process of step S204 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S206 that the countermeasure has been completed, the output of the output request notification sound is terminated, the status is turned off, and the notification ID is deleted (step S207). Thereafter, an output process of the notification sound to be output is performed (step S208), and the process ends.

  Further, when it is determined in step S202 that the level 4 notification sound is less urgent than the output request notification sound, the position A notification sound is lowered to position B (step S209). Then, the status of the position A is turned on and the notification ID of the output request notification sound is recorded (step S210), and the output request notification sound is output in the position A sound image localization (step S211). Note that the processing of step S210 is also performed when it is recognized in step S205 that the output of the level 4 notification sound at position A has been completed. And the notification sound output control means 222 will determine whether the response | compatibility of the event of the output request notification sound by a user was completed, if the process of step S211 is implemented (step S212). If it is determined in step S212 that the countermeasure has not been completed, the process of step S211 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S212 that the countermeasure has been completed, the process of step S207 is performed. Furthermore, if the notification sound output control means 222 determines in step S201 that another notification sound of level 4 is not output at position A, the notification sound of level 3, 2, 1 is muted (step S213). ), The process of step S210 is performed. That is, a process of outputting only the level 4 output request notification sound is performed.

  Further, in the notification level strength relationship determination process, the notification sound output control means 222 determines whether or not the notification level of the output request notification sound is level 3 as shown in FIG. 8 (step S301). If it is determined in step S301 that it is level 3, processing for lowering the sound image localization of the notification sound of level 2 and 1 to the next position is performed (step S302). Further, it is determined whether or not a level 3 notification sound that is less urgent than the output request notification sound is output (step S303). If it is determined in step S303 that no output has been made, the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S303 that the sound is output, a process of lowering the sound image localization of the level 3 notification sound that is less urgent than the output request notification sound to the next position is performed (step S304). finish.

  Further, if it is determined in step S301 that it is not level 3, it is determined whether or not it is level 2 (step S305). If it is determined in step S305 that the level is 2, the level 1 notification sound is localized to the next position (step S306), and the level 2 notification is less urgent than the output request notification sound. It is determined whether or not a sound is output (step S307). If it is determined in step S307 that the data has not been output, the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S307 that it has been output, a process of lowering the sound image localization of the level 2 notification sound that is less urgent than the output request notification sound to the next position is performed (step S308), and the process is performed. finish.

  If it is determined in step S305 that it is not level 2, it is determined whether or not a level 1 notification sound that is less urgent than the output request notification sound is output (step S309). If it is determined in step S309 that the data has not been output, the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S309 that it has been output, a process of lowering the sound image localization of the level 1 notification sound that is less urgent than the output request notification sound to the next position is performed (step S310), and the process is performed. finish.

  Further, in the output control processing of the output request notification sound from each position, the notification sound output control means 222 refers to the status of the position A as shown in FIG. 9 (step S401) and determines whether or not it is off. (Step S402). If it is determined in step S402 that the position is off, the status of position A is turned on and a notification ID is recorded (step S403), and an output request notification sound is output at the position A sound image localization (step S404). . Thereafter, the notification sound output control means 222 determines whether or not the user's countermeasure has been completed (step S405). If it is determined in step S405 that the countermeasure has not been completed, the process of step S404 is performed. If it is determined in step S405 that the countermeasure has been completed, the output of the output request notification sound is ended, the status of position A is turned off and the notification ID is deleted (step S406), as shown in FIG. Then, the process ends.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, when the notification sound output control means 222 determines in step S402 that the status of position A is on, it refers to the status of position B (step S407) and determines whether it is off. Is determined (step S408). If it is determined in step S408 that the position is off, the position B status is turned on and a notification ID is recorded (step S409), and an output request notification sound is output in the position B sound image localization (step S410). . Thereafter, the notification sound output control means 222 determines whether or not the status of the position A is off (step S411). If it is determined in step S411 that it is off, the process of step S403, that is, the process of changing the sound image localization of the output request notification sound from position B to position A is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S411 that it is on, it is determined whether or not the user's response has been completed (step S412). If it is determined in step S412 that the countermeasure has not been completed, the process of step S410 is performed. If it is determined in step S412 that the countermeasure has been completed, the output of the output request notification sound is terminated, the status of position B is turned off and the notification ID is deleted (step S413), as shown in FIG. Then, the process ends.

  When the notification sound output control means 222 determines that the status of the position B is ON in step S408 as shown in FIG. 9, the notification sound output control means 222 refers to the status of the position C as shown in FIG. Step S414), it is determined whether or not it is off (step S415). If it is determined in step S415 that it is off, the status is turned on and the notification ID is recorded (step S416), and the output request notification sound is output at the position C sound image localization (step S417). Thereafter, the notification sound output control means 222 determines whether or not the status of the position B is off (step S418). If it is determined in step S418 that the signal is off, the process of step S409, that is, the process of changing the sound image localization from position C to position B is performed as shown in FIG. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, if it is determined in step S418 that it is on, it is determined whether or not the user's response has been completed (step S419). If it is determined in step S419 that the countermeasure has not been completed, the process of step S417 is performed. If it is determined in step S419 that the countermeasure has been completed, the output of the output request notification sound is terminated, the position C status is turned off, the notification ID is deleted (step S420), and the process is terminated.

  Further, when it is determined in step S415 that the status of position C is ON, the notification sound output control means 222 refers to the status of position D (step S421) and determines whether or not it is OFF (step S422). ). If it is determined in step S422 that the signal is on, it is determined whether or not the processing in step S421, that is, the output of the notification sound at the position D is completed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S422 that the signal is off, the status is turned on and the notification ID is recorded (step S423), and the output request notification sound is output at the sound image localization at position D (step S424). Thereafter, the notification sound output control means 222 determines whether or not the status of the position C is off (step S425). If it is determined in step S425 that the signal is off, processing in step S416, that is, processing for changing the sound image localization from position D to position C is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S425 that it is on, it is determined whether or not the user's response has been completed (step S426). If it is determined in step S426 that the countermeasure has not been completed, the process of step S424 is performed. If it is determined in step S426 that the countermeasure has been completed, the output of the output request notification sound is terminated, the status of position D is turned off, the notification ID is deleted (step S427), and the process is terminated.

[Function and effect of navigation device]
As described above, in the above-described embodiment, when the navigation apparatus 100 acquires an event signal corresponding to a predetermined event in the notification level recognition unit 221 of the processing unit 190, the degree of urgency for handling this event is increased. Recognize that it is one of the notification levels set in multiple steps. Then, the processing unit 190 controls the output state of the notification sound so that the sound image localization becomes closer to the user as the notification level becomes higher in the notification sound output control means 222. For this reason, when outputting the notification sound of a plurality of events, the navigation device 100 simply recognizes that the degree of urgency of handling each event is one of preset notification levels. With the configuration, the sound image localization of the notification sound can be set in a state corresponding to the urgency of the countermeasure. Further, since the navigation apparatus 100 outputs the sound images with different sound localization corresponding to the urgency of dealing with each event, a difference occurs in the specific sharpness of the sound heard by the user, and the contents of any event are urgent. Or it can be easily judged whether it is important.

  Further, the notification sound output control means 222 controls the sound image localization so as to be closer to the front position with respect to the user as the notification level increases. For this reason, even when a plurality of events are notified, it is possible to make the user more easily determine the urgency of each event. Furthermore, since the difference in the sound image localization is moved in the left-right direction in which it is easy to recognize, the difference in the degree of urgency can be recognized well.

  Furthermore, when the notification sound output control means 222 recognizes that the output of the notification sound corresponding to the highest notification level, that is, the event of level 4, is requested, it performs control to output only the notification sound of level 4. For this reason, the user can easily recognize that the urgency of dealing with the event is the highest compared with the configuration in which the notification sound of level 4 is output at substantially the same time as the notification sound of other notification levels such as level 3. be able to.

  When the notification sound output control means 222 recognizes that other events are to be notified in the state where the notification sounds of the four events are being notified, the notification sound output control means 222 is based on the notification level or the like among these five events to be notified. The alarm sounds of four events with high urgency are output at substantially the same time. For this reason, compared with the structure which alert | reports all the events which can be alert | reported, ie, 8 events, substantially simultaneously, a user can be made to recognize an event with higher urgency easily.

  Two events are associated with each of the four notification levels. Furthermore, the magnitude relationship of the degree of urgency is set to two events at each notification level. That is, the degree of urgency of each event is set in two layers. When the notification sound output control means 222 recognizes that the notification sound having the same notification level as the output request notification sound is output, the sound image localization is closer to the user with the higher urgency at the notification level. To output. For this reason, when the notification levels of the notification sounds are different from each other, it is only necessary to recognize that the notification level of each notification sound is one of the notification levels 1, 2, 3, and 4. Compared with the configuration in which the event is set to any one of the eight notification levels, the process of recognizing the urgency of each notification sound can be facilitated.

  Further, the notification sound output control means 222 appropriately sets the sound image localization to any one of preset positions A, B, C, and D, and sets the position position information 412 corresponding to the set position. The notification sound is output from the position based on. Therefore, the notification sound can be output from a predetermined position with a simple configuration that simply refers to the position position information 412, and the processing load can be reduced and the processing speed can be increased more easily.

  Further, the notification level recognition means 221 recognizes the degree of urgency of countermeasures as the degree of superiority of notification. For this reason, a user can be made to judge appropriately the event which needs to deal with quickly among each event, and can drive a vehicle favorably.

  Further, when the notification sound output control means 222 recognizes that the handling of the predetermined event has been completed, the notification sound output control means 222 ends the output of the notification sound of this event, and the sound image localization of the notification sound of the event whose notification level is lower than this event Is controlled to be closer to the user. For this reason, compared with the configuration in which the sound image localization is not brought close to the user when the output of the notification sound of the event having the high notification level is finished, the user can easily recognize the notification of the event to be approached. Moreover, since the event with the highest degree of urgency among the events being notified is always output at the position A where the audibility is high, it is possible to cause the user to appropriately deal with each event.

  Further, when setting the sound image localization of the alarm sound, the notification sound output control means 222 sets the sound image localization by changing the set value of the program code conforming to the MIDI standard. Therefore, it is possible to easily set and change the sound image localization, and to easily reduce the processing load and speed up the processing. Further, the configuration can be simplified.

  And the notification sound output control means 222 controls the output state of the sound in the plurality of speakers provided in the sound generation means 160, and outputs the notification sound at a predetermined sound image localization. For this reason, compared with the structure which controls the output state of the sound in one speaker, the control for outputting the notification sound from a predetermined sound image localization can be performed more easily, and the processing load can be reduced and the processing speed can be increased easily. Can do.

  Further, the notification level recognition unit 221 recognizes the notification level of each event based on the notification sound class DB 300 stored in the storage unit 170. For this reason, the notification level of each event can be recognized with a simple configuration by simply referring to the notification sound class DB 300, and the processing load can be reduced and the processing speed can be further facilitated. For example, when a new event is notified, it can be handled by a simple method of updating the notification sound class DB 300, and convenience can be improved.

  Further, the notification sound output control means 222 outputs an alarm sound as an event notification. For this reason, it is possible to further easily reduce the processing load and increase the processing speed by outputting an alarm sound with a small amount of information as sound information. Furthermore, for example, an alarm sound that is easier to recognize the difference than the voice in a situation where noise or the like is generated is output, so that the user can be notified of the event better.

  Then, the notification sound output control means 222 outputs a sound as an event notification. For this reason, the event to be notified can be easily recognized by the user, and the event can be appropriately dealt with.

  In addition, the notification control device of the present invention is applied to the navigation device 100 that notifies the vehicle movement status as an event notification. For this reason, even in a situation where a plurality of events occur depending on the movement status of the vehicle, it is possible to cause the user to listen to the notification sound in response to the urgency of the event to be notified, and a favorable vehicle movement can be obtained.

  Since the notification sound output processing unit 220 is configured as a program using, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like, the sound characteristic quality control corresponding to the degree of superiority of notification is made by installing the program. Can be easily obtained, and the use can be easily expanded. Further, by recording the program on a recording medium and appropriately allowing the computer to read the program, a configuration capable of easily controlling the sound characteristics can be obtained, and the program can be easily handled and used. Can be easily expanded. The calculation means in the present invention is not limited to a single computer, but may include a configuration in which a plurality of computers are combined in a network, an element such as a CPU and a microcomputer, or a circuit board on which a plurality of electronic components are mounted. Including.

[Modification of Embodiment]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes the following modifications as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved.

  That is, a configuration in which the sound image localization is not controlled so as to be approximately close to the front as the notification level increases, that is, the sound image localization may be moved only in the depth direction without moving in the left-right direction. In addition, when the output of the notification sound of the event with the high notification level is finished, the control may not be performed so that the sound image localization of the notification sound with the notification level lower than this event is brought closer to the user. With such a configuration, it is possible to easily reduce the processing load and increase the processing speed.

  And it is good also as a structure which controls a sound image localization to the state to which the depth of a user's back, right, further upwards, downwards, etc. moves. Even if it is such a structure, there can exist an effect similar to the said embodiment.

  Moreover, it is good also as a structure which outputs a notification sound in order with a high alert level or a low order. With such a configuration, the user can be made aware of the urgency of each event based on the notification order in addition to the difference in sound image localization. Therefore, it is possible to recognize the urgency of each event better than the configuration representing the urgency only by the difference in sound image localization.

  Further, a configuration in which notification sounds of a plurality of notification levels are output at different timings, that is, a notification sound of any one of the notification levels of a plurality of notification levels is output and then output at other notification levels. A configuration may be adopted. With such a configuration, the user can recognize the notification sound of each event better than the configuration that does not perform control that does not output at different timings, that is, the configuration that outputs the notification sound of a plurality of notification levels in an appropriately overlapping state. Can be made.

  Further, when the output of the notification sound corresponding to the level 4 event is requested, the output of the notification sound other than the level 4 may be continued by moving the sound image localization. With such a configuration, the level 4 event can be notified almost simultaneously with the level 3, 2, and 1 events, and the user can appropriately recognize the occurrence state of each event.

  Furthermore, when it is recognized that the two events corresponding to each notification level or the degree of urgency with respect to three or more events are set to the same state and a plurality of events of a predetermined notification level are notified, It is good also as a structure which outputs a some event in the acquisition order of an event signal from the sound image localization corresponding to an alerting | reporting level. With such a configuration, the user can be made to recognize the occurrence order of each event based on the notification order, and can be dealt with better. In addition, if it is set as the structure which outputs a some event in the order set, for example by the user, the highly convenient structure which can make a user set the output order can be provided.

  Further, a maximum of eight events, that is, the same number of notification sounds as the number of events that can be notified may be appropriately output from the sound generation means 160 at substantially the same time. With such a configuration, the user can be made to recognize all of the detected events at substantially the same time.

  Further, without setting the degree of urgency of the above-mentioned eight events in two layers, for example, a configuration in which the notification level is set to any one of levels 1 to 8, that is, a configuration in which the level is not set in a hierarchy Good. With such a configuration, it is only necessary to record one event in each notification event information 312, and the configuration of each notification event information 312 can be simplified.

  Furthermore, when recognizing that a notification sound having the same notification level as the output request notification sound is output, only one having higher urgency at the notification level may be output with one sound image localization. With such a configuration, events of different notification levels can be notified from each sound image localization, and compared to the configuration of the above embodiment in which events of the same notification level are notified from two sound image localizations. An event of the notification level can be notified at substantially the same time.

  Further, for example, in a configuration in which there are 8 events corresponding to the notification levels 4, 3, 2, and 1 and the sound image localization is set at 8 locations, for example, all events of the notification levels 4, 3, 2, and 1, In the case where 24 event notification sounds are to be output, two notification sounds with high urgency at each of the notification levels 4, 3, 2, and 1 are selected and output from each of the eight sound image localizations. It is good. With such a configuration, even when the notification sound of 24 events is the output target, the notification sound of each notification level can be output at substantially the same time, and many notification level events can be output. Can be notified at approximately the same time. Furthermore, for example, three notification sounds are selected from the notification levels 4 and 3, respectively, and one notification sound having high urgency is selected from the notification levels 2 and 1, that is, weighted according to the notification level. It is good also as a structure which selects and outputs a number. Note that the weighting is not limited to that described above, and for example, 4, 2, 1, 1 or 4, 3, 1, 0 may be selected from the notification levels 4, 3, 2, 1, respectively. With such a configuration, more highly urgent events can be preferentially notified, and the user can appropriately deal with each event.

  And when it recognizes that the notification sound of the same notification level as an output request notification sound is output, it is good also as a structure output by one sound image localization in order with the high or low urgency in this notification level. With such a configuration, it is possible to notify a plurality of events corresponding to one notification level from each sound image localization, and that a plurality of events are at the same notification level by sound image localization in which the notification sound is output. Can be easily recognized. Note that the above-described configuration may be applied to a configuration in which three or more events corresponding to the notification level exist.

  Further, the sound image localization may be set as appropriate based on, for example, the relationship of the notification level of the notification sound without setting the sound image localization to any of the positions A, B, C, and D. That is, for example, the sound image localization in the case of outputting the notification sound of the notification levels 3 and 2 and the sound image localization in the case of outputting the notification sound of the notification levels 2 and 1 may be set to different states. With this configuration, it is not necessary to incorporate the position position information 412 into the position related information 410, and the configuration of the position related information 410 can be simplified.

  Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which arrange | positions a speaker in the position corresponding to position A, B, C, D, and outputs only one alerting sound from each speaker, respectively. With such a configuration, it is possible to output each notification sound from a predetermined sound image localization with a simple configuration by simply selecting a speaker for outputting the notification sound, and it is easy to reduce the processing load and increase the processing speed. Can be aimed at.

  Then, after outputting the notification sound of the predetermined event for a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined time, the output is automatically terminated, and the sound image localization of the notification sound of the event whose notification level is lower than this event is brought closer to the user It is good also as composition which carries out. With such a configuration, in the case of an event that does not need to be particularly dealt with, such as reception of e-mail, for example, the output of the notification sound can be terminated without causing the user to deal with it, and the operation can be performed satisfactorily.

  Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which controls the output state of an alerting | reporting sound based on the degree of the superiority of the alerting | reporting set by the user, for example instead of the emergency of a response. With such a configuration, it is possible to notify each event according to the difference in superiority with respect to each event for each user, and the convenience can be further improved.

  The alarm sound may be output from an FM sound source or a PCM sound source instead of the MIDI standard. Even with such a configuration, setting of sound image localization can be facilitated. Furthermore, if the alarm sound data is in WAVE format or MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) format, DSP processing can be performed in the same way as audio data, so it is necessary to provide a function for executing processing conforming to the MIDI standard. The configuration can be simplified. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which moves the sound image localization of any one of an audio | voice and an alarm sound suitably, and does not move the other sound image localization. With such a configuration, it is possible to further easily reduce the processing load and increase the processing speed.

  And if it is set as the structure which outputs only an audio | voice or an alarm sound, it is not necessary to provide the function to output any one, and can simplify a structure. Further, the voice data and the alarm sound data are stored in the storage unit 170 or the memory 180 in association with the ID corresponding to each event, for example. Furthermore, only ID information may be acquired from the sensor unit 110 or the like as an event signal, and voice data corresponding to the event may be specified and output based on the ID information. With such a configuration, the amount of information transmitted to and received from the sensor unit 110 and the like can be reduced, and the processing speed can be increased. Different sound source data may be used for each event.

  Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which controls the output state of the sound in one speaker and outputs notification sound by predetermined sound image localization. With such a configuration, it is possible to easily reduce the weight and the configuration.

  For example, the notification level may be associated with each port included in the processing unit 190, the port from which the event signal is acquired is identified, and the notification level of each event may be recognized. With such a configuration, it is not necessary to perform the process of referring to the notification sound class DB 300, and the processing load can be reduced and the processing speed can be increased.

  Moreover, you may apply the notification control apparatus of this invention to the household condition notification system 500 as a notification control system as shown in FIG. The home situation notification system 500 can be exemplified by a configuration including a personal computer, a mobile phone, and the like. The home situation notification system 500 includes a situation detection means 510 as an event situation detection means, a ubiquitous sensor 520 as a reference point position recognition means, an input means 530, a display means 540, a sound generation means 550, an event. A memory 560 that also functions as a superiority information storage unit, a processing unit 570 as a notification control device and a calculation unit, and the like are provided.

  The situation detecting means 510 requires a sensor for detecting that a so-called answering machine has received an incoming call (hereinafter referred to as an answering machine), for example, a sensor for detecting the completion of charging of a mobile phone, etc. A sensor for detecting that there is a sensor, a sensor for detecting that dishwashing has been completed in a dishwasher (hereinafter referred to as a dishwasher), a sensor for detecting that cooking of food by a microwave oven has been completed, a refrigerator Sensors that detect what is called a half-door state, such as sensors that detect overheating in a gas range, sensors that detect gas leakage, etc. recognize. Then, event signals corresponding to these events are appropriately output to the processing unit 570. In addition, when the situation detection unit 510 recognizes that the user's handling of each event is completed, the situation detection unit 510 outputs a handling execution signal to the processing unit 570. The ubiquitous sensor 520 is disposed, for example, in a living room or kitchen, and detects a position where a user as a reference point exists under the control of the processing unit 570. Here, as the ubiquitous sensor 520, a configuration in which a position where the user exists is detected based on a transmission / reception state of various signals with an IC tag, an LED tag, or the like possessed by the user can be exemplified. Then, the user position information regarding the detected user position is output to the processing unit 570. Instead of the ubiquitous sensor 520, for example, a configuration in which an image captured by a video camera is processed to specify the position of the user may be provided.

  The sound generation means 550 has a plurality of speakers arranged in a living room or a kitchen, for example. The memory 560 stores the notification sound class DB 600 provided with the notification related information 610 as event superiority information as shown in FIG. 12, the output state information 400, and the like so as to be appropriately readable. Here, the notification sound class DB 600 includes notification level information 311 and notification event information 612 as event status specifying information. Each notification event information 612 indicates that a level 1 event has an answering machine and that charging has been completed, that a level 2 event requires that the vacuum cleaner should be discarded, and that the dishwasher has been terminated. The fact that the level 3 event has been terminated and the refrigerator is a half-door, the fact that the level 4 event is overheated and a gas leak are recorded.

  The processing unit 570 includes notification level recognition means 571 as superiority degree recognition means that also functions as event status acquisition means, and notification sound output control means 572 as control means. The notification level recognition unit 571 performs the same processing as the notification level recognition unit 221 and recognizes the notification level of the notification sound that notifies a predetermined event based on the event signal from the situation detection unit 510. When the notification level recognition unit 571 recognizes the notification level, the notification sound output control unit 572 causes the ubiquitous sensor 520 to detect the user's position and output the user position information. Then, as the notification level increases, the notification sound is output in a state where the sound image localization approaches the position of the user based on the user position information.

  With such a configuration, the home situation notification system 500 can cope with the urgency of coping with a simple configuration that only recognizes that each event is one of preset notification levels. The sound image localization of the notification sound can be set in the state. Furthermore, since the sound image localization for the user is output in response to the urgency of dealing with each event, there is a difference in the specific sharpness of the sound that the user listens to and which event content is urgent It can be easily judged. Also, since the sound image localization is set with respect to the position of the user detected by the ubiquitous sensor 520, for example, even when the user moves in the home, the event is always in the same state to the user. The notification sound corresponding to the urgency can be heard, and the convenience can be further improved. Since the notification level of each event is recognized based on the notification sound class DB 600, it is possible to easily reduce the processing load and increase the processing speed. Further, for example, when a new event is notified, it is possible to cope with a simple method of only updating the notification sound class DB 600. In addition, without providing the ubiquitous sensor 520, it is good also as a structure which outputs a notification sound in the state which a sound image localization approaches the predetermined | prescribed position of the living room as a reference point, or a kitchen, for example, as a notification level becomes high. With such a configuration, the configuration of the home situation notification system 500 can be simplified. In addition, setting of sound image localization can be facilitated, and the processing load can be reduced and the processing speed can be increased.

  Further, the above-described modified configuration for the navigation device 100 may also be applied as appropriate to the home situation notification system 500. The ubiquitous sensor 520 may be provided in the navigation device 100 described above, and the sound image localization may be set in accordance with the position of the driver or passenger existing in the vehicle interior space.

  In addition, the notification control device of the present invention can be configured to control the characteristics of the sound that notifies any event from the speaker, such as a manufacturing status notification device or an alarm device that notifies the manufacturing status as an event. The notification control apparatus of the present invention may have a configuration in which the notification sound output processing unit 220 and the processing unit 570 are independent. Furthermore, the configuration for notifying the movement status is not limited to the navigation device 100 using the map information, but the configuration for notifying the status of the vehicle such as the remaining amount of fuel, the engine overheating status, and the inter-vehicle distance. For example, it is good also as a structure etc. which were mounted in the vehicle separately from the navigation apparatus 100.

  The moving situation is not limited to the movement of the vehicle, but can be applied to any moving object such as an airplane or a ship, and the moving object can change the moving condition for the user who carries the terminal device. It is good also considering a user as a structure to alert | report. Furthermore, as described above, the present invention is also applicable to a configuration in which a user directly carries it, a configuration in which a terminal device such as a mobile phone or a PHS is used, or a configuration in which a communication method that appropriately detects a movement state using a network is used. it can. Here, as the network, for example, the Internet based on a general-purpose protocol such as TCP / IP, an intranet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a communication line network in which a plurality of base stations capable of transmitting and receiving information via a wireless medium constitute a network, Examples include a network such as a broadcast network, and a wireless medium itself such as radio waves, light, sound waves, and electromagnetic waves, which are media for directly transmitting and receiving information.

  In addition, the specific structure and procedure for carrying out the present invention can be appropriately changed to other structures and the like within a range in which the object of the present invention can be achieved.

[Effects of Embodiment]
As described above, in the above-described embodiment, when the navigation apparatus 100 acquires an event signal corresponding to a predetermined event, the navigation device 100 includes a notification level in which the degree of urgency for dealing with the event is set in a plurality of stages. Recognizing that it is either, the output state of the notification sound is controlled so that the sound image localization becomes closer to the user as the notification level increases. For this reason, when outputting the notification sound of a plurality of events, the navigation device 100 only recognizes that the degree of urgency of handling each event is one of notification levels set in a plurality of stages. With this simple configuration, sound image localization can be set in a state corresponding to the urgency of coping. Further, since the navigation apparatus 100 outputs the sound images with different sound localization corresponding to the urgency of dealing with each event, a difference occurs in the specific sharpness of the sound heard by the user, and the contents of any event are urgent. Or it can be easily recognized whether it is important.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the navigation apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows typically the table structure of the notification sound class database in the said embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows typically the table structure of the output status information in the said one Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the process part which comprises the navigation apparatus in the said one Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram showing positions A, B, C, and D set as sound image localization in the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the output process of the output request notification sound in the one embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the output control process of the output request notification sound of the level 4 in the said embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the strong / weak relation determination process of the alerting | reporting level in the said one Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the output control process of the output request notification sound from each position in the one embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the output control process of the output request notification sound from each position in the one embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the household condition alerting | reporting system which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows typically the table structure of the notification sound class database in the said other embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Navigation apparatus as a notification control system that also functions as a movement support device 110 ... Sensor unit as event status detection means 120 ... Traffic information reception unit 160, 550 ... Sound generation means 170 ... Event superiority information as event status detection means Storage means that also functions as storage means 180 ... Memory that also functions as sound image localization information storage means 206 ... Enter prohibition recognition means as event status detection means 210 ... Email processing section 220 as event status detection means ... Notification control device and Notification sound output processing unit 221 as a calculation means ... Notification level recognition means 222, 572 as superiority degree recognition means that also functions as event status acquisition means and movement status acquisition means 222, 572 ... Notification sound output control means 310 as control means, 610 ... Notification related information as event superiority information 311 ... Notification level information 312,612 as the degree of degree information 312 ... Notification event information as the event status specifying information 412 ... Position position information as the sound image localization information 500 ... Home status notification system as a notification control system 510 ... Event status detection means Situation detection means 520 ... Ubiquitous sensor as reference point position recognition means 560 ... Memory that also functions as event advantage information storage means 570 ... Notification control device and processing section as calculation means 571 ... Also functions as event status acquisition means Notification level recognition means as superiority degree recognition means

Claims (15)

A notification control device that controls the characteristics of the sound to be generated from the sound generation means installed around the reference point based on a plurality of different events to notify the situation of the event,
Event status acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of event signals related to the status of each event;
An emergency for recognizing that the degree of urgency of handling each event is one of the degrees of urgency set in a plurality of stages based on each event signal acquired by the event status acquisition means Sexuality recognition means,
And control means for controlling the sound from the sound generating means in a state in which the sound image localization is closer to the position of the reference point according to the degree of urgency of the notification that is recognized by the urgency degree recognition means is increased,
Equipped with,
The control means includes
When the degree of urgency of a plurality of events equal to or less than a predetermined number is recognized, the sound images are localized at different positions according to the urgency, and are notified at substantially the same time. A notification control device characterized by the above. The notification control device according to claim 1,
The information control apparatus, wherein the control means controls the sound image localization to be approximately close to the front position with respect to the position of the reference point as the degree of urgency increases. The notification control device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
Sound image localization information storage means for storing sound image localization information for specifying the sound image localization set at the predetermined number of positions at different distances from the reference point,
The control unit is configured to perform control for recognizing the set sound image localization based on the sound image localization information and reporting the predetermined number of events substantially simultaneously. The notification control device according to claim 3 ,
The sound generation means is disposed at a position corresponding to the set sound image localization,
The notification control apparatus, wherein the sound image localization information is information for specifying the sound generation means. A notification control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The control means includes
When acquiring a countermeasure execution signal indicating that the handling of any of the plurality of events that are being notified at substantially the same time has been implemented, the notification of the event in which the handling is performed is terminated,
A notification control apparatus characterized in that a sound image localization for notification of an event having a degree of urgency smaller than the event for which the notification is ended is moved closer . A notification control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The reference point is movable;
Comprising reference point position recognition means for recognizing the position of the reference point;
The said control means controls to the state which alert | reports the said event by the said sound image localization with respect to the position of the said reference point recognized by the said reference point position recognition means. The notification control apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. A notification control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
The notification control apparatus characterized in that the control means generates sound information compliant with MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) standards from the sound generation means. A notification control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
A plurality of the sounding means are arranged around the reference point,
The notification control apparatus characterized in that the control means relatively controls the sounding state of each sounding means. A notification control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 ,
Said event status specific information associated with the event signals, and includes an event urgency information storage means for urgency degree information relating to the degree of the urgency stores the configured event urgency information as one data structure ,
The urgency degree recognizing means obtains the event urgency information having the event situation specifying information associated with the event signal obtained by the event situation obtaining means from the event urgency information storage means. A notification control device that searches and recognizes the urgency based on the urgency degree information of the searched event urgency information. It is a movement support device that supports the movement of the moving body by informing the situation of the moving body based on the map information,
Movement status acquisition means for acquiring status information relating to movement of the mobile body;
The notification control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein a guidance related to movement is generated as a status of the event based on the status information acquired by the movement status acquisition unit and is generated by a sound generation unit.
A movement support apparatus characterized by comprising: A plurality of event status detection means for detecting an event status and outputting an event signal corresponding to the event status;
The situation of the event according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the event status is notified by controlling a characteristic of a sound generated by the sound generation unit based on the event signal output from the event status detection unit. A notification control apparatus or a movement support apparatus according to claim 10 ;
A notification control system characterized by comprising: A notification control method for notifying the state of the event by controlling the characteristics of the sound to be generated from the sound generation means installed around the reference point based on a plurality of different events by the calculation means,
The computing means is
An event status acquisition step of acquiring a plurality of event signals related to the status of each event;
Urgency degree recognition step for recognizing that the degree of urgency for notifying the status of each event is one of the degree of urgency set in a plurality of stages based on the acquired event signals And
Performing a control step of controlling the sound generation from the sound generation means so that the sound image localization becomes closer to the position of the reference point as the recognized degree of urgency to be notified increases ,
The control step includes
When the degree of urgency of a plurality of events equal to or less than a predetermined number is recognized, the sound images are localized at different positions according to the urgency, and are notified at substantially the same time. A notification control method characterized by the above. A notification control program that causes a calculation means to function as the notification control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 . A notification control program that causes a calculation means to execute the notification control method according to claim 12 . 15. A recording medium storing a notification control program, wherein the notification control program according to claim 13 or 14 is recorded so as to be readable by an arithmetic means.

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