JP4779673B2 - Information provision device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information providing apparatus, and more particularly to an information providing apparatus suitably applied to a navigation device mounted on a vehicle.

Conventionally, as this type of information providing device, a navigation device mounted on a vehicle, which changes the tone of information provision by voice according to the urgency of the information, the traveling time zone, the current position of the vehicle, etc. Is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-104000

  However, in the above-described conventional apparatus, consideration is not given to a reduction in the attention of the information receiver (driver) by repeatedly providing the same information.

  The present invention is for solving such problems, and provides an information providing apparatus capable of suppressing a reduction in attention of an information receiver even when information of the same content is repeatedly provided. The main purpose.

  An aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object is an information providing apparatus including an information output unit that outputs information and a control unit that controls the information output unit, wherein the control unit includes information of the same content. When the information is continuously output a predetermined number of times or more, the information output means is controlled to output the same content information in a format different from the previous output.

  According to this aspect of the present invention, when the same content information is continuously output a predetermined number of times or more, the information output means is controlled to output the same content information in a format different from the previous output. Therefore, even when information with the same content is repeatedly provided, it is possible to prevent the attention of the information receiver from being lowered.

  In the aspect of the present invention, more preferably, the control means controls the information output means so as to output information having the same content in a format different from the previous output based on a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition in this case may be, for example, that a predetermined time has not elapsed since the previous provision of information, and when mounted on the vehicle, a travel distance detecting means for detecting the travel distance of the vehicle is provided. The predetermined condition may be that the travel distance from the previous output is within a predetermined distance.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the information output means outputs information by at least one of audio, video, light emission by a light emitter, or a tactile effect including vibration.

  Further, one embodiment of the present invention is suitably applied to a navigation device mounted on a vehicle.

  Moreover, in this aspect of the present invention, the information output means is, for example, means for outputting information by voice, and in this case, for example, the control means outputs, for example, the same content information continuously a predetermined number of times or more. Is characterized in that the information output means is controlled so as to output information using different arousing sounds. Here, the arousing sound refers to a sound for alerting the driver before outputting specific contents.

  Moreover, in this aspect of the present invention, the information output means is, for example, means for outputting information by voice, and in this case, for example, the control means outputs, for example, the same content information continuously a predetermined number of times or more. Is characterized in that the information output means is controlled so as to output information of the same content using a wording different from the previous output.

  Further, in one aspect of the present invention, preferably, the apparatus includes a user name acquisition unit that acquires a user name, the information output unit is a unit that outputs information by voice, and the control unit continuously transmits information of the same content. When the information is output a predetermined number of times or more, the information output means is controlled to output the user name acquired by the user name acquisition means prior to the content.

  Moreover, in this aspect of the present invention, the information output means is, for example, means for outputting information by video, and in this case, for example, the control means, for example, outputs the same content information continuously a predetermined number of times or more. Is characterized in that the information output means is controlled to change the color and / or luminance of the video.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, even when providing information of the same content repeatedly, the information provision apparatus which can suppress that the alertness of the information receiver falls can be provided.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the information providing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an information providing apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the information providing apparatus 1 includes a navigation apparatus 10 and includes a peripheral image capturing apparatus 30 as another main configuration.

  The navigation device 10 outputs a current position specifying device 12, a map database 14 having map data on a storage medium such as a hard disk, a DVD, a CD-ROM, a speaker 16, and a map display or a route guidance display as video. A display unit (not shown) such as a liquid crystal display and a navigation device electronic control unit (hereinafter referred to as navigation device ECU) 20 for controlling the entire navigation device 10 are provided.

  The current position specifying device 12 includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, a beacon receiver, an FM multiplex broadcast receiver, various sensors such as a vehicle speed sensor and a gyro sensor, and specifies the current position of the host vehicle. Details of the method for identifying the current position are well known to those skilled in the art, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The speaker 16 is determined by referring to the current position specifying device 12, the map database 14, and the peripheral image capturing device 30, and the right / left turn point, the temporary stop position, the intersection, the arrival at the destination, and the pedestrian on the driving lane Presence and other information is output to the passenger compartment by voice. Moreover, when the navigation apparatus 10 is provided with the apparatus which acquires the state of a signal, you may output the state of the signal ahead of a vehicle.

  The navigation device ECU 20 has a hardware configuration including a memory 26 such as a RAM and a communication port (not shown) with a CPU at the center. Moreover, the information provision object detection part 22 and the audio | voice determination part 24 are provided as main functional blocks implement | achieved by such a hardware configuration. The navigation device ECU 20 includes a current position specifying device 12, a map database 14, a speaker 16, various sensors in the vehicle including a peripheral image capturing device 30 and a vehicle speed sensor 40, other ECUs, and a CAN (Controller Area Network). Communication is established using an appropriate serial communication protocol communication.

  As described above, the information provision target detection unit 22 refers to the current position specifying device 12, the map database 14, and the peripheral image capturing device 30, and extracts information to be output from the speaker 16.

  The sound determination unit 24 determines the content and format of the sound that is actually output from the speaker 16 based on the information extracted by the information provision target detection unit 22. Details will be described later.

  The peripheral image capturing device 30 is disposed, for example, at the upper center of the windshield, and uses a camera using an image sensor such as a CMOS or CCD that captures an obliquely lower front of the vehicle, and an image processing device that processes an image captured by the camera. And built-in. The peripheral image capturing apparatus 30 recognizes and recognizes the presence of a pedestrian on a stop line, an intersection, or a traveling lane by performing binarization processing and feature point extraction processing on an image captured by the camera. The result is transmitted to the navigation device ECU 20. The peripheral image capturing device 30 may be used in combination with a known white line recognition device used for lane departure warning control (lane departure warning) or lane maintenance assist control (lane keeping assist).

  By the way, when audio information of the same content is continuously output in a short time from such an information providing device such as a navigation device, the driver becomes “familiar” due to the continuous application of the same stimulus. . This “habituation” has the effect of slowing down the driver ’s “localization response” (a psychological term, a response that humans show to new stimuli), and as a result, the driver ’s response to voice information. This is thought to cause a reduction in attention. However, since such audio information includes important information for safe driving such as a temporary stop position and the presence of a pedestrian, it is desired to suppress a reduction in the driver's attention.

  If information with the same content is output continuously within a short period of time, the effect of slowing down the “localization reaction” is not limited to the case of providing information by voice, but depending on the image (image) or the light emitter. The same applies to the case of providing information by using tactile effects such as light emission and vibration.

  Therefore, the information providing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention outputs information in a format different from the previous output when information having the same content is continuously output a predetermined number of times or more. The determination of this format is performed by the voice determination unit 24 as described above. Here, with reference to FIG. 2, specific examples of different types of audio output in a scene where the driver is notified of the presence of the temporary stop position will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 2, for example, the voice determination unit 24 prepares two types of audible sounds (sounds for calling the driver's attention before outputting specific contents) and words. . 1 (default) to No. 1 3 types of voices are selected. By changing the format in this way, it is possible to suppress the driver's "localization reaction" from becoming dull even when the same content of audio is output continuously, and the driver's attention is reduced. The decrease can be suppressed.

  Hereinafter, an operation when the information providing apparatus 1 determines a voice will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of characteristic processing executed by the navigation device ECU 20.

First, the information provision target detection unit 22 extracts information to be output from the speaker 16 with reference to the information from the current position specifying device 12 and the map database 14 and the recognition result by the peripheral image capturing device 30 (S100). , The content to be output, the point X _n where the information is to be output, and the data set P _{n including the} time T _n that is predicted to reach the point are created (S110). (Blank).

Next, the voice creation unit 24 performs a process of reading from the memory 26 a data set (P _n−1 , P _n−2 ,...) Composed of information related to voices output in the past (S120). FIG. 4 shows an example of a data set stored in the memory 26. The process of storing the data set in the memory 26 is performed at the time when the sound is actually output from the speaker 16.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the same content has been continuously performed a predetermined number of times n times or more (S130). The predetermined number n may be arbitrarily determined, for example, from 2 times to over a dozen times.

  When a negative determination is obtained in S130, a sound is created using the arousing sound A and the wording A corresponding to the content (corresponding to No. 1 in FIG. 2) (S140).

If obtaining a positive determination in S130, the time T _n predicted to reach information on a point X _n to be output is, whether it is within the time t from the time T _n-1 which outputs the last audio Is determined (S150).

  If a negative determination is obtained in S150, a sound is created using the arousing sound B and the wording A corresponding to the content (corresponding to No. 2 in FIG. 2) (S160).

  When an affirmative determination is obtained in S150, a sound is created using the arousing sound B and the wording B corresponding to the content (corresponding to No. 3 in FIG. 2) (S170).

  As described above, when a sufficient amount of time has passed since the time when the previous voice was output, it is considered that the driver's attention is not reduced so much, so the degree of change is reduced.

When the sound is created, the sound is actually output by the speaker 16 after the host vehicle reaches the point _Xn where the information should be output (S180), and one routine of this flow is finished.

  According to the information providing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is determined whether or not the same content has been continuously performed a predetermined number of times n times or more. Since it changes and outputs a sound, the fall of a driver's attention can be controlled. In addition, since the format is further changed based on the time interval from the previous output, it is possible to more effectively suppress the reduction in the driver's attention.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described above by using the first embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to such a first embodiment and does not depart from the gist of the present invention. Various modifications and substitutions can be added.

  For example, if the same content is continuously performed a predetermined number of times n times or more and the time interval from the previous output is within the predetermined time t, the format may be changed and the sound may be output. A flowchart in this case is shown in FIG. Even if the control is performed in this manner, it is possible to effectively suppress a decrease in the driver's attention. In this case, if sufficient time has passed since the time when the last voice was output, it is considered that the driver's attention does not decrease so much, so it is determined that there is no need to change the format. Yes.

  Also, when determining the audio format, two types of audible sounds (sounds for alerting the driver before outputting specific contents) and wording are prepared. Although three types of voices 1 to 3 are selected, the present invention is not limited to this, and the voice format may be determined in any manner.

  For example, two types of formats are prepared for each content (only the arousing sound may be different, or only the wording may be different. In addition, the format is obtained by adding or not adding the arousing sound. May be different, or you may prepare two types, default and those with different arousing sounds and words.) Simply, the same content is repeated n times or more consecutively When performed, the format may be changed to output the sound.

  In addition, more kinds of evoking sounds and words may be prepared than in the above embodiment, and these may be combined, or the format may be varied depending on elements (volume, tone, etc.) other than the audible sounds and words.

Further, in S150, instead of determining whether or not the time T _n predicted to reach the point X _n where the information is to be output is within the time t from the time T _n−1 at which the previous voice was output. It is also possible to determine whether or not the distance between the point _Xn where the information is to be output and the point _Xn-1 where the previous voice was output is within a predetermined distance x. In this case, the voice output can be changed more appropriately by changing the predetermined distance x by the driver's operation (accelerator operation, brake operation, etc.).

  Furthermore, as another example of the information providing mode, it is conceivable to use a known night view system that displays an image captured by an infrared camera on a head-up display provided at the upper part of the instrument panel. In other words, by changing the brightness of the head-up display or changing the color (for example, changing from normal color development to reddish video, etc.) accompanying the audio output, the information provision format is changed and driving Reduction of the attention of a person can be suppressed.

  In addition, when information is provided only by a video display device such as this night view system (for example, a method of blinking video or changing color to notify the presence of a pause position or a pedestrian can be considered) However, it is considered that the same effect as in the embodiment can be obtained by changing the mode of the blinking and the color change. In this case, it is only necessary to adjust the blinking speed, the luminance change, the color change degree accompanying this, and the like.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a light emitting device that emits light, or a device that stimulates a driver tactilely by applying vibration to a steering wheel or a seat, for example, and a combination of these devices and sound output. Thus, these devices may be activated during audio output to emphasize the change in format.

  Further, the information providing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied to other than the vehicle. For example, even in a device that is provided at an intersection in a factory and notifies the approach of a vehicle by a buzzer, when the buzzer is blown continuously for a short time, the tone, volume, blowing pattern, etc. are changed. Thus, it is possible to suppress a reduction in attention.

  Next, a second embodiment of the information providing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the information providing apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the information providing apparatus 2 includes a user ID acquisition apparatus 40 in addition to the components included in the information providing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the same components as those of the information providing apparatus 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The user ID acquisition device 40 includes a smart key 42 owned by each user (driver) registered on the vehicle side, and a detection device 44 that detects a user ID stored in the smart key 42.

  The smart key 42 emits a weak radio wave (response signal) in response to a request signal sent from the detection device 44 on the vehicle side. When the smart key 42 is attached to the user and approaches the vehicle, the response signal of the smart key 42 is received by the detection device 44, and the response signal (smart key 42) is sent to the navigation device ECU 20 or immobilizer ECU (not shown). (Including a unique personal ID) is decrypted and input. That is, it is possible to detect a personal ID unique to the registered user from the smart key 42.

  The detection device 44 includes, for example, a vehicle transmitter / receiver 46 and a vehicle interior transmitter / receiver 48. The vehicle transmitter / receiver 46 transmits a request signal and receives a response signal during a period from when the door is locked to unlocked from outside the vehicle, that is, during parking. When all the doors are closed after the door is unlocked, a request signal is transmitted and a response signal is received.

  The information providing apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as the information providing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment in that it aims to suppress a decrease in the driver's attention. However, there are some differences in the method.

  Conventionally, the phenomenon that even if it is a noisy place such as a party venue can be heard by calling one's name is known as a cocktail party effect. The present embodiment utilizes this effect.

  That is, the process of determining different types of voice in the voice determination unit 24 outputs the name of each user (driver) acquired by the user ID acquisition device 40 prior to the content of the information.

  Accordingly, the voice determination unit 24 prepares, for example, two kinds of voices, that is, a voice composed of (sounding sound) + (content) and a voice composed of (sounding sound) + (name of each user) + (content). By changing the format in this way, it is possible to suppress the driver's "localization reaction" from becoming dull even when the same content of audio is output continuously, and the driver's attention is reduced. Reduction can be more effectively suppressed.

  A specific example of audio output in a different format in this embodiment is shown in FIG. Further, three or more kinds of sound outputs may be prepared by further combining the plurality of sounding sounds shown in the first embodiment as shown in FIG. Moreover, you may combine the change of wording.

  The actual operation of the information providing apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention may be, for example, applying the audio output illustrated in FIG. 7 to the flowchart of FIG. 3 or FIG. Therefore, detailed description is omitted.

  Also in this embodiment, various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  For example, the method of acquiring the name of the user (driver) is not limited to the method of the embodiment, and an input terminal may be provided, or the user ID may be acquired by another type of device.

  The present invention can be used for an apparatus that provides information to at least a person. There is no limitation on the appearance, weight, size, running performance, etc. of the vehicle when applied to a method of providing information and a navigation device mounted on the vehicle.

It is a figure which shows an example of the whole structure of the information provision apparatus 1 which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the specific example of the audio | voice output of a different format which the information provision apparatus 1 which concerns on 1st Example of this invention prepares. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the characteristic process which ECU20 for navigation apparatuses performs. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data set stored in a memory 26. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the other example of the flow of the characteristic process which ECU20 for navigation apparatuses performs. It is a figure which shows an example of the whole structure of the information provision apparatus 2 which concerns on 2nd Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the audio | voice output of a different format which the information provision apparatus 2 which concerns on 2nd Example prepares.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information providing apparatus 10 Navigation apparatus 12 Current position specifying apparatus 14 Map database 16 Speaker 20 Electronic control unit 22 for navigation apparatus Information providing target detecting section 24 Voice determining section 26 Memory 30 Peripheral image capturing apparatus 40 User ID acquiring apparatus 42 Smart key 44 Detecting device 46 Car transmitter / receiver 48 Vehicle interior transmitter / receiver

Claims (7)

An information providing apparatus comprising: information output means for outputting information; and control means for controlling the information output means,
The control means controls the information output means to output information in a format different from the previous output when the same content information is continuously output a predetermined number of times or more .
The information output means is controlled to output information in a different format based on whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the previous information provision ,
Information providing device. An information providing apparatus that is mounted on a vehicle and includes information output means for outputting information, and control means for controlling the information output means,
A travel distance detecting means for detecting the travel distance of the vehicle;
The control means controls the information output means to output information in a format different from the previous output when the same content information is continuously output a predetermined number of times or more.
The information output means is controlled to output information in a different format based on whether or not the travel distance from when the previous information provision was performed is within a predetermined distance,
Information providing device. The information providing device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The information output means outputs information by at least one of audio, video, light emission by a light emitter, or a tactile effect including vibration,
Information providing device. The information providing device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
Applied to navigation devices mounted on vehicles,
Information providing device. The information providing device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The information output means is means for outputting information by voice,
The control means controls the information output means to output information using different arousing sounds when the same content information is continuously output a predetermined number of times or more.
An information providing apparatus characterized by that. The information providing device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The information output means is means for outputting information by voice,
The control means controls the information output means to output the same content information using a different wording from the previous output when the same content information is continuously output a predetermined number of times or more.
An information providing apparatus characterized by that. An information providing apparatus comprising: information output means for outputting information by voice ; and control means for controlling the information output means,
A user name acquisition means for acquiring a user name;
The control means controls the information output means so as to output the user name acquired by the user name acquisition means prior to the content when the same content information is continuously output a predetermined number of times or more.
An information providing apparatus characterized by that.

Images