JP7632035B2 - Signal generating device, information generating device, signal generating method, and information generating method - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a signal generating device, an information generating device, a signal generating method, and an information generating method.

Patent document 1 discloses a method for evoking the sensation of driving in passengers in a vehicle powered by an electric motor. In this method, vibrations and sounds are generated separately based on the operation of the electric motor.

International Publication No. 2012/001813

There is a need for technology that can give vehicle occupants a sense of immersion in the driving experience using a method different from that described in Patent Document 1. The present disclosure aims to provide a new technology that can give vehicle occupants a sense of immersion in the driving experience.

A signal generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the traveling of a vehicle or an operation on the vehicle, a first generation unit that generates a sound signal indicating a sound corresponding to the traveling of the vehicle based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit, and a second generation unit that generates a vibration signal indicating a vibration corresponding to the traveling of the vehicle based on the sound signal generated by the first generation unit.

An information generating device according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of pieces of information including first information regarding the traveling of a vehicle or an operation on the vehicle, and second information regarding the traveling of the vehicle or an operation on the vehicle, and a generation unit that generates performance designation information that designates a light performance according to the traveling of the vehicle based on the plurality of pieces of information acquired by the acquisition unit.

A signal generation method according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a signal generation method implemented by a computer, which acquires information relating to the running of a vehicle or an operation on the vehicle, generates a sound signal indicating a sound corresponding to the running of the vehicle based on the acquired information, and generates a vibration signal indicating a vibration corresponding to the running of the vehicle based on the generated sound signal.

An information generation method according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure is an information generation method implemented by a computer, which acquires a plurality of pieces of information including first information related to the running of a vehicle or an operation on the vehicle, and second information related to the running of the vehicle or an operation on the vehicle, and generates performance designation information that designates a light effect according to the running of the vehicle based on the acquired plurality of pieces of information.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a signal generating device 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle 100. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correspondence relationship indicated by reference information e. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correspondence relationship indicated by first reference information e1. FIG. A figure showing an example of a correspondence relationship indicated by second reference information e2. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship indicated by travel information g1. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship indicated by sound information h1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the signal generating device 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a signal generating device 1A according to a first modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a signal generating device 1C according to a third modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a signal generating device 1D according to another example of the third modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle 100 according to a fourth modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle 100 according to a fourth modified example. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing examples of an image T1 and an image T2. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing other examples of each of the images T1 and T2. FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a sound control unit 83. FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a vibration control unit 84. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the information generating device 8. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship indicated by sound information h2. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform indicating a noise sound. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform indicating an attack element in a virtual engine sound. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform showing a sound following an attack element in a virtual engine sound. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle 100 according to a sixth modified example.

A: First embodiment A1: Signal generating device 1
1 is a diagram showing an example of a signal generating device 1 according to a first embodiment. The signal generating device 1 is mounted on a vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 is an electric vehicle that does not have an engine. The vehicle 100 is operated by a driver of the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 may perform autonomous driving. The vehicle 100 includes a signal generating device 1, wheels 2a to 2d, a wheel control unit 3, a vehicle speed measurement device 3A, an operation unit 4, a speaker 5, a seat 6, and a vibration unit 7.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 includes a passenger compartment 100a, a right door 66, and a left door 67. The passenger compartment 100a includes a speaker 5, a seat 6, a vibration unit 7, an accelerator pedal 32, a steering wheel 61, a shift knob 62, a floor mat 63, a headrest 64, an armrest 65, a portion of the right door 66, and a portion of the left door 67. Each of the right door 66 and the left door 67 includes a speaker 5 and an armrest 65.

In FIG. 1, the signal generating device 1 generates a sound signal c1 and a vibration signal d1. The sound signal c1 is a signal that indicates a virtual engine sound. The sound signal c1 is not limited to a signal that indicates a virtual engine sound. For example, the sound signal c1 may be a signal that indicates a sound effect that gives the feeling of acceleration of the vehicle 100. The vibration signal d1 is a signal that indicates vibration based on the virtual engine sound.

The engine sound includes the sound emitted by the engine itself, the intake sound caused by the intake of air by the engine, and the exhaust sound caused by the exhaust of air by the engine. The engine sound may be only the sound emitted by the engine itself, or it may be a combination of the sound emitted by the engine itself and the intake sound, or it may be a combination of the sound emitted by the engine itself and the exhaust sound. The engine sound may further include a sound indicative of noise.

Each of the wheels 2a and 2b is a front wheel of the vehicle 100. Each of the wheels 2c and 2d is a rear wheel of the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 may have additional wheels in addition to the wheels 2a-2d.

The wheel control unit 3 controls the rotation of each of the wheels 2a and 2b. The wheel control unit 3 may control the rotation of each of the wheels 2c and 2d instead of the rotation of each of the wheels 2a and 2b. The wheel control unit 3 may control the rotation of each of the wheels 2a to 2d. The wheel control unit 3 includes a motor 31, an accelerator pedal 32, a shift lever 33, a motor control unit 34, and a power transmission unit 35.

The motor 31 generates power based on electric power. The accelerator pedal 32 and the shift lever 33 are each operated by the driver of the vehicle 100. The accelerator pedal 32 and the shift lever 33 may each be operated automatically.

The position of the accelerator pedal 32 is adjusted by the driver of the vehicle 100. The position of the accelerator pedal 32 corresponds to the "accelerator opening". The accelerator opening increases as the difference between the position of the accelerator pedal 32 and the reference position of the accelerator pedal 32 increases. The accelerator opening decreases as the difference between the position of the accelerator pedal 32 and the reference position of the accelerator pedal 32 decreases. The reference position of the accelerator pedal 32 is the position of the accelerator pedal 32 when the accelerator pedal 32 is not being operated. When the position of the accelerator pedal 32 matches the reference position of the accelerator pedal 32, the accelerator opening is "0".

The difference between the position of the accelerator pedal 32 and the reference position of the accelerator pedal 32 can be referred to as the "displacement amount of the accelerator pedal 32." The displacement amount of the accelerator pedal 32 may be used as the accelerator opening degree. The accelerator pedal 32 is an example of an accelerator. If the vehicle 100 has an accelerator lever instead of the accelerator pedal 32, the accelerator lever is an example of an accelerator.

The shift lever 33 is selectively set to one of the drive range, parking range, reverse range, and neutral range by the driver of the vehicle 100.

The motor control unit 34 detects the position of the accelerator pedal 32 and the position of the shift lever 33. Methods for detecting the position of the accelerator pedal 32 and the position of the shift lever 33 are well known, so detailed explanations will be omitted.

The motor control unit 34 controls the motor 31 based on the position of the accelerator pedal 32 and the position of the shift lever 33. For example, the motor control unit 34 generates rotation direction information and rotation speed information based on the position of the accelerator pedal 32 and the position of the shift lever 33. The rotation direction information is information that determines the rotation direction of the motor 31. The rotation speed information is information that determines the rotation speed of the motor 31. The motor control unit 34 sets the rotation direction of the motor 31 to the rotation direction determined by the rotation direction information. The motor control unit 34 sets the rotation speed of the motor 31 to the rotation speed determined by the rotation speed information. The method of controlling the rotation (rotation direction and rotation speed) of the motor 31 based on the position of the accelerator pedal 32 and the position of the shift lever 33 is publicly known, so a detailed description will be omitted.

The power transmission unit 35 is a set of reduction gears. The power transmission unit 35 transmits the power generated by the motor 31 to the wheels 2a and 2b. The power transmission unit 35 may transmit the power generated by the motor 31 to the wheels 2c and 2d instead of the wheels 2a and 2b. The power transmission unit 35 may transmit the power generated by the motor 31 to the wheels 2a to 2d.

The vehicle speed measuring device 3A measures the speed of the vehicle 100. The vehicle speed measuring device 3A generates speed information a1 based on the measurement result of the speed of the vehicle 100. The speed information a1 is information that indicates the speed of the vehicle 100. The speed information a1 is an example of information related to the traveling of the vehicle 100.

The motor control unit 34 generates accelerator information b1 based on the position of the accelerator pedal 32. The accelerator information b1 is information that indicates the accelerator opening. The accelerator information b1 is an example of information related to operations on the vehicle 100.

Each of the speed information a1 and the accelerator information b1 is an example of information related to the traveling of the vehicle 100 or operations on the vehicle 100. The information related to the traveling of the vehicle 100 or operations on the vehicle 100 may include the speed information a1 and the accelerator information b1.

The operation unit 4 is, for example, a touch panel. The operation unit 4 is not limited to a touch panel, and may be an operation panel having various operation buttons. The operation unit 4 receives operations performed by a passenger of the vehicle 100. Hereinafter, the "passenger of the vehicle 100" will be simply referred to as the "passenger".

The speaker 5 is a speaker set having multiple speakers. The speaker 5 may be a single speaker. The speaker 5 emits various sounds. For example, the speaker 5 emits a virtual engine sound based on the sound signal c1.

The seat 6 is a seat such as a driver's seat. The seat 6 is an example of an object located in the vehicle 100. The object located in the vehicle 100 is not limited to the seat 6, and may be, for example, an object located in the passenger compartment 100a shown in FIG. 2. For example, the object located in the vehicle 100 may be any one of the steering wheel 61, the shift knob 62 located at the tip of the shift lever 33, the floor mat 63, the accelerator pedal 32, the headrest 64, and the armrest 65.

The vibration unit 7 is disposed on the seat 6. For example, the vibration unit 7 is disposed inside the seat 6. The vibration unit 7 may be disposed on the surface of the seat 6. The vibration unit 7 vibrates based on the vibration signal d1. Therefore, the vibration of the vibration unit 7 is based on the virtual engine sound. The vibration unit 7 imparts vibration based on the virtual engine sound to the seat 6.

The object that receives vibration from the vibration unit 7 is not limited to the seat 6, but may be any object located in the vehicle 100. The object that receives vibration from the vibration unit 7 may be, for example, any one of the steering wheel 61, the shift knob 62, the floor mat 63, the accelerator pedal 32, the headrest 64, and the armrest 65. The vibration unit 7 may impart vibration based on the vibration signal d1 to multiple objects located in the vehicle 100. For example, the vibration unit 7 may impart vibration based on the vibration signal d1 to both the seat 6 and the steering wheel 61. The vibration unit 7 is disposed on the object that receives vibration from the vibration unit 7.

The signal generating device 1 shown in FIG. 1 receives speed information a1 from a vehicle speed measuring device 3A. The signal generating device 1 receives accelerator information b1 from a motor control unit 34. The speed information a1 and accelerator information b1 are communicated via a controller area network (CAN). The speed information a1 and accelerator information b1 may be communicated using a communication protocol different from CAN.

The signal generating device 1 generates a sound signal c1 and a vibration signal d1 based on the speed information a1 and the accelerator information b1. The signal generating device 1 includes a memory device 11 and a processing device 12. The memory device 11 may be an external element of the signal generating device 1.

The storage device 11 is a recording medium that can be read by a computer (e.g., a non-transitive recording medium that can be read by a computer). The storage device 11 includes a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. The non-volatile memory is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). The volatile memory is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

The storage device 11 stores a program p1 and various information. The program p1 defines the operation of the signal generating device 1. The storage device 11 may store the program p1 read from a storage device in a server (not shown). In this case, the storage device in the server is an example of a recording medium readable by a computer.

The processing device 12 includes one or more central processing units (CPUs). The one or more CPUs are an example of one or more processors. Each of the processing device, processor, and CPU is an example of a computer.

The processing device 12 reads the program p1 from the storage device 11. The processing device 12 executes the program p1 to function as an acquisition unit 13, a generation unit 14, and an LPF (Low Pass Filter) 15. At least one of the acquisition unit 13, the generation unit 14, and the LPF 15 may be realized by a circuit such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

The acquisition unit 13 acquires the speed information a1 from the vehicle speed measurement device 3A. For example, the acquisition unit 13 first transmits a request for the speed information a1 to the vehicle speed measurement device 3A. The acquisition unit 13 acquires the speed information a1 transmitted from the vehicle speed measurement device 3A in response to the request for the speed information a1. When the vehicle speed measurement device 3A actively transmits the speed information a1 to the acquisition unit 13, the acquisition unit 13 may acquire the speed information a1 actively transmitted from the vehicle speed measurement device 3A. The acquisition unit 13 acquires the accelerator information b1 from the motor control unit 34. For example, the acquisition unit 13 first transmits a request for the accelerator information b1 to the motor control unit 34. The acquisition unit 13 acquires the accelerator information b1 transmitted from the motor control unit 34 in response to the request for the accelerator information b1. When the motor control unit 34 actively transmits the accelerator information b1 to the acquisition unit 13, the acquisition unit 13 may acquire the accelerator information b1 actively transmitted from the motor control unit 34.

The generator 14 generates a sound signal c1 based on the speed information a1 and accelerator information b1 acquired by the acquirer 13. The generator 14 is an example of a first generator. The generator 14 includes a determiner 141 and a signal generator 142.

The determination unit 141 determines the rotation speed of the virtual engine based on the speed information a1. The virtual engine is a virtual engine virtually installed in the vehicle 100. The determination unit 141 determines the rotation speed of the virtual engine by using the reference information e.

The reference information e is information that indicates the correspondence between the speed of the vehicle 100 and the rotation speed of the virtual engine. The reference information e is stored in the storage device 11.

The determination unit 141 uses the reference information e to determine the rotation speed of the virtual engine corresponding to the speed of the vehicle 100 indicated by the speed information a1. When the determination unit 141 determines the rotation speed of the virtual engine, it generates rotation speed information f1 indicating the rotation speed of the virtual engine.

The reference information e may include first reference information e1 and second reference information e2. The first reference information e1 is information indicating the correspondence between the speed of the vehicle 100 and the rotation speed of the virtual engine when the vehicle 100 is accelerating. The second reference information e2 is information indicating the correspondence between the speed of the vehicle 100 and the rotation speed of the virtual engine when the vehicle 100 is decelerating and when the vehicle 100 is at a constant speed.

Even if the reference information e includes the first reference information e1 and the second reference information e2, the determination unit 141 determines the rotation speed of the virtual engine based on the speed information a1.

For example, the determination unit 141 first determines whether the vehicle 100 is accelerating based on the change in the speed information a1.

When the determination unit 141 determines that the vehicle 100 is accelerating, it uses the first reference information e1 to determine the virtual engine speed corresponding to the speed of the vehicle 100 indicated by the speed information a1.

When the determination unit 141 determines that the vehicle 100 is not accelerating, it determines that the vehicle 100 is decelerating or at a constant speed.

When the determination unit 141 determines that the vehicle 100 is decelerating or moving at a constant speed, it uses the second reference information e2 to determine the virtual engine speed corresponding to the speed of the vehicle 100 indicated by the speed information a1.

Even when the reference information e includes the first reference information e1 and the second reference information e2, when the determination unit 141 determines the rotation speed of the virtual engine, it generates rotation speed information f1 indicating the rotation speed of the virtual engine.

The signal generator 142 generates a sound signal c1 based on the rotation speed information f1 and the accelerator information b1.

The signal generating unit 142 first determines the running state of the vehicle 100 based on the rotation speed information f1 and the accelerator information b1. For example, the signal generating unit 142 determines the running state of the vehicle 100 by using the running information g1.

The driving information g1 is information that indicates the correspondence between the rotation speed of the virtual engine, the accelerator opening, and the driving state of the vehicle 100. The driving information g1 is stored in the storage device 11.

The signal generating unit 142 uses the driving information g1 to determine the driving state of the vehicle 100 that corresponds to both the virtual engine RPM indicated by the RPM information f1 and the accelerator opening indicated by the accelerator information b1.

Then, the signal generating unit 142 generates a sound signal c1 based on the traveling state of the vehicle 100. For example, the signal generating unit 142 generates the sound signal c1 by using the sound information h1.

The sound information h1 is information indicating the correspondence between the running state of the vehicle 100 and sound data indicating a virtual engine sound. The sound data indicates a virtual engine sound corresponding to the running state of the vehicle 100. The sound information h1 is stored in the storage device 11.

The signal generating unit 142 uses the sound information h1 to generate a sound signal c1 corresponding to the running state of the vehicle 100.

The sound signal c1 has multiple frequency components having mutually different frequencies. Multiple frequency components having mutually different frequencies are an example of multiple sound components that are mutually different. The sound signal c1 may have multiple waveform components having mutually different waveforms. Multiple waveform components having mutually different waveforms are another example of multiple sound components that are mutually different.

The LPF 15 generates a vibration signal d1 based on the sound signal c1. Because the vibration signal d1 is generated based on the sound signal c1, the vibration indicated by the vibration signal d1 is linked to the sound indicated by the sound signal c1.

The LPF 15 passes frequency components of the sound signal c1 that have frequencies equal to or lower than a threshold value n. The threshold value n is 100 Hz. The threshold value n is not limited to 100 Hz, and may be a frequency higher than 100 Hz or a frequency lower than 100 Hz. The threshold value n is set by adjusting the cutoff frequency of the LPF 15.

The LPF 15 generates the vibration signal d1 based on only the frequency components having frequencies equal to or lower than the threshold value n among the multiple frequency components contained in the sound signal c1. Vehicles tend to vibrate when the engine sound contains low-pitched sounds (e.g., sounds having frequencies equal to or lower than 100 Hz). For this reason, the vibrations indicated by the vibration signal d1 include vibrations simulating those generated by a vehicle equipped with an engine.

The LPF 15 generates the vibration signal d1 based on only a portion of the sound components contained in the sound signal c1. The portion of the sound components is, for example, a frequency component having a frequency equal to or lower than a threshold value n among the multiple frequency components contained in the sound signal c1.

LPF15 is an example of a second generation unit. The second generation unit is not limited to LPF15, and may be a BPF (Band Pass Filter) or HPF (High Pass Filter).

The BPF used instead of the LPF 15 passes, for example, frequency components having frequencies in the frequency band of 1 Hz to 100 Hz. In this case, the vibrations indicated by the vibration signal d1 generated by the BPF include at least some of the components of the vibrations generated by the vehicle equipped with the engine. The frequency components passed by the BPF are not limited to frequency components having frequencies in the frequency band of 1 Hz to 100 Hz, and can be changed as appropriate.

The HPF used instead of the LPF 15 passes, for example, frequency components having frequencies included in a frequency band of 1 Hz or more. In this case, the vibrations indicated by the vibration signal d1 generated by the HPF include at least some components of the vibrations generated by the vehicle equipped with the engine. The frequency components passed by the HPF are not limited to frequency components having frequencies included in a frequency band of 1 Hz or more, and can be changed as appropriate.

Regardless of whether the second generation unit is an LPF15, a BPF, or an HPF, the vibration represented by the vibration signal d1 generated by the second generation unit is linked to the sound represented by the sound signal c1.

A2: Reference information e
The reference information e indicates the correspondence relationship between the speed of the vehicle 100 and the rotation speed of the virtual engine. The rotation speed of the virtual engine depends on the speed of the vehicle 100 and the virtual transmission.

The virtual transmission is a transmission that is virtually installed in the vehicle 100. The virtual transmission has three gears, J1 to J3. Gear J1 corresponds to first gear in the virtual transmission. Gear J2 corresponds to second gear in the virtual transmission. Gear J3 corresponds to third gear in the virtual transmission. Each of gears J1, J2, and J3 may also be referred to as a shift gear. The virtual transmission may have one or more gears.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence indicated by reference information e, that is, a diagram showing an example of the correspondence between the speed of the vehicle 100 and the rotation speed of the virtual engine. In Figure 3, the horizontal axis shows the speed of the vehicle 100, and the vertical axis shows the rotation speed of the virtual engine.

Reference information e indicates the correspondence between the speed of the vehicle 100 and the rotation speed of the virtual engine for each of the gears J1 to J3. The rotation speed MAX1 of the virtual engine indicates the maximum rotation speed of the virtual engine. The maximum rotation speed of the virtual engine is, for example, 9000 rpm (revolutions per minute). The maximum rotation speed of the virtual engine is not limited to 9000 rpm.

The reference information e includes first reference information e1 and second reference information e2. The first reference information e1 is information indicating the correspondence between the speed of the vehicle 100 and the rotation speed of the virtual engine when the vehicle 100 is accelerating. The second reference information e2 is information indicating the correspondence between the speed of the vehicle 100 and the rotation speed of the virtual engine when the vehicle 100 is decelerating and at a constant speed.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence indicated by the first reference information e1, that is, a diagram showing an example of the correspondence between the speed of the vehicle 100 and the rotation speed of the virtual engine when the vehicle 100 is accelerating. In Figure 4, the horizontal axis shows the speed of the vehicle 100, and the vertical axis shows the rotation speed of the virtual engine.

The first reference information e1 indicates the correspondence relationship between the speed of the vehicle 100 and the rotation speed of the virtual engine for gear J1 as the correspondence relationship between the speed of the vehicle 100 and the rotation speed of the virtual engine when the speed of the vehicle 100 is less than speed V1.

Speed V1 is the speed of the vehicle 100 when the rotation speed of the virtual engine using gear J1 reaches rotation speed MAX1. Speed V1 may be smaller than the speed of the vehicle 100 when the rotation speed of the virtual engine using gear J1 reaches rotation speed MAX1.

The first reference information e1 indicates the correspondence relationship between the speed of the vehicle 100 and the rotation speed of the virtual engine for gear J2 as the correspondence relationship between the speed of the vehicle 100 and the rotation speed of the virtual engine when the speed of the vehicle 100 is equal to or greater than speed V1 and less than speed V2.

Speed V2 is the speed of the vehicle 100 when the rotation speed of the virtual engine using gear J2 reaches rotation speed MAX1. Speed V2 may be a speed that is smaller than the speed of the vehicle 100 when the rotation speed of the virtual engine using gear J2 reaches rotation speed MAX1 and greater than speed V1.

The first reference information e1 indicates the correspondence relationship between the speed of the vehicle 100 and the rotation speed of the virtual engine for gear J3 as the correspondence relationship between the speed of the vehicle 100 and the rotation speed of the virtual engine when the speed of the vehicle 100 is equal to or greater than speed V2.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence indicated by the second reference information e2, that is, a diagram showing an example of the correspondence between the speed of the vehicle 100 and the rotation speed of the virtual engine when the vehicle 100 is decelerating and at a constant speed. In Figure 5, the horizontal axis shows the speed of the vehicle 100, and the vertical axis shows the rotation speed of the virtual engine.

The second reference information e2 indicates the correspondence relationship between the speed of the vehicle 100 and the rotation speed of the virtual engine for gear J3 as the correspondence relationship between the speed of the vehicle 100 and the rotation speed of the virtual engine when the speed of the vehicle 100 is greater than speed V4. Speed V4 is greater than speed V1 and less than speed V2.

The second reference information e2 indicates the correspondence relationship between the speed of the vehicle 100 and the rotation speed of the virtual engine for gear J2 as the correspondence relationship between the speed of the vehicle 100 and the rotation speed of the virtual engine when the speed of the vehicle 100 is greater than speed V3 and less than speed V4. Speed V3 is greater than or equal to 0 and less than speed V1.

The second reference information e2 indicates the correspondence relationship between the speed of the vehicle 100 and the rotation speed of the virtual engine for gear J1 when the speed of the vehicle 100 is equal to or lower than speed V3.

A3: Travel information g1
The driving information g1 indicates the correspondence between the rotation speed of the virtual engine, the accelerator opening, and the driving state of the vehicle 100.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence indicated by the driving information g1. In Figure 6, the horizontal axis indicates the virtual engine RPM, and the vertical axis indicates the accelerator opening. The driving state of the vehicle 100 is divided into regions K1 to K25 according to the virtual engine RPM and the accelerator opening. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the regions K1 to K25, each of the regions K1 to K25 will be referred to as "region K". The number of regions K is not limited to 25, and may be a number smaller than 25 or a number larger than 25.

A4: Sound information h1
The sound information h1 is information indicating the correspondence between the running state of the vehicle 100 and sound data indicating a virtual engine sound corresponding to the running state of the vehicle 100.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence indicated by the sound information h1. The sound information h1 indicates the correspondence between the areas K1 to K25 indicating the traveling state of the vehicle 100 and the sound data M1 to M25 defining the sound signal.

Sound data M1 to M25 correspond one-to-one to regions K1 to K25. For example, sound data M1 corresponds to region K1, and sound data M25 corresponds to region K25. Sound data M1 to M25 are mutually different. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between sound data M1 to M25, each of sound data M1 to M25 will be referred to as "sound data M."

The sound data M indicates a virtual engine sound corresponding to the corresponding area K (the driving state of the corresponding vehicle 100). The sound data M indicates a sound that imitates the engine sound of an engine that actually exists. The sound data M may also indicate the engine sound of a fictitious engine.

The sound data M is data that indicates the waveform of a virtual engine sound. The waveform of the virtual engine sound is a single waveform that indicates the virtual engine sound.

The waveform of the virtual engine sound may have a waveform for each of the multiple sound components contained in the virtual engine sound. For example, if the virtual engine sound has three sound components, namely, a sound emitted by the virtual engine itself, an intake sound caused by the intake of air by the virtual engine, and an exhaust sound caused by the exhaust of the virtual engine, the waveform of the virtual engine sound includes the waveforms of each of the three sound components.

A5: Description of Operation Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the signal generating device 1. In the following, it is assumed that the vehicle speed measuring device 3A generates speed information a1 indicating the speed of the vehicle 100. It is assumed that the motor control unit 34 generates accelerator information b1 indicating the accelerator opening. It is assumed that the reference information e indicating the correspondence between the speed of the vehicle 100 and the rotation speed of the virtual engine includes the first reference information e1 shown in Fig. 4 and the second reference information e2 shown in Fig. 5.

When the operation unit 4 receives a generation operation from the passenger instructing the generation of the sound signal c1 and the vibration signal d1, the operation shown in FIG. 8 starts. The operation shown in FIG. 8 is repeated until the operation unit 4 receives an end operation from the passenger instructing the end of the generation of the sound signal c1 and the vibration signal d1.

In step S101, the acquisition unit 13 acquires speed information a1 from the vehicle speed measurement device 3A and accelerator information b1 from the motor control unit 34.

Next, in step S102, the acquisition unit 13 stores the speed information a1 in the storage device 11. As a result, the history of the speed information a1 is stored in the storage device 11.

The history of the speed information a1 remains in the storage device 11 until the operation unit 4 receives a termination operation from the passenger. When the operation unit 4 receives a termination operation from the passenger, the acquisition unit 13 deletes the history of the speed information a1 from the storage device 11. Therefore, the history of the speed information a1 is not stored in the storage device 11 at the time the operation unit 4 receives a generation operation from the passenger.

When the acquisition unit 13 stores the speed information a1 in the storage device 11, it provides the speed information a1 to the determination unit 141. In addition, the acquisition unit 13 provides the accelerator information b1 to the signal generation unit 142.

Next, in step S103, the decision unit 141 determines whether the vehicle 100 is accelerating based on the change in the speed information a1.

In step S103, the decision unit 141 determines whether the speed of the vehicle 100 is increasing (whether it is accelerating) by referring to the history of the speed information a1.

For example, the determination unit 141 first identifies the speed information a1 stored in the current step S102 and the speed information a1 stored in the previous step S102 from the history of the speed information a1. If the speed information a1 stored in the previous step S102 does not exist in the storage device 11, the determination unit 141 uses "0" as the speed of the vehicle 100 indicated by the speed information a1 stored in the previous step S102.

The decision unit 141 then determines whether the speed of the vehicle 100 indicated by the speed information a1 stored in the current step S102 is greater than the speed of the vehicle 100 indicated by the speed information a1 stored in the previous step S102. An increase in the speed of the vehicle 100 means that the vehicle 100 is accelerating. Therefore, determining whether the speed of the vehicle 100 is increasing means determining whether the vehicle 100 is accelerating.

The determination unit 141 determines that the vehicle 100 is accelerating if the speed of the vehicle 100 indicated by the speed information a1 stored in the current step S102 is greater than the speed of the vehicle 100 indicated by the speed information a1 stored in the previous step S102.

When the determination unit 141 determines in step S103 that the vehicle 100 is accelerating, in step S104 it determines the rotation speed of the virtual engine using the first reference information e1.

In step S104, the determination unit 141 first determines, from among the virtual engine revolutions indicated in the first reference information e1, the virtual engine revolutions corresponding to the speed of the vehicle 100 indicated by the speed information a1 as the revolutions during acceleration. Next, the determination unit 141 determines the revolutions during acceleration as the revolutions of the virtual engine.

For example, when the vehicle 100 is accelerating and the speed of the vehicle 100 is less than speed V1, the determination unit 141 first selects the correspondence between the speed of the vehicle 100 and the rotation speed of the virtual engine for the gear J1 indicated in the first reference information e1. Next, the determination unit 141 determines, from the rotation speeds of the virtual engine indicated for the gear J1, the rotation speed of the virtual engine that corresponds to the speed of the vehicle 100 indicated by the speed information a1 as the rotation speed during acceleration. Next, the determination unit 141 determines the rotation speed during acceleration as the rotation speed of the virtual engine.

If the determination unit 141 determines in step S103 that the vehicle 100 is not accelerating, it determines that the vehicle 100 is decelerating or at a constant speed. Next, in step S105, the determination unit 141 determines the rotation speed of the virtual engine using the second reference information e2.

In step S105, the determination unit 141 first identifies, from among the virtual engine RPMs indicated in the second reference information e2, the virtual engine RPM that corresponds to the speed of the vehicle 100 indicated by the speed information a1 as the relevant RPM. Next, the determination unit 141 determines the relevant RPM as the virtual engine RPM.

When the rotation speed of the virtual engine is determined in step S104 or step S105, the determination unit 141 generates rotation speed information f1 indicating the rotation speed of the virtual engine in step S106. The determination unit 141 provides the rotation speed information f1 to the signal generation unit 142.

Next, in step S107, the signal generation unit 142 determines the driving state of the vehicle 100 based on the rotation speed information f1 and the accelerator information b1.

In step S107, the signal generating unit 142 uses the rotation speed information f1, accelerator information b1, and driving information g1 to determine the driving state of the vehicle 100. The regions K1 to K25 indicated in the driving information g1 indicate the driving state of the vehicle 100. The signal generating unit 142 determines, from among the regions K1 to K25 indicated in the driving information g1, the region K that corresponds to both the rotation speed of the virtual engine indicated by the rotation speed information f1 and the accelerator opening indicated by the accelerator information b1, as the driving state of the vehicle 100.

Next, in step S108, the signal generating unit 142 generates a sound signal c1 based on the driving state of the vehicle 100.

In step S108, the signal generation unit 142 generates a sound signal c1 using the running state of the vehicle 100 and the sound information h1.

The signal generating unit 142 first reads out, from the sound data M1 to M25 indicated in the sound information h1, the sound data M corresponding to the region K determined as the running state of the vehicle 100 as the relevant sound data. The signal generating unit 142 then generates a sound signal indicated by the relevant sound data as a sound signal c1. The signal generating unit 142 then provides the sound signal c1 to the speaker 5 and the LPF 15. The speaker 5 outputs the virtual engine sound indicated by the sound signal c1. This allows the passenger to hear the virtual engine sound according to the running of the vehicle 100.

Next, in step S109, the LPF 15 generates a vibration signal d1 based on the sound signal c1.

In step S109, the LPF 15 generates, as a vibration signal d1, a signal that includes only frequency components having frequencies equal to or lower than a threshold value n among the multiple frequency components included in the sound signal c1. The threshold value n is, for example, 100 Hz. Next, the LPF 15 provides the vibration signal d1 to the vibration unit 7. The vibration unit 7 applies the vibration indicated by the vibration signal d1, i.e., the vibration corresponding to the traveling of the vehicle 100, to the seat 6. Therefore, a passenger using the seat 6 can feel the vibration corresponding to the traveling of the vehicle 100.

Then, the operation shown in FIG. 8 is repeated until the operation unit 4 receives a termination operation from the passenger.

When the operation shown in FIG. 8 is repeated while the vehicle 100 is accelerating, the virtual engine sound emitted from the speaker 5 changes, for example, in response to an increase in the rotation speed of the virtual engine. Also, when the operation shown in FIG. 8 is repeated while the vehicle 100 is accelerating, the vibration that the vibration unit 7 imparts to the seat 6 changes in response to the change in the virtual engine sound. Therefore, while the vehicle 100 is accelerating, a passenger using the seat 6 can feel the vibration in response to the change in the virtual engine sound while hearing the virtual engine sound that changes in response to an increase in the rotation speed of the virtual engine.

The virtual engine sound emitted from the speaker 5 when the vehicle 100 is accelerating is an example of a sound corresponding to acceleration. The vibration that the vibration unit 7 imparts to the seat 6 when the vehicle 100 is accelerating is an example of a vibration corresponding to acceleration.

When the operation shown in FIG. 8 is repeated while the vehicle 100 is decelerating, the virtual engine sound emitted from the speaker 5 changes, for example, in response to a decrease in the rotation speed of the virtual engine. Also, when the operation shown in FIG. 8 is repeated while the vehicle 100 is decelerating, the vibration that the vibration unit 7 imparts to the seat 6 changes in response to the change in the virtual engine sound. Therefore, while the vehicle 100 is decelerating, a passenger using the seat 6 can feel the vibration in response to the change in the virtual engine sound while listening to the virtual engine sound that changes in response to a decrease in the rotation speed of the virtual engine.

The virtual engine sound emitted from the speaker 5 when the vehicle 100 is decelerating is an example of a sound corresponding to deceleration. The vibration that the vibration unit 7 imparts to the seat 6 when the vehicle 100 is decelerating is an example of a vibration corresponding to deceleration.

A6: Summary of the First Embodiment The LPF 15 generates the vibration signal d1 based on the sound signal c1 indicating a virtual engine sound corresponding to the running of the vehicle 100. Therefore, the vibration indicated by the vibration signal d1 is linked to the virtual engine sound. Therefore, a passenger who feels the vibration indicated by the vibration signal d1 while listening to the virtual engine sound can obtain a sense of immersion in the running by feeling the vibration linked to the virtual engine sound.

B: Modifications Modifications of the first embodiment are shown below. Two or more aspects arbitrarily selected from the following aspects may be appropriately combined as long as they are not mutually contradictory.

B1: First Modification In the first embodiment, the threshold value n of the LPF 15 may be changed based on the sound signal c1.

Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of a signal generating device 1A according to a first modified example. The signal generating device 1A includes an adjustment unit 16 in addition to the components of the signal generating device 1 shown in Figure 1.

The adjustment unit 16 and the LPF 15 are included in the vibration control unit 17A. Each of the adjustment unit 16 and the vibration control unit 17A is realized by the processing device 12 that executes the program p1. Each of the adjustment unit 16 and the vibration control unit 17A may be realized by a circuit such as a DSP.

The vibration control unit 17A generates a vibration signal d1 based on the sound signal c1. The vibration control unit 17A is another example of a second generation unit.

The adjustment unit 16 adjusts the threshold n of the LPF 15 based on the sound signal c1. For example, the adjustment unit 16 adjusts the threshold n based on the amplitude of the sound signal c1. As an example, the adjustment unit 16 increases the threshold n in response to an increase in the amplitude of the sound signal c1. The adjustment unit 16 also decreases the threshold n in response to a decrease in the amplitude of the sound signal c1.

An increase in the amplitude of sound signal c1 means an increase in the volume of the virtual engine sound. Increasing the threshold n allows for an increase in the vibration component indicated by the vibration signal d1. Therefore, when the adjustment unit 16 increases the threshold n in response to an increase in the amplitude of sound signal c1, a passenger who feels the vibration indicated by the vibration signal d1 can feel an increase in vibration in response to an increase in the volume of the virtual engine sound.

The adjustment unit 16 may lower the threshold n in response to an increase in the amplitude of the sound signal c1. In this case, the adjustment unit 16 raises the threshold n in response to a decrease in the amplitude of the sound signal c1. A passenger who feels the vibration indicated by the vibration signal d1 is more likely to feel vibrations corresponding to low tones in the virtual engine sound (sounds having frequencies equal to or lower than the threshold n) in response to an increase in the volume of the virtual engine sound.

When the sound signal c1 is repeatedly output, the adjustment unit 16 may adjust the threshold n based on the period of the sound signal c1. For example, the adjustment unit 16 increases the threshold n in response to an increase in the period of the sound signal c1. In this case, the adjustment unit 16 decreases the threshold n in response to a decrease in the period of the sound signal c1. The adjustment unit 16 may also decrease the threshold n in response to an increase in the period of the sound signal c1. In this case, the adjustment unit 16 increases the threshold n in response to a decrease in the period of the sound signal c1.

The adjustment unit 16 may receive the speed information a1. In this case, the adjustment unit 16 may adjust the threshold value n based on the speed information a1. For example, the adjustment unit 16 increases the threshold value n in response to an increase in the speed of the vehicle 100 indicated by the speed information a1. In this case, the adjustment unit 16 decreases the threshold value n in response to a decrease in the speed of the vehicle 100 indicated by the speed information a1. A passenger who feels the vibration indicated by the vibration signal d1 can feel an increase in the vibration in response to an increase in the speed of the vehicle 100.

The adjustment unit 16 may lower the threshold n in response to an increase in the speed of the vehicle 100 indicated by the speed information a1. In this case, the adjustment unit 16 increases the threshold n in response to a decrease in the speed of the vehicle 100 indicated by the speed information a1. A passenger who feels the vibration indicated by the vibration signal d1 is likely to feel vibrations corresponding to low tones (sounds having frequencies equal to or lower than the threshold n) in the virtual engine sound in response to an increase in the speed of the vehicle 100.

The determination unit 141 may provide the adjustment unit 16 with acceleration information indicating whether the vehicle 100 is accelerating. In this case, the adjustment unit 16 may adjust the threshold value n based on the acceleration information.

For example, when the acceleration information indicates that the vehicle 100 is accelerating, the adjustment unit 16 sets the threshold n to 100 Hz. When the acceleration information indicates that the vehicle 100 is not accelerating, the adjustment unit 16 sets the threshold n to 0 Hz. In this case, the virtual engine sound and vibration during acceleration are generated only when the vehicle 100 is accelerating.

The adjustment unit 16 may set the threshold value n to 0 Hz when the acceleration information indicates that the vehicle 100 is accelerating. In this case, the adjustment unit 16 sets the threshold value n to, for example, 100 Hz when the acceleration information indicates that the vehicle 100 is not accelerating. The value of the threshold value n is not limited to 0 Hz and 100 Hz and can be changed as appropriate.

In the first modified example, when a BPF is used instead of the LPF 15, the adjustment unit 16 may change the pass band of the BPF (the band that passes frequency components) based on the sound signal c1. For example, the adjustment unit 16 increases the pass band of the BPF in response to an increase in the amplitude of the sound signal c1. In this case, the adjustment unit 16 decreases the pass band of the BPF in response to a decrease in the amplitude of the sound signal c1. The adjustment unit 16 may decrease the pass band of the BPF in response to an increase in the amplitude of the sound signal c1. In this case, the adjustment unit 16 increases the pass band of the BPF in response to a decrease in the amplitude of the sound signal c1.

The adjustment unit 16 may shift the pass band of the BPF to the higher or lower frequency side in response to a change in the amplitude of the sound signal c1. The adjustment unit 16 may increase the pass band of the BPF in response to an increase in the period of the sound signal c1. In this case, the adjustment unit 16 decreases the pass band of the BPF in response to a decrease in the period of the sound signal c1. The adjustment unit 16 may decrease the pass band of the BPF in response to an increase in the period of the sound signal c1. In this case, the adjustment unit 16 increases the pass band of the BPF in response to a decrease in the period of the sound signal c1. The adjustment unit 16 may shift the pass band of the BPF to the higher or lower frequency side in response to a change in the period of the sound signal c1.

The adjustment unit 16 may change the passband of the BPF based on the speed information a1. For example, when the speed of the vehicle 100 indicated by the speed information a1 is in the range of less than 40 km/h, the adjustment unit 16 sets the passband of the BPF to a band of 0 to 100 Hz. When the speed of the vehicle 100 indicated by the speed information a1 is in the range of 40 km/h or more and less than 80 km/h, the adjustment unit 16 sets the passband of the BPF to a band of 100 to 300 Hz. When the speed of the vehicle 100 indicated by the speed information a1 is in the range of 80 km/h or more and less than 120 km/h, the adjustment unit 16 sets the passband of the BPF to a band of 300 to 500 Hz. The relationship between the speed of the vehicle 100 and the passband of the BPF is not limited to the above relationship and can be changed as appropriate.

The adjustment unit 16 may change the passband of the BPF based on the acceleration information. For example, when the acceleration information indicates that the vehicle 100 is accelerating, the adjustment unit 16 sets the passband of the BPF to a band of 0 to 100 Hz. When the acceleration information indicates that the vehicle 100 is not accelerating, the adjustment unit 16 sets the passband of the BPF to a band of 0 to 1 Hz. In this case, when the vehicle 100 is accelerating, a passenger who is given the vibration indicated by the vibration signal d1 is more likely to recognize the virtual engine sound during acceleration and the vibration during acceleration than when the vehicle 100 is not accelerating. The adjustment unit 16 may set the passband of the BPF to a band of 0 to 1 Hz when the acceleration information indicates that the vehicle 100 is accelerating. In this case, when the acceleration information indicates that the vehicle 100 is not accelerating, the adjustment unit 16 sets the passband of the BPF to a band of 0 to 1 Hz. The passband value of the BPF is not limited to 0-100 Hz and 0-1 Hz, and can be changed as appropriate.

In the first modified example, when an HPF is used instead of the LPF 15, the adjustment unit 16 may change the passband of the HPF based on the sound signal c1. The adjustment unit 16 may change the passband of the HPF based on the speed information a1. The adjustment unit 16 may change the passband of the HPF based on the acceleration information.

Changing the threshold n, changing the passband of the BPF, and changing the passband of the HPF each mean changing the range of frequency components (frequency range) used to generate the vibration signal d1. Changing the range of frequency components used to generate the vibration signal d1 is an example of changing a portion of the multiple sound components used to generate the vibration signal d1.

According to the first modified example, the vibration control unit 17A changes some of the multiple sound components used to generate the vibration signal d1 based on the sound signal c1, the speed information a1, or the acceleration information. Therefore, a passenger who hears the sound represented by the sound signal c1 and feels the vibration represented by the vibration signal d1 can feel a sense of immersion in the ride by feeling the vibration that changes depending on the sound signal c1, the speed of the vehicle 100, or the presence or absence of acceleration in the vehicle 100.

In the first modified example, as in the first embodiment, the vibration signal d1 is composed of frequency components that are transmitted through the LPF15, BPF, or HPF among the multiple frequency components contained in the sound signal c1. Therefore, it is easier to generate the vibration signal d1 that is linked to the sound signal c1 compared to a configuration in which the vibration signal d1 is generated using components that are not contained in the sound signal c1.

B2: Second Modification In the first embodiment and the first modification, the vibration signal d1 may be a vibration signal that is previously associated with a frequency component that has passed through the LPF 15 among a plurality of frequency components contained in the sound signal c1.

The second variant includes a signal processing unit located after the LPF 15 in addition to the components of the signal generating device 1 shown in FIG. 1.

The signal processing unit and LPF 15 are included in the vibration control unit. The vibration control unit of the second modified example may include an adjustment unit 16 shown in FIG. 9 in addition to the signal processing unit and LPF 15. Each of the signal processing unit and the vibration control unit of the second modified example is realized by a processing device 12 that executes program p1. Each of the signal processing unit and the vibration control unit of the second modified example may be realized by a circuit such as a DSP.

The vibration control unit of the second modified example (LPF 15 and signal processing unit) generates a vibration signal d1 based on the sound signal c1. The vibration control unit of the second modified example is another example of the second generation unit.

The signal processing unit generates a vibration signal d1 that is previously associated with a frequency component that passes through the LPF 15 among the multiple frequency components contained in the sound signal c1. For example, the signal processing unit generates the vibration signal d1 by using vibration information. The vibration information is information that indicates the correspondence between frequency components below the threshold n and vibration data. The vibration data is data that defines a predetermined vibration signal. The vibration information is stored in the storage device 11. When the signal processing unit receives the frequency components that have passed through the LPF 15, it reads the vibration data that is associated with the frequency components below the threshold n in the vibration information. Next, the signal processing unit generates a vibration signal that is determined by the vibration data as the vibration signal d1. Next, the signal processing unit provides the vibration signal d1 to the vibration unit 7.

The vibration control unit of the second modified example generates a vibration signal d1 that is previously associated with a frequency component that has passed through LPF15 among the multiple frequency components contained in the sound signal c1. Therefore, the vibration control unit of the second modified example can generate a vibration signal d1 that is different from a signal composed of frequency components that have passed through LPF15, according to the timing at which some of the multiple frequency components contained in the sound signal c1 pass through LPF15. In addition, the vibration signal d1 can be changed by changing the vibration data.

B3: Third Modification In the first embodiment and the first to second modifications, the signal generator 142 may generate a stereo signal having a right channel signal Rc1 and a left channel signal Lc1 as the sound signal c1. The right channel signal Rc1 and the left channel signal Lc1 are an example of a plurality of waveform components having mutually different waveforms, and are another example of a plurality of mutually different sound components.

Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a signal generating device 1C according to a third modified example. The signal generating device 1C includes a synthesis unit 19 in addition to the components of the signal generating device 1 shown in Figure 1.

The synthesis unit 19 and the LPF 15 are included in the vibration control unit 17C. In addition to the synthesis unit 19 and the LPF 15, the vibration control unit 17C may include an adjustment unit 16 shown in FIG. 9. Each of the synthesis unit 19 and the vibration control unit 17C is realized by a processing device 12 that executes a program p1. Each of the synthesis unit 19 and the vibration control unit 17C may be realized by a circuit such as a DSP.

The vibration control unit 17C generates a vibration signal d1 based on the sound signal c1. The vibration control unit 17C is another example of a second generation unit.

The signal generating unit 142 of the signal generating device 1C generates a stereo signal having a right channel signal Rc1 and a left channel signal Lc1 as the sound signal c1. The synthesis unit 19 generates a synthesis signal Q1 by synthesizing the right channel signal Rc1 and the left channel signal Lc1. The synthesis unit 19 provides the synthesis signal Q1 to the LPF 15.

With this configuration, even if the sound signal c1 is a stereo signal, a passenger who hears the sound represented by the sound signal c1 and feels the vibration represented by the vibration signal d1 can feel a sense of immersion in the ride by feeling the vibration linked to the sound represented by the sound signal c1.

As shown in FIG. 11, the vibration control unit 17C may be changed to a vibration control unit 17D. The vibration control unit 17D may include a selection unit 20. Each of the vibration control unit 17D and the selection unit 20 is realized by a processing device 12 that executes a program p1. Each of the vibration control unit 17D and the selection unit 20 may be realized by a circuit such as a DSP.

The vibration control unit 17D generates a vibration signal d1 based on the sound signal c1. The vibration control unit 17D is another example of a second generation unit.

The selection unit 20 selects either the right channel signal Rc1 or the left channel signal Lc1 as the vibration signal d1. The signal selected by the selection unit 20 from the right channel signal Rc1 or the left channel signal Lc1 is an example of a portion of the multiple sound components. The selection unit 20 provides the vibration signal d1 to the vibration unit 7.

The vibration control unit 17D generates a vibration signal d1 based on only a portion of the multiple sound components contained in the sound signal c1. The vibration control unit 17D can generate the vibration signal d1 without using a filter such as the LPF 15.

The vibration control unit 17D may include an adjustment unit 16 shown in FIG. 9. In this case, the adjustment unit 16 switches the signal selected by the selection unit 20 as the vibration signal d1 between the right channel signal Rc1 and the left channel signal Lc1 based on the sound signal c1, the speed information a1, or the acceleration information. As an example, when the acceleration information indicates that the vehicle 100 is accelerating, the adjustment unit 16 causes the selection unit 20 to select the right channel signal Rc1 as the vibration signal d1. When the acceleration information indicates that the vehicle 100 is not accelerating, the adjustment unit 16 causes the selection unit 20 to select the left channel signal Lc1 as the vibration signal d1.

In this case, the vibration control unit 17D changes some of the multiple sound components used to generate the vibration signal d1 based on the sound signal c1, the speed information a1, or the acceleration information. Therefore, a passenger who hears the sound represented by the sound signal c1 and feels the vibration represented by the vibration signal d1 can feel a sense of immersion in the ride by feeling the vibration that changes depending on the sound signal c1, the speed of the vehicle 100, or the information on the presence or absence of acceleration in the vehicle 100.

In a third modified example, the signal generating unit 142 may generate an operation sound signal Dc1 indicating a sound emitted by the virtual engine itself, instead of one of the right channel signal Rc1 and the left channel signal Lc1. In this case, the signal generating unit 142 generates a noise sound signal Nc1 indicating a noise sound, instead of the other of the right channel signal Rc1 and the left channel signal Lc1. In this configuration, a signal synthesis unit is added. The signal synthesis unit is realized by the processing device 12 that executes the program p1. The signal synthesis unit may be realized by a circuit such as a DSP. The signal synthesis unit generates a synthetic sound signal by synthesizing the operation sound signal Dc1 and the noise sound signal Nc1. The signal synthesis unit provides the synthetic sound signal to the speaker 5. In this configuration, the selection unit 20 selects the operation sound signal Dc1 as the vibration signal d1 from the operation sound signal Dc1 and the noise sound signal Nc1.

B4: Fourth Modification In the first embodiment, an audio source 15a and an amplifier 15b may be added. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle 100 according to the fourth modification.

Audio source 15a outputs an audio signal representing music or the like. Audio source 15a is, for example, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) player or a CD (Compact Disc) player.

The amplifier 15b is a two-channel output amplifier, and receives the sound signal c1, the vibration signal d1, and the audio signal. The amplifier 15b distributes the sound signal c1, the vibration signal d1, and the audio signal to the speaker 5 and the vibration unit 7. For example, the amplifier 15b amplifies a mixed signal obtained by mixing the audio signal and the sound signal c1, and outputs the amplified mixed signal to the speaker 5. The amplifier 15b amplifies the vibration signal d1, and outputs the amplified vibration signal d1 to the vibration unit 7. The amplifier 15b may distribute the sound signal c1, the vibration signal d1, and the audio signal in a manner different from the above-mentioned distribution.
The processing device 12 may be realized by using a general-purpose amplifier with DSP for sound signal processing (general-purpose component). The number of output channels of such a general-purpose component is determined in the specifications, but by using some of the output channels for driving the vibration unit 7, which is different from the original purpose (driving the speaker), there is an effect that a special amplifier for driving the vibration unit 7 is not required.

B5: Fifth Modification In the first embodiment, the vehicle 100 may include an information generating device 8 instead of the signal generating device 1. The vehicle 100 may further include a display unit 9. Fig. 13 shows an example of the vehicle 100 according to the fifth modification.

The display unit 9 is a liquid crystal display. The display unit 9 is not limited to a liquid crystal display, and may be, for example, an OLED (organic light emitting diode) display. The display unit 9 may be a touch panel. The display unit 9 displays various information.

The information generating device 8 generates effect specification information Rc that specifies light effects according to the movement of the vehicle 100. The information generating device 8 includes a storage device 8a and a processing device 8b. The storage device 8a may be an external element of the information generating device 8.

The storage device 8a is a recording medium that can be read by a computer. The storage device 8a includes a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory.

The storage device 8a stores a program p2 and various information. The program p2 defines the operation of the information generating device 8. The storage device 8a may store the program p2 read from a storage device in a server (not shown). In this case, the storage device in the server is an example of a recording medium readable by a computer.

The processing device 8b is composed of one or more CPUs. The processing device 8b reads the program p2 from the storage device 8a. The processing device 8b executes the program p2 to function as an acquisition unit 81, a generation unit 82, a sound control unit 83, a vibration control unit 84, and a light control unit 85. At least one of the acquisition unit 81, the generation unit 82, the sound control unit 83, the vibration control unit 84, and the light control unit 85 may be realized by a circuit such as a DSP, an ASIC, a PLD, or an FPGA. At least one of the sound control unit 83, the vibration control unit 84, and the light control unit 85 may be an external element of the information generating device 8. At least one of the sound control unit 83 and the vibration control unit 84 may be omitted.

The acquisition unit 81 acquires speed information a1 from the vehicle speed measurement device 3A, and accelerator information b1 from the motor control unit .
For example, the acquisition unit 81 acquires the speed information a1 and the accelerator information b1 in a manner similar to the manner in which the acquisition unit 13 in the first embodiment acquires the speed information a1 and the accelerator information b1. The speed information a1 is an example of first information related to the traveling of the vehicle 100 or an operation on the vehicle 100. The accelerator information b1 is an example of second information related to the traveling of the vehicle 100 or an operation on the vehicle 100. The speed information a1 is also another example of the second information. When the speed information a1 is another example of the second information, the accelerator information b1 is another example of the first information.

The generation unit 82 generates sound designation information Ra based on the speed information a1 and accelerator information b1 acquired by the acquisition unit 81. The sound designation information Ra is information that designates a sound according to the traveling of the vehicle 100. The generation unit 82 includes a determination unit 821 and an information generation unit 822.

The determination unit 821 generates the rotation speed information f1 based on the speed information a1. The method by which the determination unit 821 generates the rotation speed information f1 is similar to the method by which the determination unit 141 in the first embodiment generates the rotation speed information f1.

The information generating unit 822 generates sound designation information Ra based on the accelerator information b1 and the rotation speed information f1. The information generating unit 822 provides the sound designation information Ra to the sound control unit 83.

The sound designation information Ra designates an operating sound and a noise sound. The operating sound is a sound emitted by the virtual engine itself. The noise sound is a noise sound associated with the running of the vehicle 100. A sound including the operating sound and the noise sound is an example of a sound corresponding to the running of the vehicle 100. The operating sound and the noise sound are an example of a plurality of components included in a sound corresponding to the running of the vehicle 100. The plurality of sound components are not limited to the operating sound and the noise sound, and may include, for example, the operating sound, the noise sound, and the intake sound caused by the intake of air by the virtual engine. The plurality of sound components may be four or more sound components different from each other. The sound designated by the sound designation information Ra is not limited to the operating sound and the noise sound. For example, the sound designation information Ra may designate a sound unrelated to the engine sound, and may designate a sound effect that gives the feeling of the acceleration of the vehicle 100.

The sound designation information Ra includes operation information DRa that designates operation sounds, and noise information NRa that designates noise sounds.

The operation information DRa indicates a channel CH1 corresponding to the operation sound, a pitch (tone) PT1 of the operation sound, and a gain GA1 of the operation sound. The pitch PT1 of the operation sound corresponds to the frequency of the operation sound. The gain GA1 of the operation sound corresponds to the amplitude of the operation sound.

The noise information NRa indicates the channel CH2 corresponding to the noise sound, the pitch PT2 of the noise sound, and the gain GA2 of the noise sound. The pitch PT2 of the noise sound corresponds to the frequency of the noise sound. The gain GA2 of the noise sound corresponds to the amplitude of the noise sound.

The information generating unit 822 generates vibration designation information Rb. The vibration designation information Rb is information that designates vibration according to the traveling of the vehicle 100. The information generating unit 822 generates the vibration designation information Rb based on, for example, the sound designation information Ra. As an example, the information generating unit 822 generates the vibration designation information Rb including the sound designation information Ra. The information generating unit 822 may also use the sound designation information Ra as the vibration designation information Rb. When the sound designation information Ra is also used as the vibration designation information Rb, the sound designation information Ra is an example of the vibration designation information Rb. When the sound designation information Ra is also used as the vibration designation information Rb, the vibration designation information Rb includes the sound designation information Ra. The information generating unit 822 provides the vibration designation information Rb to the vibration control unit 84.

The information generating unit 822 generates the performance designation information Rc. The performance designation information Rc is information that designates a light performance according to the traveling of the vehicle 100. The light performance according to the traveling of the vehicle 100 is executed by, for example, the display unit 9. The information generating unit 822 generates the performance designation information Rc based on, for example, the sound designation information Ra. As an example, the information generating unit 822 generates the performance designation information Rc including the sound designation information Ra. The information generating unit 822 may also use the sound designation information Ra as the performance designation information Rc. When the sound designation information Ra is used as the performance designation information Rc, the sound designation information Ra is an example of the performance designation information Rc. When the sound designation information Ra is used as the performance designation information Rc, the performance designation information Rc includes the sound designation information Ra. The information generating unit 822 provides the performance designation information Rc to the light control unit 85.

The sound control unit 83 generates a sound signal c1 based on the sound designation information Ra. For example, the sound control unit 83 generates a sound signal indicating a sound designated by the sound designation information Ra as the sound signal c1. As one example, the sound control unit 83 generates a sound signal indicating a synthesized sound obtained by synthesizing an operation sound designated by the operation information DRa and a noise sound designated by the noise information NRb as the sound signal c1.

The vibration control unit 84 generates a vibration signal d1 based on the vibration specification information Rb. For example, the vibration control unit 84 generates a vibration signal indicating a vibration based on the operation information DRa and the noise information NRb as the vibration signal d1.

The light control unit 85 generates a performance signal z1 based on the performance specification information Rc. The performance signal z1 is a signal that indicates a light performance according to the traveling of the vehicle. The light control unit 85 controls the display unit 9 by providing the performance signal z1 to the display unit 9. For example, the light control unit 85 causes the display unit 9 to display an image T1 based on the operation information DRa and an image T2 based on the noise information NRb.

Figure 14 shows an example of each of images T1 and T2. In addition to images T1 and T2, Figure 14 shows the display unit 9, the right end 9R of the display unit 9, an X-axis 9a along the horizontal direction of the display unit 9, and a Y-axis 9b along the vertical direction of the display unit 9.

Image T1 shows object Ta1 having a mountain shape. The light control unit 85 determines the position of object Ta1 in the direction along the X-axis 9a based on the pitch PT1 of the operation sound. For example, the higher the pitch PT1 of the operation sound, the closer the light control unit 85 moves the position of object Ta1 in the direction along the X-axis 9a to the right end 9R of the display unit 9. The light control unit 85 determines the height of object Ta1 in the direction along the Y-axis 9b based on the gain GA1 of the operation sound. For example, the higher the gain GA1 of the operation sound, the greater the height of object Ta1 in the direction along the Y-axis 9b.

Image T2 shows object Tb1 having a wave shape. The light control unit 85 displays object Tb1 along the X-axis 9a. The light control unit 85 determines the amplitude (height along the Y-axis 9b) of object Tb1 based on the gain GA2 of the noise sound. For example, the greater the gain GA2 of the noise sound, the greater the amplitude of object Tb1 is made by the light control unit 85.

15 is a diagram showing other examples of each of the image T1 and the image T2. In addition to the image T1 and the image T2, FIG. 15 shows the display unit 9. The image T1 shows an object Ta2 having a circular shape. The shape of the object Ta2 is not limited to a circular shape, and may be, for example, a polygonal shape or an elliptical shape. The object Ta2 moves while bouncing off the frame of the screen shown by the display unit 9. The light control unit 85 determines the color of the object Ta2 based on the pitch PT1 of the operation sound. For example, the higher the pitch PT1 of the operation sound, the more the light control unit 85 brings the color of the object Ta2 closer to white from a color other than white, such as green. The color other than white is not limited to green and can be changed as appropriate. Instead of white, a color such as black or yellow may be used. The light control unit 85 determines the number of objects Ta2 based on the gain GA1 of the operation sound. For example, the higher the gain GA1 of the operation sound, the more the light control unit 85 brings the number of objects Ta2.

Image T2 shows object Tb2 having a line shape. Object Tb2 moves while bouncing off the frame of the screen shown by the display unit 9. The light control unit 85 determines the color of object Tb2 based on the pitch PT2 of the noise sound. For example, the higher the pitch PT2 of the operation sound, the closer the light control unit 85 makes the color of object Tb2 from a color other than white, such as blue, to white. The color other than white is not limited to blue and can be changed as appropriate. Colors such as black or yellow may be used instead of white. The light control unit 85 determines the width of object Tb2 based on the gain GA2 of the noise sound. For example, the higher the gain GA2 of the noise sound, the wider the light control unit 85 makes the width of object Tb2.

Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of the sound control unit 83. The sound control unit 83 includes sound sources 831 and 834, pitch adjustment units 832 and 835, gain adjustment units 833 and 836, and a synthesis unit 837.

The sound source 831 generates a sound signal u1 indicating a basic operation sound according to the channel CH1 corresponding to the operation sound. The pitch adjustment unit 832 generates a sound signal u2 by adjusting the pitch of the sound signal u1 based on the pitch PT1 of the operation sound. The gain adjustment unit 833 generates a sound signal u3 by amplifying the sound signal u2 based on the gain GA1 of the operation sound.

The sound source 834 generates a sound signal u4 indicating a basic noise sound according to the channel CH2 corresponding to the noise sound. The pitch adjustment unit 835 generates a sound signal u5 by adjusting the pitch of the sound signal u4 based on the pitch PT2 of the noise sound. The gain adjustment unit 836 generates a sound signal u6 by amplifying the sound signal u5 based on the gain GA2 of the noise sound.

The synthesis unit 837 generates a sound signal c1 by synthesizing the sound signal u3 and the sound signal u6.

Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of the vibration control unit 84. The vibration control unit 84 includes signal sources 841 and 844, frequency adjustment units 842 and 845, gain adjustment units 843 and 846, and a synthesis unit 847.

The signal source 841 generates a vibration signal w1 according to the channel CH1 corresponding to the operation sound. The vibration signal w1 indicates a vibration based on the basic operation sound. For example, the vibration signal w1 is a signal composed of frequency components having a frequency equal to or less than a threshold n (e.g., 100 Hz) among the multiple frequency components of the sound signal u1 indicating the basic operation sound. The vibration signal w1 may be a signal composed of frequency components having a frequency equal to or less than a threshold n1 that is greater than the threshold n among the multiple frequency components of the sound signal u1. The vibration signal w1 may be a signal composed of frequency components having a frequency equal to or less than a threshold n2 that is smaller than the threshold n among the multiple frequency components of the sound signal u1. The vibration signal w1 may be a sound signal u1 indicating the basic operation sound. The frequency adjustment unit 842 generates a vibration signal w2 by adjusting the frequency of the vibration signal w1 based on the pitch PT1 of the operation sound. The gain adjustment unit 843 generates a vibration signal w3 by amplifying the vibration signal w2 based on the gain GA1 of the operation sound.

The signal source 844 generates a vibration signal w4 according to the channel CH2 corresponding to the noise sound. The vibration signal w4 indicates vibration based on the basic noise sound. For example, the vibration signal w4 is a signal composed of frequency components having a frequency equal to or less than a threshold n among the multiple frequency components of the sound signal u4 indicating the basic noise sound. The vibration signal w4 may be a signal composed of frequency components having a frequency equal to or less than a threshold n1 among the multiple frequency components of the sound signal u4. The vibration signal w4 may be a signal composed of frequency components having a frequency equal to or less than a threshold n2 among the multiple frequency components of the sound signal u4. The vibration signal w4 may be a sound signal u4 indicating the basic noise sound. The frequency adjustment unit 845 generates a vibration signal w5 by adjusting the frequency of the vibration signal w4 based on the pitch PT2 of the noise sound. The gain adjustment unit 846 generates a vibration signal w6 by amplifying the vibration signal w5 based on the gain GA2 of the noise sound.

The synthesis unit 847 generates the vibration signal d1 by synthesizing the vibration signal w3 and the vibration signal w6.

Figure 18 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of information generating device 8. Steps S201 to S207 shown in Figure 18 correspond to steps S101 to S107 shown in Figure 8. The explanation of steps S201 to S207 can be realized by replacing the storage device 11, acquisition unit 13, decision unit 141, and signal generation unit 142 in the explanation of steps S101 to S107 with storage device 8a, acquisition unit 81, decision unit 821, and information generation unit 822, respectively.

When the information generation unit 822 determines the running state of the vehicle 100 in step S207, the information generation unit 822 generates sound designation information Ra in step S208.

In step S208, the information generation unit 822 generates sound designation information Ra, for example, using the running state of the vehicle 100 and sound information h2.

The sound information h2 is information indicating the correspondence between the running state of the vehicle 100 and the sound designation information Ra corresponding to the running state of the vehicle 100.

Figure 19 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence indicated by the sound information h2. The sound information h2 indicates the correspondence between the areas K1 to K25 indicating the running state of the vehicle 100 and the sound designation information Ra1 to Ra25. The sound designation information Ra1 to Ra25 correspond one-to-one with the areas K1 to K25. For example, the sound designation information Ra1 corresponds to the area K1, and the sound designation information Ra25 corresponds to the area K25. The sound designation information Ra1 to Ra25 are mutually different. Each of the sound designation information Ra1 to Ra25 designates a virtual engine sound according to the corresponding area K25 (the corresponding running state of the vehicle 100). Each of the sound designation information Ra1 to Ra25 designates a sound that imitates the engine sound of an engine that actually exists. Each of the sound designation information Ra1 to Ra25 may designate the engine sound of a fictitious engine.

The information generating unit 822 generates, from among the sound designation information Ra1 to Ra25 indicated in the sound information h2, information corresponding to the area K determined as the traveling state of the vehicle 100, as the sound designation information Ra.

Next, in step S209 shown in FIG. 18, the information generating unit 822 generates vibration designation information Rb including sound designation information Ra. If the sound designation information Ra also serves as vibration designation information Rb, step S209 is omitted.

Next, in step S210, the information generating unit 822 generates performance specification information Rc that includes the sound specification information Ra. Step S210 may be performed between steps S208 and S209. If the sound specification information Ra also serves as the performance specification information Rc, step S210 is omitted.

Next, in step S211, the sound control unit 83 generates a sound signal c1 based on the sound designation information Ra. Next, the sound control unit 83 provides the sound signal c1 to the speaker 5. The speaker 5 outputs the virtual engine sound indicated by the sound signal c1. Therefore, the passenger can hear the virtual engine sound according to the running of the vehicle 100. The timing at which step S211 is executed is not limited to between step S210 and step S212 described below, but may be any time after step S208.

Next, in step S212, the vibration control unit 84 generates a vibration signal d1 based on the vibration specification information Rb. Next, the vibration control unit 84 provides the vibration signal d1 to the vibration unit 7. The vibration unit 7 applies the vibration indicated by the vibration signal d1, i.e., the vibration corresponding to the traveling of the vehicle 100, to the seat 6. Therefore, a passenger using the seat 6 can feel the vibration corresponding to the traveling of the vehicle 100. The timing at which step S212 is executed is not limited to between step S211 and step S213 described below, but may be any time after step S209.

Next, in step S213, the light control unit 85 generates a performance signal z1 based on the performance designation information Rc. Next, the light control unit 85 provides the performance signal z1 to the display unit 9. The display unit 9 displays an image T1 based on the operation information DRa and an image T2 based on the noise information NRb based on the performance signal z1. The timing at which step S213 is executed is not limited to after step S212, but may be any time after step S210.

According to the fifth modified example, the generation unit 82 generates the effect specification information Rc based on the speed information a1 and the accelerator information b1. Therefore, the light effect specified by the effect specification information Rc changes based on the speed of the vehicle 100 indicated by the speed information a1 and the accelerator opening indicated by the accelerator information b1. Therefore, the passenger can feel a sense of immersion in the ride by feeling the light effect that changes based on the speed of the vehicle 100 and the accelerator opening.

The performance specification information Rc includes sound specification information Ra that specifies multiple sound components. This makes it possible to realize light performances corresponding to multiple sound components as shown in FIG. 14 or FIG. 15.

The multiple sound components may be, for example, the three waveform components shown in Figures 20 to 22. The waveform components shown in Figure 20 are an example of a waveform that indicates a noise sound. The waveform components shown in Figure 20 may be used as a waveform that indicates a basic noise sound. The waveform components shown in Figure 21 are an example of a waveform that indicates an attack element in a virtual engine sound. The waveform components shown in Figure 22 are an example of a waveform that indicates a sound that follows the attack element in a virtual engine sound. The two waveform components shown in Figures 21 to 22 may be used as waveforms that indicate elements that make up a basic operating sound.

The sound designation information Ra is not limited to information designating multiple sound components, and may be, for example, data indicating the waveform of the sound signal c1. Even if the sound designation information Ra is data indicating the waveform of the sound signal c1, it is possible to realize a light effect corresponding to the sound indicated by the sound signal c1.

The light effects according to the traveling of the vehicle 100 are not limited to the display effects on the display unit 9. For example, if the vehicle 100 has a light-emitting unit such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), the light control unit 85 may cause the light-emitting unit located on the vehicle 100 to perform light effects according to the traveling of the vehicle 100. The light-emitting unit located on the vehicle 100 is provided, for example, on the steering wheel, the shift knob, or the armrest. The light control unit 85 may cause both the light-emitting unit located on the vehicle 100 and the display unit 9 to perform light effects according to the traveling of the vehicle 100.

In the sound designation information Ra, either the pitch PT1 of the operation sound or the gain GA1 of the operation sound may be omitted, in which case the sound designation information Ra can be simplified.
In the sound designation information Ra, either the pitch PT2 of the noise sound or the gain GA2 of the noise sound may be omitted, in which case the sound designation information Ra can be simplified.

B6: Sixth Modification In the fifth modification, the audio source 15a and the amplifier 15b shown in Fig. 12 may be added. Also, in the fifth modification, a light control module 85a may be used instead of the light control unit 85. Fig. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle 100 according to the sixth modification.

The light control module 85a is a device different from the information generating device 8. The light control module 85a generates a performance signal z1 based on performance designation information Rc, similar to the light control unit 85. The data format of the performance designation information Rc may be a general-purpose format or a unique format. When the light performance is linked to sound (for example, when the performance designation information Rc includes sound designation information Ra), the MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) format may be used as the data format of the performance designation information Rc.
In this way, by making the light control module 85a separate from the information generating device 8, it is possible to accommodate a variety of display units 9 and to provide a wide variety of light effects.

B7: Seventh Modification In the first embodiment and the first to sixth modifications, the vehicle 100 may have an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the vehicle 100. Each of the acquisition units 13 and 81 may acquire the output of the acceleration sensor, i.e., information indicating the acceleration of the vehicle 100, instead of the accelerator information b1. The output of the acceleration sensor is another example of information regarding the traveling of the vehicle. Each of the generation units 14 and 82 may use the output of the acceleration sensor instead of the speed information a1 and the accelerator information b1. For example, each of the generation units 14 and 82 determines whether the vehicle 100 is accelerating based on the output of the acceleration sensor. Moreover, the traveling information g1 indicates the correspondence between the rotation speed of the virtual engine, the opening degree of the accelerator, and the traveling state of the vehicle 100, instead of indicating the correspondence between the rotation speed of the virtual engine, the output of the acceleration sensor, and the traveling state of the vehicle 100. Each of the generation units 14 and 82 determines the driving state of the vehicle 100 using the driving information g1, the rotation speed information f1, and the output of the acceleration sensor.

According to the seventh variant, a sound signal c1 can be generated based on the speed information a1 and the output of the acceleration sensor.

B8: Eighth Modification In the first embodiment and the first to fourth modifications, the acquisition unit 13 may acquire the speed information a1 without acquiring the accelerator information b1. In this case, the generation unit 14 generates the sound signal c1 based on the speed information a1. For example, the generation unit 14 generates the sound signal c1 corresponding to the speed information a1 by using information indicating the correspondence between the speed information a1 and the sound signal c1.

In the first embodiment and the first to fourth modified examples, the acquisition unit 13 may acquire the accelerator information b1 without acquiring the speed information a1. In this case, the generation unit 14 generates the sound signal c1 based on the accelerator information b1. For example, the generation unit 14 generates the sound signal c1 corresponding to the accelerator information b1 by using information indicating the correspondence between the accelerator information b1 and the sound signal c1.

According to the eighth modification, the generation unit 14 can generate the sound signal c1 based on one type of information. Therefore, the method of generating the sound signal c1 can be simplified compared to a configuration in which the sound signal c1 is generated based on multiple types of information.

In the eighth modified example, the type of information used to generate the sound signal is not limited to the speed information a1 or the accelerator information b1, but may be, for example, the output of an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the vehicle 100. In this case, the generation unit 14 generates the sound signal c1 corresponding to the output of the acceleration sensor by using information indicating the correspondence between the output of the acceleration sensor and the sound signal c1.

B9: Ninth Modification In the first embodiment and the first to eighth modifications, the sound indicated by the sound signal c1 is not limited to a virtual engine sound, and may be, for example, a piece of music having a tempo equal to or greater than a reference tempo. The reference tempo is, for example, a tempo equal to or greater than the average human heart rate. A piece of music having a tempo equal to or greater than the reference tempo is another example of a sound corresponding to the running of a vehicle. In the first embodiment and the first to eighth modifications, the vehicle 100 is not limited to an electric vehicle, and may be a vehicle that runs using an engine as a power source.

C: Aspects Obtained from the Above-described Forms and Modifications The following aspects can be obtained from at least one of the above-described forms and modifications.

C1: First Aspect A signal generating device according to an aspect (first aspect) of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires information related to the traveling of a vehicle or an operation on the vehicle, a first generation unit that generates a sound signal indicating a sound corresponding to the traveling of the vehicle based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit, and a second generation unit that generates a vibration signal indicating a vibration corresponding to the traveling of the vehicle based on the sound signal generated by the first generation unit.

According to this aspect, the second generator generates a vibration signal based on a sound signal indicating a sound corresponding to the vehicle's traveling. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which a sound signal and a vibration signal are generated separately, the vibration indicated by the vibration signal is linked to the sound corresponding to the vehicle's traveling. Therefore, a passenger who hears the sound corresponding to the vehicle's traveling and feels the vibration indicated by the vibration signal can obtain a sense of immersion in the traveling by feeling the vibration linked to the sound corresponding to the vehicle's traveling.

C2: Second Aspect In the example of the first aspect (second aspect), the sound corresponding to the traveling of the vehicle is a sound corresponding to the acceleration of the vehicle. According to this aspect, the passenger can feel a vibration associated with the sound corresponding to the acceleration of the vehicle, and can obtain a sense of immersion in the traveling during acceleration.

C3: Third Aspect In the example (third aspect) of the first or second aspect, the sound signal has a plurality of sound components different from each other, and the second generator generates the vibration signal based on only a portion of the plurality of sound components. According to this aspect, it is easier to generate the vibration signal than in a configuration in which a vibration signal is generated using a component not included in the sound signal.

C4: Fourth Aspect In the example of the third aspect (fourth aspect), the second generator changes a part of the plurality of sound components used to generate the vibration signal based on the information or the sound signal acquired by the acquisition unit. According to this aspect, the passenger can feel a sense of immersion in the ride by feeling the vibration that changes according to the information or the sound signal acquired by the acquisition unit.

C5: Fifth Aspect In any one of the first to fourth aspects (fifth aspect), the information includes at least one of speed information indicating a speed of the vehicle and accelerator information indicating an accelerator opening of the vehicle. According to this aspect, it is possible to generate a vibration signal from a sound signal generated based on at least one of the speed information and the accelerator information.

C6: Sixth Aspect In any one of the first to fifth aspects (sixth aspect), the second generator generates the vibration signal as a signal indicating vibration to be applied to an object located in the vehicle, the object being any one of a seat, a steering wheel, a shift knob, a floor mat, an accelerator pedal, a headrest, and an armrest. According to this aspect, it is possible to apply vibration linked to a sound corresponding to the traveling of the vehicle to any one of the seat, the steering wheel, the shift knob, the floor mat, the accelerator pedal, the headrest, and the armrest.

C7: Seventh Aspect An information generation device according to an aspect (seventh aspect) of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of pieces of information including first information regarding the traveling of a vehicle or an operation on the vehicle, and second information regarding the traveling of the vehicle or an operation on the vehicle, and a generation unit that generates performance designation information that specifies a light effect according to the traveling of the vehicle, based on the plurality of pieces of information acquired by the acquisition unit.

According to this aspect, the generation unit generates the performance designation information based on a plurality of pieces of information including the first information and the second information. Therefore, the light performance designated by the performance designation information can be made more precise than in a configuration in which the performance designation information is generated based on a single piece of information. Therefore, the passenger can feel immersed in the ride by viewing the light performance designated by the performance designation information.

C8: Eighth Aspect In the example of the seventh aspect (eighth aspect), the generator generates sound designation information that designates a sound corresponding to the running of the vehicle based on the plurality of pieces of information acquired by the acquirer. According to this aspect, in addition to the light effects, it is possible to designate a sound corresponding to the running of the vehicle.

In the example of the eighth aspect (ninth aspect), the generation unit generates performance designation information based on the sound designation information. According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a light performance linked to a sound designated by the sound designation information to a passenger of the vehicle.

C10: Tenth Aspect In the example (tenth aspect) of the seventh or ninth aspect, the generating unit generates vibration designation information that designates vibration according to the running of the vehicle based on the plurality of pieces of information acquired by the acquiring unit. According to this aspect, in addition to the light effect, it is possible to designate vibration according to the running of the vehicle.

C11: Eleventh Aspect In the example of the seventh or ninth aspect (eleventh aspect), the generator generates vibration designation information that designates vibration according to the running of the vehicle based on the sound designation information. According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a vibration linked to a sound designated by the sound designation information to a vehicle occupant.

C12: Twelfth Aspect In any one of the seventh to eleventh aspects (twelfth aspect), the first information includes speed information indicating a speed of the vehicle, and the second information includes accelerator information indicating an accelerator opening of the vehicle. According to this aspect, it is possible to generate performance designation information based on the speed information and the accelerator information.

C13: Thirteenth Aspect A signal generation method according to an aspect (thirteenth aspect) of the present disclosure is a signal generation method implemented by a computer, which acquires information relating to the traveling of a vehicle or an operation on the vehicle, generates a sound signal indicating a sound corresponding to the traveling of the vehicle based on the acquired information, and generates a vibration signal indicating a vibration corresponding to the traveling of the vehicle based on the generated sound signal.

According to this embodiment, a passenger who hears the sound corresponding to the vehicle's movement and feels the vibrations indicated by the vibration signal can feel a sense of immersion in the movement by feeling the vibrations linked to the sound corresponding to the vehicle's movement.

C14: Fourteenth Aspect An information generation method according to an aspect (fourteenth aspect) of the present disclosure is an information generation method implemented by a computer, which acquires a plurality of pieces of information including first information regarding the traveling of a vehicle or an operation on the vehicle, and second information regarding the traveling of the vehicle or an operation on the vehicle, and generates performance designation information that specifies a light effect corresponding to the traveling of the vehicle, based on the acquired plurality of pieces of information.

According to this aspect, the light effects specified by the effect specification information can be more precise than in a configuration in which the effect specification information is generated based on a single piece of information. Therefore, passengers can feel immersed in the ride by watching the light effects specified by the effect specification information.

1...signal generating device, 3...wheel control unit, 4...operation unit, 5...speaker, 6...seat, 7...vibration unit, 8...information generating device, 11...storage device, 12...processing device, 13...acquisition unit, 14...generation unit, 15...LPF, 16...adjustment unit, 31...motor, 32...accelerator pedal, 33...shift lever, 34...motor control unit, 35...power transmission unit.

Claims (11)

An acquisition unit that acquires information regarding a vehicle's running or an operation on the vehicle;
a first generator that generates a sound signal indicating a sound corresponding to the traveling of the vehicle based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit;
a second generator that generates a vibration signal indicating a vibration corresponding to the traveling of the vehicle based on the sound signal generated by the first generator ,
the sound signal has a plurality of sound components different from each other,
The second generation unit generates the vibration signal based on only a portion of the plurality of sound components.
Signal generator. The sound corresponding to the running of the vehicle is a sound corresponding to the acceleration of the vehicle.
2. A signal generating device according to claim 1. The second generation unit changes a part of the plurality of sound components used to generate the vibration signal based on the sound signal or the information acquired by the acquisition unit.
3. A signal generating device according to claim 1 or 2 . The information includes at least one of speed information indicating a speed of the vehicle and accelerator information indicating an accelerator opening degree of the vehicle.
A signal generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . The second generation unit generates the vibration signal as a signal indicating vibration to be applied to an object located in the vehicle,
The object is any one of a seat, a steering wheel, a shift knob, a floor mat, an accelerator pedal, a headrest, and an armrest.
A signal generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . An acquisition unit that acquires information regarding a vehicle's running or an operation on the vehicle;
a generating unit that generates performance designation information that designates a light performance according to the traveling of the vehicle based on the information acquired by the acquiring unit ,
The generation unit generates sound designation information that designates a sound corresponding to the traveling of the vehicle based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit, and generates the performance designation information based on the sound designation information.
Information generating device. The generation unit generates vibration designation information that designates vibration according to traveling of the vehicle based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit.
The information generating device according to claim 6 . The generation unit generates vibration designation information that designates vibration corresponding to the traveling of the vehicle based on the sound designation information.
8. The information generating device according to claim 6 or 7 . The information includes speed information indicating a speed of the vehicle , or accelerator information indicating an accelerator opening degree of the vehicle.
The information generating device according to any one of claims 6 to 8 . 1. A computer-implemented method for generating a signal, comprising:
Acquire information regarding the running of a vehicle or an operation on the vehicle;
generating a sound signal indicative of a sound corresponding to the traveling of the vehicle based on the acquired information;
generating a vibration signal indicative of vibration caused by the running of the vehicle based on the generated sound signal;
the sound signal has a plurality of sound components different from each other,
generating the vibration signal based on only a portion of the plurality of sound components;
Signal generation method. 1. A computer-implemented method for generating information, comprising:
Acquire information regarding the running of a vehicle or an operation on the vehicle;
generating sound designation information that designates a sound corresponding to the traveling of the vehicle based on the acquired information , and generating performance designation information that designates a light performance corresponding to the traveling of the vehicle based on the sound designation information;
How information is generated.

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