JPH11317063A - Car audio system, its control method and recording medium recorded with car audio system controlling program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique of a car audio system easily communicating information with external equipment. SOLUTION: When information such as various settings are preserved beforehand by writing them in a compact flash card 13 and transferring them to a hand-held personal computer 8 through infrared communication, the setting is returned easily to its former state even when the setting is revised, and the information is introduced easily from the outside. Further, like the hand-held personal computer, the software realizing various functions is updated and added, and user's private information such as an address book used in such a software is communicated with an external personal computer.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improvement in technology related to a car audio system, and more specifically, to easily exchange information with an external device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a car audio system has been known as a vehicle-mounted acoustic device. A car audio system is commonly called a car stereo, etc.
The sound transmitted from an M tuner, a cassette tape deck, a CD or MD disk reproducing device, an autochanger, or the like is output to the inside of the vehicle using an amplifier, an in-vehicle speaker, or the like. Also, recently, with the advancement of semiconductor technology, it is conceivable to combine electronic equipment such as a car navigation system with a car audio system, so the following description includes the case where these various electronic equipment are incorporated. Car audio system ".

[0003] Such a car audio system needs to be used with information such as various setting items. For example, audio (sound) -related setting items include fader, balance, surround, crossover, equalizer, bass / treble, radio presets, and a CD playlist, that is, which song of a CD is reproduced and which song is reproduced. Or a list to skip. Also, a car audio system having the function of a car navigation system needs to be used with information such as a departure place, a destination, and a route.

[0004]

However, the conventional car audio system has no means for easily exchanging information with external devices. For this reason, save the information such as the settings described above externally,
When the setting was changed, it was not possible to use that information to restore it. Also, when trying to provide new information to the car audio system, it was difficult to transfer the information from an external device, so that the trouble of manually inputting from the operation panel of the car audio system was required. Was.

[0005] For example, as described above, the number of setting items in the acoustic relation is large, but when another user changes the setting that a certain user usually uses, the original user receives an original setting for each setting item. The user had to perform complicated operations such as checking the settings and returning to the original settings. In addition, for example, when a radio tuner drives and performs in a different local station name or broadcast frequency from the user's local area, or when a new broadcast station is created, the user manually sets a preset. A complicated operation of re-doing had to be performed. In addition, once the preset settings are changed as described above, an operation of restoring the preset when returning to the local area is required.

In a car navigation system,
Since settings such as a departure place, a destination and a route could not be saved outside, once those settings were changed, it was necessary to manually specify them again. In addition, CD
-Even if the programs and data for the car navigation system recorded in the ROM become old, it was necessary to replace the CD-ROM with a new one in order to add new functions and information. There is a problem that a high cost is required on the user side.

[0007] The present invention has been proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technology of a car audio system for easily exchanging information with an external device. is there. Another object of the present invention is to provide a technology of a car audio system which is excellent in usability. Another object of the present invention is to
An object of the present invention is to provide a technology of a car audio system capable of performing various information processing.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a car audio system according to claim 1 exchanges information with a slot for mounting a memory card and a memory card mounted on the slot. And a computer for performing the operation. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a car audio system, comprising: a communication unit for communicating with infrared rays; and a computer for exchanging information with the outside by the communication unit. A method of controlling a car audio system according to claim 21 includes a step of exchanging information using at least one of a slot for mounting a memory card and a communication unit for communicating by infrared rays. Claim 1,
According to the inventions of the third and twenty-first aspects, information such as various settings is stored, and even if the settings are changed, the settings can be easily restored.
Information can be easily introduced from outside. Also, like a handheld personal computer, software that realizes various functions can be updated or added, and user's personal information such as an address book used with such software can be exchanged with an external personal computer etc. .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the car audio system according to the first aspect, as the memory card,
It is characterized by using a PCMCIA expansion card. In the invention of claim 2, PCMCIA (Personal Computer M
By using an expansion card of the emory Card International Association) type, various functions such as a drive card, a modem card, and various interface cards can be added to the system.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the car audio system according to the third aspect, the communication means is IrDA.
It is characterized by the format. In the invention of claim 4, I
Since data can be widely exchanged with a personal computer, a handheld personal computer, and the like using an infrared communication port of rDA (Infrared Data Association), the type and application range of information processing in a car audio system are expanded.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the car audio system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the information is audio setting information indicating audio setting. According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the control method for a car audio system according to the twenty-first aspect, the information is audio setting information indicating audio settings. According to the fifth and 22nd aspects of the present invention, audio settings such as fader, balance, equalizer setting, bass / treble, surround, and crossover, radio preset contents, and any music among CDs are reproduced. Save playlists that indicate which songs to skip, etc., and use the information saved in this way to easily restore the original settings even if the settings are changed, or to save the saved settings to other locations. It will be easier to use with other car audio systems.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the car audio system according to the fifth aspect, the audio setting information includes an equalizer setting. According to the invention of claim 6, for example, an equalizer setting of a new music genre such as techno, reggae, hip hop, and house is introduced into a car audio system in which an equalizer setting such as news, rock, classical music, and pops can be selected. You can save the original equalizer settings for which you have set your own strength or transfer them to another car audio system.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the car audio system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the information is preset information for presetting a frequency to be tuned to a radio tuner. It is characterized by the following. According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, information on the preset frequency that is always used is saved, so that even if the contents of the preset are changed, the preset can be easily restored, and the preset that is always used is transferred to another car audio system. Can be used. Further, when the user drives from the local area of the user to another area, the preset setting can be easily changed by reading the preset information of the broadcast station in that area.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the car audio system according to the seventh aspect, the preset information includes a corresponding character string for each frequency.
According to the invention of claim 8, a character string such as a broadcast station name can be preset for each frequency such as "NHK Akita" or "highway radio". It can be easily grasped whether the station belongs.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the car audio system according to the seventh or eighth aspect, the preset information includes a set of a plurality of frequencies for each area. According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since several frequencies that can be received for each area are set, no matter which area is driven, the preset can be easily read by reading the preset information set of the area. It can be carried out.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the car audio system according to any one of the first to ninth aspects,
The information is information on at least one of a departure point, a destination, and a route in the car navigation system. According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the control method of the car audio system according to the twenty-first or twenty-second aspect, the information is information on at least one of a departure place, a destination, and a route in the car navigation system. I do. Claims 10 and 23
According to the invention, by storing the information such as the departure place that is always set, it is easy to restore the information even if it is changed or to transfer the information to another car audio system.
In addition, settings such as the departure point, destination, and route can be input in advance using a user-friendly user interface of a personal computer or handheld personal computer, or at a desk at an easy-to-work home, etc. It is possible to transfer information to the built-in car navigation system and start using it immediately.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the car audio system according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the information is at least one of a car navigation system program and map data. And According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, by reading information such as an upgraded part, a detailed map data of a specific area, and a program module of a new function with respect to a program and map data of a car navigation system, Usability is improved. It is also possible to store information such as personal landmarks of the user.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the car audio system according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the information is setting information on settings of the computer. In the invention of claim 12,
By saving various settings such as operation mode, addition or deletion of applications, system configuration, password, power management, screen configuration, regional settings, date and time adjustment of the computer built into the car audio system, Even if these are changed, it becomes easy to restore them or transfer them to another car audio system.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the car audio system according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the information is information depending on a region where the car audio system is used. According to the invention of claim 13, information depending on a region such as a language used for displaying on a computer, a numerical value, a currency, a time, and a date display format can be easily saved or replaced by a new one by exchanging with the outside. it can.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the car audio system according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, using the recognition data given in advance,
Means for recognizing the uttered phrase, and means for improving the accuracy of the recognition by generating auxiliary data to assist the data for recognition, wherein the information is the auxiliary data. Features. The invention of claim 24 is
The method for controlling a car audio system according to any one of claims 21 to 23, further comprising: a step of recognizing a spoken phrase using predetermined recognition data; Improving the accuracy of the recognition by generating auxiliary data to be assisted, wherein the information is the auxiliary data. According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, a car audio system control program for controlling a car audio system provided with at least one of a slot for mounting a memory card and communication means for infrared communication by a computer is recorded. In the recorded recording medium, the program causes the computer to recognize an uttered word or phrase by using recognition data given in advance, and generates auxiliary data to assist the recognition data, thereby improving the accuracy of the recognition. And storing the auxiliary data using at least one of the auxiliary data, reading the stored auxiliary data, and using the read auxiliary data for the recognition. In the invention of claims 14, 24 and 29,
If the user speaks a specified phrase several times, the auxiliary data is generated based on the user's personal pronunciation characteristics, and the recognition data is improved. By storing and transferring to a car audio system of another vehicle, excellent voice recognition accuracy can be obtained even in a car audio system of another vehicle, so that it is easy to operate the car audio system in words.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the car audio system according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, the information is address book data in which contact information is associated with each name. A means for outputting address book data on condition is provided. According to the invention of claim 15, the data of the address book is read and displayed, or the telephone number of the contact is searched and displayed from the name, and the telephone number is directly used by using the telephone unit connected to the car audio system. It becomes easy to use such as making a phone call.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the car audio system according to the fifteenth aspect, a means for making and receiving a telephone call using a radio, and a telephone designated by a contact address registered in the address book data. Means for making a call by controlling the means for making and receiving calls for a number;
It is characterized by having. According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the control method of the car audio system according to any one of the twenty-first to twenty-fourth aspects, the information is address book data in which contact information is associated with each name. Outputting the address book data under the conditions, and, for the specified telephone number among the contacts registered in the address book data, transmitting a wireless call,
It is characterized by including. The invention according to claim 30 records a control program of a car audio system for controlling a car audio system provided with at least one of a slot for mounting a memory card and a communication means for infrared communication by a computer. In the recorded recording medium, the program causes the computer to exchange address book data, in which contact information is associated with each name, with the outside using at least one of them, to output the address book data under given conditions, and to output the address book data. For a telephone number designated among the contacts registered in the data, a telephone call using wireless communication is transmitted. Claim 1
In the inventions of US Pat. Nos. 6,25,30, it is possible to read an address book in which telephone numbers are registered and to make a telephone call simply by designating a telephone number from the address book.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the car audio system according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, there is provided a means for reading out given character data by voice. According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the control method for a car audio system according to any one of the twenty-first to twenty-fifth aspects, the method includes a step of reading out data of a given character by voice. In the invention according to claims 17 and 26, since the contents currently set in the car audio system or the built-in computer and the character data such as a text file read from a memory card or the like are read out, the contents of the information can be heard by ear. Can understand easily.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the car audio system according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects, the computer creates a backup file based on items set in the car audio system. And means for setting the items of the car audio system based on the read backup file. The invention of claim 27 is
The method for controlling a car audio system according to any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein a step of creating a backup file based on items set in the car audio system, and a step of creating a backup file based on the read backup file. Setting the item of the audio system. According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, a car audio system control program for controlling a car audio system having at least one of a slot for mounting a memory card and a communication unit for infrared communication with a computer is provided. In the recorded recording medium, the program causes the computer to store information representing items set in the car audio system using at least one of the above, and reads the stored information to read the stored information. An item is set. In the inventions of claims 18, 27 and 31, the setting items such as sound quality and tuner preset are saved as a backup copy file on a memory card or transferred to an external handheld personal computer or the like by infrared rays, and changed. If you want to reset the settings,
Since the setting items are restored based on the backup file, usability of the car audio system is improved.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the car audio system according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects, the computer reads an operating system and an application program, a file for updating a software, and a reading unit. Using the file for at least one of the operating system or the application program,
Means for updating at least one of the execution file and the data file. The invention of claim 28 is the method of controlling a car audio system according to any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein the car audio system is controlled using a computer having an operating system and an application program. In the system control method, a step of reading a file for software update, and a step of updating at least one of an execution file and a data file for at least one of the operating system and the application program using the read file. When,
It is characterized by having. An invention according to claim 32 is a recording medium on which a control program for a car audio system for controlling the car audio system by a computer is recorded, wherein the car audio system communicates with a slot for mounting a memory card and infrared rays. The communication means for at least one, the computer comprises an operating system and an application program, the program causes the computer to read a file for software update using the at least one, and read the read file Using at least one of the operating system and the application program to update at least one of an execution file and a data file. Claim 19, 2
According to the inventions of the eighth and thirty-second embodiments, the execution file and the data file of the OS and the application program can be updated by reading the update file from the communication means using the memory card or the infrared ray. The function of the car audio system can be easily changed without replacing the. Note that “update” is a concept that includes new introduction (installation), re-introduction, partial introduction and deletion, partial deletion, and the like.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the car audio system according to the nineteenth aspect, the computer comprises:
A flash ROM for storing at least one of the operating system and the application program is provided. According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, the operating system and the application programs are stored in the flash ROM. Therefore, when the car audio system is started, the operating system and the application programs are immediately read without waiting for reading the software from the external storage device. Can be used. Further, since the contents of the flash ROM storing the operating system and the application programs are rewritable, the operating system and the application programs can be easily updated, added, and deleted without replacing the LSI.

[0027]

Next, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings used in the following description, the same members and members of the same type as those in the drawings described earlier are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

This embodiment is realized by using various hardware devices and a computer controlled by software. In this case, the software is created by combining the instructions according to the description in this specification, and the common parts with the above-described prior art use the technique described in the prior art. Further, the software includes not only program codes but also data prepared in advance for use in executing the program codes. The software realizes the operational effects of the present invention by utilizing not only various audio devices incorporated in the car audio system but also physical processing devices such as a CPU and various chip sets.

However, specific hardware and software configurations for realizing the present invention can be variously changed. For example, depending on the circuit configuration and the processing capability of the CPU, a certain function may be realized by a physical electronic circuit such as an LSI, or may be realized by software. Regarding the part that uses software, various forms of software, such as a compiler, an assembler, and a microprogram, can be considered. Further, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM in which such software or a program used for realizing the present invention is recorded is also one aspect of the present invention.

As described above, there are various aspects of realizing the present invention using a computer. In the following, a virtual circuit block for realizing individual functions included in the present invention and the embodiments will be described. The invention and embodiments will be described.

[1. Configuration] [1-1. Overall Configuration] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of this embodiment. In this embodiment, as shown in this figure, a tuner amplifier unit 2, a microphone 3, a GPS antenna 4, a security control unit 5, It includes a telephone unit 6, a CD-ROM autochanger 7, and an auxiliary battery 9 for power backup.

The main unit 1 has a built-in control computer and controls the entire system by the computer. Further, the tuner amplifier unit 2 is a portion provided with a radio tuner and an amplifier for sounding a speaker (not shown), in addition to the AM and FM antennas 2a. The microphone 3 is for inputting a user's voice so that an operation by voice recognition can be performed. This voice recognition function is realized by the computer program described above.

Of these, the tuner amplifier unit 2, the microphone 3, the GPS antenna 4, the security control unit 5, the telephone unit 6 (car telephone), and the CD-ROM autochanger 7 provide at least one of audio data and digital data. It is a device for performing.

[1-1-1. Daisy chain connection] Here, these security control unit 5, telephone unit 6, and CD-ROM autochanger 7
It is connected to the main unit 1 by a USB (Universal Serial Bus) line. The USB is a type of serial bus, and constitutes connection means for connecting a plurality of devices in a daisy chain format.

Then, in this embodiment, U
Devices connected by the SB are configured to exchange data with the outside in the USB format. For example, the CD-ROM autochanger 7 has an upstream hub and a downstream hub (HUB).
In the CD-ROM autochanger 7, audio data and digital data read from a music CD or CD-ROM are both converted into ATAPI format output data, which is one of parallel formats, by an ATAPI decoder. It is converted and further converted by the controller into a USB (Universal Serial Bu
s) Converted to the format and sent to USB.

With such a configuration, the units 5, 6,
Since the connection of the CD-ROM autochanger 7 is a serial connection, when the units 5, 6, and 7 are installed at a location away from the main unit 1, the installation is facilitated. In FIG. 1, the unit 5, the unit 6, and the autochanger 7 are connected in this order. However, the connection order is arbitrary, and only the necessary ones may be connected.

[1-1-2. CD-ROM Autochanger] The CD-ROM autochanger 7 automatically switches between a plurality of music CDs and CD-ROMs,
Music CD according to the command sent from the line
This is a device that reads audio data from, digital data from a CD-ROM, and outputs the read data to a USB line.

The above-mentioned "audio data" means data representing sound information such as music. On the other hand, the term "digital data" means data in a digital format other than audio data, such as character codes and various numerical values.

The disc reproducing apparatus is a device for reading audio data and digital data from a recording medium such as a CD. CDs used in the disc reproducing apparatus mainly include a music CD on which audio data is recorded, There is a CD-ROM on which digital data is recorded.
Audio data can be read from D-CD-RO
Reading digital data from M is also referred to as “reproduction”.

Then, the CD-ROM autochanger 7
Means audio data from a music CD, CD-ROM
Reads digital data from, converts both audio data and digital data read from a CD into output data in the same protocol format, ATAPI format, and both output via the same interface format, USB. To perform isochronous transfer to the main unit 1.

[1-1-3. Main Unit] The main unit 1 also includes a slot 13S for inserting the compact flash card 13, and a face plate unit 15 that can be attached and detached (FIG. 2).
The compact flash card 13 is a type of memory card, and is a storage medium using a flash memory.
By inserting the compact flash card 13 into the slot 13S provided in the main unit 1, data can be read and written from the main unit 1.
The compact flash card 13 is used for exchanging data, programs, and the like with another computer, and for backing up various setting data in the car audio system.

In this embodiment, not only the compact flash card 13 but also an expansion card having various functions, such as a drive card, a modem card, and various interface cards, if the card is in the PCMCIA format, is used in the system. Can be added.

The detachable face plate unit 15 has a display section for displaying various information to the user, and an operation section provided with operation keys for the user to perform various operations. The unit and the operation unit are collectively called an operation display unit. The operation display unit is a digital output unit that outputs processed digital data. The face plate unit 15 is provided with a DCP (Det
The display unit of the face plate unit 15 is, for example, a horizontal 256
It is a large color LCD (liquid crystal display) such as 64 dots vertically.

If this faceplate unit 15 is removed and taken out when getting out of the car, even if a thief looks for the car audio system, he cannot use or resell because he sees that there is no essential display section and no operation section. Has the anti-theft effect of giving up on stealing. If the removed face plate unit 15 is carried around in the case 15a (FIG. 1), it does not damage itself or the surroundings.

The face plate unit 15
Is provided with an infrared communication unit for exchanging data (information) by performing infrared communication with the handheld personal computer 8 in the form of IrDA (Infrared Data Association). Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the light emitting / receiving section 1271 of the infrared communication unit is exposed on the surface of the face plate unit 15. The infrared communication unit and the slot for the memory card are
It is not always necessary to provide both, and only one of them may be provided.

[1-1-4. Other Devices] The GPS antenna 4 (FIG. 1) is an antenna for receiving radio waves from GPS satellites. The signal from the GPS antenna 4 passes through a GPS receiver 4a,
Sent to the S unit. This GPS unit, which is not shown in FIG.
The calculation is based on radio waves from satellites. On a computer built in the main unit 1,
The functions of the car navigation system are realized by the program, and the calculation results are passed to the functions of the car navigation system.

The security control unit 5 is an alarm system for crime prevention. More specifically, the security control unit 5 uses a sensor 5a for detecting vibration or impact to sound a siren 5b when theft or mischief is detected. Part. The telephone unit 6 is a unit for controlling functions of a car telephone, and is a part for realizing a telephone call using the telephone antenna 6a and the handset 6b.

[1-2. Internal Configuration of Main Unit] Next, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main components of the above-described components. In particular, the specific configuration of the main unit 1 will be mainly described. is there. The whole of this figure is divided into four by a broken line, the left side is the CPU module 11, the center is the support module 12, the upper right is the external unit 30, and the lower right is the option unit 40. Among them, the CPU module 11 and the support module 12 are provided inside the main unit 1.

The external unit 30 and the option unit 40 indicate several devices connected to the main unit 1 collectively. In addition,
3, the compact flash card 13 is shown below the CPU module 11 and the face plate unit 15 is shown above the external unit 30 for convenience of explanation.

The CPU module 11 and the support module 12 constitute a control computer for controlling the entire car audio system. Hereinafter, the term “computer” is simply referred to as “computer”.
And the support module 12. Of these, the CPU module 11 is a part that performs logical operation processing centered on the CPU 111, and the support module 12
It is a part that performs input and output with other devices included in the car audio system.

The main path of data in the CPU module 11 is a local bus B1 (first bus) formed around the CPU 111. On the other hand, the main path of data in the support module 12 is a PCI (Peripheral Co.) for connecting each device.
mponent Interconnect) bus B2 (second bus).

[1-2-1. Configuration of CPU module]
The local bus B1 of the CPU module 11
The local bus B1 includes a DRAM 112, a flash ROM 113,
CI bus host controller 114 and CPU host A
The SIC 115 and the PCMCIA / ASIC 116 are connected. The DRAM 112 includes the CPU 111
Is a part that provides a work area such as a variable area when performing information processing such as control of a car audio system.

The flash ROM 113 is a rewritable ROM, which stores software in a broad sense, such as an OS, a BIOS, and an application program. O stored here
The functions of S include managing resources on a computer, controlling input and output including a user interface, and executing a program in a predetermined format. For example, Windows CE (registered by Microsoft Corporation) Trademark).

The PCI bus host controller 11
4 connects the local bus B1 and the PCI bus B2,
This is a means for converting the format of data exchanged between these two buses.

The “ASIC” such as the CPU host ASIC 115 is an application specific integrated cipher.
rcuit is an abbreviation of IC or LSI for a general-purpose integrated circuit such as ROM, RAM, and CPU for a specific application. Specifically, this CPU host ASIC
Reference numeral 115 denotes an ASIC for interfacing the local bus B1 with the PCI bus host controller 114.
In other words, the CPU host ASIC 115 is a window for data exchanged between the PCI bus B2 and the CPU module 11, and specifically performs processing such as address format conversion, interrupt processing, and bus arbitration. Do. Also, the CPU host ASIC 115
Is an input / output between the CPU module 11 and the outside.
In addition to performing the processing in place of the CPU 11, the data transmitted from the PCI bus B 2 is determined to be of a type to be passed to the CPU 111.

Then, the CPU host ASIC 115
What is to be passed to the CPU 111 is sent to the CPU 111 through the local bus B1, but it is sufficient if the predetermined response is returned mechanically without the need for the CPU 111 to perform an operation on the other data, for example, the transmitted data. For those that return such a reaction.

The PCMCIA ASIC 116 is
A compact flash card 13 is a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card) as a so-called PC card.
This is a portion for an interface corresponding to the standard of the International Association) and a portion for controlling reading and writing of data from and to the compact flash card 13. Thus, the CPU module 11
Has a role as a computer for exchanging information with the compact flash card 13 mounted in the slot 13S.

Also, when the CPU 111 is the flash ROM 1
By operating according to the program stored in the storage unit 13, the above-mentioned "means for recognizing", "means for improving accuracy", "means for outputting address book data", "means for making a telephone call", "means for reading out""Making backup files""Settingitems""Reading software update files""Updating"
And play a role.

[1-2-2. Configuration Regarding Support Module] Next, the PCI bus B2 of the support module 12 is a bus for exchanging data with various devices constituting the car audio system.
It constitutes transmission means for transmitting audio data and digital data from the device in a digital format. Here, as the devices connected to the PCI bus B2, there are an external unit 30 and an optional unit 40, each of which indicates several devices collectively.

That is, the external unit 30 is a separate unit from the main unit 1 shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, in this example, the face plate unit 15 which can be attached to and detached from the main unit 1, The tuner 21, the amplifier 22 and the microphone 3 provided in the tuner amplifier unit 2. The face plate unit 15 includes an infrared communication unit 127.

The option unit 40 is a unit incorporated as an option in the car audio system, and in this example, specifically, the GPS unit 16 and the CD-ROM autochanger 7. Further, a CD-ROM unit 14 is provided inside the main unit 1, and this CD-ROM unit 14 is also connected to the PCI bus B2. This CD-ROM unit 1
Reference numeral 4 denotes a player for reading audio data and digital data from one music CD or CD-ROM. These CD-ROM autochanger 7 and CD-R
Both of the OM units 14 are compatible (compatible) in that data can be read from a so-called music CD and data can be read from a CD-ROM.

In the support module 12, the PCI
In order for the bus B2 to exchange data with these devices, the support ASIC 121 and the CODEC circuit 1
22, DSP unit 123, buffer memory 124,
A parallel / PCI driver 125 and a serial / PCI driver 126 are used.

The support ASIC 121 is a means for deciding which data comes from and where it is sent between the support module 12 and each device. In other words, the support ASIC 121 is a part for arranging data traffic. COD
The “CODEC” of the EC circuit 122 is “Coder / Decoder”.
The CODEC circuit 122 performs, for example, D / A conversion for converting data in a given digital format into an analog signal, and conversely, converts an analog signal into a digital signal. A / D conversion for converting data into a format data.

That is, this CODEC circuit 122
The role of A / D conversion means for A / D converting an analog signal provided from a device into digital audio data, and converting the processed audio data into an analog signal
It has a role as a D / A conversion means for A / A conversion.
The amplifier 22 for driving a speaker with the converted analog signal and the CODEC circuit 122 constitute audio output means for outputting processed audio data as an analog signal.

The “DSP” of the DSP unit 123
Is an abbreviation that stands for a digital sound processor, that is, a circuit that specializes in processing digital sound signals. The DSP unit 123, when given audio data representing music or the like, sets the left / right balance set in the system. , Volume, fader, surround, equalizer, etc.
This part processes audio data.

Further, the buffer memory 124 stores a CD-R
Since an audio device such as an OM unit and a PCI bus B2 have different data read / write cycles, the buffer is a buffer for filling this difference by storing data and extracting it little by little, and is composed of an SRAM or the like.

The parallel / PCI driver 125
Converts the parallel audio data and digital data sent from the CD-ROM unit 14 into a PCI format.
This is a part for converting to the data format of the bus B2. The serial / PCI driver 126 converts serial audio data and digital data sent from the CD-ROM autochanger 7 in USB data format.
This is a format conversion unit that converts the data into a data format compatible with the PCI bus B2.

The face plate unit 15 including the infrared communication unit 127 is supported by the support ASIC 12
1 through a high-speed serial communication circuit, and the CPU module 11 includes a PCI bus B2 and a support ASIC 121
Through the high-speed serial communication circuit, the infrared communication unit 127 can exchange information with an external handheld personal computer or the like.

The GPS unit 16 has a support AS
UART (Universal Asynchronous Receipt)
ver-Transitter) and connected by an asynchronous serial communication circuit. Also, the CD-ROM unit 14 sends an ATAPI (AT Attach) to the parallel / PCI driver 125.
ment Packet Interface). Although not shown, the infrared communication unit 127 has A
An SIC is provided.

The CPU module 11, the CODEC circuit 122, the DSP unit 123, and the buffer memory 124 of the support module 12 constitute processing means for processing digital audio data and digital data.

[2. Operation and Effect] This embodiment configured as described above has the following operation and effect. [2-1. Rough action] [2-1-1. Input of Data] In this embodiment, of the data input from each device, the data in digital format is supported by the support ASIC 1 of the support module 12.
21 is input directly. For example, data indicating which key has been pressed is sent from the face plate unit 15. In addition, the GPS unit 16
Digital data such as latitude and longitude calculated using radio waves from the S satellite is sent. Further, the infrared communication unit 127 provided in the face plate unit 15 is provided.
, Digital data transmitted by infrared rays from the handheld personal computer 8 is sent.

The CD-ROM unit 14 and the CD
From the ROM autochanger 7, sound data read from a music CD, that is, audio data, a CD-
Digital data read from ROM, ie, CD-R
The OM data is converted into the data format of the PCI bus B2 by the parallel / PCI driver 125 or the serial / PCI driver 126, and is transmitted to the support ASIC 121 via the PCI bus B2.

Further, although not shown in FIG. 3, digital data for notifying the occurrence of an abnormality is sent from security control unit 5 shown in FIG. Similarly,
Digital data, that is, character data, for notifying the incoming or outgoing telephone number of the call, that is, character data is sent from the telephone unit 6 shown in FIG. 1, and during the call, audio data that conveys the other party's voice, that is, voice data. Is sent to the support ASIC 121.

The security control unit 5 and the telephone unit 6 are connected to the serial bus B3 by the US.
B, that is, daisy-chained by the serial bus B3, the information sent from the security control unit 5 or the telephone unit 6 is transmitted from the CD-
Like the audio data and digital data from the ROM autochanger 7, the data arrives at the main unit 1 through the serial bus B3, is converted into the data format of the PCI bus B2 by the serial / PCI driver 126, and then is transmitted through the PCI bus B2. Sent by

On the other hand, of the data input from each device, an analog signal is once input to the CODEC circuit 122, and converted into digital data (A / D conversion) by the CODEC circuit 122. It is passed to the support ASIC 121. For example, microphone 3
, The user's voice is input as an analog signal, and the tuner 21 receives the radio broadcast content received as a result of the tuning as an analog signal.

[2-1-2. Data Transfer from CD-ROM Autochanger] In particular, in the CD-ROM autochanger 7, when audio data is read from a music CD, the ATAPI decoder 707 converts the audio data in the same manner as the digital data read from the CD-ROM. , Convert to ATAPI output data,
The SB controller 711 performs isochronous transfer of the output data in the ATAPI format from the upstream connector 714 to the main unit 1.

[2-1-3. Destination of Input Data] From the CD-ROM autochanger 7, data is read from the CD as described above, and the read data is sent to the support ASIC 121 of the main unit 1. Plays a role in traffic control of where information comes from and where it is sent for information gathered in that way from each part.
That is, the support ASIC 121 roughly processes sound data by the DSP unit 123 and
The data is sent to the amplifier 22 through the EC circuit 122, and data other than the sound is sent to the CPU module 11. However, among the sound data, data input from the microphone 3 is sent to the CPU module 11 for voice recognition.

The sound data sent to the amplifier 22 includes, for example, the contents of a radio broadcast tuned by the tuner 21, the CD-ROM unit 14 and the CD-RO
The recorded content read from the music CD by the M autochanger 7 and the voice of the other party sent from the telephone unit 6 can be considered.

As data other than sound, for example,
Data indicating which operation key is pressed on the face plate unit 15, data such as a file transmitted from the infrared communication unit 127, digital data such as latitude and longitude transmitted from the GPS unit 16,
ROM unit 14 and CD-ROM autochanger 7
The contents of the map for the car navigation system read from the CD-ROM and the contents of the information for each area, the data sent from the security control unit 5 to notify the occurrence of an abnormality, and the telephone call sent from the telephone unit 6 Data or the like for notifying the incoming or outgoing telephone number is conceivable.

[2-1-4. Information processing in CPU module] In the CPU module 11, the support ASIC 1
When digital data is sent from PC 21, PC
The I bus host controller 114 converts the transmitted data into the data format of the local bus B1,
Transfer to the PU host ASIC 115. This CPU host A
The SIC 115 performs input / output on behalf of the CPU 111 and, when data is passed, determines whether the data should be passed to the CPU 111 or not from the data format or the like.

That is, the CPU host ASIC 115
For data that only needs a certain mechanical response,
A predetermined response is returned to the support module 12 through the PCI bus host controller 114, but other data is passed to the CPU 111.

The CPU 111 has a flash ROM 113
The received data is processed in accordance with the OS and program codes recorded in the OS, and the DRAM 112 is used as a storage area such as a work area necessary for this processing. For example, when the user's voice input from the microphone 3 is sent, the CPU 111 compares the received user's voice with parameters and waveforms representing the features of the command words prepared in advance. It presumes that a similar command is what the user said, and performs an operation according to the command.

The reading / writing of the compact flash card 13 is performed by the CPU module 11 in the CPU module 11.
CPU ASIC1 according to the request from
15 by controlling the PCMCIA ASIC 116.

The result of the information processing by the CPU 111 is transmitted to the PCI bus host controller 114 by the P bus.
After being converted into the data format of the CI bus B2, it is sent to the support module 12. The data sent to the support module 12 as a result of the information processing includes an operation command for each part and each device of the support module 12, and the support module 12 performs input / output according to the data thus sent. Is performed.

[2-1-5. Processing such as input / output by support module] For example, when a command to read data from a CD or tune a radio is received from the CPU module 11, the CD-ROM unit 14, the CD-R
The OM autochanger 7 and the tuner 21 perform operations according to the change. When a command to switch the sound source of the sound output from the speaker to a device different from the current device arrives from the CPU module 11, the support ASIC 121
The audio data sent to the EC circuit 122 is switched from the data of the previous device to that of the newly designated device.

When outputting audio data in digital form to the amplifier 22, the amplifier 22 accepts only analog signals.
Reference numeral 2 converts the digital audio data into an analog signal (D / A conversion) and outputs the analog signal to the amplifier 22.

For example, when display data for a user is sent from the CPU module 11 or another device to the support ASIC 121, the support ASIC 1
21 transfers the display data to the face plate unit 15 through the high-speed serial communication circuit. In this case, in the face plate unit 15, information for the user is displayed on the display unit according to the transferred display data.

Next, how the user can use the car audio system by the operation of the various parts described above will be specifically described.

[2-2. Use of Utility Program] In this embodiment, the functions of the OS and the application programs include address book, calendar, schedule management,
By using functions such as voice recording, a clock, a calculator, and a game, various types of information processing can be performed even in a car. Further, by deleting, replacing, or adding an application program that realizes these functions, each user can prepare an information processing environment suitable for himself / herself.

[2-3. Use of Compact Flash Card] That is, first, in the car audio system of the present embodiment, by using the compact flash card 13, information can be exchanged with another handheld personal computer, another car audio system, or the like. .

For example, the compact flash card 13
By reading a new application program or OS into the flash ROM 113 from the above, it becomes easy to add a new function or update the OS. In particular, by using a general-purpose OS, it becomes easier for a general software maker to create an application program and a function module of the OS, so that a compact flash card 13 on which the program is recorded can be easily obtained and sold. The audio system can be used more conveniently as a computer.

If personal data such as an address book created by another personal computer or a handheld personal computer is brought into the car audio system by the compact flash card 13, the work up to that point is continued on the car audio system. be able to. On the contrary, the data created by the car audio system can be transferred to another personal computer or a handheld personal computer using the compact flash card 13 to continue the operation.

If the data created by the user using the above-mentioned utility program is backed up and copied to the compact flash card 13,
Even in the case where data is lost due to malfunction of the car audio system or use by another person, the data can be read from the compact flash card 13 into the main unit 1 again and information processing can be continued.

[2-4. Communication with Handheld Personal Computer] Furthermore, in this embodiment, data can be widely exchanged with a personal computer, a handheld personal computer, and the like using an infrared communication port of IrDA (Infrared Data Association), so that information in a car audio system can be obtained. The types of processing and the range of applications are expanded.

That is, by using the infrared communication unit 127, data can be easily exchanged with the hand-held personal computer 8 without the trouble of inserting and removing the compact flash card 13 and connecting with a cable or the like. it can. For this reason, the OS and application programs are updated using files and the like recorded in the handheld personal computer 8, personal data created on the car audio system is directly transferred to the handheld personal computer 8, and the like. Backup of personal data is stored in a relatively large storage area of the handheld personal computer 8, or the settings of the car audio system are transferred to the car audio system of another vehicle through the handheld personal computer 8. Various uses such as, are also possible.

Next, examples of use of individual functions of the car audio system, such as a radio tuner, voice recognition, and a car navigation system, and when the functions are used, the compact flash card 13 and the infrared communication unit 127 are used. Here is a specific example of how information exchange with the outside can be applied.

[2-5. Operation and Display of Information] First, when operating the car audio system of this embodiment,
The user may press an operation key provided on the face plate unit 15 or may utter a predetermined word for each operation. For example, when the user wants to use a CD or an FM tuner, the user may press an operation key for switching to a CD, or may input a predetermined word, such as “Shi-de-hu” or “Efu-emu”, to the microphone 3. Just say it.

When the user presses the operation key, the data is transmitted from the support ASIC 121 to the CPU module 1.
1, the CPU 111 sends new display data to the support ASIC 121, and the display unit of the face plate unit 15 uses this display data to display a screen for operating a radio or a screen for operating a CD. And so on.

Further, for example, when the user utters a phrase such as "Shi-de-", an analog signal is converted from the microphone 3 into digital audio data by the CODEC circuit 122, and the audio data is converted into digital audio data.
CPU 111 from support ASIC 121 via PCI bus host controller and CPU host ASIC 115
The CPU 111 recognizes which word the user has said based on the digital audio data, and performs the same action as when an operation key is pressed according to the recognition result.

For example, the display unit of the face plate unit 15 is provided as a touch panel, and functions usable at that time are displayed as icons on the display unit as a graphical user interface of the computer, and icons of functions desired by the user are displayed. You can make it work when you touch it with your finger. Furthermore, for example, if the display using such an icon and the voice recognition are used together, several icons are displayed at once, and the user can use the “next”
When the user speaks, the screen switches and the next several icons are displayed, and when the user speaks "return," the screen returns to the previous state.

[2-6. Storage of Auxiliary Data] The voice recognition function as described above
U111 is realized according to a program stored in the flash ROM 113. This speech recognition uses recognition data such as digital waveforms for comparison and feature parameters that are given in advance for each usable phrase.
It recognizes the uttered phrase. However, since the actual pronunciation varies from person to person, in this embodiment, the recognition accuracy can be improved by repeatedly uttering a word by the user.

That is, the user performs a predetermined operation from the face plate unit 15 or the like, selects a phrase whose recognition accuracy is desired to be improved, and speaks the phrase toward the microphone 3 several times according to an instruction on a display screen or the like. Then, the CPU 111 analyzes the audio data converted from the voice by the CODEC circuit 122, and generates auxiliary data that assists the recognition data based on a difference from the recognition data and characteristics of the user's voice. From the next time, not only the recognition data but also the auxiliary data is used to recognize words and phrases from the user's voice, so that the recognition accuracy is improved even if the user's pronunciation is slightly hazy.

In this embodiment, the auxiliary data is stored in the compact flash card 13 or
The data can be transferred from the infrared communication unit 127 to an external handheld personal computer and stored, and the auxiliary data thus stored can be read and used for recognition. For this reason, when the content of the auxiliary data changes due to, for example, the use of a car audio system by another person, by reading the stored auxiliary data, it is possible to perform speech recognition matching the user's pronunciation again. .

Also, for example, if the stored auxiliary data is transferred by being read into a car audio system of another car, excellent voice recognition accuracy can be obtained even in a car audio system of another car such as a rental car. It becomes easier to operate the car audio system with words.

[2-7. When listening to the radio] When instructing the operation by voice recognition as described above, for example, the user utters “Efuem”, selects FM broadcast on the radio,
When U111 recognizes it, the support ASIC 121
Is a tuner 21 according to an instruction from the CPU 111.
Is switched to the FM reception state, and the source of the data sent to the amplifier 22 is switched to the audio data from the tuner 21. In this case, the tuner 21 may receive the frequency selected last time, or, for example, when the user speaks a phrase such as “seek up”,
The next frequency with a good reception state may be automatically searched for while changing the frequency little by little (automatic sweep).

When the user listens to the radio as described above, the received content transmitted from the tuner 21 is an analog signal. This analog signal is input to the CODEC circuit 122, converted into digital audio data, and then converted to the supported ASIC 121. Sent to Support ASI
The C121 passes the audio data received from the CODEC circuit 122 to the DSP unit 123, and the DSP unit 123 processes the audio data according to setting items such as balance and volume set in advance in the system, and sends the processed data to the support ASIC 121. Send it back.

Then, the support ASIC 121 converts the audio data returned in this way into the CODEC circuit 1.
The codec circuit 122 converts the digital audio data back into an analog signal, and then sends it to the amplifier 22 so that it flows from the speaker.

[2-8. Saving of Preset Contents] By the way, it is possible to preset a frequency to be tuned in the radio tuner, and data representing such preset contents will be referred to as preset information. And in this embodiment, such preset information is
The information can be stored by writing to the compact flash card 13 inserted in the slot 13S or by transferring it from the infrared communication unit 127 to an external hand-held personal computer or the like. You can also load and preset.

For this reason, by storing the information of the preset frequency which is always used, even if the contents of the preset are changed, it is easily restored, and the preset which is always used is transferred to another car audio system. Can be used. In particular, if a set of several frequencies that can be received in each area is prepared and prepared in advance for each area, even when driving from the user's local area to any other area, the local area will be The preset can be easily performed by reading the set of the preset information.

In particular, as the preset information, a character string such as a broadcasting station name such as “NHK Akita” or “highway radio” is made to correspond to each frequency in addition to the frequency, and, for example, the frequency is selected. If the corresponding character string is displayed on the display screen when the user is present, it is possible to easily grasp which frequency belongs to which broadcast station as compared with the case where only the frequency is preset.

[2-9. CD playback]
If you want to listen to music CDs, use the CD-ROM unit 14
And music CD you want to listen to the CD-ROM autochanger 7
, And instruct playback by voice such as “Start” or an instruction to jump to the next song. For example, when a music CD in the CD-ROM unit 14 is reproduced, the CD-ROM unit 14 operates according to a command from the support ASIC 121, and digital audio data is transmitted from the CD-ROM unit 14.

The parallel / PCI driver 125
Converts the audio data into the data format of the PCI bus B2 and sends the data to the support ASIC 121. When the support ASIC 121 receives the audio data from the PCI bus B2, the support ASIC 121 once passes the audio data to the DSP unit 123 for processing. When the processed audio data is received again from the DSP unit 123, the processed audio data is transferred from the digital input / output port to the CODEC circuit 122 and output to the amplifier 22 in the form of an analog signal.

When the music CD is reproduced by the CD-ROM autochanger 7, the USB, ie, the serial bus B
3, the serial / PCI driver 126 converts the data into the data format of the PCI bus B2 because the ATAPI format audio data is transmitted as a serial signal. Is performed in the same way as

The CD-ROM unit 14 and the CD-ROM unit
When the ROM autochanger 7 is compared with the CODEC circuit 122 and the DSP unit 123 relatively, the former sends a large amount of data in a long time cycle, while the latter sends data in a short time cycle. Because they are processed little by little, their operation cycles are different.
Since both operate based on different clock signals, there may be errors in the operation speed, that is, the processing pace.

For this reason, the support ASIC 121
Digital audio data sent together by the D-ROM unit 14 or the CD-ROM autochanger 7 is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 124, and the audio data is sequentially extracted from the oldest part and passed to the DSP unit 123 for processing. Thus, the above-described shifts and errors are filled in so that reproduction is performed smoothly.

More specifically, the support ASIC 121
When the data has been written to half of the buffer memory 124, the data reading is started, and the buffer memory 1
The pace at which data is read from the buffer memory 124 is controlled based on the relationship between the time required to write and read the data up to half of 24. This gives C
Even if there is an error between the clock used by the D-ROM autochanger 7 as a reference for operation and the clock of the main unit 1, audio data can be read and processed at the same pace.

[2-10. Save audio setting information)
As mentioned above, even when using the function as an audio device, such as listening to the radio or listening to a CD, the audio setting information indicating various settings of the car audio system that suits you can be stored on a compact flash card. If you make a backup copy to your PC, even if another person changes the settings, when you use your car, you can insert the compact flash card 13 you have into the main unit 1 and read the contents, making it easy for you to use You can use the car audio system with the good original settings.

That is, audio settings such as fader, balance, equalizer settings, bass / treble, surround, crossover, and CD quality,
If you save a playlist that shows which songs are played and which songs are skipped, you can easily restore the settings even if the settings are changed using the information saved in this way This makes it easy to use the saved settings on other car audio systems.

Further, as for the equalizer setting which is one of the audio setting information described above, for example, a car audio system in which equalizer settings such as news, rock, classical music, and pops can be selected, for example, techno, reggae, hip hop, You can introduce equalizer settings for new music genres, such as house, or save your own equalizer settings, which have their own strengths for each frequency band, or transfer them to another car audio system.

[0120] Such audio setting information can be stored in the following manner. For example, from the information of the items set in the car audio system, a backup file with a predetermined data format, file name, extension, etc. is created, and this file is compact flash according to the OS file system format. The data is written in the card 13 or transferred from the infrared communication unit 127 to an external handheld personal computer or the like.

When setting the items of the car audio system based on the backup file,
The backup file is read from the compact flash card 13 or the infrared communication unit 127, and the CPU 111 analyzes what item information is included according to the data format, and for each item,
Items are set by rewriting parameters or changing the state of switches according to the setting contents included in the file.

As described above, setting items such as sound quality and tuner presets are saved as a backup copy file on a memory card or transferred to an external handheld personal computer or the like by infrared rays, so that the changed setting items are obtained. When the user wants to restore the original, the setting items are restored based on the backup file, so that the usability of the car audio system is improved.

[2-11. Save computer settings)
In addition to the above-described setting items related to sound, setting information related to setting items necessary for a computer, that is, operation mode, addition or deletion of an application, system configuration, password, power management, screen configuration, region setting. If you save various settings like date and time adjustment in the same way, it will be easy to restore them even if they are changed or transfer them to another car audio system.

For example, the above-mentioned area setting is information depending on the area where the car audio system is used. For example, the language, numerical value, currency,
The information depends on the region, such as the display format of the time and date. However, such information can be easily saved or replaced with a new one by exchanging information with the outside.

[2-12. Use of CD-ROM and Car Navigation] When the user wants to use the functions of the car navigation system, for example, data for the car navigation system (application software, maps, etc.) is stored in the CD-ROM autochanger 7 or the CD-ROM unit 14. The function of the car navigation system is started after setting the CD-ROM on which is recorded. The functions of such a car navigation system are:
For example, the program is stored in the flash ROM 113 of the CPU module 11 as a computer program,
This can be realized by causing U111 to execute such a program.

When such a car navigation system attempts to read map data or various information for each area recorded on a CD-ROM, a CD-ROM is used.
-ROM autochanger 7 and CD-ROM unit 1
4 is parallel / PCI
Driver 125, PCI bus host controller 11
4. It is passed to the CPU 111 via the CPU host ASIC 115. The CPU 111 executes the face plate unit 15 based on the data such as the map received in this manner.
Bitmap image to be displayed on the display unit of DR
It is created on the AM 112 and the support module 12
To send out.

When using the car navigation system as described above, the GPS antenna 4 shown in FIG.
The radio wave from the PS satellite is received, and the GPS unit 1 shown in FIG.
6 calculates the latitude, longitude and the like from this radio wave, and this data is sent to the CPU 111. Then, the CPU 111
From these data such as latitude and longitude, can identify on the map where the car equipped with this car audio system is currently running. As a result, the current position is set as the departure point without a user input, a rough map centering on the current point is displayed, and a figure for instructing the next right or left turn is displayed. be able to.

The operation method using voice recognition as described above can also be used when using the functions of the car navigation system.
When using a car navigation system that gives instructions such as right turn and left turn at each turn, when the user wants to see the previous instruction or the next instruction, the user can say words such as “next” or “return”. You can also switch the display one after another.

Further, such route guidance can be notified to the user by outputting a synthesized voice through the amplifier 22. In this case, it is necessary to shift the line of sight to the display unit in order to know where to turn next. Disappears.

[2-13. Exchange of Information on Car Navigation System] The data for navigation is stored in the compact flash card 13 (or DRA).
M112) or may be stored in the flash ROM 113. Further, in this embodiment, information such as a departure place, a destination, and a route in the car navigation system can be stored by writing to the compact flash card 13 or transferring the information from the infrared communication unit 127 to an external handheld personal computer or the like. It is also possible to read such information stored in advance.

For this reason, for example, by storing the information such as the departure place which is always set, it is easy to restore the information even if it is changed, or to transfer the information to another car audio system. In addition, settings such as departure point, destination, and route can be input in advance using a user-friendly user interface of a personal computer or handheld personal computer, or at a desk at an easy-to-use home, etc. It is possible to transfer information to the built-in car navigation system and start using it immediately.

Information such as an upgraded part, detailed map data of a specific area, and a program module of a new function for a car navigation system program and map data is read from the compact flash card 13 or a handheld personal computer. By reading the data via the infrared communication unit 127 from the like, the usability of the car audio system is improved. In addition, information such as personal landmarks of the user can be stored in such a compact flash card 13 or a handheld personal computer.

[2-14. Use of Telephone] When making a telephone call using the telephone unit 6, the user can take advantage of the advantage of the computer and the advantage of the car audio system as follows. For example, the user uses a computer program to pre-register the telephone number and name of a person who he or she knows in the system, for example, the DRAM 112 and the compact flash card 13.

When a telephone call arrives, though not shown in FIG.
Through the PCI driver 126, digital data indicating that the call has arrived and digital data indicating the telephone number of the caller are sent to the support ASIC 121.
These data are further stored in the CP of the CPU module 11.
Sent to U111, CPU 111 searches whether the telephone number of the current caller is registered in the telephone numbers registered in advance.

If the telephone number of the current caller is found among the telephone numbers registered in advance, the CPU 1
11 sends back the name corresponding to the telephone number to the support module 12 so that the face plate unit 1
By displaying the name of the person who is calling 5 on the phone or by giving a synthetic voice guidance such as "From Mr. XX" through the in-vehicle speaker, the user can be notified of who is calling. it can.

When the user who knows that the call is being received by such display, guidance, ringing tone, etc., utters a predetermined phrase and instructs the user to connect the telephone, the other party's voice is output from the speaker. At the same time as the voice of the user input from the microphone 3
The audio data is converted into digital audio data by 22 and sent to the telephone unit 6 via the support ASIC 121, the serial / PCI driver 126, and the serial bus B3, so that the user can make a call in a so-called hands-free state without using a hand. it can.

When the ringing tone sounds a certain number of times, for example, the telephone unit 6 or the CPU module 1
The answering machine function prepared in 1 answers the call.

[2-15. Combination of telephone and address book)
If the telephone unit 6 and an address book that can be handled by a computer utility program are used in connection with each other as follows, the usability is further improved.

Specifically, first, address book data in which contact information is associated with each name is created by using a computer built in the car audio system or by using an external handheld personal computer or the like. The data is read into the car audio system of this embodiment through the flash card 13 and the infrared communication unit 127. If the address book data is displayed under given conditions such as the initials of the name, the information used on the handheld personal computer can be referred to in the vehicle. Thus, for example,
Even when there is address book data to be used on the go, only the compact flash card 13 on which such address book data is recorded needs to be brought into the vehicle.

As described above, there is a sufficient benefit to be able to refer to the address book in the car, but here, for example, the registered telephone numbers and names are displayed one after another on the display screen, and the party who wants to make a telephone call is displayed. When the displayed icon is touched with your finger when displayed, the phone number is
The data is transferred from the module 11 to the telephone unit 6 as digital data, and the telephone is automatically dialed. As described above, in this embodiment, an address book in which telephone numbers are registered can be read, and a telephone call can be made simply by specifying a telephone number from the address book.

In particular, if the given character data is read aloud by a computer program, the contents of the address book as described above, the car audio system and the personal computer currently set in the built-in computer can be read. By listening to the contents of each item, character data such as a text file read from a memory card, etc., it can be easily understood.

Further, the user speaks the name registered,
By recognizing this, the CPU module 11 automatically calls the telephone number corresponding to the name, or utters the telephone number to be called one digit at a time to make it recognized, or the user utters “Riyadaiyaru”. It is possible to decide where to call in recognition of this.

[2-16. Use of Security Control Unit] The security control unit 5 can be used alone, or can be used in conjunction with the telephone unit 6 described above. For example (FIG. 1), when the user leaves the car, he activates the security control unit 5 and gets off with the transmitter 5c. When a third party who has nothing to do with the user of the vehicle touches the doorknob, fiddles with the keyhole, tries to pry open the door or trunk, or moves the vehicle without permission, the sensor 5a detects the shock and vibration caused by the vibration. Feeling, sensor 5
The security control unit 5 that has received the signal from a sounds the siren 5b at a high volume, for example. This has the effect of alerting the environment outside the vehicle.

When the user himself / herself returns to the vehicle and operates the transmitter 5c, the predetermined encryption is transmitted to the security control unit 5, and the function of the security control unit 5 is released. The siren will not ring when you use the keys or move the car.

The security control unit 5 is more effective if used in conjunction with the telephone unit 6. That is, when the sensor 5a detects an abnormality,
The security control unit 5 not only sounds the siren, but also sends an interrupt signal to activate the car audio system including the CPU module 11 and the support module 12. In order to enable such start-up, an electronic circuit connected to the power supply and start-up switch of the car audio system is prepared, and the electronic circuit is constantly monitored for an interrupt signal. As soon as it comes, you can turn on the power and start switch to start the car audio system.

When the CPU 111 thus activated receives the data indicating the occurrence of the abnormality from the security control unit 5, the CPU 111 sends a command to the telephone unit 6 to make a telephone call. The destination to be called at this time may be set in advance as a report destination at the time of abnormality, and may be, for example, the police, a mobile phone owned by the user, a security company, or the like. Then, when the call is connected to the called party, the other party is notified of the abnormality by listening to the synthesized voice or a previously recorded announcement. In this way, the person who is notified can rush to the site.

[2-17. Update of OS and Application Program] In this embodiment, the operating system and application programs of the computer are stored in the flash ROM 113.
Therefore, when the car audio system is started, the operating system and the application program can be used immediately without waiting for reading the software from the external storage device.

Looking only at this point, it is the same as the case where the operating system and application programs of the computer are stored in the ordinary ROM. In this embodiment, the contents of the flash ROM storing the operating system and the application programs are stored. Since it is rewritable, the operating system and application programs can be easily updated, added, and deleted without replacing the LSI.

That is, in this embodiment, a file for updating software is stored in a computer on a CD-ROM.
Alternatively, the program can be read from the compact flash card 13 or the like, and the read file can be used to update the execution file or data file constituting the operating system or the application program. Therefore, the functions of the car audio system can be easily changed without replacing the entire car audio system or control circuit. It should be noted that any range and how to update the operating system and the application programs are optional. In other words, “update” here is a concept that includes new introduction (installation), reintroduction, partial introduction and deletion, partial deletion, and the like.

[3. Others] As described above, in this embodiment, information such as various settings is stored, and
Even if the setting is changed, the setting can be easily restored or information can be easily introduced from outside. Also, like a handheld personal computer, software that realizes various functions can be updated or added, and user's personal information such as an address book used with such software can be exchanged with an external personal computer etc. .

In particular, in this embodiment, the computer that controls the car audio system has a general-purpose OS, and this general-purpose OS maximizes the capability of the computer by managing resources such as a CPU and memory. It provides a unified and easy-to-use user interface that does not depend on programs, and makes it easy to add or change functions by adding or changing programs in a predetermined format. This facilitates not only effective processing of audio data and digital data, but also application to various types of information processing.

[4. Other Embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes other embodiments as exemplified below. For example, the specific items of the audio setting information are free, and the fader, balance, equalizer setting, bass /
It is not necessary to include all treble, surround, and crossover, and other items may be included. It is also free to include audio setting information such as radio preset contents, CD playlists, and equalizer settings. The preset information does not necessarily need to include a corresponding character string, and is not limited to a set of several frequencies that can be received for each area.

The car navigation system is not indispensable. The data of the departure point, destination or route, programs and maps in the car navigation system are stored in the compact flash card 13 or the infrared communication unit 12.
It is not essential to interact with the outside at 7. Similarly, setting information on computer settings, information depending on the region where the car audio system is used, auxiliary data for assisting recognition data, address book data, means for making outgoing calls, means for reading out, means for executing files or data Means for updating at least one of the files is not essential, and the operating system and application programs of the computer are not necessarily flash ROM.
It need not be stored in the OM.

In addition, PCMCIA, IrDA, ATAP
Specific formats and standards such as I, USB, and PCI buses are merely examples, and can be replaced with other formats and standards that can be used in a similar manner.

[0155]

As described above, according to the present invention, since information can be easily exchanged with the outside of the car audio system, setting information can be stored and various information processing can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a main unit 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram mainly showing an internal configuration of a main unit according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Main unit 1 11 ... CPU module 111 ... CPU 112 ... DRAM 113 ... Flash ROM 114 ... PCI bus host controller 115 ... CPU host ASIC 116 ... PCMCIA / ASIC 12 ... Support module 121 ... Support ASIC 122 ... CODEC circuit 123 ... DSP Unit 124 Buffer memory 125 Parallel / PCI driver 126 Serial / PCI driver 127 Infrared communication unit 1271 Light emitting / receiving unit 13 Compact flash card 13S Slot 14 CD-ROM unit 15 Face plate unit 15a Case 16 ... GPS unit 2 ... Tuner amplifier unit 2a ... Antenna 21 ... Tuner 22 ... Amplifier 3 ... Microphone 4 ... GPS Antenna 4a Receiver 5 Security control unit 5a Sensor 5b Siren 5c Transmitter 6 Phone unit 6a Antenna 6b Handset 7 CD-ROM autochanger 8 Handheld personal computer 9 Auxiliary battery 30 External unit 40 Optional unit

Claims (32)

[Claims] 1. A car audio system comprising: a slot for mounting a memory card; and a computer for exchanging information with the memory card mounted in the slot. 2. The PCMCIA as the memory card.
The car audio system according to claim 1, wherein an expansion card is used. 3. A car audio system comprising: a communication unit for communicating with infrared rays; and a computer for exchanging information with the outside using the communication unit. 4. The car audio system according to claim 3, wherein said communication means is in an IrDA format. 5. The car audio system according to claim 1, wherein the information is audio setting information indicating an audio setting. 6. The car audio system according to claim 5, wherein the audio setting information includes an equalizer setting. 7. The car audio system according to claim 1, wherein the information is preset information for presetting a frequency to be tuned to a radio tuner. 8. The preset information, for each frequency,
8. The car audio system according to claim 7, including a corresponding character string. 9. The car audio system according to claim 7, wherein the preset information includes a set of a plurality of frequencies for each region. 10. The car audio system according to claim 1, wherein the information is information on at least one of a starting point, a destination, and a route in the car navigation system. . 11. The car audio system according to claim 1, wherein the information is at least one of a car navigation system program and map data. 12. The car audio system according to claim 1, wherein the information is setting information on settings of the computer. 13. The car audio system according to claim 1, wherein the information is information depending on a region where the car audio system is used. 14. A means for recognizing an uttered word or phrase using predetermined recognition data, and improving the accuracy of the recognition by generating auxiliary data that assists the recognition data. The car audio system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising: means, wherein the information is the auxiliary data. 15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information is address book data in which contact information is associated with each name, and further comprising means for outputting the address book data under given conditions. A car audio system according to any one of the preceding claims. 16. A means for making and receiving a call using a wireless communication, and controlling the means for making and making a call for a specified telephone number among the contacts registered in the address book data. 16. The car audio system according to claim 15, further comprising: means for transmitting a signal. 17. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for reading out given character data by voice.
A car audio system according to any one of the above. 18. The computer comprises: means for creating a backup file based on the items set in the car audio system; and means for setting the items in the car audio system based on the read backup file. The car audio system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising: 19. The computer, comprising: an operating system and an application program; means for reading a file for updating software; and using the read file for executing at least one of the operating system and the application program. 19. The car audio system according to claim 1, further comprising: means for updating at least one of the data files. 20. The car audio system according to claim 19, wherein said computer includes a flash ROM for storing at least one of said operating system and application programs. 21. A method for controlling a car audio system, comprising the step of exchanging information using at least one of a slot for mounting a memory card and communication means for infrared communication. 22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the information is audio setting information indicating audio settings.
The control method of the car audio system described in the above. 23. The method according to claim 21, wherein the information is information on at least one of a departure point, a destination, and a route in the car navigation system. 24. A step of recognizing an uttered word or phrase using predetermined recognition data, and generating auxiliary data to assist the recognition data to improve the accuracy of the recognition. The method of controlling a car audio system according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the information includes the auxiliary data. 25. The information is address book data in which contact information is associated with each name, a step of outputting address book data under given conditions, and a step of outputting address book data registered in the address book data. The method of controlling a car audio system according to any one of claims 21 to 24, further comprising: transmitting a telephone call using a radio for a designated telephone number. 26. The control method for a car audio system according to claim 21, further comprising a step of reading out given character data by voice. 27. A step of creating a backup file based on items set in the car audio system, and setting the items of the car audio system based on the read backup file. The method for controlling a car audio system according to any one of claims 21 to 26. 28. A car audio system control method for controlling a car audio system using a computer having an operating system and an application program, comprising the steps of: reading a file for updating software; and operating the operating system using the read file. 28. The car audio according to claim 21, further comprising: updating at least one of an execution file and a data file for at least one of a system and the application program. How to control the system. 29. A recording recording a control program of a car audio system for controlling a car audio system provided with at least one of a slot for mounting a memory card and communication means for communicating by infrared rays with a computer. In the medium, the program causes the computer to recognize the uttered words and phrases using recognition data provided in advance, and generates auxiliary data to assist the recognition data, thereby improving the accuracy of the recognition. A storage medium storing a control program for a car audio system, wherein the auxiliary data is stored using at least one of the auxiliary data, and the stored auxiliary data is read and used for the recognition. 30. A recording recording a control program of a car audio system for controlling by a computer a car audio system provided with at least one of a slot for mounting a memory card and communication means for communicating by infrared rays. In the medium, the program causes the computer to exchange address book data, in which contact information is associated with each name, with the outside using at least one of the above, to output the address book data under given conditions, A recording medium in which a control program for a car audio system is recorded, wherein a call using a radio is transmitted for a designated telephone number among registered contacts. 31. A recording recording a control program of a car audio system for controlling a car audio system provided with at least one of a slot for mounting a memory card and a communication means for infrared communication by a computer. In the medium, the program causes the computer to store information representing items set in the car audio system using at least one of the items, and reads the stored information to read the items of the car audio system. A recording medium storing a control program for a car audio system, wherein the control program is set. 32. A recording medium recording a control program of a car audio system for controlling the car audio system by a computer, wherein the car audio system has a slot for mounting a memory card and an infrared communication unit. The computer includes at least one of communication means, the computer includes an operating system and an application program, and the program causes the computer to read a file for software update using the at least one, and use the read file. A car audio system for updating at least one of an execution file and a data file of at least one of the operating system and the application program. A recording medium recording the control program of the system.