Vehicle system for interactive audio playback

Abstract

The invention provides a vehicle system for interactive audio playback. A vehicle includes: one or more wireless transceivers configured to establish one or more wireless communications with a mobile device; a plurality of speakers configured to output an audio frequency; and a controller programmed to measure a location of a user carrying the mobile device within a predefined range from the vehicle using the one or more wireless communications, and to adjust a volume of one or more speakers using the location of the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a vehicle audio system and more particularly to an interactive audio system for a vehicle based on a user's location. Background Art

[0002] Modern vehicles may be provided with an infotainment system configured to provide video and audio output to one or more vehicle users. Some vehicles may be provided with external speakers configured to provide audio output to vehicle users outside the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A vehicle includes: one or more wireless transceivers configured to establish one or more wireless communications with a mobile device; a plurality of speakers configured to output audio; and a controller programmed to use the one or more wireless communications to measure a location of a user carrying the mobile device within a predefined range from the vehicle, and to use the location of the user to adjust the volume of the one or more speakers.

[0004] A method for a vehicle includes: establishing a wireless connection with a mobile device via a plurality of transceivers; measuring a position of the mobile device through trilateration using the wireless connection via one or more controllers; adjusting a volume of a plurality of speakers exterior to the vehicle using the position of the mobile device via the one or more controllers; and outputting audio via the plurality of speakers using the volume.

[0005] A non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions that, when executed by a vehicle, cause the vehicle to: establish multiple wireless connections with a mobile device, wherein at least one of the wireless connections is under an ultra-wideband (UWB) protocol; measure a position of the mobile device outside the vehicle by trilateration of the multiple wireless connections; use the position of the mobile device to adjust the volume of multiple speakers outside the vehicle; and output audio of a playlist at the volume of the multiple speakers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how it may be carried out, embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] Figure 1 An example block topology diagram of a vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0008] Figure 2An example schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0009] Figure 3 An example flow chart illustrating a process for operating a vehicle audio system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Embodiments are described herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and that other embodiments may take various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Some features may be exaggerated or minimized to illustrate details of particular components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art.

[0011] The various features shown and described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings may be combined with features shown in one or more other drawings to produce embodiments not explicitly shown or described. The combinations of features shown provide representative embodiments for typical applications. However, for specific applications or implementations, various combinations and modifications of features may be desired consistent with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0012] The present disclosure provides, among other things, a vehicle audio system. More specifically, the present disclosure provides a system for adjusting a vehicle's audio output based on the location of one or more vehicle users in the vicinity of the vehicle.

[0013] refer to Figure 1 , shows an example block topology diagram of a vehicle system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Vehicle 102 may include various types of automobiles, crossover utility vehicles (CUVs), sport utility vehicles (SUVs), trucks, recreational vehicles (RVs), boats, aircraft, or other mobile machines for transporting people or goods. In many cases, vehicle 102 may be powered by an internal combustion engine. As another possibility, vehicle 102 may be a battery electric vehicle (BEV) for transporting people or goods, a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) powered by both an internal combustion engine and one or more mobile electric motors (such as a series hybrid electric vehicle (SHEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a parallel / series hybrid electric vehicle (PSHEV), or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV)), a boat, aircraft, or other mobile machine. It should be noted that the illustrated system 100 is merely an example, and that more, fewer, and / or differently positioned elements may be used.

[0014] like Figure 1As shown, computing platform 104 may include one or more processors 106 configured to execute instructions, commands, and other programs that support the processes described herein. For example, computing platform 104 may be configured to execute instructions of vehicle applications 108 to provide features such as multimedia operation, remote control, and wireless communication. Such instructions and other data may be stored in a non-volatile manner using various types of computer-readable storage media 110. Computer-readable media 110 (also referred to as processor-readable media or storage devices) includes any non-transitory medium (e.g., tangible media) that participates in providing instructions or other data readable by processor 106 of computing platform 104. Computer-executable instructions may be compiled or interpreted according to a computer program created using a variety of programming languages ​​and / or technologies, including but not limited to the following, alone or in combination: Java, C, C++, C#, Objective C, Fortran, Pascal, JavaScript, Python, Perl, and Structured Query Language (SQL).

[0015] The computing platform 104 may be provided with various features that allow a vehicle user to interface with the computing platform 104. For example, the computing platform 104 may receive input from human-machine interface (HMI) controls 112 that are configured to provide for user interaction with the vehicle 102. As one example, the computing platform 104 may interface with one or more buttons, switches, knobs, or other HMI controls (e.g., steering wheel audio buttons, a call button, dashboard controls, etc.) that are configured to invoke functions on the computing platform 104.

[0016] Computing platform 104 may also drive or otherwise communicate with one or more displays 114, which are configured to provide visual output to vehicle users via video controller 116. In some cases, display 114 may be a touchscreen that is also configured to receive user touch input via video controller 116, while in other cases, display 114 may simply be a display without touch input capabilities. Computing platform 104 may also drive or otherwise communicate with one or more cameras 117, which are configured to provide visual input to vehicle 102 via video controller 116. Cameras 117 may include one or more interior cameras configured to capture images of the interior of the vehicle cabin and / or one or more exterior cameras configured to capture images of the exterior of the vehicle cabin. Computing platform 104 may also drive or otherwise communicate with one or more speakers 118, which are configured to provide audio output and input to vehicle users via audio controller 120. Speakers 118 may include one or more interior speakers located within the vehicle cabin and configured to play audio sounds to vehicle users within vehicle 102. Additionally or alternatively, the speakers 118 may include one or more external speakers located outside the vehicle cabin and configured to output audio sounds to a user outside the vehicle 102. For example, the external speakers may be positioned and / or integrated with various exterior components of the vehicle 102 at different vehicle body locations to provide audio output in various directions.

[0017] The computing platform 104 may also be provided with navigation and route planning features via a navigation controller 122, which is configured to calculate a navigation route in response to user input via, for example, the HMI controls 112, and output the planned route and instructions via the speaker 118 and the display 114. Position data required for navigation may be collected from a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) controller 124, which is configured to communicate with a plurality of satellites and calculate the position of the vehicle 102. The GNSS controller 124 may be configured to support various current and / or future global or regional positioning systems, such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), Galileo satellites, BeiDou satellites, the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), and the like. Map data used for route planning may be stored in the storage device 110 as part of the vehicle data 126. Navigation software may be stored in the storage device 110 as one of the vehicle applications 108.

[0018] The storage device 110 may also be configured to store one or more user profiles 127 associated with one or more vehicle users. The user profiles 127 may include various information items associated with the respective vehicle users. For example, the user profiles 127 may indicate one or more pre-selected audio playlists associated with each vehicle user, such that the audio playlists may be automatically played in response to detecting that the user is near the vehicle 102. The audio playlists may include one or more audio items associated with the preferences of the respective users. For example, the audio playlists may include one or more radio channels, podcasts, digital music, white noise that may be output via one or more speakers 118 of the vehicle 102. The user profiles 127 may also include biometric information about the one or more users. As an example, a facial image of a user may be stored as part of the user profile, and the computing platform 104 may recognize the user based on the image captured via the camera 117.

[0019] The computing platform 104 can be configured to wirelessly communicate with a vehicle user's mobile device 128 via a wireless connection and / or communication. The mobile device 128 can be any of various types of portable computing devices, such as a cellular phone, a tablet computer, a wearable device, a smartwatch, a smart key fob, a laptop computer, a portable music player, or other device capable of communicating with the computing platform 104. The wireless transceiver 132 can communicate with a Wi-Fi controller 134, a Bluetooth controller 136, a radio frequency identification (RFID) controller 138, a near field communication (NFC) controller 140, and other controllers (such as a Zigbee transceiver, an IrDA transceiver), and is configured to communicate with a compatible wireless transceiver 142 of the mobile device 128.

[0020] The mobile device 128 may be provided with a processor 144 configured to execute instructions, commands, and other programs that support processes such as navigation, telephony, wireless communications, and multimedia processing. For example, the mobile device 128 may be provided with positioning and navigation capabilities via a GNSS controller 146. The mobile device 128 may be provided with a wireless transceiver 142 that communicates with an ultra-wideband (UWB) controller 148, a Wi-Fi controller 150, a Bluetooth controller 152, an RFID controller 154, an NFC controller 156, and other controllers (not shown), the wireless transceiver being configured to communicate with the wireless transceiver 132 of the computing platform 104. The mobile device 128 may also be provided with a non-volatile storage device 158 to store various mobile applications 160 and mobile data 162. The storage device 158 may also be configured to store a user profile 127 associated with a user associated with the mobile device 128.

[0021] The computing platform 104 may also be configured to communicate with various components of the vehicle 102 via one or more in-vehicle networks 166. As some examples, the in-vehicle network 166 may include, but is not limited to, one or more of a controller area network (CAN), Ethernet, and media-oriented systems transport (MOST). Additionally, the in-vehicle network 166 or portions of the in-vehicle network 166 may be a wireless network implemented via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, or the like.

[0022] The computing platform 104 can be configured to communicate with various electronic control units (ECUs) 168 of the vehicle 102, which are configured to perform various operations. For example, the computing platform 104 can be configured to communicate with a telematics control unit (TCU) 170 using a modem 176 via a wireless connection 174, which is configured to control telecommunications between the vehicle 102 and a wireless network 172. The wireless connection 174 can be in the form of various communication networks (e.g., a cellular network). Through the wireless network 172, the vehicle can access one or more servers 178 to access various content for various purposes. It should be noted that the terms wireless network and server are used as general terms in this disclosure and can include any computing network involving carriers, routers, computers, controllers, circuits, etc., which is configured to store data and perform data processing functions and facilitate communication between various entities.

[0023] The ECU 168 may also include an autonomous driving controller (ADC) 182 configured to control autonomous driving features of the vehicle 102. Driving instructions may be received remotely from the server 178. The ADC 182 may be configured to use the driving instructions in conjunction with navigation instructions from the navigation controller 122 to execute the autonomous driving features.

[0024] The vehicle 102 may be provided with various sensors 184 to provide signal inputs to the computing platform 104 and the ECU 168. As a few non-limiting examples, the sensors 184 may include one or more ultrasonic radar sensors and / or lidar sensors to detect objects near the vehicle 102.

[0025] In addition, the vehicle 102 may also be provided with one or more UWB transceivers 186 configured to communicate with one or more entities using UWB communication. For example, in addition to or in lieu of the wireless transceiver 132, the vehicle 102 may be configured to communicate with the mobile device 128 via one or more UWB transceivers 186. When multiple UWB transceivers 186 are provided, the UWB transceivers 186 may be placed at various locations on the vehicle 102 to perform various operations, such as determining the location of a connected device via trilateration and / or triangulation.

[0026] refer to Figure 2 , which shows an exemplary schematic diagram 200 of a vehicle communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 In this example, the vehicle 102 may be provided with multiple UWB transceivers 186 at various locations on the vehicle 102. For example, the vehicle 102 may be provided with a first UWB transceiver 186a located near the left front corner of the vehicle 102. The vehicle 102 may also be provided with a second UWB transceiver 186b located near the right front corner of the vehicle 102. The vehicle 102 may also be provided with a third UWB transceiver 186c located near the right rear corner of the vehicle 102. The vehicle 102 may also be provided with a fourth UWB transceiver 186d located near the left rear corner of the vehicle 102. It should be noted that in this example, the locations of the vehicle UWB transceivers 186 are for illustration purposes only, and one or more of the UWB transceivers 186 may be provided at different locations on the vehicle 102, such as rearview mirrors, front / rear bumpers, door panels, etc.

[0027] As discussed above, the UWB transceiver 186 can establish UWB wireless connections and / or communications with the mobile device 128 associated with the vehicle user 202 at a given time. Once three or more wireless connections are established, the computing platform 104 can use the timing of each wireless connection to determine the location of the mobile device 128 (and therefore the location of the user 202) via trilateration. More specifically, assume in this example that the mobile device 128 is carried by the user 202. The mobile device 128 can establish a first wireless connection 204a with the first UWB transceiver 186a of the vehicle 102. The mobile device 128 can establish a second wireless connection 204b with the first UWB transceiver 186b of the vehicle 102. The mobile device 128 can establish a third wireless connection 204c with the fourth UWB transceiver 186d of the vehicle 102. Additionally or alternatively, the mobile device 128 can establish a fourth wireless connection with the wireless transceiver 132 of the vehicle 102. The fourth wireless connection may be established via a wireless communication protocol other than UWB, for example, Bluetooth, NFC, etc.

[0028] Each of the wireless connections 204 can be associated with a separate time of flight (TOF) that indicates a measurement of the time it takes for a wireless signal to travel between the mobile device 128 and each respective UWB transceiver 186 and / or wireless transceiver 132. Since the speed at which the wireless signal travels is known, the distance between the mobile device 128 and each respective transceiver 186, 132 can be determined based on the TOF. Generally, the TOF can be proportional to the distance traveled by the UWB signal. For example, a short TOF can be associated with a shorter distance between the mobile device 128 and the respective transceiver 186, 132, while a longer TOF can be associated with a longer distance between the mobile device 128 and the respective transceiver 186, 132. Once the distance between the mobile device 128 and each respective transceiver 186, 132 is determined, the computing platform 104 can calculate the relative position of the mobile device 128 with respect to the vehicle 102 based on the distance using trilateration and / or triangulation. In this example, the computing platform 104 may determine that the mobile device 128 (and therefore the user 202 ) is at a first location 206 on the left side of the vehicle 102 .

[0029] The computing platform 104 can continuously monitor the location of the user 202 by updating the trilateration and / or triangulation of the mobile device 128 at periodic intervals (e.g., every 100 ms). For example, the user 202 can walk from a first location 206 toward the front of the vehicle 102 and stop at a second location 208. The computing platform 104 can measure and track the trajectory 210 of the user 202 accordingly.

[0030] As discussed above, the vehicle 102 may be provided with a plurality of exterior speakers 118 at various locations on the vehicle 102. For example, the vehicle 102 may be provided with a first speaker 118a located near the left front corner of the vehicle 102. The vehicle 102 may also be provided with a second speaker 118b located near the right front corner of the vehicle 102. The vehicle 102 may also be provided with a third speaker 118c located near the right rear corner of the vehicle 102. The vehicle 102 may also be provided with a fourth speaker 118d located near the left rear corner of the vehicle 102. It should be noted that in this example, the locations of the vehicle speakers 118 are for illustration purposes only, and one or more of the speakers 118 may be provided at various locations on the vehicle 102, such as rearview mirrors, front / rear bumpers, door panels, interior of the vehicle, etc.

[0031] The computing platform 104 can be configured to provide a consistent audio experience to the vehicle user 202 via the plurality of speakers 118 based on the location of the vehicle user 202 as measured via the wireless connection 204. More specifically, the computing platform 104 can adjust the volume of one or more of the speakers 118 based on the location of the mobile device 128 so that the user 202 experiences consistent and smooth audio output from the speakers 118 even as the user 202 moves around the vehicle 102. For example, in response to detecting that the user 202 is located at a first location 206 on the left side of the vehicle 102, next to the driver's door, the computing platform 104 can output audio sounds via the first speaker 118a and the fourth speaker 118d, which are closest to the user 202. The second speaker 118b and the third speaker 118c are not used in this case because they are further away from the first location 206. The audio controller 120 of the computing platform 104 can use the following equation to control the volume of the first speaker 118d and the fourth speaker 118d:

[0032] αf1+(1-α)f4=V (1)

[0033] Where V represents the total volume selected by user 202, f1 represents the volume control function for operating first speaker 118a, and f4 represents the volume control function for operating fourth speaker 118d. α represents a position variable indicating the position of user 202 relative to the position of one of the speakers (e.g., first speaker 118a in this example) serving as a reference speaker. For example, the speaker 118 closest to user 202 can be selected as the reference speaker. Position variable α is inversely proportional to the distance between user 202's position and the reference speaker, varying between 0 and 1.

[0034] For example, if the user 202 is measured to be located near the first speaker at the left front corner of the vehicle 102 (e.g., at zero distance), the audio controller 120 may set the position variable α to 1 (e.g., maximum value), so that the first speaker 118 a is used to output the full volume V and no other speakers 118 are used to output audio sounds. In contrast, if the user 202 is located equidistantly midway between the first speaker 118 a and the fourth speaker 118 d, the audio controller 120 may set the position variable α to 0.5, so that both the first speaker 118 a and the fourth speaker 118 d output half the total volume V. In this way, the user 202 can experience consistent audio volume at various locations around the vehicle 102.

[0035] As discussed above, the computing platform 104 can track the trajectory 210 of the user 202 from the first location 206 to the second location 208 in front of the vehicle 102. The audio controller 120 can adjust the volume of the audio output at the various speakers 118 based on the trajectory 210 of the user 202. In this example, as the user repositions from the first location 206 to the second location 208, the audio controller can gradually decrease the volume of the fourth speaker 118d and increase the volume of the second speaker 118b so that the user 202 receives a consistent audio experience and smooth transitions while in motion along the trajectory 210 from the first location 206 to the second location 208.

[0036] The vehicle 102 can be associated with an audio output range 212, which defines an area centered on the vehicle 102 that is effectively covered by one or more speakers 118. Within the audio output range 212, the user 202 can perceive a desired audio experience from the speakers 118. The audio experience outside the audio output range 212 may be undesirable because the distance between the user 202 and the nearest one of the speakers 118 is too far. If the computing platform detects that the user 202 has left the audio output range 212, the audio controller 120 can pause the audio output until the user re-enters the audio output range 212. In one example, the audio output range 212 can be 10 meters.

[0037] refer to Figure 3 , shows an example flow chart of a process 300 for operating a vehicle audio output based on the location of one or more users according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , process 300 may be implemented via various components of vehicle 102. For example, process 300 may be implemented individually or collectively via computing platform 104, one or more ECUs 168, UWB transceiver 186, etc. For simplicity, the following description will be made with reference to computing platform 104.

[0038] At operation 302, computing platform 104 identifies one or more vehicle users 202 in the vicinity of vehicle 102. The user identification operation can be performed in various ways. For example, computing platform 104 can use user profile 127 stored in associated mobile device 128 to determine the user's identity. In response to establishing one or more wireless connections 204 with mobile device 128, computing platform 104 can use user profile 127 stored therein to identify the user. Additionally or alternatively, computing platform 104 can use biometric information stored in storage device 110 as part of user profile 127 to identify user 202. As an example, in response to capturing a facial image of user 202 via one or more of cameras 117, computing platform 104 can compare the facial image to the biometric information of user profile 127 to identify the identity of the vehicle user.

[0039] In response to identifying user 202, at operation 304, computing platform 104 selects one of the audio playlists associated with user 202, as identified using user profile 127, when preparing the audio output. As discussed above, the playlist may include a radio channel and / or a music soundtrack pre-selected by user 202. Additionally or alternatively, the playlist may include one or more white noise sounds pre-selected by user 202. White noise can be used for various purposes. For example, white noise may be associated with benefits such as promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels for user 202. White noise can also increase user 202's privacy when conducting a conversation, for example, by masking the user's speech within the audio output range.

[0040] At operation 306, computing platform 104 measures the position of user 202 relative to vehicle 102. As discussed above, computing platform 104 can locate user 202 via wireless connection trilateration and / or triangulation using multiple UWB transceivers 186 and / or wireless transceivers 132. Additionally or alternatively, computing platform 104 can locate user 202 via vehicle sensors 184 and / or camera 117. For example, in addition to or in lieu of using wireless connection 204, computing platform 104 can use one or more of lidar sensor 184 and ultrasonic sensor 184 to determine the position of user 202 relative to vehicle 102. Images captured by camera 117 can also be used to improve the accuracy of user position determination. Additionally or alternatively, computing platform 104 can locate user 202 via location information determined by GNSS controller 146 of a mobile device carried by user 202. Mobile device 128 can transmit the location information to vehicle 102 via wireless connection 204 and / or wireless network 172. Once the location of the user 202 is determined, at operation 308 , the computing platform 104 determines whether the location of the user 202 is within the audio output range 212 centered around the vehicle 102 .

[0041] If the computing platform 104 determines that the user 202 is outside the audio output range 212, the process proceeds to operation 310, and the computing platform 104 performs an intervention operation. The intervention operation may include various examples. For example, if one or more of the speakers 118 is currently playing audio, the computing platform 104 may pause the audio playback in response to detecting that the user is outside the audio output range 212. This intervention operation may be applicable to an example in which the user 202 walks away from the vehicle 102 while the audio is playing. Additionally or alternatively, the intervention operation may include autonomously operating the vehicle 102 via the ADC 182 to drive toward the user 202 so that the user 202 subsequently becomes within the audio output range 212. This intervention operation may be applicable to an example in which the user 202 walks along a trajectory and the vehicle follows the user 202 when driving conditions permit and continues to play the audio once the user 202 is again within the audio output range 212.

[0042] If the computing platform 104 determines at operation 308 that the user 202 is within the audio output range 212, the process proceeds to operation 312, and the computing platform 104 uses the position of the user 202 as determined to identify one or more of the speakers 118 to be used for audio output. Figure 2 As discussed in the example of , different speakers 118 may be activated to output audio based on the relative position of the user 202 with reference to the vehicle 102. Generally speaking, speakers that are closer to the position of the user 202 (e.g., having a shorter distance) may be preferred for audio output.

[0043] At operation 314, the computing platform 104 uses the location of the user 202 to adjust the volume of each of the identified speakers 118. For example, the volume of each speaker may be adjusted based on the distance between the location of the user 202 and each respective speaker using equation (1) discussed above.

[0044] At operation 316, the computing platform 104 outputs the audio associated with the selected playlist at the adjusted volume via the identified speakers 118. As discussed above, the audio may be a soundtrack preferred by the user 202. Additionally or alternatively, the audio may be a white noise sound focused toward the location of the user 202 for relaxation and privacy purposes.

[0045] The operations of process 300 may be automatically repeated until none of the one or more users 202 are within audio output range 212 .

[0046] The operation of process 300 can be applied to various situations. In one example, there may be two users 202 (e.g., a driver and a passenger) riding in a vehicle 102. When inside the cabin, the computing platform 104 can output the audio associated with the playlist of one of the users via one or more internal speakers 118. When the vehicle is parked, both users 202 leave the cabin of the vehicle 102, and the computing platform 104 can switch the audio output from the internal speakers to the external speakers corresponding to the positions of the users 202. For example, when the driver 202 leaves the vehicle 102, the computing platform 104 can continue to output audio via the first speaker 118a and the fourth speaker 118d located on the left side (e.g., the driver's side) using a volume that is continuously adjusted based on the position of the first user 202. In this case, the first speaker 118a that is closer to the driver 202 can output audio at a higher volume than the fourth speaker 118d that is further away from the driver 202, so that the driver experiences consistent audio output.

[0047] When the passenger 202 leaves the right rear side (e.g., the passenger side), the computing platform 104 can continue to output audio via the second speaker 118b and the third speaker 118c, both located on the right side of the vehicle 102. The second speaker 118b, which is farther away from the passenger 202, can output audio at a lower volume than the third speaker 118c, which is closer to the passenger 202.

[0048] The computing platform 104 can continuously track the location of both the driver and the passenger 202 and adjust the speaker volume accordingly until both the driver and the passenger 202 have left the audio output range 212, at which point the computing platform 104 can pause the audio output. Upon detecting that one or more of the driver and the passenger 202 have re-entered the audio output range 212, the computing platform 104 can resume the audio output of the playlist.

[0049] In an alternative example, multiple users 202 of the vehicle 102 may be associated with different playlists having different audio. For example, the first user 202a may prefer new radio channels, while the second user 202b may prefer music audio. The computing platform 104 may coordinate the playlists and simultaneously output different audio based on the location of each user 202 using different speakers. For example, the computing platform 104 may detect that the first user 202a is located on the driver's side (e.g., left side) outside the vehicle 102, while the second user 202b is detected to be located on the passenger side (e.g., right side) of the vehicle 102. Based on the detected locations of the users 202, the computing platform 104 may use the first speaker 118a and the fourth speaker 118d to output the audio associated with the first user 202a, and use the second speaker 118b and the third speaker 118c to output the audio associated with the second user 202b.

[0050] The algorithms, methods or processes disclosed herein may be capable of being delivered to or implemented by a computer, controller or processing device, which may include any dedicated electronic control unit or programmable electronic control unit. Similarly, the algorithms, methods or processes may be stored in various forms as data and instructions that can be executed by a computer or controller, including but not limited to information permanently stored on a non-writable storage medium such as a read-only memory device and information that can be modified and stored on a writable storage medium such as an optical disc, a random access memory device or other magnetic and optical media. The algorithms, methods or processes may also be implemented as software executable objects. Alternatively, suitable hardware components (such as application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, state machines or other hardware components or devices) or a combination of firmware, hardware and software components may be used to embody the algorithms, methods or processes in whole or in part.

[0051] While exemplary embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms encompassed by the claims. The words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it should be understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The terms "a processor" and "processors" are used interchangeably herein, as are the terms "a controller" and "controllers."

[0052] As previously mentioned, features of the various embodiments may be combined to form additional embodiments of the invention that may not be explicitly described or shown. Although various embodiments may have been described as providing advantages or being preferred over other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more desired characteristics, it will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that one or more features or characteristics may be compromised to achieve desired overall system properties, depending on the specific application and implementation. These properties may include, but are not limited to, strength, durability, marketability, appearance, packaging, size, serviceability, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc. Therefore, embodiments described as being less desirable than other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more characteristics are not outside the scope of this disclosure and may be desirable for specific applications.

[0053] According to the present invention, a vehicle is provided, comprising: one or more wireless transceivers configured to establish one or more wireless communications with a mobile device; a plurality of speakers configured to output audio; and a controller programmed to use the one or more wireless communications to measure a position of a user carrying the mobile device within a predefined range from the vehicle, and to use the position of the user to adjust the volume of one or more of the plurality of speakers.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the one or more wireless transceivers include at least three wireless transceivers, each wireless transceiver is configured to establish one of the wireless communications with the mobile device; and the controller is further programmed to: measure the position of the user carrying the mobile device by performing trilateration on the wireless communications.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the one or more wireless transceivers are located at different locations in the vehicle and are configured to support an Ultra Wideband (UWB) protocol.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the controller is further programmed to adjust the volume of the one or more speakers such that the volume output by one of the speakers is inversely proportional to the distance between the user and the one of the speakers.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the controller is further programmed to adjust the volume of the one or more speakers so that the sum of the volume output via each of the speakers is equal to the total volume.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the controller is further programmed to: in response to detecting that the position of the user is outside a predefined range from the vehicle, pause outputting the audio.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the controller is further programmed to, in response to detecting that the location of the user is outside a predefined range from the vehicle, autonomously operate the vehicle to drive towards the location of the user.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the controller is further programmed to: determine the identity of the user using a user profile stored in the mobile device; select a playlist using the identity of the user; and play the playlist via the audio.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by one or more cameras configured to capture an image of the user, wherein the controller is further configured to use the image to determine the identity of the user.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the present invention is further characterized by: one or more sensors, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to detect the user and generate sensor data; and wherein the controller is further configured to: use the sensor data to measure the position of the user.

[0063] According to the present invention, a method for a vehicle includes: establishing a wireless connection with a mobile device via multiple transceivers; measuring a position of the mobile device through trilateration using the wireless connection via one or more controllers; using the position of the mobile device to adjust the volume of multiple speakers outside the vehicle via the one or more controllers; and outputting audio via the multiple speakers using the volume.

[0064] In one aspect of the invention, the wireless connection is established using an Ultra Wideband (UWB) protocol.

[0065] In one aspect of the invention, at least one of the wireless connections is established using a wireless communication protocol other than UWB.

[0066] In one aspect of the present invention, the volumes of the plurality of speakers are adjusted such that the volume output by one of the speakers is inversely proportional to a distance between the position of the mobile device and the position of the one of the speakers.

[0067] In one aspect of the present invention, the volume of the plurality of speakers is adjusted so that the sum of the volume output via each of the speakers is equal to the total volume set by a user associated with the mobile device, and at least one of the plurality of speakers is inactive at zero volume.

[0068] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes pausing outputting the audio in response to detecting that the location of the mobile device is outside a predefined range from the vehicle.

[0069] According to the present invention, a non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions is provided, which, when executed by a vehicle, causes the vehicle to: establish multiple wireless connections with a first mobile device, wherein at least one of the wireless connections is under an ultra-wideband (UWB) protocol; measure a first position of the first mobile device outside the vehicle by trilateration of the multiple wireless connections; use the first position of the first mobile device to adjust the volume of a first group of multiple speakers outside the vehicle; and output first audio of a playlist at the volume via the first group.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the present invention is further characterized by instructions that, when executed by a vehicle, cause the vehicle to: in response to detecting that the first position of the first mobile device is beyond a predefined range from the vehicle, autonomously operate the vehicle to drive to the first position of the first mobile device.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the present invention is further characterized by instructions that, when executed by a vehicle, cause the vehicle to: measure a second position of a second mobile device in response to establishing multiple wireless connections with the second mobile device; and output second audio that is different from the first audio via a second group of the multiple speakers, wherein the second group includes at least one speaker that is not included in the first group.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the audio comprises white noise to increase privacy of a user of the first mobile device.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: one or more wireless transceivers configured to establish one or more wireless communications with a mobile device; a plurality of speakers configured to output audio; as well as a controller programmed to measure a location of a user carrying the mobile device within a predefined range from the vehicle using the one or more wireless communications, and The position of the user is used to adjust the volume of one or more of the plurality of speakers.

2. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the one or more wireless transceivers include at least three wireless transceivers, each wireless transceiver configured to establish one of the wireless communications with the mobile device; and The controller is also programmed to: The location of the user carrying the mobile device is measured by trilateration of the wireless communications. 3 . The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the one or more wireless transceivers are located at different locations on the vehicle and are configured to support an ultra-wideband (UWB) protocol.

4. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further programmed to adjust the volume of the one or more speakers such that the volume output by one of the speakers is inversely proportional to the distance between the user and the one of the speakers. 5 . The vehicle of claim 4 , wherein the controller is further programmed to adjust the volume of the one or more speakers so that a sum of the volumes output through each of the speakers equals a total volume.

6. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further programmed to: In response to detecting that the location of the user is outside a predefined range from the vehicle, outputting the audio is paused.

7. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further programmed to: In response to detecting that the location of the user is outside a predefined range from the vehicle, autonomously operating the vehicle to travel to the location of the user.

8. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further programmed to: determining the identity of the user using a user profile stored in the mobile device; using said identity of said user to select a playlist; and The playlist is played through the audio.

9. The vehicle of claim 8, further comprising: one or more cameras configured to capture an image of the user, The controller is further configured to: The image is used to determine the identity of the user.

10. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising: one or more sensors configured to detect the user and generate sensor data; The controller is further configured to: The location of the user is measured using the sensor data.

11. A method for a vehicle, comprising: establishing a wireless connection with a mobile device via a plurality of transceivers; measuring, via one or more controllers, a position of the mobile device by trilateration using the wireless connection; using the position of the mobile device via the one or more controllers to adjust the volume of a plurality of speakers exterior to the vehicle; as well as Audio is output via the plurality of speakers using the volume.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the wireless connection is established using an Ultra Wideband (UWB) protocol.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein at least one of the wireless connections is established using a wireless communication protocol other than UWB. 14 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the volumes of the plurality of speakers are adjusted such that the volume output by one of the speakers is inversely proportional to a distance between the position of the mobile device and a position of the one of the speakers.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a vehicle, cause the vehicle to: establishing a plurality of wireless connections with a first mobile device, wherein at least one of the wireless connections is under an ultra-wideband (UWB) protocol; measuring a first position of the first mobile device outside the vehicle by trilateration of the plurality of wireless connections; adjusting a volume of a first group of a plurality of speakers exterior to the vehicle using the first position of the first mobile device; and The first audio of the playlist is output at the volume via the first group.

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