Sound zones for creating quiet zones

Abstract

Various embodiments disclose techniques for generating one or more sound zones and quiet zones in a listening environment. The techniques include: configuring one or more filters in a filter bank; processing a corresponding audio region signal for each of the one or more sound zones using the filter bank to generate a corresponding speaker signal for each of the one or more speakers; and using the one or more speakers to output the corresponding speaker signal. Sound output from the one or more speakers propagates through the listening environment to generate a corresponding sound in each of the one or more sound zones corresponding to the corresponding audio region signal for that sound zone. Sound output from the one or more speakers propagates through the listening environment to generate a first quiet zone.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to audio systems, and more specifically to techniques for generating sound zones that create quiet zones. Background Technology

[0002] Current audio systems—such as those in vehicles—generally aim to deliver uniform audio coverage throughout the listening environment, such as the vehicle's cabin. Recent innovations focus on creating sound zones within the listening environment, where different listeners can simultaneously enjoy a personalized audio experience with minimal interference or crosstalk from other listeners' audio experiences. These approaches typically rely on speaker architectures that control and direct audio to specific locations within the listening environment. For example, in a vehicle audio system, headrest speakers or other speakers can be used to direct sound to occupants seated in their seats or to passengers in seats behind the headrests.

[0003] The audio system can further utilize an audio processing algorithm with configured filters designed to modify the audio emitted by each speaker to address potential crosstalk and audio transfer from one region / sound zone of the listening environment to another. The modified audio is then emitted from the various speakers and propagates through the listening environment to each region / sound zone. At each region / sound zone, the modified audio from the various speakers is constructively or destructively interfered with, ensuring that only the desired audio is heard in that region / sound zone, and that audio in other regions is muted or completely suppressed.

[0004] Although these conventional solutions have proven effective for various types of audio content ( For example Music, telephone calls, entertainment, navigation instructions, etc., create and maintain sound zones, but these conventional solutions typically focus on presenting active, audible signals rather than a muted or quiet background. Conventional attempts to achieve quiet conditions within a listening environment often involve crude methods such as muting or softening the speakers. However, due to the complex propagation effects of most audio environments, such methods perform poorly, resulting in insufficient isolation from other sound zones and audible sound leakage from them.

[0005] Therefore, the techniques used to generate sound regions that include quiet areas need to be improved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Various embodiments disclose a computer-implemented method for generating one or more sound zones and a quiet zone in a listening environment. The computer-implemented method includes: configuring one or more filters of a filter bank; processing a corresponding audio zone signal for each of the one or more sound zones using the filter bank to generate a corresponding speaker signal for each of the one or more speakers; and outputting the corresponding speaker signal using the one or more speakers. Sound output from the one or more speakers propagates through the listening environment to generate a corresponding sound in each of the one or more sound zones corresponding to the corresponding audio zone signal for that sound zone. Sound output from the one or more speakers propagates through the listening environment to generate a first quiet zone.

[0007] Further embodiments provide, among others, one or more non-transitory computer-readable media and systems configured to implement the methods described above.

[0008] At least one technical advantage of the disclosed method over existing technologies is that users benefit from a more comfortable and flexible listening environment. Specifically, the disclosed technology reduces unwanted external sounds, such as those from other sound zones, to create a quiet sound zone or one with appropriate background noise. Furthermore, the disclosed technology can further reduce other noise sources, such as road noise and engine noise. Therefore, users enjoy greater privacy, increased relaxation, and enhanced personalization in their listening experience. These technical advantages provide one or more technological improvements over existing methods. Attached Figure Description

[0009] To gain a detailed understanding of the features described above in the various embodiments, a more specific description of the inventive concept briefly outlined above can be obtained by referring to the various embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings only illustrate typical embodiments of the inventive concept and should therefore not be construed as limiting the scope in any way, and other equivalent embodiments exist.

[0010] Figure 1 A block diagram of a system configured to implement one or more aspects of the various embodiments is shown;

[0011] Figure 2 Examples of sound zone generation in a listening environment according to various embodiments are shown;

[0012] Figure 3 Examples of sound zones and quiet zones generated in a listening environment according to various embodiments are shown;

[0013] Figure 4A vehicle-based audio system according to various embodiments is illustrated; and

[0014] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the method steps for generating a sound area with a quiet zone according to various embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0015] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the various embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the inventive concepts can be practiced without some or all of these specific details.

[0016] Audio processing system

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an audio system 100 according to various embodiments. As shown, the audio system 100 includes, but is not limited to, one or more audio sources 102, one or more I / O devices 104, one or more speakers 106, and a computing device 120. The computing device 120 includes, but is not limited to, a processing unit 108 and a memory 110. The memory 110 may store, but is not limited to, one or more transfer functions 112, sound zone applications 114, one or more masking signals 116, and sound zone filter banks 118.

[0018] Computing device 120 is an audio processing device, such as a vehicle audio system, home theater system, sound system, and / or similar system / device. In some embodiments, computing device 120 includes one or more devices, such as consumer products (…). For example Portable speakers, game consoles, entertainment systems, etc.), vehicles ( For example Main units for automobiles, trucks, vans, buses, trains, airplanes, etc., and smart home devices. For example Intelligent lighting systems, security systems, digital assistants, etc.), communication systems ( For example Telephone conferencing systems, video conferencing systems, speaker amplification systems, etc.), mobile devices ( For example Examples of such devices include smartphones, tablets, computers, etc. In some embodiments, the computing device 120 is located in various acoustic environments, including but not limited to vehicles and indoor environments. For example (living room, meeting room, conference room, home office, etc.) and / or outdoor environment ( For example (such as terraces, rooftops, gardens, etc.). The computing device 120 is configured to receive audio content from one or more audio sources 102 and output the audio content to generate sound zones and / or quiet zones in the listening environment.

[0019] One or more audio sources 102 may include any technically feasible means or components capable of providing audio signals to computing device 120. For example, each of the one or more audio sources 102 may be an onboard media player, a streaming service accessed via a network connection, or a media stream ( For example (from a cellular or smartphone) or a storage device containing stored music, movie scores, spoken word content, and / or other audio files. Each of the one or more audio sources 102 can adjust or switch content based on user preferences or selections, sensor input, system configuration, etc.

[0020] I / O device 104 may include any technically feasible type of device and / or interface through which the audio system 100 can interact with the environment or a user. I / O device 104 may be used to receive input and may include, but is not limited to, a keyboard, knob, button, slider, touchscreen, etc. I / O device 104 may also be used to receive information from the environment and may include, but is not limited to, a microphone, camera, proximity sensor, or other input device capable of detecting seat occupancy, background noise level, and / or user commands. I / O device 104 may also include devices configured to provide output. For example, I / O device 104 may include, but is not limited to, a display device (…). For example The I / O device 104 may include devices configured to both receive input and provide output, such as LCD displays, head-up displays, haptic feedback elements, etc. The I / O device 104 can be used to present system information to one or more users and / or allow one or more users to select from different configuration settings. Alternatively, the I / O device 104 may further include devices configured to both receive input and provide output, such as touchscreens.

[0021] One or more speakers 106 convert processed audio signals into one or more audible sounds for a user. In an environment such as a vehicle cabin, the sound output by one or more speakers 106 generates separate sound zones and quiet zones based on the audio signals received from the sound zone application 114. Some speakers may be placed close to the listener's head. For example (In the headrest) or arranged in an array to improve acoustic separation and minimize spillover between adjacent sound zones. Each of the one or more speakers 106 can be any technically feasible type of speaker.

[0022] Processing unit 108 controls the overall operation of computing device 120. Processing unit 108 is configured to read data from memory 110 and write data to memory. Processing unit 108 may include any suitable hardware processor or combination of hardware processors, including one or more central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and / or any other type of processing unit or combination of processing units, such as a CPU configured to operate in conjunction with a GPU. Generally, processing unit 108 may be any technically feasible hardware unit capable of processing data, executing instructions, and / or performing signal processing tasks, such as the signal processing tasks of sound zone application 114.

[0023] Memory 110 may include random access memory (RAM) modules, flash memory cells, or any other type of memory cell or combinations thereof. Processing unit 108 is configured to read data from memory 110 and write data to memory. In various embodiments, memory 110 includes non-volatile memory, such as optical drives, magnetic drives, flash memory drives, or other storage devices. In some embodiments, separate data storage, such as external data storage (“cloud storage”) included in a network (not shown), may supplement memory 110. Audio zone application 114 within memory 110 may be executed by processing unit 108 to realize the overall functionality of computing device 120 and thus coordinate the operation of audio system 100 as a whole. Memory 110 may further store data, such as one or more transfer functions in one or more transfer functions 112, audio zone filter banks 118, and / or one or more masking signals 116.

[0024] One or more transfer functions 112 represent a mathematical model that describes how sound output from speaker 106 propagates through the listening environment and reaches the listening position in the listening environment corresponding to the sound zone. One or more transfer functions 112 enable the sound zone application 114 to predict how the audio output from one or more speakers 106 will interact with the propagation effects of the listening environment. By considering one or more transfer functions 112, the sound zone application 114 configures the sound zone filter bank 118 and / or one or more masking signals 116 such that the desired audio content is accurately heard in the corresponding sound zone, and the desired quiet or masking signal 116 is heard in each quiet zone within the corresponding quiet zone.

[0025] The sound zone application 114 controls the audio processing workflow, using data from I / O devices 104 and configurations from one or more users to generate desired sound zones and quiet zones. In operation, the sound zone application 114 creates multiple sound zones within a listening environment such as a vehicle cabin. Each sound zone may provide different audio content to users located in that zone, or in some cases, provide little or no audio. The sound zone application 114 manages how audio from one or more audio sources 102 is directed, processed, and delivered to one or more speakers 106.

[0026] The sound zone application 114 receives input from one or more users via a user interface. A display device included in the I / O device 104 is used to display the user interface. The user interface includes menus for displaying configuration options, one or more. The user interface further receives selections from one or more users. For example, a user can interact with the touchscreen, voice command interface, or physical controls of the I / O device 104 to select one or more sound zones within the vehicle compartment and specify the audio content to be played in each sound zone. The user can select audio content from different types of content from one or more audio sources 102, or designate one or more sound zones as quiet zones. When establishing a quiet zone, the user can also instruct the use of a masking signal (…). For example The masking signals 116 can be selected from various noise levels, including pink noise, white noise, no sound, relaxing sounds, exciting sounds, and synthetic masking sounds (such as background noise), and the volume level at which the masking signal 116 should be played. The same or different masking signals can be selected for different quiet zones. For example, a driver could designate the sound zone of the second-row seat as a quiet zone if there is an infant in a car seat located in the second row, and then select and configure one of the masking signals 116 that the driver knows might soothe the infant.

[0027] Once the user selects configuration settings, the sound zone application 114 uses those settings and one or more transfer functions 112 to configure the sound zone filter bank 118. By integrating the configuration settings with one or more transfer functions 112, the sound zone application 114 calculates or configures one or more filters in the sound zone filter bank 118 to achieve desired sound zone separation for the listening environment. For example, given a set of transfer functions C that associate each speaker S with a sound zone Z... S,Z (f) and the filter W to be determined S,Z (f) System solution W S,Z The value of (f) determines the desired audio output Y for the sound region z. Z (f)( example like (The audio selected by the user for sound zone z in the configuration settings), as indicated by Equation 1:

[0028]

[0029] Where X Z (f) represents the desired sound for the sound region z. This is achieved by applying equation 1 to W. S,Z Solving (f) allows the application 114 to obtain the filter configuration settings in the sound region filter bank 118, enabling... Approximately equal to And each sound zone receives the expected audio content ( For example (High-energy music or other audio, minimized or muted signals for quiet areas, or masking signals). Additionally, when X... Z (f) When the signal is masked, the sound region can be adjusted using 114, such as for X. Z (f) Changes in volume or spectrum. This gives the sound zone application 114 more flexibility in configuring the sound zone filter bank 118 to reduce crosstalk in the first quiet zone caused by audio from other sound zones so as to generate the desired masked sound in the first quiet zone.

[0030] Then, the sound zone application 114 uses the sound zone filter bank 118 to filter each desired sound zone audio X. Z (f) Filtering is performed to generate a signal for each of the one or more loudspeakers 106. Then signal A S (f) The signal is sent to the corresponding speaker 106 for output. Once output by the corresponding speaker 106, it is consistent with signal A. S (f) The corresponding audio propagates to various sound regions and is affected by the transfer function of the environment. The effect of this. After propagating to the sound region z, the audio is combined, and the sound is heard in sound region z. .

[0031] In some embodiments, the sound zone application 114 further adapts to changing environmental conditions. For example, a microphone located in a specific sound zone ( For example The microphone included in the I / O device 104 can detect background noise. For exampleBackground noise (such as road noise, engine noise, and casual conversation) is not part of the desired sound for that specific sound zone. In response, the sound zone application 114 dynamically reconfigures the sound zone filter bank 118 to reduce background noise, thereby improving the integrity of the sound in that specific sound zone. This may involve adjusting the volume or spectrum of the masking signal 116, changing the volume, or further refining the filters in the sound zone filter bank 118 to enhance noise reduction or suppression. By continuously monitoring environmental conditions in the listening environment and adjusting accordingly, the sound zone application 114 ensures that the sound in each sound zone remains stable and personalized over time.

[0032] Each of the one or more masking signals 116 corresponds to a desired sound to be heard in a quiet zone. For example, masking signal 116 can be, but is not limited to, pink noise, white noise, silence, a relaxing sound, an exciting sound, or a synthetic masking sound. Examples of relaxing sounds include, but are not limited to, rustling leaves, waves lapping, birds chirping, a crackling fireplace, and flowing water. Examples of exciting sounds include, but are not limited to, urban ambient sounds such as street chatter, laughter, distant music, rhythmic sounds, and footsteps. Examples of synthetic masking sounds include, but are not limited to, loud noise, a mixture of white noise and pink noise, etc. When masking signal 116 is silent, the corresponding sound zone will be as quiet as possible. When masking signal 116 is anything other than silent, masking signal 116 is generated in the corresponding quiet zone to help suppress audio in other sound zones, or a soothing or relaxing sound is generated in the corresponding quiet zone to enhance the perception of quiet by reducing low-level background noise or slight sound leakage from other sound zones.

[0033] The sound zone filter bank 118 is a signal processing element configured to modify an audio signal based on parameters derived from the transfer function 112 and instructions from the sound zone application 114. The sound zone filter bank 118 includes one or more filters that are modified by the sound zone application 114 according to... During configuration, an audio signal A is generated to be output by one or more speakers 106. S (f).

[0034] Sound zone generation

[0035] Figure 2Examples of sound zone generation in a listening environment 200 according to various embodiments are shown. As shown, the listening environment 200 includes, but is not limited to, sound zones 208(1) and 208(2) where listeners 210(A) and 210(B) are respectively located, and speakers 106(1) to 106(3). And although the listening environment 200 is shown to have only two sound zones 208 and three speakers 106, this is not intended to be limiting. The listening environment may include more than two ( For example (Three, four, five or more) sound zones and any number of ( For example (Two, four, five or more) loudspeakers. Furthermore, although only one listener 210 is shown in each sound zone 208, any number (including none) of listeners can be located in each sound zone.

[0036] like Figure 2 As further shown, the sound zone filter bank 118 receives sound zone audios 206(1) and 206(2). Sound zone audios 206(1) and 206(2) correspond to desired sounds X1 and X2 for sound zones 208(1) and 208(2), respectively. When configured by sound zone application 114 based on the solution of Equation 1, the sound zone filter bank 118 uses filter W. s,z The audio signals 206(1) and 206(2) in the sound area are filtered to generate audio signals A1, A2 and A3 for speakers 106(1), 106(2) and 106(3) respectively.

[0037] Then, loudspeakers 106(1) to 106(3) output sound to the listening environment 200, corresponding to audio signals A1 to A3 respectively. The output sound propagates through the listening environment 200 and is subjected to a transfer function C i,j The influence of the listening environment 200, of which C i,j Corresponding to the way the sound from speaker 106(i) is affected by the listening environment 200 before reaching sound zone 206(j), the sound Z generated by speaker 106(i) within sound zone 208(j) is... i,j According to Equation 2 .

[0038]

[0039] For example, when speaker 106(1) outputs sound based on audio signal A, listening environment 200 enables... The corresponding sound reaches sound zone 208(2). A similar effect is produced for each of the other speaker 106(i) and sound zone 208(j) combinations. When the sound... When each sound in the sound reaches its corresponding sound region 208(j), the sound... ( For example (Constructively or destructively) combined to generate sound Y for sound region 208(j) according to Equation 3. j .

[0040]

[0041] When the sound zone filter bank 118 is properly configured, the sound Y for each sound zone 208(j) j It should be substantially the same as audio in sound zone 206(j) / Xj. Therefore, listener 210(A) in sound zone 208(1) should hear audio that is substantially the same as audio in sound zone 206(1), while hearing very little or no sound associated with audio in sound zone 206(2). Similarly, listener 210(B) in sound zone 208(2) should hear audio that is substantially the same as audio in sound zone 206(2), while hearing very little or no sound associated with audio in sound zone 206(1).

[0042] Quiet zone generation

[0043] Figure 3 Examples of quiet zone generation within a listening environment 300 according to various embodiments are shown. As shown, the listening environment 300 includes, but is not limited to, a sound zone 302, a quiet zone 304, and speakers 106(1) to 106(3). Two listeners 310(A) and 310(B) are located in the sound zone 302 and the quiet zone 304, respectively. Figure 2 Compared to the scene in the previous section, audio 306 in the sound zone now corresponds to the main desired sound in the sound zone 302, while audio 308 in the quiet zone corresponds to any optional or minimal audio presented to the quiet zone 304.

[0044] like Figure 3 As further shown, the sound zone filter bank 118 receives sound zone audio 306(1) and quiet zone audio 308. Sound zone audio 306 corresponds to the desired sound X1 for sound zone 302, and quiet zone audio 308 corresponds to the desired quiet sound X2 for quiet zone 304. When configured by sound zone application 114 based on the solution of Equation 1, the sound zone filter bank 118 uses filter W. s,z The audio signals 306 in the sound zone and 308 in the quiet zone are filtered to generate audio signals A1, A2 and A3 for speakers 106(1), 106(2) and 106(3) respectively.

[0045] Then, loudspeakers 106(1) to 106(3) output sound to the listening environment 200, corresponding to audio signals A1 to A3 respectively. The output sound propagates through the listening environment 300 and is subjected to a transfer function C i,j The listening environment has a 300-degree influence, and it is transformed into sound. The sound Combined to form sound Y j .

[0046] When the sound zone filter bank 118 is properly configured, the sound Y1 for sound zone 302 should be substantially the same as the sound zone audio 306 / X1. Therefore, the listener 310(A) in sound zone 302 should hear substantially the same audio as the sound zone audio 306, while hearing very few or no other sounds. The sound Y2 for quiet zone 304 should be substantially silent or configured as a masking signal 116 for sound zone audio 308 / X2. Therefore, the listener 310(B) in quiet zone 304 should hear substantially no audio or hear quiet zone audio 308, while hearing very few or no sounds associated with sound zone audio 306.

[0047] Vehicle audio system

[0048] Figure 4 A vehicle-based audio system for a vehicle 400 according to various embodiments is illustrated. As shown, the vehicle 400 includes, but is not limited to, a console 402. For example Console 401(2), 402(2), etc.), sound area 404 ( For example , 404(1), 404(2), etc.) and speaker 106 ( For example , 106(1) to 106(8)). And although vehicle 400 is shown as having six seats, six consoles 402 and eight speakers 106, this is merely exemplary and does not imply limitation. For example, a vehicle may have fewer or more seats, consoles and / or speakers and / or seats, consoles and / or speakers in different arrangements.

[0049] As shown, vehicle 400 is configured with six sound zones 404(1) to 404(6), which correspond to each of the seats that may or may not have occupants. In some cases, each sound zone 404 corresponds to an individual's seating position such that each passenger's ear is located within the intended sound zone 404. For example, if an occupant in the front passenger seat is watching media content on console 402(2), that occupant's ear is located within the boundary of sound zone 404(2). Furthermore, each sound zone in sound zone 404 can be associated with... Figure 1It corresponds to either the sound zone or the quiet zone described in section 3.

[0050] As further shown, consoles 402(1) and 402(2) are included on the respective sides of the dashboard. Alternatively, consoles 402(1) and 402(2) may be combined in a single console such as the console of the host unit. Each of the consoles 402(3) through 402(6) is located behind the respective seat of the vehicle 400. Each of the consoles 402(i) may be used by the respective seat occupant to control their own sound zone 404(i) by selecting an audio source for sound zone 404(i), selecting a quiet or masking signal 116 for sound zone 404(i), controlling the volume, etc. In some embodiments, consoles 402 may also be used to control other sound zones 404. For example, a driver may use console 402(1) to control sound zone 404(4) to select a sound for a child in sound zone 404(4), select and configure a quiet or masking sound for an infant in sound zone 402(4), etc.

[0051] Speakers 106(1) and 106(2) are located on the corresponding sides of the dashboard. Speaker 106(3) is located in the front row ( For example Speaker 106(4) is located on the left side of the driver's seat, and speaker 106(5) is located on the right side of the opposite front seat. Speaker 106(6) is located in the headrest of the left second-row seat, and speaker 106(7) is located in the headrest of the right second-row seat. Speakers 106(7) and 106(8) are located on the corresponding sides of the rear / third-row seats. Speakers 106(1) to 106(8) may alternatively be located in other locations, such as doors, pillars, roof, console, seat frames, etc.

[0052] Generate a sound zone with a quiet area

[0053] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating the method steps for generating a sound zone with a quiet area according to various embodiments is shown. Although referenced... Figures 1 to 4 The embodiments described herein are method steps, but those skilled in the art will understand that any system configured to implement the method steps in any order falls within the scope of this disclosure.

[0054] Method 500 begins at step 502, where the sound zone application 114 receives configuration settings. For example, the configuration settings may be received via a user interface such as one displayed to a user using any console in I / O device 104 and / or console 402. The configuration settings include audio signals X for each sound zone within the listening environment. iThe selected audio can be the audio corresponding to sound zone audio 206, sound zone audio 306, and / or audio from any audio source from one or more audio sources. Configuration settings may also include audio settings such as volume, equalization, etc. In some examples, configuration settings may further indicate that one or more sound zones in the sound zone are to be configured as quiet zones in which no sound is heard or the sound corresponding to masking signal 116 is heard. In such examples, configuration settings may further include the selection of masking signal 116, the volume of masking signal 116, etc. In some examples, configuration settings may further include settings for noise suppression or cancellation of any sound zone in the sound zone.

[0055] At step 504, the sound zone application 114 configures one or more filters. Based on the transfer function C of the listening environment, the sound zone application 114 configures the filters W of the sound zone filter bank 118 based on the solution of Equation 1 to filter the sound zone audio, quiet zone audio, and / or masking signal 116 specified in the configuration settings received in step 502, to compensate for the effects of the listening environment as modeled by the transfer function C. In some embodiments, noise measurements from one or more microphones in the listening environment can be used to measure noise in various sound zones and quiet zones to further configure the sound zone filter bank 118 to perform noise reduction or suppression in the sound zone and quiet zone.

[0056] At step 506, the sound zone application 114 may optionally configure one or more masking signals 116. For example, the sound zone application 114 may adjust one or more of the volume, spectrum, etc., of the one or more masking signals 116 to improve the ability of the one or more masking signals to mask sounds from other sound zones in the corresponding quiet zone. In some embodiments, the one or more masking signals 116 may be further adjusted based on noise measurements from one or more microphones to further enhance the ability of the sound zone application 114 and the sound zone filter bank to reduce or suppress noise in the corresponding quiet zone.

[0057] At step 508, the sound zone application 114 uses one or more filters to process one or more audio signals. The sound zone application 114 uses the filters configured during step 504 of the sound zone filter bank 118 to process the audio signals selected for each sound zone in the sound zone to generate audio signals to be output by one or more speakers 106 of the audio system. This includes using the filters of the sound zone filter bank 118 to process any masking signal in one or more masking signals 116, regardless of whether it was adjusted during optional step 506. In one or more audio signals X i After processing by the sound area filter bank 118, a signal A is generated for each speaker in the loudspeaker 106. i.

[0058] In step 510, the sound region application 114 applies the generated audio signal A i The output is sent to one or more speakers 106. One or more speakers 106 output audio signal A. i The audio signal is then converted and propagated through the listening environment. As the sound propagates through the listening environment, the audio signal A is treated according to the transfer function C. i The sound corresponding to each audio signal in the system is transformed. When the sound from each of the one or more speakers 106 arrives at the corresponding sound zone, the sound is combined to form the sound heard in each sound zone. When the sound zone filter bank 118 is properly configured, the desired sound is heard in each sound zone, and quiet and / or masked sound is heard in each quiet zone with little or no crosstalk from other sound zones and quiet zones. In addition, in embodiments where noise reduction or suppression is used, the amount of noise in the various sound zones and quiet zones is reduced.

[0059] Then method 500 returns to step 508, where additional audio is processed for each of the sound and quiet zones to continue generating the sound and quiet zones. Additionally, any configuration settings changed by the user (…) For example Change the audio signal X i If the selection, audio settings, or changes to which sound zones are quiet zones and / or the masking signal for quiet zones (116) are made, method 500 returns to step 502.

[0060] In summary, sound zone applications generate multiple sound zones, including one or more quiet zones, tailored to the listening environment. Sound zone applications ( For example The system receives settings from the user specifying which sound zones are designated as having quiet audio or as having suitable masked audio quiet zones. The sound zone application then configures one or more filters and one or more masking signals, which generate an audio signal to be output by one or more speakers. When this audio signal is output by one or more speakers, the resulting audio generates multiple sound zones in the listening environment, including one or more quiet zones.

[0061] At least one technical advantage of the disclosed method over existing technologies is that users benefit from a more comfortable and flexible listening environment. Specifically, the disclosed technology reduces unwanted external sounds, such as those from other sound zones, to create a quiet sound zone or one with appropriate background noise. Furthermore, the disclosed technology can further reduce other noise sources, such as road noise and engine noise. Therefore, users enjoy greater privacy, increased relaxation, and enhanced personalization in their listening experience. These technical advantages provide one or more technological improvements over existing methods.

[0062] 1. In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method for generating one or more sound zones and a quiet zone in a listening environment, the computer-implemented method comprising: configuring one or more filters of a filter bank; generating a corresponding speaker signal for each of one or more speakers by processing a corresponding audio zone signal for each of the one or more sound zones using the filter bank; and outputting the corresponding speaker signal using the one or more speakers; wherein the sound output by the one or more speakers propagates through the listening environment to generate a corresponding sound in each of the one or more sound zones corresponding to the corresponding audio zone signal for that sound zone, and the sound output by the one or more speakers propagates through the listening environment to generate a first quiet zone.

[0063] 2. The computer-implemented method as described in Clause 1, wherein generating the corresponding speaker signal further comprises using the filter bank to process the masking signal, and the sound output by the one or more speakers propagates through the listening environment to generate a sound corresponding to the masking signal in the first quiet zone.

[0064] 3. The computer-implemented method as described in Clause 1 or 2, further comprising adjusting at least one of the volume or spectrum of the masking signal.

[0065] 4. The computer-implemented method as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein no sound corresponding to the corresponding audio zone signal is heard in the first quiet zone.

[0066] 5. The computer-implemented method of any one of Clauses 1 to 4, further comprising measuring noise in the first quiet zone, and further configuring the one or more filters of the filter bank such that the sound output from the one or more speakers propagates through the listening environment to suppress the measured noise in the first quiet zone.

[0067] 6. The computer-implemented method as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 5, further comprising receiving from the user a masking signal corresponding to the sound to be heard in the first quiet zone.

[0068] 7. The computer-implemented method as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 6, further comprising receiving the volume level of the masking signal from the user.

[0069] 8. The computer-implemented method of any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the masking signal is selected from the group consisting of: pink noise, white noise, no sound, relaxing sound, masking sound, and exciting sound.

[0070] 9. The computer-implemented method of any one of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein the masking signal is selected from the group consisting of: rustling of leaves, lapping of waves, chirping of birds, crackling of a fireplace, sound of flowing water; street chatter, laughter, distant music, rhythmic sounds, footsteps, ambient noise, and a mixture of white noise and pink noise.

[0071] 10. A computer-implemented method as described in any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the filter bank is further configured to process the audio signal to generate a second quiet zone in the listening environment.

[0072] 11. A computer-implemented method as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein a sound corresponding to a first masking signal is heard in a first quiet zone, and a sound corresponding to a second masking signal is heard in a second quiet zone, the first masking signal being different from the second masking signal.

[0073] 12. The computer-implemented method of any one of Clauses 1 to 11, wherein the listening environment is the carriage of a vehicle.

[0074] 13. A computer-implemented method as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 12, wherein a console in the vehicle presents a user interface for configuring the one or more sound zones and the first quiet zone.

[0075] 14. In some embodiments, one or more non-transitory computer-readable media stores instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the following steps: configuring one or more filters of a filter bank; generating a corresponding speaker signal for each of one or more speakers by processing a corresponding audio region signal for each of one or more sound regions using the filter bank; and outputting the corresponding speaker signal using the one or more speakers; wherein the sound output by the one or more speakers propagates through a listening environment to generate a corresponding sound in each of the one or more sound regions corresponding to the corresponding audio region signal for that sound region, and the sound output by the one or more speakers propagates through the listening environment to generate a first quiet zone.

[0076] 15. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media as described in Clause 14, wherein generating the corresponding speaker signal further comprises using the filter bank to process the masking signal, and the sound output by the one or more speakers propagates through the listening environment to generate a sound corresponding to the masking signal in the first quiet zone.

[0077] 16. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media as described in Clause 14 or 15, further comprising at least one of adjusting the volume or spectrum of the masking signal.

[0078] 17. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media as described in any one of Clauses 14 to 16, wherein the steps further include measuring noise in the first quiet zone, and further configuring the one or more filters of the filter bank such that the sound output from the one or more speakers propagates through the listening environment to suppress the measured noise in the first quiet zone.

[0079] 18. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media as described in any one of Clauses 14 to 17, further comprising receiving from the user a masking signal corresponding to a sound to be heard in the first quiet zone.

[0080] 19. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media as described in any one of Clauses 14 to 18, wherein the masking signal is selected from the group consisting of: pink noise, white noise, no sound, relaxing sound, masking sound, and exciting sound.

[0081] 20. In some embodiments, a system includes: one or more speakers; a memory storing a sound zone application; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor performing the sound zone application by performing the following steps: configuring one or more filters of a filter bank; generating a corresponding speaker signal for each of the one or more speakers by processing a corresponding audio zone signal for each of the one or more sound zones using the filter bank; outputting the corresponding speaker signal using the one or more speakers; wherein the sound output by the one or more speakers propagates through a listening environment to generate a corresponding sound in each of the one or more sound zones corresponding to the corresponding audio zone signal for that sound zone, and the sound output by the one or more speakers propagates through the listening environment to generate a first quiet zone.

[0082] Any element of any claim recited in any claim and / or any element described in this application, in any form and in any combination thereof, falls within the contemplated scope and contemplated protection of this invention.

[0083] Various embodiments have been described for illustrative purposes, but these descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.

[0084] Various aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method, or computer program product. Therefore, aspects of this disclosure may take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects, which are generally referred to herein as a "module," "system," or "computer." Furthermore, any hardware and / or software technology, process, function, component, engine, module, or system described in this disclosure may be implemented as a circuit or a set of circuits. Additionally, aspects of this disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable media on which computer-readable program code is embodied.

[0085] Any combination of computer-readable media may be used. A computer-readable medium can be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium can be, for example, but not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices, or apparatuses, or any suitable combination of the foregoing media. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable storage media will include: electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer floppy disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing media. In the context of this document, a computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium that can contain or store programs for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, device, or apparatus.

[0086] The foregoing description of aspects of this disclosure refers to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that each block in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine. When executed via a processor of a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, the instructions enable the implementation of functions / actions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams. Such processors can be, but are not limited to, general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, application-specific processors, or field-programmable gate arrays.

[0087] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this respect, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions mentioned in the blocks may not appear in the order shown in the drawings. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially concurrently, or these blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, may be implemented by a system based on dedicated hardware or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions that performs the specified function or operation.

[0088] Although the foregoing describes embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from its essential scope, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for generating one or more sound zones and quiet zones in a listening environment, the computer-implemented method comprising: Configure one or more filters in the filter bank; By using the filter bank to process the corresponding audio zone signal for each of one or more sound zones, a corresponding speaker signal for each of one or more speakers is generated; as well as Use one or more of the speakers to output the corresponding speaker signals; in: The sound output by the one or more speakers propagates through the listening environment to generate a corresponding sound in each of the one or more sound zones, corresponding to the corresponding audio zone signal for that sound zone; and The sound output by the one or more speakers propagates through the listening environment to create a first quiet zone.

2. The computer-implemented method as described in claim 1, wherein: Generating the corresponding loudspeaker signal further includes using the filter bank to process the masking signal; and The sound output by the one or more speakers propagates through the listening environment to generate a sound corresponding to the masking signal in the first quiet zone.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, further comprising adjusting at least one of the volume or spectrum of the masking signal.

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein no sound corresponding to the corresponding audio zone signal is heard in the first quiet zone.

5. The computer-implemented method as described in claim 1, further comprising: Measure the noise in the first quiet zone; as well as The filter bank is further configured such that the sound output from the one or more speakers propagates through the listening environment to suppress the measured noise in the first quiet zone.

6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising receiving from the user a masking signal corresponding to the sound to be heard in the first quiet zone.

7. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, further comprising receiving the volume level of the masking signal from the user.

8. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, wherein the masking signal is selected from the group consisting of: pink noise, white noise, no sound, relaxing sound, masking sound, and exciting sound.

9. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, wherein the masking signal is selected from the group consisting of: rustling of leaves, sound of waves lapping, chirping of birds, crackling of a fireplace, sound of flowing water; street chatter, laughter, distant music, rhythmic sounds, footsteps, ambient noise, and a mixture of white noise and pink noise.

10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the filter bank is further configured to process the audio signal to generate a second quiet zone in the listening environment.

11. The computer-implemented method of claim 10, wherein a sound corresponding to a first masking signal is heard in the first quiet zone, and a sound corresponding to a second masking signal is heard in the second quiet zone, the first masking signal being different from the second masking signal.

12. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the listening environment is the passenger compartment of a vehicle.

13. The computer-implemented method of claim 12, wherein the console in the vehicle presents a user interface for configuring the one or more sound zones and the first quiet zone.

14. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media, said non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause said one or more processors to perform the following steps: Configure one or more filters in the filter bank; By using the filter bank to process the corresponding audio zone signal for each of one or more sound zones, a corresponding speaker signal for each of one or more speakers is generated; as well as Use one or more of the speakers to output the corresponding speaker signals; in: The sound output by the one or more speakers propagates through the listening environment to generate a corresponding sound in each of the one or more sound zones, corresponding to the corresponding audio zone signal for that sound zone; and The sound output by the one or more speakers propagates through the listening environment to create a first quiet zone.

15. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media as claimed in claim 14, wherein: Generating the corresponding loudspeaker signal further includes using the filter bank to process the masking signal; and The sound output by the one or more speakers propagates through the listening environment to generate a sound corresponding to the masking signal in the first quiet zone.

16. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 15, further comprising adjusting at least one of the volume or spectrum of the masking signal.

17. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media as claimed in claim 14, wherein the step further comprises: Measure the noise in the first quiet zone; as well as The filter bank is further configured such that the sound output from the one or more speakers propagates through the listening environment to suppress the measured noise in the first quiet zone.

18. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 14, further comprising receiving from a user a masking signal corresponding to a sound to be heard in the first quiet zone.

19. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media as claimed in claim 18, wherein the masking signal is selected from the group consisting of: pink noise, white noise, no sound, relaxing sound, masking sound, and exciting sound.

20. A system comprising: One or more speakers; Memory, the memory stores the sound area application; as well as A processor, coupled to the memory, executes the sound zone application by performing the following steps: Configure one or more filters in the filter bank; By using the filter bank to process the corresponding audio zone signal for each of one or more sound zones, a corresponding speaker signal for each of one or more speakers is generated; Use one or more of the speakers to output the corresponding speaker signals; in: The sound output by the one or more speakers propagates through the listening environment to generate a corresponding sound in each of the one or more sound zones, corresponding to the corresponding audio zone signal for that sound zone; and The sound output by the one or more speakers propagates through the listening environment to create a first quiet zone.

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