Engine sound enhancement

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to engine sound enhancement. Methods, systems, devices, and apparatus for a sound enhancement system are provided. The sound enhancement system includes an airflow sensor. The airflow sensor is configured to measure airflow entering a vehicle engine. The sound enhancement system includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is coupled to the airflow sensor. The electronic control unit is configured to determine a time to output an audio signal that simulates or enhances engine sound based on the airflow entering the vehicle engine. The electronic control unit is configured to generate an audio signal based on the airflow entering the vehicle engine. The sound enhancement system includes an audio device. The audio device is configured to output the audio signal based on a timing of outputting the audio signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, devices, and / or apparatuses for outputting natural engine sounds for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] As vehicle fuel efficiency improves, engine noise has significantly decreased. However, for some vehicle owners, engine noise can be a desirable characteristic. Some drivers desire the torque and fuel efficiency of newer and better engines, but also want to retain the traditional sound of previous gas engines. This presents various challenges, and vehicle manufacturers must strive to distinguish and suppress certain types of noise while allowing or even enhancing others.

[0003] Engine Sound Enhancement (ESE) uses the audio system to enhance or amplify the vehicle's engine and exhaust sounds. These sounds may or may not be pre-recorded. This sound may further enhance the vehicle's own sound to create the auditory pleasure of hearing a mechanical roar when the vehicle's accelerator pedal is depressed. This gives the driver a better feel for the engine and helps them shift gears by ear.

[0004] Current engine sound enhancement (ESE) systems use the vehicle's accelerator pedal position as input. This can create unnatural engine sounds during transient events, such as paddle shifting or aggressive transmission shifts. Furthermore, this can cause unnatural engine sounds during aggressive paddle shifts.

[0005] Thus, there is a need for a system, apparatus, and / or method that improves the operation of a sound enhancement system to better simulate or enhance the engine sound of a vehicle so that the engine sound is more natural. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Generally speaking, one aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be embodied as an engine sound enhancement system ("sound enhancement system"). The sound enhancement system includes an airflow sensor. The airflow sensor is configured to measure airflow entering a vehicle engine. The sound enhancement system includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is coupled to the airflow sensor. The electronic control unit is configured to determine a time to output an audio signal that simulates or enhances engine sound based on the airflow entering the vehicle engine. The electronic control unit is configured to generate an audio signal based on the airflow entering the vehicle engine. The sound enhancement system includes an audio device. The audio device is configured to output the audio signal based on the timing of outputting the audio signal.

[0007] These and other embodiments may optionally include one or more of the following features. The sound enhancement system may include a speed sensor configured to measure a rotational speed of a vehicle engine. The sound enhancement system may include a throttle sensor configured to detect a position of an engine throttle. The electronic control unit may be further configured to generate the audio signal based on the engine rotational speed and the position of the engine throttle.

[0008] The sound enhancement system may include an accelerator pedal sensor. The accelerator pedal sensor may be configured to measure a position of an accelerator pedal of the vehicle. The electronic control unit may be configured to generate the audio signal further based on the position of the accelerator pedal.

[0009] The sound enhancement system may include one or more paddle shifters. The one or more paddle shifters may be configured to upshift or downshift a gear of a transmission of the vehicle into a gear position. The electronic control unit may be configured to generate the audio signal further based on the gear position.

[0010] The sound enhancement system may determine the magnitude of an audio signal. An increase in airflow entering the engine may correspond to an increase in the magnitude of the audio signal. A decrease in airflow entering the engine may correspond to a decrease in the magnitude of the audio signal. The audio device may be a speaker. The speaker may be located inside the vehicle and configured to output the audio signal into the vehicle interior. An increase in the magnitude of the audio signal may correspond to an increase in the volume of the output sound. A decrease in the magnitude of the audio signal may correspond to a decrease in the volume of the output sound.

[0011] The sound enhancement system may determine an amount or rate of airflow entering the engine. When the amount or rate of airflow exceeds a threshold amount or rate, the sound enhancement system may determine that an audio signal should be output. The audio signal may be generated independently of depression of an accelerator pedal of the vehicle.

[0012] In another aspect, the subject matter may be embodied as a sound enhancement system for a vehicle. The sound enhancement system includes an airflow sensor. The airflow sensor is configured to measure airflow entering a vehicle engine. The sound enhancement system includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is coupled to the airflow sensor and is configured to determine, based on the airflow entering the engine, the magnitude of an audio signal to be output that simulates or enhances the engine sound of the vehicle. The electronic control unit is configured to determine, based on the airflow entering the vehicle engine, the timing of outputting the audio signal. The electronic control unit is configured to generate the audio signal based on the determined magnitude. The engine sound enhancement system includes a speaker. The speaker is positioned inside the vehicle and is configured to output the audio signal based on the timing of outputting the audio signal.

[0013] In another aspect, the subject matter may be embodied as a method of outputting engine sounds.

[0014] The method includes measuring the amount or rate of airflow entering a vehicle engine using an airflow sensor. The method includes determining, by a processor, the magnitude of an audio signal to be generated to simulate or enhance the vehicle's engine sound based on the amount or rate of airflow entering the engine. The method includes determining, by the processor, the timing of outputting the audio signal based on the airflow entering the vehicle engine. The method includes generating, by the processor, the audio signal based on the determined magnitude.

[0015] The method includes outputting the audio signal via a speaker disposed inside a vehicle based on a timing at which the audio signal is output. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] According to the following drawings and detailed description, other systems, methods, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The components shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be exaggerated to better illustrate important features of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an engine sound enhancement system according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 According to one aspect of the present invention, using Figure 1 A flow chart of an exemplary process for an engine sound enhancement system to input simulated or enhanced vehicle engine sound audio into the interior passenger compartment of a vehicle.

[0019] Figure 3 According to one aspect of the present invention, using Figure 1 A flow chart of an exemplary process for an engine sound enhancement system to determine the magnitude of an audio signal and subsequently determine the volume of an output sound.

[0020] Figure 4 According to one aspect of the present invention, the Figure 1 A flow chart of an exemplary process for an engine sound enhancement system to determine the timing of output audio.

[0021] Figure 5 According to one aspect of the present invention, the comparison can be made by Figure 1 An engine sound enhancement system is provided for outputting various sensor data and exemplary graphs of airflow into the engine that simulate or enhance engine sound.

[0022] Figure 6 According to one aspect of the present invention, the Figure 1Illustration of the effect of an engine sound enhancement system on vehicle behavior when downshifting a gear of a vehicle's transmission. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and methods for an engine sound enhancement system (or "sound enhancement system") that enhances sounds or other audio generated to simulate a vehicle's engine sound. The sound enhancement system creates a more natural-feeling engine sound for various driving modes. By changing the primary input used to generate the audio signal to the airflow rate into the engine, the sound enhancement system better matches or synchronizes with vehicle behavior, such as acceleration, over time and creates a more natural-feeling engine sound.

[0024] For example, in conventional engine sound enhancement systems, when a driver accelerates a vehicle from a stop, the system generates sound based on the pedal position. Consequently, even though the vehicle may only be accelerating slowly because it takes time to accelerate from a stop, the system outputs a loud engine sound corresponding to the depressed pedal position. This creates an unnaturally loud and near-instantaneous engine sound because the engine sound reflects the depressed position of the accelerator pedal, rather than the gradual acceleration of the vehicle. By changing the primary input to the airflow rate entering the engine, the system gradually increases the engine sound over time to match vehicle behavior, such as gradual acceleration, resulting in a more natural engine sound.

[0025] Furthermore, because the primary input is the airflow rate into the engine, the output engine sound is synchronized with vehicle movement. Typically, when a pedal is pressed, there's a delay between the moment the pedal is pressed and the moment the wheels move. Conventional engine sound enhancement systems output sound even when the pedal is pressed, even if little or no movement occurs. However, the sound enhancement system delays the output of the engine sound so that it aligns with the engine torque generating power to move the wheels. This results in a more natural engine sound that better matches the actual vehicle movement.

[0026] Other benefits and advantages include the ability to account for transmission upshifts or downshifts. The sound enhancement system can use the transmission gear position when generating an audio signal that simulates or enhances the vehicle's engine sound, such as by increasing the volume of the engine sound. By accounting for the transmission gear position, the sound enhancement system can adjust the volume of the generated engine sound to account for the driver downshifting or upshifting the transmission, further making the generated sound more natural and reflective of the actual amount of torque produced by the engine.

[0027] Figure 1 FIG1 is a block diagram of an engine sound enhancement system (or “sound enhancement system”) 100. The sound enhancement system 100, or a portion thereof, can be retrofitted to, coupled to, include, or be contained within a vehicle 102, or can be separate from the vehicle 102. The sound enhancement system 100 can output audio that simulates engine sounds within the interior of the vehicle 102 using one or more vehicle components of the vehicle 102. The sound enhancement system 100 can include or be coupled to an external database 104.

[0028] The sound enhancement system 100 may have or use a network 134 for communication between different components, such as between the vehicle 102 and / or the external database 104. The network 134 may be a dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) network, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a cellular network, the Internet, or a combination thereof that connects, couples, and / or otherwise enables communication between the different components of the sound enhancement system 100.

[0029] The sound enhancement system 100 may include or be coupled to an external database 104. A database is any collection of information organized for search and retrieval, such as by a computer. The database may be organized into tables, schemas, queries, reports, or any other data structure. The database may utilize any number of database management systems. The external database 104 may include a third-party server or website that stores or provides information. The information may include real-time information, regularly updated information, or user-entered information. A server may be a computer on a network that provides services, such as access to files or shared peripherals, to other computers on the network.

[0030] The external database 104 may include a sound database. The sound database may include various sounds that can be downloaded by the sound enhancement system 100. The sound enhancement system 100 may play or use various sounds or audio (hereinafter referred to as "audio") to simulate or enhance engine sounds. The audio used to simulate engine sounds may be based on the type or class of vehicle 102. The sound database may also include a mapping or association between a value indicating a volume to be output and the magnitude of the audio signal to be generated. This allows the user to configure the audio generated to simulate or enhance engine sounds.

[0031] The sound enhancement system 100 may include a vehicle 102, be contained within the vehicle 102, or be retrofitted to the vehicle 102. The vehicle 102 is a vehicle capable of transporting people, objects, or permanently or temporarily attached equipment. The vehicle 102 may be a self-propelled wheeled vehicle, such as a car, sport utility vehicle, truck, bus, van, or other vehicle powered by an electric motor, battery, or fuel cell. For example, the vehicle 102 may be an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, a plug-in hybrid vehicle, or any other type of vehicle having a fuel cell stack, an electric motor, and / or a generator. Other examples of vehicles include bicycles, trains, airplanes, or boats, as well as any other form of transportation capable of transportation. The vehicle 102 may be semi-autonomous or autonomous. That is, the vehicle 102 may be capable of self-steering and navigation without human input. An autonomous vehicle may have and use one or more sensors and / or navigation units to drive itself.

[0032] The sound enhancement system 100 includes one or more processors, such as an electronic control unit (ECU) 106. The one or more processors, such as the ECU 106, can be implemented as a single processor or multiple processors. For example, the one or more processors can be a microprocessor, a data processor, a microcontroller, or other controller, and can be electrically coupled to some or all other components within the vehicle 102. The one or more processors can obtain sensor data from one or more sensors to determine when to output audio that simulates or enhances engine sounds. The sound enhancement system 100 can output audio to the interior of the vehicle 102. By generating audio and outputting the audio to the interior of the vehicle 102, when the accelerator pedal is pressed as the vehicle 102 begins to accelerate, the sound enhancement system 100 creates the auditory pleasure of hearing a mechanical roar. This gives the driver a better feel for the engine 122 and helps the driver shift gears by ear.

[0033] The memory 108 may be coupled to the ECU 106. The memory 108 may include one or more of a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), or other volatile or non-volatile memory. The memory 108 may be a non-transitory memory or data storage device, such as a hard disk drive, a solid-state disk drive, a hybrid disk drive, or other suitable data storage device, and may also store machine-readable instructions that can be loaded and executed by the ECU 106. The memory 108 may store a mapping between a value indicating the volume of audio to be output and the magnitude of an audio signal generated to simulate or enhance engine sound.

[0034] The sound enhancement system 100 may include a user interface 110. The user interface 110 may be part of the vehicle 102. The user interface 110 may include an input device that receives user input from a user interface element, button, knob, microphone, keyboard, or touch screen. The user interface 110 may provide an interface for a user to provide user input. The user input may include one or more configuration settings. The one or more configuration settings may indicate an amount of delay for output audio so that the audio matches engine behavior, such as engine torque or speed, to produce a more natural sound when the engine is throttled, thereby moving the wheels of the vehicle 102. The delay amount may be a threshold, such as the amount or rate of airflow entering the engine of the vehicle 102 that causes the engine to move the wheels of the vehicle 102.

[0035] The user interface 110 may include, provide, or be coupled to an output device, such as an audio device 112. The audio device 112 may be a speaker or other audio indicator. The audio device 112 may be located within the interior of the vehicle 102. The user interface 110 may include or provide other output devices, such as a display or other visual indicator. For example, the user interface 110 may provide notifications, warnings, or alarms.

[0036] The sound enhancement system 100 may include a network access device 114. The network access device 114 may include a communication port or channel, such as a dedicated short range communication (DSRC) unit, a Wi-Fi unit, The network access device 114 may include one or more of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or reader, a cellular network unit for accessing a cellular network (e.g., 3G, 4G, or 5G). The network access device 114 may send data to and receive data from various components of the sound enhancement system 100, such as the vehicle 102 and / or the external database 104.

[0037] The sound enhancement system 100 may include one or more sensors 116. The one or more sensors 116 may include an airflow sensor 116a, an engine speed sensor 116b, an engine throttle sensor 116c, and / or an accelerator pedal sensor 116d. The airflow sensor 116a may be located at the air intake of the engine 122 and measure the amount and / or velocity of airflow entering the engine 122. The engine speed sensor 116b may measure the rotational speed of the crankshaft of the engine 122. The engine speed sensor 116b may measure the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the engine crankshaft. The engine throttle sensor 116c may measure or determine throttle position to determine engine load. The accelerator pedal sensor 116d may be coupled to the accelerator pedal 132. The accelerator pedal sensor 116d may measure, detect, or determine the position of the accelerator pedal 132 to determine the amount by which the accelerator pedal 132 of the vehicle 102 is depressed. The one or more sensors 116 may include an engine torque sensor 116e. The engine torque sensor 116e can measure or determine the torque or rotational force on the engine 122. The one or more sensors 116 can include one or more other sensors, such as a gear sensor 116f, to detect the gear or gear position of the transmission 124.

[0038] The sound enhancement system 100 can be coupled to one or more vehicle components of the vehicle 102. The one or more vehicle components can include a navigation unit 118. The navigation unit 118 can be an integral part of the vehicle 102 or a separate unit. Instead of the navigation unit 118, the vehicle 102 can include a global positioning system (GPS) unit (not shown) for detecting location data including the current location of the vehicle 102 and date / time information. In some implementations, the ECU 106 can perform the functions of the navigation unit 118 based on data received from the GPS unit. The navigation unit 118 or the ECU 106 can perform navigation functions. Navigation functions can include, for example, predicting routes and route sets, providing navigation instructions, and receiving user input, such as confirmation of a predicted route or route set or a destination. The navigation unit 118 can be used to obtain navigation map information. The navigation map information can include the vehicle 102's starting location, the vehicle 102's current location, a destination location, a route between the vehicle 102's starting location and the destination location, and / or date / time information.

[0039] The one or more vehicle components may include an electric motor and / or generator 128. The electric motor and / or generator 128 may convert electrical energy into mechanical power, such as torque, and may convert mechanical power into electrical energy. The electric motor and / or generator 128 may be coupled to a battery 120. The electric motor and / or generator 128 may convert energy from the battery 120 into mechanical power and may, for example, provide energy to the battery 120 through regenerative braking. The one or more vehicle components may include one or more additional power generating devices, such as an engine 122 or a fuel cell stack (not shown). Instead of and / or in addition to the power supplied by the electric motor and / or generator 128, the engine 122 burns fuel to provide power.

[0040] The battery 120 may be coupled to the motor and / or generator 128 and may supply electrical energy to and receive electrical energy from the motor and / or generator 128. The battery 120 may include one or more rechargeable batteries and may provide power to the sound enhancement system 100.

[0041] A battery management control unit (BMCU) 130 may be coupled to the battery 120 and may control and manage charging and discharging of the battery 120. The BMCU 130 may measure parameters for determining the state of charge (SOC) of the battery 120 using, for example, a battery sensor. The BMCU 130 may control the battery 120.

[0042] The one or more vehicle components may include a transmission 124. The transmission 124 may have one or more gears, a drive train, a clutch, and / or a drive shaft. The transmission 124 converts power from the engine 122 to move the wheels of the vehicle 102. The one or more vehicle components may include one or more paddle shifters 126. The one or more paddle shifters may adjust the gears within the automatic transmission. The one or more paddle shifters 126 may be manually depressed, pushed, pulled, or otherwise positioned to manually and electrically change gears within the transmission 124.

[0043] Figure 2 is a flow chart of a process 200 for outputting audio that simulates or enhances the engine sound of the vehicle 120. One or more appropriately programmed computers or one or more data processing devices, e.g., Figure 1The ECU 106 of the sound enhancement system 100 may implement the process 200. The sound enhancement system 100 may be configured to generate and / or output an audio signal that simulates or enhances the engine sound of the vehicle 102. The sound enhancement system 100 may generate the audio signal and / or further enhance the existing engine sound of the vehicle 102, for example, by amplifying the volume of the existing engine sound of the vehicle 102 or by providing audio that increases the volume of the engine sound of the vehicle 102. The sound enhancement system 100 may use various sensor data, such as the amount or rate of airflow, engine speed, throttle position, engine torque, accelerator pedal position, and / or combinations thereof, to generate the audio signal that simulates or further enhances the engine sound of the vehicle 102.

[0044] The sound enhancement system 100 obtains or measures the amount or rate of airflow entering the engine 122 of the vehicle 102 (202). The sound enhancement system 100 may use one or more sensors 116, such as the airflow sensor 116a, to measure the amount or rate of airflow entering the engine 122 of the vehicle 102. The airflow sensor 116a may be located near or proximate to the air intake of the engine 122 and measure the airflow over a period of time. The airflow sensor 116a may detect the amount or rate of airflow entering the engine 122. The sound enhancement system 100 may use the amount or rate of airflow to determine the timing of outputting audio that simulates or enhances the engine sound, as well as the volume of the audio to be output.

[0045] Other sensor data may be collected to help enhance or simulate the engine sound of the vehicle 102. The sound enhancement system 100 may determine the position of the accelerator pedal 132 of the vehicle 102 (204). The sound enhancement system 100 may use the accelerator pedal sensor 116d to determine the position of the accelerator pedal 132. The accelerator pedal sensor 116d may be coupled to the accelerator pedal 132 and may measure the amount and / or rate at which the accelerator pedal 132 is depressed and / or released, and / or the position of the accelerator pedal 132. The position of the accelerator pedal 132 and / or the amount and / or rate at which the accelerator pedal 132 is depressed and / or released may affect the size of the audio signal, thereby affecting the volume of the output audio. As the accelerator pedal 132 is further depressed, the engine 122 is caused to rotate further, and thus, the audio associated with the engine 122 should be louder. Thus, the sound enhancement system 100 may increase the volume of the audio signal simulating engine sounds representative of the engine 122 spinning further, and similarly, may decrease the volume of the audio signal when the accelerator pedal 132 is released.

[0046] The sound enhancement system 100 can measure or detect engine speed, engine torque, and / or engine throttle position (206). The sound enhancement system 100 can use an engine speed sensor 116b to measure the rotational speed of the engine crankshaft. For example, the sound enhancement system 100 can measure the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the engine crankshaft to measure or determine the engine speed. The sound enhancement system 100 can use an engine throttle sensor 116c to determine the engine throttle position of the vehicle 102, such as when the throttle is open, partially open, and / or closed, and the degree to which the throttle is open or partially open. The sound enhancement system 100 can use an engine torque sensor 116e to measure or determine the rotational force or torque of the engine 122. The engine speed, engine torque, and / or engine throttle position can be used to determine the magnitude of the audio signal to be generated to simulate the engine sound of the vehicle 102.

[0047] The sound enhancement system 100 can detect paddle shifts (208). The sound enhancement system 100 can detect when one or more paddle shifters 126 are pressed, pushed, pulled, or otherwise switched. The sound enhancement system 100 can detect which of the one or more paddle shifters 126 are pressed, pushed, pulled, or otherwise switched to shift up or down a gear of the transmission 124. Input from the one or more paddle shifters 126 can indicate whether a gear is being shifted up or down. Changing the gear of the transmission 124 of the vehicle 102 changes the gear of the transmission 124. For example, pulling a paddle shifter can shift a gear up, while pushing a paddle shifter can shift a gear down. In another example, moving one paddle shifter can shift a gear up, while moving another paddle shifter can shift a gear down.

[0048] The sound enhancement system 100 may determine the gear position (210). When a paddle shift is detected, the sound enhancement system 100 may determine the gear position. The sound enhancement system 100 may use the gear position sensor 116f to detect the gear position of the transmission 124. The gear position may affect the amount of airflow entering the engine 122 and the engine speed of the vehicle 102, so the sound enhancement system 100 may need to adjust the size of the generated audio signal, such as Figure 6 As shown in .

[0049] The sound enhancement system 100 may determine the size of an audio signal to be generated and later converted and output as audio that simulates or further enhances the engine sound of the vehicle 120 (212). The sound enhancement system 100 may determine the size of the audio signal based on the amount or rate of airflow, engine speed, engine torque, engine throttle position, gear position, and / or accelerator pedal position. The sound enhancement system 100 may use one or a combination of the sensor data to determine the size of the audio signal. For example, the sound enhancement system 100 may use only the amount or rate of airflow to calculate the size of the audio signal, or may use a combination of the two to determine the size of the audio signal. Using airflow to determine the size of the audio signal may be independent of other factors, such as accelerator pedal position. The size of the audio signal corresponds to the volume of the sound of the audio signal emitted from the audio device 112. Figure 3 The process 300 of determining the magnitude of the audio signal, and thereby the volume of the output sound, is further described.

[0050] Once the magnitude of the audio signal is determined, the sound enhancement system 100 can determine the timing of outputting the audio (214). The sound enhancement system 100 can determine when to output the audio signal so that the output of the audio is consistent with the throttling of the engine, so that the output audio simulates or further enhances the engine sound of the vehicle 102 and forms a natural sound that is consistent with the throttling of the engine and the movement of the vehicle 102. The timing of outputting the audio can be based on sensor data, such as the amount or rate of airflow, engine speed, engine torque, engine throttle position, gear position and / or accelerator pedal position. In particular, the sound enhancement system 100 can use the amount or rate of airflow to determine the timing because airflow more closely corresponds, coincides or matches vehicle behavior and response. For example, if the sound enhancement system 100 relies solely on the accelerator pedal, engine torque, engine speed and / or engine throttle position, then the output of the audio will not match the response of the vehicle. Instead, the audio will be output before the vehicle moves, for example, as Figure 5 By using airflow measurements, the timing can be more closely aligned with vehicle behavior, such that the sound enhancement system 100 outputs audio to match vehicle behavior, for example, when the amount and / or rate of airflow is greater than or equal to a threshold amount moving the wheels of the vehicle 102.

[0051] By determining the timing, the audio may be output such that the outputted audio does not occur before sufficient air flows into the engine and sufficient engine torque exists to move the wheels of the vehicle 102 . Figure 4 A process 400 for determining the timing of output audio signals is further described.

[0052] After determining the size of the audio signal and the timing of outputting the audio signal, the sound enhancement system 100 generates an audio signal (216). The audio signal to be output can simulate or further enhance the engine sound of the vehicle 102. The sound enhancement system 100 can generate the audio signal based on the size of the audio signal and the timing of outputting the audio signal. For example, the audio signal is generated when the timing is reached. The sound enhancement system 100 can delay the generation of the audio signal so that the output of the audio is consistent and corresponds to the throttling of the engine 122 and the subsequent driving of the wheels of the vehicle 102. Thus, a more natural engine sound is output.

[0053] The sound enhancement system 100 may obtain or determine a type or category of audio to generate (218). The sound enhancement system 100 may obtain or download the type or category of audio from the external database 104. The sound enhancement system 100 may select the type or category of audio based on the type or category of engine 122 and / or the type or category of vehicle 102. In some implementations, the sounds to be generated may be pre-programmed or stored in the memory 108.

[0054] The sound enhancement system 100 converts the audio signal into audio and outputs the audio (220). The sound enhancement system 100 may use an audio device 112, such as an audio sound transducer, to convert the audio signal into audio and output the audio, such as via a speaker. For example, the magnitude of the audio signal may correspond to the volume of the audio. The magnitude of the audio signal and the volume of the audio may be proportional. When the magnitude of the audio signal increases, the volume of the audio also increases. When the magnitude of the audio signal decreases, the volume of the audio also decreases.

[0055] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a process 300 for determining the magnitude of an audio signal, and thereby the volume of the output audio. One or more appropriately programmed computers or one or more data processing devices, such as Figure 1 The ECU 106 of the sound enhancement system 100 may implement the process 300 .

[0056] The sound enhancement system 100 may assign a value to or associate a value with each sensor data item, such as the amount or rate of airflow, engine torque, engine speed, throttle position, accelerator pedal position, gear position, and / or a combination thereof (302). The value of each sensor data item may be based on the magnitude of the measured value or the location of the detection. For example, a greater amount or rate of airflow may correspond to a greater designated value representing airflow, while a smaller amount or rate of airflow may correspond to a smaller designated value representing airflow. In another example, a greater engine speed may correspond to a greater designated value representing engine speed, while a smaller engine speed may correspond to a smaller designated value representing engine speed.

[0057] The sound enhancement system 100 may weight the values ​​indicative of the sensor data (304). The sound enhancement system 100 may prioritize or weight the values ​​indicative of the sensor data. A greater weight may be associated with and applied to the value indicative of the sensor data that best represents the magnitude of the audio signal. For example, because the amount of airflow and / or the rate of airflow best corresponds to and is consistent with the natural engine sound of the engine 122 as it relates to the timing of the natural engine sound and the volume of the emitted natural engine sound, the sound enhancement system 100 may assign a greater weight to the value indicative of the amount of airflow and / or the rate of airflow than to other sensor data (such as the position of the accelerator pedal, engine torque, engine speed, and / or engine throttle position).

[0058] Once each value indicative of sensor data has been weighted, the sound enhancement system 100 may calculate a total value indicative of the sensor data used to determine the magnitude and timing of the audio signal (306). The sound enhancement system 100 may calculate the total value based on a function of the value indicative of each sensor data and the weight associated with each sensor data. For example, each weight may correspond to each value indicative of the corresponding sensor data and act as a multiplier for each value. The sound enhancement system 100 may then sum the weighted values ​​to form a total value indicative of the sensor data.

[0059] The sound enhancement system 100 determines the magnitude of the audio signal (308). The magnitude of the audio signal can be based on the total value indicative of the sensor data. The magnitude of the audio signal can directly correspond to the total value indicative of the sensor data. For example, a larger total value will correspond to a larger magnitude of the audio signal, which translates to a higher volume of the audio. In another example, a smaller total value will correspond to a smaller magnitude of the audio signal, which translates to a lower volume of the audio. The magnitude can be based on a mapping between the total value and the corresponding magnitude, which can be stored in the memory 108.

[0060] In some implementations, the magnitude may be an average value of the total value of the sensor data over a period of time. This allows the sound enhancement system 100 to gradually and smoothly transition from a magnitude determined at one point in time to another magnitude determined at a subsequent point in time, resulting in a smooth transition when the audio increases or decreases.

[0061] As described above, the sound enhancement system 100 can convert the audio signal and output the audio converted from the audio signal (310). The sound enhancement system 100 can use the audio device 112 to convert the audio signal into audio (e.g., by using an audio sound transducer) and output the audio (e.g., by using a speaker). Once the audio is output, the sound enhancement system 100 continues to monitor the sensor data (312). The sound enhancement system 100 can continue to monitor the sensor data to determine or detect any changes and continue to calculate and determine the value of the audio signal to make any adjustments to the volume of the generated and output audio.

[0062] The sound enhancement system 100 may determine whether the sensor data has changed (314). The sound enhancement system 100 may continue to generate the audio signal, convert the audio signal into audio, and output the audio. When the sensor data has changed, the sound enhancement system 100 recalculates each value indicating each sensor data and recalculates the total value of the sensor data to regenerate the audio signal and the corresponding audio. When the sensor data has not changed, the sound enhancement system 100 continues to output the audio associated with the audio signal.

[0063] Figure 4 Further describing the process 400 for determining the timing of output audio. Suitably programmed one or more computers or one or more data processing devices, e.g. Figure 1 The ECU 106 of the sound enhancement system 100 may implement the process 400. Once the sound enhancement system 100 detects the sensor data, the sound enhancement system 100 may determine to generate an audio signal and output a sound associated with the audio signal to more closely match the timing of the actuation of the wheels of the vehicle 102. The timing may be a dynamic delay and / or a static delay based on the sensor data.

[0064] The sound enhancement system 100 may obtain a delay period for outputting audio that simulates or enhances engine sound (402). The delay period may be user-configured, predetermined (e.g., factory-set), user-entered, and / or calculated. The delay period may be used to determine the timing for generating an audio signal and outputting the corresponding sound.

[0065] The sound enhancement system 100 may obtain a threshold value (404). The threshold value may represent a timing, such as a delay, for generating an audio signal, converting the audio signal to audio, and outputting the audio. The threshold value may be user-entered, predetermined, and / or obtained from the memory 108.

[0066] As described above, the sound enhancement system 100 may calculate a total value indicative of the sensor data (404). The sound enhancement system 100 may determine whether the total value exceeds a threshold value (408). The sound enhancement system 100 may compare the total value indicative of the sensor data to the threshold value.

[0067] When the total value exceeds a threshold, e.g., is greater than a threshold, as described above, the sound enhancement system 100 generates an audio signal, converts the audio signal to audio, and outputs the audio (410). In some implementations, the sound enhancement system 100 may have already generated the audio signal, and thus may only need to convert and output the audio. The timing of the total value exceeding the threshold may indicate that the engine 122 has been throttled sufficiently to drive and / or move the wheels of the vehicle 102. Thus, the sound enhancement system 100 may generate an audio signal, convert the audio signal, and / or output the audio to output audio that simulates or further enhances the engine sound. Because the output of the audio is delayed until the total value exceeds the threshold, the output audio is consistent with the movement of the wheels. This produces a more natural engine sound.

[0068] Otherwise, when the total value does not exceed the threshold, the sound enhancement system 100 does not generate an audio signal and / or output audio.The sound enhancement system 100 may continue to monitor the sensor data until the calculated total value indicative of the sensor data exceeds the threshold (412).

[0069] In some implementations, the sound enhancement system 100 generates an audio signal, converts the audio signal, and outputs corresponding audio based on a delay period. The sound enhancement system 100 delays the generation of the audio signal or the output of the audio by the delay period and then generates the audio signal and / or outputs the audio.

[0070] Figure 5 Indicates that comparison can be made by Figure 1 Graph 500 of various sensor data used by an engine sound enhancement system to output audio that simulates or enhances engine sounds. Line 502 represents the amount and / or rate of airflow of the engine intake into the engine 122. The amount and / or rate of the engine intake represented by line 502 better corresponds and is consistent with vehicle behavior and / or response than other sensor data. Figure 5 As shown in FIG, line 504 represents a sound or audio generated using measurements of the amount and / or rate of airflow entering the engine 122 as shown in line 502. Figure 5 As shown in , the slope of line 504 better matches and corresponds to the increase in engine speed represented by line 512, and thus the acceleration in vehicle speed, over the entire period, compared to other factors (such as pedal angle position and throttle angle position).

[0071] Figure 5The relationship between pedal angle position and throttle angle position and engine speed is also shown. Line 506 represents pedal angle position, and line 508 represents the audio or sound generated in response to the pedal angle position input. Both lines 506 and 508 exhibit an initial steep curve near the 2-second mark. The initial steep curves of pedal angle position and the corresponding audio generated have a steeper slope than the engine speed represented by line 512. Furthermore, the slopes of lines 506 and 508 are greater than the slopes of lines 502 and 504, indicating that the amount and / or rate of airflow and the corresponding audio generated more closely reflect the vehicle response represented by line 512, which represents engine speed.

[0072] If the sound enhancement system 100 used pedal angle position as its sole input, the output sound would appear almost instantly, without delay. Rather than gradually increasing at a steady rate consistent with engine speed, the output sound would have a steeper slope and peak more quickly, which would translate into a less gradual, more abrupt or sudden increase in the volume of the output audio. Consequently, the output audio would be inconsistent with the vehicle's behavior and / or response.

[0073] Similarly, line 510 represents audio generated using throttle angle position. Line 510 has a similarly steep curve, with a slope at a greater angle than the amount and / or rate of engine air intake, and / or engine speed. Thus, if sound enhancement system 100 were to generate an audio signal using only throttle angle position as the sole input, the output audio would be inconsistent with the volume of naturally occurring engine sounds output at engine speed. Similarly, if throttle angle position were used as the sole input, the output sound would appear almost instantly, without delay, which is inconsistent with vehicle behavior.

[0074] In some implementations, the sound enhancement system 100 can use a combination of measured airflow volume and / or velocity and other sensor data to generate an audio signal that better matches vehicle behavior. The various sensor data can be weighted to further improve the accuracy and precision of the audio signal compared to natural engine sounds and to match corresponding vehicle behavior and responses.

[0075] Figure 6 Indicates use Figure 1An illustrative graph illustrates the effect of a downshift in the transmission 124 gear on the audio generated when the engine sound enhancement system 100 is in operation. Line 602 represents the gear of the transmission 124 of the vehicle 102. Approximately at the 3.75 second mark, indicated as point 604, the transmission 124 downshifts. One or more shift paddles 126 may have received user input directing the paddle to downshift. By downshifting, the transmission 124 shifts to a lower gear and increases the engine speed, as indicated by line 606, which may increase the engine speed and airflow into the engine 122. When using measurements of the amount and / or rate of airflow, such as shown by line 610, the sound enhancement system 100 can better reflect vehicle behavior. Line 608 represents the audio output when using measurements of the amount and / or rate of airflow, which better reflects line 606 representing engine speed than other factors. For example, line 612, representing the audio generated based on pedal angle position, shows only minimal changes when a downshift occurs.

[0076] When the one or more paddle shifters 126 downshift the transmission 124, the amount of airflow entering the engine 122 increases, and the corresponding audio generated and output also increases, as shown by lines 610 and 608, respectively. The one or more paddle shifters 126 downshift at point 604, and as a result, the amount and / or rate of airflow increases at point 614, indicating an increase in airflow entering the engine 122. Thus, due to the increase in airflow and the resulting increase in engine torque, the sound enhancement system 100 can adjust the output audio to reflect the downshift by increasing the volume of the audio signal to be generated, converted, and output as audio to simulate or enhance the engine sound (as shown at point 616), thereby matching the vehicle's behavior and / or response.

[0077] When one or more paddle shifters 126 upshift the transmission 124, the amount of airflow entering the engine 122 may decrease, and as a result, the amount and / or rate of airflow may decrease. Thus, due to the reduction in airflow and the resulting reduction in engine torque, the sound enhancement system 100 may adjust the audio to reflect the upshift by reducing the volume of the audio signal generated, converted, and output as audio to simulate the engine sound, thereby matching the vehicle's behavior and / or response.

[0078] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are disclosed by way of illustration. Thus, the terms used herein should be interpreted in a non-limiting manner, and although slight modifications of the teachings herein may occur to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that all such embodiments that reasonably fall within the scope of the advance in the prior art to which the present disclosure contributes are intended to be limited within the scope of the issued patents, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited except in light of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A vehicle sound enhancement system comprising: an air flow sensor configured to measure air flow into an engine of the vehicle; an electronic control unit coupled to the airflow sensor, the electronic control unit being configured to: Determine the amount or rate of airflow into a vehicle engine, determining a timing for outputting an audio signal that simulates or enhances engine sounds based on when the amount or rate of airflow into the vehicle engine exceeds a threshold amount or rate, and generating an audio signal based on airflow into an engine of the vehicle; and An audio device is configured to output the audio signal based on the determined timing to output the audio signal.

2. The sound enhancement system of claim 1 , further comprising: a speed sensor configured to measure a rotational speed of an engine of the vehicle; and a throttle sensor configured to detect a position of an engine throttle; The electronic control unit is configured to generate the audio signal further based on a speed of a vehicle engine and a position of an engine throttle.

3. The sound enhancement system of claim 1 , further comprising: an accelerator pedal sensor configured to measure a position of an accelerator pedal of the vehicle; Wherein the electronic control unit is configured to generate the audio signal further based on a position of an accelerator pedal.

4. The sound enhancement system of claim 1 , further comprising: one or more paddle shifters configured to upshift or downshift a gear of a transmission of the vehicle into a gear; The electronic control unit is configured to generate the audio signal further based on the gear position.

5. The sound enhancement system of claim 1 , wherein the electronic control unit is configured to determine the magnitude of the audio signal, wherein an increase in airflow into the engine corresponds to an increase in the magnitude of the audio signal and a decrease in airflow into the engine corresponds to a decrease in the magnitude of the audio signal.

6. The sound enhancement system of claim 5, wherein the audio device is a speaker inside a vehicle, the speaker being configured to output the sound converted from the audio signal to the interior of the vehicle.

7. The sound enhancement system of claim 6, wherein an increase in the magnitude of the audio signal corresponds to an increase in the volume of the sound output via the speaker, and a decrease in the magnitude of the audio signal corresponds to a decrease in the volume of the sound output via the speaker.

8. The sound enhancement system of claim 1 , wherein the electronic control unit is configured to: When an amount or rate of airflow into the vehicle engine exceeds a threshold amount or rate, it is determined that the audio signal should be output.

9. The sound enhancement system of claim 1, wherein the audio signal is generated independent of depression of an accelerator pedal of the vehicle.

10. A vehicle engine sound enhancement system comprising: an air flow sensor configured to measure air flow into an engine of the vehicle; an electronic control unit coupled to the airflow sensor, the electronic control unit being configured to: Based on the airflow entering the engine, the size of the audio signal to be output to simulate or enhance the engine sound of the vehicle is determined, Determine the amount or rate of airflow into a vehicle engine, determining a timing for outputting the audio signal based on when an amount or rate of airflow into the vehicle engine exceeds a threshold amount or rate, and generating the audio signal based on the determined magnitude; and A speaker is placed inside a vehicle, the speaker being configured to output the audio signal based on the determined timing of outputting the audio signal.

11. The engine sound enhancement system of claim 10, wherein the audio signal is generated independent of depression of an accelerator pedal of the vehicle.

12. The engine sound enhancement system of claim 10, further comprising: a speed sensor configured to measure a rotational speed of an engine of the vehicle; and a torque sensor configured to measure an amount of engine torque; The electronic control unit is configured to determine the magnitude of the audio signal further based on a rotational speed of a vehicle engine and an amount of engine torque.

13. The engine sound enhancement system of claim 10, further comprising: an accelerator pedal sensor configured to measure a position of an accelerator pedal of the vehicle; The electronic control unit is configured to determine the magnitude of the audio signal further based on a position of an accelerator pedal.

14. The engine sound enhancement system of claim 10, further comprising: one or more paddle shifters configured to upshift or downshift a gear of a transmission of the vehicle into a gear; The electronic control unit is configured to determine the magnitude of the audio signal further based on the gear of the transmission.

15. The engine sound enhancement system of claim 10, wherein an increase in airflow into the engine corresponds to an increase in the magnitude of the audio signal and a decrease in airflow into the engine corresponds to a decrease in the magnitude of the audio signal.

16. The engine sound enhancement system of claim 10, wherein an increase in the magnitude of the audio signal corresponds to an increase in the volume of the audio signal output via the speaker, and a decrease in the magnitude of the audio signal corresponds to a decrease in the volume of the audio signal output via the speaker.

17. The engine sound enhancement system of claim 10, wherein the electronic control unit is configured to: When an amount or rate of airflow into the vehicle engine exceeds a threshold amount or rate, it is determined that the audio signal should be output.

18. A method for outputting engine sound, comprising: Using an airflow sensor, measuring the amount or rate of airflow into the vehicle engine; determining, by a processor, a magnitude of an audio signal to be generated that simulates or enhances an engine sound of the vehicle based on an amount or rate of airflow entering the engine; determining, by a processor, a timing for outputting the audio signal based on when an amount or rate of airflow into an engine of the vehicle exceeds a threshold amount or rate; generating, by a processor, the audio signal based on the determined magnitude; and The audio signal is output via a speaker placed inside the vehicle based on the determined timing to output the audio signal.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: obtaining, by the processor, one or more signals from one or more paddle shifters to change a gear position of a transmission of the vehicle; and The processor also determines the magnitude of the audio signal based on the gear position of the transmission.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the audio signal is generated independent of depression of an accelerator pedal of the vehicle.

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