System and apparatus for generating vibrations of a vehicle seat in synchronization with music

Abstract

A system and apparatus for generating vibrations of a vehicle seat synchronized with music output from an audio device, the system and apparatus using an electric motor included in the seat to adjust the seat in forward and backward directions and in upward and downward directions, the system comprising: an electric motor multi-control circuit configured to receive signals from a seat position adjustment switch and an audio switch, generate a drive current required to vibrate the seat, and output the drive current to the electric motor. The electric motor receives signals from the electric motor multi-control circuit and generates motor torque while being driven, and the generated motor torque is transmitted to the seat to generate the target vibration in the seat.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a system and apparatus for generating vibrations of a vehicle seat synchronized with music, and more specifically, to a system and apparatus for generating vibrations of a vehicle seat synchronized with music to actively generate vibrations in the seat of a vehicle synchronized with music output from an audio device, said system and apparatus using an electric motor included in the seat to adjust the seat in forward and backward directions and in upward and downward directions. Background Technology

[0002] There exists a technology for forcibly vibrating the seats of a vehicle as needed in order to draw the attention of the occupants or prevent fatigue driving.

[0003] Traditionally, in order to generate the desired vibration in a vehicle seat, a separate actuator is used to generate the vibration of the seat.

[0004] That is, electro-dynamic actuators, pneumatic actuators, etc. are installed inside the seat cushion or seat frame to generate the desired vibration in the vehicle seat according to the environment.

[0005] However, using a separate actuator to generate seat vibrations increases the vehicle's weight and cost.

[0006] In the case of a vibrating seat, a motor is installed in the seat that needs to adjust the seat in the forward and backward directions as well as the upward and downward directions. Therefore, when an additional separate actuator is installed in the seat to generate seat vibration, the weight and cost of the vehicle increase significantly.

[0007] It should be understood that the matters described above in the prior art are merely for the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the background of this disclosure and should not be considered as prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This disclosure is made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the object of this disclosure is to provide a system and apparatus for generating vibrations in a vehicle seat synchronized with music, the system and apparatus being used to generate vibrations in the seat by adjusting the seat in the forward and backward directions and in the upward and downward directions using an electric motor included in the seat, and for actively generating vibrations in the vehicle seat synchronized with music output from an audio device included in the vehicle, thereby avoiding the need for a separate actuator to vibrate the seat, thus preventing increased weight and cost, and since the vibrations are provided to the seat in sync with the music signal, the occupant advantageously feels lively, happy and safe.

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the above and other objectives can be achieved by providing a system for generating vibrations of a vehicle seat synchronized with music output from an audio device. This system uses an electric motor disposed in the seat to adjust the seat in forward and backward directions and in upward and downward directions. The system includes: an electric motor multi-control circuit configured to receive signals from a seat position adjustment switch and an audio switch to generate a drive current required to vibrate the seat, and then output the drive current to the electric motor, wherein the electric motor receives signals from the electric motor multi-control circuit and generates motor torque while being driven, the generated motor torque being transmitted to the seat to generate a target vibration within the seat.

[0010] The motor torque generated by the electric motor can be transmitted to the seat track via a track crossbar used to connect the electric motor and the seat track, and then to the seat coupled to the seat track.

[0011] Vibrations generated from the seat can be created by adding beats to a specific frequency band to produce vibrations that are synchronized with the music output from the vehicle's audio system.

[0012] The seat can rotate as it vibrates due to the motor torque output from the electric motor.

[0013] The electric motor multi-control circuit may include: a signal processor configured to receive signals from a seat position adjustment switch and an audio switch to generate target signals for controlling the seat position and for generating seat vibration, respectively; to combine the target signals for controlling the seat position and for generating seat vibration into a single target signal; and to generate a target current required to vibrate the seat; a proportional-integral (PI) controller configured to perform PI control using the target current generated by the signal processor and a feedback current from the motor; a pulse-width modulation (PWM) controller configured to calculate a PWM control signal using signals transmitted through the PI controller; an electric motor driver configured to output a drive current for driving the electric motor based on the PWM control signal; and a motor control circuit power unit configured to supply the power required for the operation of the PI controller.

[0014] The signal processor may include: a processor for a target signal for controlling the position of the seat, configured to receive a signal from a seat position adjustment switch, extract a direct current (DC) component, and generate a target signal for controlling the position of the seat; a processor for a target signal for generating seat vibration, configured to receive a signal from an audio switch, extract an alternating current (AC) component, and generate a target signal for generating seat vibration; and a target signal synthesizer configured to combine the target signal for controlling the position of the seat and the target signal for generating seat vibration into a single target signal to generate a target current required to vibrate the seat, and then output the target current to a PI controller.

[0015] When the signals from the seat position adjustment switch and the audio switch are simultaneously input to the signal processor, the processor for the target signal used to control the seat position can extract and use the DC component of the signal, and the processor for the target signal used to generate seat vibration can extract and use the AC component of the signal. Thus, the signals from the seat position adjustment switch and the audio switch can be processed independently without interference, and the two functions can be executed independently.

[0016] A processor for generating a target signal of seat vibration may include: an input unit configured to receive music output from an audio device in a vehicle; a mode setting unit configured to automatically or manually select and set a mode for applying signal processing parameters suitable for the type of received music; a frequency mapping unit configured to map high-frequency music to a human-perceptible low-frequency vibration signal according to the type of music selected by the mode setting unit; a frequency filter unit configured to perform filtering to exclude, reduce, or increase signals in a specific frequency band from the mapped low-frequency vibration signal; an envelope application unit configured to convert the envelope of the signal transmitted through the frequency filter unit within a time range according to the selected type of music to generate strong and weak parts of the beat; and an output unit configured to generate a music-associated vibration signal transmitted through the envelope application unit and output the generated signal to a target signal synthesizer.

[0017] The music type input to the input unit can include dance music, folk music, and classical music. When the mode setting unit automatically sets the mode, it can detect the characteristics of the music by performing a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis on the initial part of the music signal in real time, and then automatically select any type of music from dance music, folk music, and classical music.

[0018] The music type input to the input unit can include dance music, folk music, and classical music, and when the mode setting unit manually sets the mode, the user can directly or manually select any type of music from dance music, folk music, and classical music.

[0019] The PI controller can be a circuit configured to receive the result obtained by subtracting the feedback current value received by the electric motor from the target current value generated by the signal processor, in order to perform PI control and output current.

[0020] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided for generating vibrations of a vehicle seat synchronized with music. The apparatus includes: an electric motor disposed in the seat for adjusting a seat connected to a seat track in forward and backward directions and in upward and downward directions; a track crossbar configured to connect the electric motor to the seat track; and an electric motor multi-control circuit connected to an audio device of the vehicle, the audio device being configured to output music via a communication line. The electric motor multi-control circuit is configured to receive an audio signal, generate a drive current required to vibrate the seat, and then output the drive current to the electric motor, wherein the motor torque of the electric motor is transmitted to the seat and simultaneously generates vibration and rotation, wherein vibration is generated from the seat by adding a beat for generating vibrations in a specific frequency band synchronized with the music output from the audio device. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become clearer from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a system and apparatus for generating vibrations of a seat synchronized with music, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A bottom view;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of the signal flow of a system for generating vibrations of a seat synchronized with music, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a signal processor and a processor for generating a vibration target signal for a seat, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation algorithm of a signal processor according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 6This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a processor for generating a target signal for seat vibration according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0028] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of signal flow with respect to a PI controller according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0029] In the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure disclosed herein, the specific structural and functional descriptions are shown only for the purpose of illustrating embodiments of this disclosure, and the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented in many forms and are not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0030] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can be modified and implemented in various forms, wherein illustrative embodiments of this disclosure are shown. However, the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein, and any changes, equivalents, or alternatives to the spirit and scope of this disclosure should be understood to fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0031] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the teachings of this disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element and a second element may be referred to as a first element.

[0032] It should be understood that when a component (such as a layer, region, or substrate) is referred to as "on another component," "connected to another component," or "coupled to another component," the component may be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other component, or there may be intermediate components. Conversely, when a component is referred to as "directly on another component or layer," "directly connected to another component or layer," or "directly coupled to another component or layer," there are no intermediate components or layers. Other terms used to describe relationships between components or layers should be interpreted in a similar manner, such as "between" and "directly between," "adjacent" and "directly adjacent," etc.

[0033] The terminology used in this specification is intended to explain specific exemplary embodiments and not to limit this disclosure. Therefore, singular expressions in this specification include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, the terms "comprising" or "including" may be interpreted as referring to a particular feature, number, step, operation, component element or combination thereof, but not as excluding the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, component elements or combinations thereof.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should also be understood that terms (e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries) shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0035] The controller (control device) according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure may be implemented by a processor (not shown) configured to perform the operations described below using data stored in a non-volatile memory (not shown) and a corresponding memory, the non-volatile memory and the corresponding memory being configured to store data about algorithms for controlling the operation of various components of the vehicle or software commands for reproducing the algorithms. Here, the memory and the processor may be implemented in separate chips. Alternatively, the memory and the processor may be implemented in a single integrated chip. The processor may be configured as one or more processors.

[0036] In the following, a system and apparatus for generating vibrations of a vehicle seat synchronized with music, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] According to this disclosure, such as Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the vehicle's seat 1 can be connected to a seat rail 2, which in turn can be connected to a rail crossbar 3. An electric motor 4 can be coupled to the rail crossbar 3 and may include an electric motor multi-control circuit 5 configured to transmit electrical signals.

[0038] The electric motor multi-control circuit 5 can be connected to the audio switch 601 of the audio device 6 included in the vehicle via a wired or wireless communication line 602 to transmit music signals.

[0039] The electric motor multi-control circuit 5 can be configured to receive signals from the seat position adjustment switch 701 for adjusting the seat 1 in the forward and backward directions as well as in the up and down directions.

[0040] An electric motor 4 can be installed in the seat 1 and can be used to adjust the seat 1 in the forward and backward directions as well as in the upward and downward directions. According to this disclosure, the electric motor 4 can adjust the position of the seat 1 and can also simultaneously generate desired vibrations and rotations of the vehicle's seat 1 in sync with music provided by the vehicle's audio device 6.

[0041] That is, the drive current for operating the electric motor 4 can be determined in the following manner: the vehicle's audio device 6 receives music signals via a wired or wireless communication line 602; the electric motor multi-control circuit 5 generates the desired vibration in the seat 1; and when the drive current drives the electric motor 4, it generates motor torque T. e At this time, the motor torque can be transmitted to the seat rail 2 through the rail crossbar 3, and can be continuously transmitted to the seat 1 connected to the seat rail 2, thus generating the desired vibration and rotation simultaneously in the seat 1 of the vehicle.

[0042] In this case, by adding a specific beat in a specific frequency band to generate vibrations synchronized with the music output from the vehicle's audio device 6, the vibrations generated in the seat 1 can be set to match the music reproduced by the vehicle's audio device 6.

[0043] Reference Figure 3 Describe the configuration and signal flow of the multi-control circuit 5 for the electric motor.

[0044] When a user manipulates the seat position adjustment switch 701 to adjust the position of the vehicle seat 1 or manipulates the audio switch 601 to select music to listen to music, the signals from the seat position adjustment switch 701 and the audio switch 601 can be input to the signal processor 51. The signal processor 51 can generate a target current by forming a target signal for controlling the seat position and a target signal for generating seat vibration, and synthesizing the formed target signal. The current for driving the electric motor 4 can then be output through the PI controller 52, the PWM controller 53 and the electric motor driver 54.

[0045] Here, the target signal for controlling the position of the seat can be used by extracting the DC component (low-frequency component) of the signal, and the target signal for generating the vibration of the seat can be used by extracting the AC component (high-frequency component) of the signal. Therefore, even if the two signals are input at the same time, the two functions can be performed independently without interference between the two signals.

[0046] The electric motor multi-control circuit 5 can be a circuit unit for synthesizing a target signal for generating a target vibration and outputting a drive current for controlling the electric motor 4, and may include the following components: a signal processor 51, which receives signals from the seat position adjustment switch 701 and the audio switch 601 to generate a target signal for controlling the seat position and a target signal for generating seat vibration, respectively, combines the target signal for controlling the seat position and the target signal for generating seat vibration into a single target signal, and then generates the target current required to vibrate the seat 1; and a PI controller 52, which uses the target current value I generated by the signal processor 51.ref The system includes a proportional and integral (PI) control unit 52 for performing proportional and integral (PI) control based on the feedback current value I from the electric motor 4; a PWM controller 53 for calculating a pulse width modulation (PWM) control signal using the signal transmitted through the PI controller 52; an electric motor driver 54 for outputting a drive current for driving the electric motor 4 based on the PWM control signal; and a motor control circuit power unit 55 for supplying the power required for the operation of the PI controller 52.

[0047] When the occupant adjusts the position of the vehicle seat 1 or selects music, the signal processor 51, as the first component of the electric motor multi-control circuit 5, can receive information thereon to form a target signal for controlling the position of the seat and a target signal for generating vibration of the seat, and synthesize the target signals to generate a target current.

[0048] PI controller 52 can receive the target current value I transmitted from signal processor 51. ref The circuit that subtracts the feedback current value I received from the electric motor 4 and controls the output current via proportional-integral (PI) control, the PI controller 52 may include a PI controller for the motor and an RL circuit, and the signal flow may be... Figure 7 The transfer function of the current controller can be expressed using Equation 1 below, and the coefficients P and K... p and I coefficient K i The desired control characteristics can be obtained by setting the poles and zeros while maintaining the motor constants R and L. Figure 7 middle, I ref It is a current command, where I is current, R is resistance, and L is inductance.

[0049] [Equation 1]

[0050]

[0051] The PWM controller 53 can be a circuit used to digitally control the switching device of the electric motor driver 54 to input the desired current to the windings of the electric motor 4. The pulse width modulation (PWM) control method can be a method commonly used to regulate the speed of a DC motor by repeatedly supplying and interrupting the power supply to the motor at finely spaced time intervals. The process of forming a PWM signal will be described below. When a signal corresponding to a triangular wave or sawtooth wave is input to one side of the comparator, and a signal (reference signal) used to control the PWM duty cycle value is input to the other side, a square wave PWM signal can be formed by transmitting these two signals through the comparator.

[0052] The electric motor driver 54 may include a gate drive circuit and a motor drive circuit. The gate drive circuit can digitally control the switching device according to each PWM input signal, and the motor drive circuit can drive the motor with a current sufficient to drive the motor according to the control result.

[0053] The motor control circuit power unit 55 can be a circuit used to supply the power required for the operation of the PI controller 52.

[0054] Reference Figure 4 The detailed configuration and signal flow of the signal processor 51 included in the electric motor multi-control circuit 5 are described.

[0055] The signal processor 51 may include: a processor 512 for a target signal for controlling the position of the seat, for generating a target signal for controlling the position of the seat by receiving a signal from the seat position adjustment switch 701 and extracting a DC component; a processor 514 for generating a target signal for vibrating the seat, for generating a target signal for vibrating the seat by receiving a signal from the audio switch 601 and extracting an AC component; and a target signal synthesizer 515 for combining the target signal for controlling the position of the seat and the target signal for vibrating the seat into a single target signal, and then generating a target current required for vibrating the seat, and outputting the target current to the PI controller 52.

[0056] When a seat operation signal is received via the seat position adjustment switch 701, the seat position control signal generator 702 can generate a target signal for moving the seat position. The seat position control signal collector 511, which is a component of the signal processor 51, can receive the target signal and then transmit the target signal to the target signal processor 512 for controlling the seat position. The target signal processor 512 for controlling the seat position can extract the DC component and transmit the signal back to the target signal synthesizer 515.

[0057] When music to be vibrated, generated from the audio output terminal, is selected by manipulating the audio switch 601 and transmitted via the wired or wireless communication line 602, the audio signal collector 513, a component of the signal processor 51, can receive the music and then transmit it to the processor 514 for generating a target signal for the vibration of the seat. The processor 514 for generating the target signal for the vibration of the seat can extract the AC component and transmit the signal back to the target signal synthesizer 515.

[0058] The target signal synthesizer 515 can synthesize signals received from the processor 512, which is used to control the position of the seat, and signals received from the processor 514, which is used to generate the vibration of the seat. The synthesized signal can then be output to the PI controller 52.

[0059] In this disclosure, the seat position control signal collector 511, processors 512 and 514, audio signal collector 513, and target signal synthesizer 515 are processors programmed to perform various functions, such as a CPU, or are embedded in the signal processor 51 as a computing device. However, this is not limited to processors, but these devices can be any type of computer, control circuit, etc., with memory known in the field of computing.

[0060] Reference Figure 5 Describe the operation algorithm of signal processor 51.

[0061] First, when a seat position control signal (S1) is received, the processor 512 for the target signal used to control the position of the seat can configure the target signal and extract only the DC component (S2, diagram on the left of operation S2), and can add current gain to the target signal (S3).

[0062] Then, when an audio signal is received (S4), the processor 514, which is used to generate a target signal for the vibration of the seat, can be configured to generate a target signal for the vibration of the seat, and can extract only the AC component (S5, illustration to the right of operation S5), and can add current gain to the target signal (S6).

[0063] For reference, no specific algorithm is required to configure the target signal of processor 512 for controlling the position of the seat, but a specific algorithm is required in processor 514 for generating the target signal for the vibration of the seat, which will be referred to below. Figure 6 Describe it.

[0064] When the target signal for controlling the position of the seat and the target signal for generating the vibration of the seat are synthesized within the time range (each target signal is given a current gain) (S7), the target current with DC and AC components can be obtained as shown in the diagram on the right side of operation S7, and the value can be transmitted to the PI controller 52 (S8).

[0065] For reference, when the seat position adjustment switch 701 is not operated, control can be performed using only the target signal used to generate seat vibration, and even if the seat position control signal and the audio signal are input simultaneously, the AC and DC components of the target signal can be distinguished from each other, and thus the two signals can be processed independently without interference between them, and the two functions can be controlled to be executed independently.

[0066] like Figure 4 As shown, the processor 514, which is the core component of the signal processor 51 and is used to generate the target signal of the seat vibration, may include an input unit 5141, a mode setting unit 5142, a frequency mapping unit 5143, a frequency filter unit 5144, an envelope application unit 5145, and an output unit 5146. In this disclosure, the input unit 5141, the mode setting unit 5142, the frequency mapping unit 5143, the frequency filter unit 5144, the envelope application unit 5145, and the output unit 5146 may be hardware or a computing device such as a processor, or they may be integrated into a control unit.

[0067] That is, the processor 514 for generating the target signal of seat vibration may include: an input unit 5141 for receiving music output from the vehicle's audio device 6; a mode setting unit 5142 for automatically or manually selecting and setting a mode for applying signal processing parameters to apply signal processing parameters suitable for the type of received music; a frequency mapping unit 5143 for mapping high-frequency music to human-perceptible low-frequency vibration signals according to the type of music selected by the mode setting unit 5142; a frequency filter unit 5144 for performing filtering to exclude, reduce, or increase signals in a specific frequency band from the mapped low-frequency vibration signals; an envelope application unit 5145 for converting the envelope of the signal transmitted through the frequency filter unit 5144 within a time range according to the selected type of music to generate strong and weak parts of the beat; and an output unit 5146 for generating the music-associated vibration signal transmitted through the envelope application unit 5145 and outputting the generated signal to the target signal synthesizer 515.

[0068] The music types input to input unit 5141 can include dance music, folk music, and classical music.

[0069] When the mode setting unit 5142 automatically sets the mode, it can detect the characteristics of the music by performing a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis on the initial part of the music signal in real time, and then automatically select any type of music among dance music, folk music and classical music. When the mode setting unit 5142 manually sets the mode, the user can directly and manually select any type of music among dance music, folk music and classical music.

[0070] Reference Figure 6 The operating algorithm of processor 514 for generating a target signal for seat vibration is described.

[0071] First, the music signal of the vehicle's audio device 6 can be input through the input unit 5141 (S11), and an appropriate mode can be set according to the characteristics of the music (S12).

[0072] Mode settings can be performed automatically or manually. In automatic mode, the characteristics of the music can be detected by performing a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis on the initial part of the music signal in real time, and then the appropriate mode can be selected automatically. In manual mode, the user can directly select the appropriate type of music by pressing a button.

[0073] For example, music type 1 can be dance music, music type 2 can be folk music, and music type 3 can be classical music (S13).

[0074] Based on the set pattern, frequency mapping can first be performed appropriately for music type 1, music type 2 and music type 3 (S14).

[0075] For example, music sampled at 44kHz may have a maximum frequency of 22kHz, but vibrations that are actually perceptible to humans have a maximum frequency of only a few hundred Hz, and therefore a mapping process can be performed to reduce all frequencies to about 1 / 50 of the original frequencies.

[0076] Then, for each type of music (i.e., music type 1, music type 2, and music type 3), a specific frequency band can be eliminated or emphasized again from the frequency-mapped signal using a filter (S15).

[0077] For example, in dance music with a strong beat, only 200Hz or less can be used, and lower frequency signals can be given greater weight.

[0078] Then, the strong and weak parts of the beat can be generated by adding the envelope of the signal transmitted through the filter to the time band again (S16).

[0079] For example, a strong beat for achieving a modulation effect can be formed by changing dance music to a vibration signal with a fast gradient envelope, and a weak beat can be formed by changing folk music to a vibration signal with a slow gradient envelope.

[0080] Thus, when the method is executed up to the above operation (S16), the target signal for generating the vibration of the seat can be generated in sync with the music (S17), only the AC component can be extracted from the target signal for generating the vibration of the seat (S18), and the target signal for generating the vibration of the seat and the target signal for controlling the position of the seat can be synthesized together and then transmitted to the PI controller 52.

[0081] As described above, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, by using an electric motor 4 included in the seat 1 to adjust the seat 1 in the forward and backward directions as well as in the upward and downward directions, the desired vibration and rotation can be generated simultaneously in the seat of the vehicle, and thus the need for a separate actuator to vibrate the seat can be eliminated, thereby advantageously preventing an increase in weight and cost.

[0082] According to this disclosure, vibrations synchronized with music input via an audio device 6 included in the vehicle can be actively generated in the vehicle seat 1, thus allowing the occupant to be advantageously comfortable and safe.

[0083] In the system and apparatus for generating vibrations of a seat in a vehicle synchronized with music according to the present disclosure, by using a motor included in the seat to adjust the seat 1 in the forward and backward directions and in the upward and downward directions, the desired vibrations and rotations in the vehicle seat can be generated simultaneously, and thus the need for a separate actuator to vibrate the seat can be eliminated, thereby advantageously preventing an increase in weight and cost.

[0084] According to this disclosure, vibrations synchronized with music input via an audio device included in the vehicle can be actively generated in the vehicle's seats, thus allowing occupants to feel advantageously comfortable and safe.

[0085] While exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, additions, and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure as disclosed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for generating vibrations of a vehicle seat synchronized with music output from an audio device, the system using an electric motor disposed in the seat to adjust the seat in forward and backward directions and in upward and downward directions, the system comprising: The electric motor multi-control circuit is configured as follows: Receives signals from the seat position adjustment switch and the audio switch. The drive current required to generate vibration in the seat, and The drive current is output to the electric motor. The electric motor receives the drive current from the electric motor multi-control circuit and generates motor torque while being driven. The generated motor torque is transmitted to the seat to produce the target vibration in the seat; The electric motor multi-control circuit includes a signal processor, which is configured to... The system receives the signals from the seat position adjustment switch and the audio switch to generate a first target signal for controlling the position of the seat and a second target signal for generating vibrations in the seat, respectively. The first target signal and the second target signal are combined into a single target signal. The target current required to generate vibration in the seat; The signal processor includes a second processor for generating the second target signal of the seat vibration, the second processor being configured to input a music signal from the vehicle; setting an appropriate mode according to the characteristics of the music; in the case of an automatic mode setting, detecting the characteristics of the music by performing a fast Fourier transform analysis on the initial portion of the music signal in real time, and then automatically selecting an appropriate mode; performing frequency mapping for different music modes according to the selected mode; for each music mode, filtering out or emphasizing specific frequency bands from the frequency-mapped signal again; generating strong and weak parts of the beat by adding the envelope of the signal transmitted through the filter to the time band again; and generating a vibration signal synchronized with the music.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The motor torque generated by the electric motor is transmitted to the seat rail via a cross rail, and then to the seat mounted on the seat rail, the cross rail being configured to connect the electric motor and the seat rail.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, Vibrations are generated from the seat by adding a beat in a specific frequency band that is synchronized with the music output from the audio device of the vehicle.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The seat is configured to rotate when it vibrates due to the motor torque output from the electric motor.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The electric motor multi-control circuit includes: A proportional and integral controller is configured to perform proportional and integral control using the target current generated by the signal processor and the feedback current fed back from the electric motor. A pulse width modulation controller is configured to calculate a pulse width modulation control signal using signals transmitted through the proportional and integral controller; An electric motor driver is configured to output a drive current for driving the electric motor according to the pulse width modulation control signal; and The motor control circuit power controller is configured to supply the power required for the operation of the proportional and integral controllers.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein, The signal processor includes: A first signal processor for controlling the position of the seat, the first signal processor being configured to: Receive the signal from the seat position adjustment switch. Extract the DC component, and Generate a first target signal for controlling the position of the seat; A second signal processor for generating the second target signal of the vibration of the seat, the second signal processor being configured to: Receive the signal from the audio switch. Extract the AC component, and Generate a second target signal for generating vibrations in the seat; and The target signal synthesizer is configured as follows: The first target signal used to control the position of the seat and the second target signal used to generate vibration of the seat are combined into the single target signal. The target current required to generate vibration in the seat, and The target current is output to the proportional and integral controller.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein, When the signal from the seat position adjustment switch and the signal from the audio switch are simultaneously input to the signal processor, the first signal processor extracts and uses the DC component of the signal from the seat position adjustment switch and the signal from the audio switch, and the second signal processor extracts and uses the AC component of the signal from the seat position adjustment switch and the signal from the audio switch, so that the first signal processor and the second signal processor process the two signals independently to independently perform the functions of seat position adjustment and vibration generation.

8. The system according to claim 6, wherein, The second signal processor includes: An input unit is configured to receive music output from the audio device of the vehicle; The mode setting unit is configured to automatically or manually select and set a mode for applying signal processing parameters to apply the signal processing parameters suitable for the type of music received. The frequency mapping unit is configured to map high-frequency music to low-frequency vibration signals that can be perceived by the user, according to the type of music selected by the mode setting unit. The frequency filter unit is configured to perform filtering to exclude, reduce, or increase signals in a specific frequency band from the mapped low-frequency vibration signal; An envelope application unit is configured to transform the envelope of the signal transmitted through the frequency filter unit within a time range, based on the selected music genre, to generate the strong and weak parts of the beat; and The output unit is configured to generate a music-related vibration signal transmitted through the envelope application unit and output the generated vibration signal to the target signal synthesizer.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The types of music input to the input unit include dance music, folk music, and classical music, and When the mode setting unit automatically sets the mode, it detects the characteristics of the music by performing a fast Fourier transform analysis on the initial part of the music signal in real time, and then automatically selects any type of music among the dance music, the folk music, and the classical music.

10. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The types of music input to the input unit include dance music, folk music, and classical music, and When the mode setting unit manually sets the mode, the user can manually select any type of music among the dance music, the folk music, and the classical music.

11. The system according to claim 5, wherein, The proportional and integral controller is a circuit configured to receive the result obtained by subtracting the feedback current value received by the electric motor from the target current value generated by the signal processor, in order to perform proportional and integral control and output current.

12. An apparatus for generating vibrations of a vehicle seat synchronized with music, the apparatus comprising: An electric motor is provided in the seat to adjust the seat, which is connected to the seat track, in the forward and backward directions and in the upward and downward directions; A track crossbar is configured to connect the electric motor to the seat track; as well as An electric motor multi-control circuit is connected to the vehicle's audio system, which is configured to output the music via a communication line. The electric motor multi-control circuit is configured to: Receive audio signals, The drive current required to generate vibration in the seat, and The drive current is output to the electric motor. The motor torque of the electric motor is transmitted to the seat to simultaneously generate vibration and rotation. Vibration is generated from the seat by adding a beat that produces vibrations in a specific frequency band synchronized with the music output from the audio device; The electric motor multi-control circuit includes a signal processor, which is configured to... The system receives signals from a seat position adjustment switch and an audio switch to generate a first target signal for controlling the position of the seat and a second target signal for generating vibrations in the seat, respectively. The first target signal and the second target signal are combined into a single target signal. The target current required to generate vibration in the seat; The signal processor includes a second processor for generating the second target signal of the seat vibration, the second processor being configured to input a music signal from the vehicle; setting a mode according to the characteristics of the music; in automatic mode setting, detecting the characteristics of the music by performing a fast Fourier transform analysis on the initial portion of the music signal in real time, and then automatically selecting an appropriate mode; performing frequency mapping for different music types according to the selected mode; for each type of music, filtering out or emphasizing specific frequency bands from the frequency-mapped signal; generating the strong and weak parts of the beat by adding the envelope of the signal transmitted through the filter to the time band again; thereby generating a vibration signal synchronized with the music.

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