Method for outputting a user-specific acoustic signal with an output unit, computer program product and electronic signal processing system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for outputting acoustic signals at an output unit (3) designed for wearing on the ear, the method comprising the following steps: - generating an electronic priority list (8) for different acoustic signals for a user (2) by inputting priority information into an input unit (9); - storing the electronic priority list (8) in a storage unit (5); - generating an acoustic signal using a vehicle (1) in which the user (2) is located; - wirelessly coupling (7) the wearable output unit (3) to an infotainment system (6) of the vehicle (1); - configuring the generated acoustic signal according to the priority list (8), and thereby generating a configured acoustic signal; - transmitting the configured acoustic signal from the infotainment system (6) to the wearable output unit (3), and acoustically outputting the configured acoustic signal at the wearable output unit (3). The present invention also relates to a computer program product and an electronic signal processing system (5).

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a method for acoustically outputting acoustic signals at an acoustic output unit designed for wearing on a user's ear. The invention also relates to a computer program product and an electronic signal processing system.

[0002] The acoustics of a vehicle's interior are complex (basic vehicle noise, external noise, audio entertainment, voice, warning signals, etc.), posing a challenge for people with hearing impairments or those wearing hearing aids. Driving is mentally more demanding for people with hearing impairments than for those without. While typical hearing aids have directional microphones and auditory filters to improve hearing, these introduce limitations within a vehicle. Directional hearing is restricted by the directional microphone on the hearing aid and by the need to look ahead while driving. Interfering noises can overlap, especially with the acoustic information inherent in the vehicle's systems. This can significantly increase cognitive stress for the driver.

[0003] For example, hearing aids can connect to Bluetooth-enabled smartphones or media players.

[0004] Patent document DE 10 2015 012 39 A1 discloses a method for operating a vehicle in a traffic environment, wherein a radio signal containing output data for determining acoustic information relating to objects located in the traffic environment is received from a transmitter outside the vehicle. Based on the output data, an instruction signal is determined and acoustically played.

[0005] Patent document DE 20 2013 006 009 U1 discloses a driver assistance system for a vehicle, wherein at least one acoustic warning or indication signal is output for driver assistance.

[0006] The drawback is that relevant acoustic information, such as traffic warnings, navigation instructions, traffic information, or audio entertainment, cannot be output specifically by the hearing device. Although the hearing device can be set to different acoustic space types through corresponding modes, motor vehicles are acoustic spaces with particularly complex acoustic properties, driven by the external acoustic world and inseparable from interfering noise.

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to directly output relevant acoustic information, such as traffic warnings, navigation instructions, traffic information or audio entertainment signals, through a person's hearing device, so that people with hearing loss can perceive this relevant acoustic information better and more comfortably.

[0008] The aforementioned technical problems are solved by the methods, computer program products, and electronic signal processing systems according to the independent claims. Suitable improvements are derived from the dependent claims.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for acoustically outputting acoustic signals at an acoustic output unit designed for wearing on a user's ear. By having the user input priority information into an input unit, a user-specific electronic priority list is generated for different acoustic signals that may be generated within the vehicle itself, for the user. The electronic priority list is stored in a storage unit and the acoustic signals are generated by the vehicle in which the user is located, equipped with the wearable output unit. The wearable output unit is wirelessly coupled to the vehicle's infotainment system. At least one generated acoustic signal is configured according to the priority list, and the configured acoustic signal is generated by a configuration unit. The configured acoustic signal is transmitted from the infotainment system to the wearable output unit, and the configured acoustic signal is acoustically output at the wearable output unit.

[0010] Using the proposed method, relevant acoustic information, such as vehicle warnings, navigation instructions, traffic information, or audio entertainment signals, can be directly output to the user via a wearable output unit using configured acoustic signals. Therefore, the user can better perceive the configured acoustic signals. By prioritizing relevant acoustic information according to a priority list of acoustic signals, specific and situation-dependent, particularly specialized acoustic signal output to the user can be executed in a particularly advantageous manner. The user can pre-select which acoustic signals and how they will be presented through the wearable output unit using the priority list. Based on the user-specific priority list, the user can pre-determine which subsequently generated acoustic signals are more or less relevant to them. For example, the user can prioritize acoustic signals, making them louder than other information that is less important to them. By wirelessly coupling the wearable output unit to the vehicle's infotainment system, the configured acoustic signals can be directly output to the user at the ear. Therefore, the information content of the acoustic signals can be clearly perceived and acquired by the user.

[0011] For example, wireless coupling is achieved through Bluetooth, WLAN, or other mobile radio standards.

[0012] By outputting acoustic signals to the user's ear using a wearable output unit, the user is not affected by limited directional hearing. In particular, the user is not affected by the location of speakers in the vehicle that can also output these acoustic signals. Therefore, the user can directly receive and perceive the information content of the acoustic signals at their ear. Specifically, this allows acoustic signals to be output to the user while another user in the vehicle cannot hear them.

[0013] For example, wearable output units can be medical hearing devices for people with hearing loss, headphones, earbuds, cone headphones, on-ear headphones, closed-ear headphones, or in-ear headphones. In particular, these variations are designed for wireless coupling with infotainment systems. Wearable output units are worn directly on the user's ears. Furthermore, output units can be placed on both of the user's ears.

[0014] In particular, a user-specific priority list for electronic devices can be automatically stored in a storage unit. This storage unit can be part of an electronic signal processing system or integrated as an add-on module into an infotainment system. A configuration unit can also be part of an electronic signal processing system or integrated as an add-on module into an infotainment system. An infotainment system can be a component of an electronic signal processing system.

[0015] In particular, acoustic signals are generated independently by the vehicle itself. Radio signals or digital radio signals are transmitted to or provided by the vehicle system, and the vehicle or vehicle system thereby generates or produces acoustic signals. Acoustic signals, in particular, contain acoustic information.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is further specified that the acoustic signals in the electronic priority list are characterized in terms of at least one setting of at least one signal parameter of the acoustic signals by using user-specific presets. Alternatively or additionally, user-specific presets of interest order are generated in the electronic priority list, wherein acoustic signals of different signal types should be output. Thus, a priority list is created according to the user's interests. Alternatively or additionally, user-specific presets for outputting multiple different acoustic signals in output formats for at least temporarily simultaneous use are generated in the electronic priority list. Outputting acoustic signals using a wearable output unit allows for a more comprehensive and user-specific approach, enabling output to be user-specific and user-adaptive according to the priority list.

[0017] For example, users can prioritize entertainment signals and / or voice over safety and driving-related information based on their specific preset settings. Therefore, entertainment signals and / or voice are given higher priority and adjusted so that they can be clearly perceived by the user. For example, higher-priority acoustic signals can be output louder to the user. For example, the volume of the acoustic signals can be configured to be output to the user decoupled from the volume of the vehicle's speaker system via a wearable output unit. These examples are not to be construed as conclusive.

[0018] For example, the pitch, frequency, duration, intensity, volume, timbre, or voice broadcast of an acoustic signal can be set according to the user's specific presets as signal parameters. The acoustic signal can thus be output to the user in the manner desired. Information important to the user can thus be better presented and perceived by the user more effectively.

[0019] Based on the order of interest, users can set specific or personalized presets to determine which acoustic signal should be output first. This is also advantageous when multiple acoustic signals from different vehicle systems need to be output to the user simultaneously. The order of interest prioritizes the acoustic signal that appears first in the sequence. For example, different signal types or categories could be acoustic signals from navigation systems, driver assistance systems, infotainment systems, audio systems, or vehicle perception systems. The order of interest can be used to determine whether audio messages, warning sounds, or horn blasts are more important to the user.

[0020] If multiple different acoustic signals are simultaneously output to the user, the output format can be automatically generated based on an electronic priority list. The output format, for example, determines which of the multiple simultaneously output acoustic signals should be better perceived by the user. For instance, one acoustic signal can be output at a significantly higher volume than another. The user can thus perceive multiple acoustic signals simultaneously, but the more important signal is highlighted. This is accomplished, in particular, through an audio program, and specifically, a corresponding module. Similarly, sound programming or sound processing can be performed for this purpose. For example, the output unit can determine whether to continue outputting the radio's acoustic signal, but simultaneously output navigation instructions at a higher volume. The generation of the output format, for example, can be achieved through the audio program module of an electronic signal processing system. Here, the vehicle's audio sources can be output at volumes corresponding to those determined in the priority list. For example, warning tones can be weighted as more important, and for the duration of the warning tone output, other audio sources are reduced in volume relative to the warning tone. Different audio signals can be mixed in real time into an audio output stream. The audio output of this audio output stream is transmitted via Bluetooth to a wearable output unit, where it is output as an acoustic tone to the user.

[0021] Preferably, a user-specific preset electronic priority list, including the user's own settings, is automatically stored in the electronic user profile and explicitly assigned to the user. The user inputs priority information into the electronic input unit, thereby generating the user-specific priority list, which is then explicitly assigned to the user based on their electronic user profile. Therefore, the executed and set user-specific presets can be permanently stored in the electronic user profile within the electronic priority list. Thus, when the electronic priority list is first created and stored in the electronic user profile, it can be automatically retrieved and the electronic priority list provided to the user during future trips or stops within the vehicle. For example, upon entering the vehicle, the user can either automatically access their electronic user profile through the input unit, or the system can automatically identify or recognize the user and automatically provide or retrieve the electronic user profile belonging to the identified user. Therefore, user-specific presets can be retrieved and applied at any time via the electronic priority list.

[0022] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, a separate wearable output unit of a separate user is wirelessly coupled to the infotainment system, wherein the separate user generates a separate priority list for different acoustic signals, and the separate priority list is stored in a separate electronic user profile of the separate user. Therefore, each user, and in particular each occupant of a vehicle, can be assigned their own electronic user profile. In the corresponding electronic user profile, the user or occupant can create and store their own priority list. Thus, an electronic user profile can be assigned to each user or occupant of a vehicle for their wearable output unit.

[0023] For example, at least one first acoustic signal can be configured for a user based on a priority list and the user's electronic user profile, and a second acoustic signal, different from the first acoustic signal, can be configured based on another priority list and another user's electronic user profile. The configured first acoustic signal is output to the user through a wearable output unit, particularly for acoustic perception only by that user. The configured second acoustic signal can be output to another user through another wearable output unit, particularly for acoustic perception only by that user. Therefore, user-specific acoustic signals, especially acoustic information, can be output to each user. Therefore, user-specific acoustic information not determined for other users or other occupants in the vehicle can be output to the user. Therefore, personalized and user-specific acoustic signals can be output to occupants and passengers in the vehicle through their respective wearable output units. For example, information that is determined to be of no interest to the user can thus not be output, so that the user is not affected or disturbed by the information flow.

[0024] In another embodiment of the invention, it is specified that, if necessary, the user's priority list can be adjusted by an electronic signal processing system based on which vehicle seat the user is sitting in within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Specifically, the order of acoustic signals in the priority list is changed, or the number of acoustic signals in the priority list is reduced. The priority list can be specifically adjusted by determining which vehicle seat the user is sitting in. The user's vehicle seat can be detected by means of a detection unit and / or camera system and / or seatbelt recognition system and / or seat occupancy recognition system. Specifically, it can be identified whether the user is in the driver's seat, the front passenger seat, or the rear seat. Specific acoustic signals and / or acoustic information can be provided to the user based on their position in the vehicle. Especially if the user is in the driver's seat, the user receives more information via acoustic signals than other occupants of the vehicle. For example, vehicle warnings and / or vehicle status data and / or vehicle status information and / or navigation instructions and / or traffic information are provided to the driver of the vehicle, as they need this information to control the vehicle. Acoustic information from a voice dialogue system, telephone system, radio system, or infotainment system is released to other occupants (front passenger and / or rear passenger).

[0025] Specifically, acoustic signals can be released or blocked based on the user's position in the passenger compartment. Depending on whether the user is the front passenger or the driver, the acoustic signals can be automatically adjusted or changed in order of priority on the priority list. In particular, the driver of the vehicle receives a greater number of acoustic signals on the priority list than the front passenger. The front passenger and / or other occupants in the back seat of the vehicle receive fewer acoustic signals on the priority list than the driver. Therefore, acoustic signals can be adapted to the importance or priority of users within the vehicle.

[0026] Preferably, in safety-related situations while the vehicle is moving forward, or in a safety-related vehicle state, an acoustic signal is generated by the vehicle system, independent of a priority list, and transmitted to a wearable output unit for acoustic output. Thus, in unpredictable situations and / or in current critical traffic situations and / or in current critical vehicle states, an acoustic signal can be generated and output to the user through the wearable output unit, independent of the user's specific presets. For example, a safety-related vehicle state and / or a safety-related situation could be damage and / or defects in the vehicle system or vehicle components (engine failure or tire blowout) or danger along the vehicle's route. This information is currently more important than the user's priority acoustic signals. Therefore, this specific acoustic signal is output to the user immediately and without delay through the wearable output unit. Alternatively, the currently output acoustic signal can be interrupted and only this specifically generated acoustic signal can be output, or at least the volume of the already output acoustic signal can be reduced so that the currently generated acoustic signal can be effectively perceived by the user.

[0027] Preferably, the wearable output unit is configured as a digital hearing device, wherein a configured acoustic signal is output directly and personalized to the user's ear via the digital hearing device. Therefore, individuals with hearing impairment and / or impaired sound perception can have acoustic signals directly output via the digital hearing device. Consequently, individuals with hearing impairment can better perceive sound information, such as vehicle warnings, navigation instructions, traffic information, or audio entertainment signals. In particular, personalized volume for different acoustic signals can be better output via the user's hearing device. Specifically, the configured acoustic signals can be specifically provided for the hearing device output in terms of volume. The output of these configured acoustic signals is particularly decoupled from the acoustic signals of the vehicle's speaker system.

[0028] For example, a "behind-the-ear" device called an HDO device can be used. Similarly, an "intra-ear" device that is fully inserted into the auditory canal can also be used. Digital hearing devices, in particular, are electro-hearing devices with electronic circuit boards or computing units. With the help of digital hearing devices, acoustic signals can be configured to be output directly and personalized to the ear.

[0029] Preferably, the acoustic signals within the passenger compartment of the vehicle are recorded using a microphone system of the vehicle. The recorded acoustic signals are configured according to a priority list, and the configured acoustic signals are transmitted to a wearable output unit for acoustic output. Therefore, sounds or acoustic signals inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle can be recorded. After recording these acoustic signals, they are appropriately processed and configured so that the acoustic signals within the passenger compartment can be output to the user via the wearable output unit. Particularly advantageous is that acoustic signals in the rear seats of the passenger compartment are not readily perceptible to the driver and / or front passenger. Therefore, the acoustic signals can be recorded and processed so that the driver or front passenger can better perceive the acoustic signals through the wearable output unit.

[0030] This is especially beneficial for people with hearing impairments. Here, voice and / or acoustic signals from the rear seat can be recorded by a microphone system and acoustically output to the user via a wearable output device, especially a digital hearing aid.

[0031] Another aspect of the invention relates to a computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method designed according to the foregoing aspects or improvements thereof. In particular, the aforementioned method is performed using this computer program product. Specifically, the corresponding computer program product is software for an infotainment system in a vehicle. Furthermore, the computer program product can be integrated into the infotainment system of a vehicle as a hearing device.

[0032] Another aspect of the invention relates to an electronic signal processing system comprising a configuration unit, a priority unit, and a storage unit, wherein the electronic signal processing system is designed to execute a method according to one of the foregoing aspects or a modification thereof. In particular, the aforementioned method is executed by this electronic signal processing system.

[0033] The present invention even includes combinations of features of the described embodiments.

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention are described below. In the accompanying drawings:

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with an infotainment system is shown;

[0036] Figure 2 Showing integration in Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the electronic signal processing system in an infotainment system.

[0037] The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the present invention. In these embodiments, the components of the embodiments are individual, unrelated features of the present invention, which also independently improve the present invention and thus constitute components of the present invention individually or in a manner different from the combinations shown. Furthermore, the embodiments can also be supplemented by other features of the present invention already described.

[0038] Elements with the same function in the attached figures are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0039] Figure 1 The image shows a vehicle 1 in which user 2 is located. Specifically, user 2 can drive using vehicle 1. This vehicle 1 is, in particular, a motor vehicle. With the aid of vehicle 1, user 2 can drive in real road traffic.

[0040] For example, user 2 can wear a wearable output unit 3 on user 2's ear. In particular, the wearable output unit 3 can be an output unit designed to be worn on user 2's ear. The wearable output unit 3 can be, for example, headphones or digital or electronic hearing devices for people with hearing loss. Acoustic signals can be output to user 2 by means of the wearable output unit 3.

[0041] For example, an electronic user profile 4 can be assigned to user 2. The electronic user profile 4 can involve user-specific and user-specific settings. In particular, the electronic user profile 4 can be stored in a storage unit 5. For example, the storage unit 5 can be a server, a data cloud, or a storage unit of vehicle 1. The storage unit 5 can also be part of the infotainment system 6 of the vehicle.

[0042] The following Figure 2 The electronic signal processing system 5 is specifically shown, and the configured acoustic signal can be specifically acoustically output to the user 2 by the wearable output unit 3 through the electronic signal processing system.

[0043] Specifically, the electronic signal processing system 5 is integrated into the infotainment system 6 of the vehicle 1, or vice versa. Here, the electronic signal processing system 5 may have different software modules and / or other modules, which are integrated into the infotainment system 6 and, in particular, into the software of the infotainment system 6.

[0044] In embodiments of the method for acoustically outputting acoustic signals at output unit 3, a wireless coupling 7 between the wearable output unit 3 and the infotainment system 6 is particularly implemented. This can be a first step. However, it is not necessarily the first step. Here, this can be achieved via Bluetooth or WLAN connection. In particular, coupling 7 is achieved via a radio connection between output unit 3 and infotainment system 6.

[0045] Before or after the output unit 3 of user 2 is coupled to the infotainment system 6, user 2 can generate a user-specific electronic priority list 8. Through the user-specific electronic priority list 8, user 2 can assign priority information to different acoustic signals. Therefore, different acoustic signals can be prioritized by user 2. Specifically, the generation of priority list 8 is achieved by user 2 inputting priority information into input unit 9. For example, input unit 9 can be a display unit in vehicle 1, a wearable communication terminal (smartphone or tablet), or a web application. Different acoustic signals are particularly acoustic signals generated within vehicle 1 itself. Specifically, acoustic signals are acoustically output by vehicle systems and / or vehicle audio systems and / or vehicle speakers. For example, acoustic signals are generated by vehicle 1 itself based on radio signals. Specifically, acoustic signals are generated by vehicle 1 in a manner selected by user 2 using its output unit 3.

[0046] The generated electronic priority list 8 is automatically stored in the storage unit 5 after being entered in the input unit 9. The electronic priority list 8 may include user-specific presets for user 2 and is additionally stored in user 2's electronic user profile 4. Therefore, the generated priority list 8 can be retrieved and considered for user 2's future applications in the vehicle 1.

[0047] For example, different audio signals can be assigned to specific audio sources T1-T6. Audio source T1 could be a warning sound from a vehicle 1. Audio source T2 could be the sound of a driver assistance system. Audio source T3 could be a voice communication system. Audio source T4 could be, for example, navigation broadcasts from a navigation system in vehicle 1. Audio source T5 could be broadcast / media entertainment content. Audio source T6 could be, for example, telephone calls or video calls. Here, user 2 can specifically assign priorities to the acoustic signals of audio sources T1-T6 via input unit 9 and incorporate them into the output for output unit 3.

[0048] In particular, the acoustic signal arrangement priority can be automatically determined based on the priority unit 10 of the electronic signal processing system 5. Here, for example, the priority unit 10 can consider the stored priority list 8 and the electronic user profile 4.

[0049] Through the electronic configuration unit 11, and particularly the electronic signal processing system 5, at least one acoustic signal, or generated acoustic signal, can be configured according to the priority list 8. In this way, the configured acoustic signal can be generated, in particular, by the configuration unit 11. The configured acoustic signal is generated, in particular, according to user-specific presets of user 2, which are represented by the priority list 8. The configured acoustic signal can be transmitted from the infotainment system 6, and particularly from the communication unit of the infotainment system 6, to the wearable output unit 3 via wireless coupling 7. The transmitted configured acoustic signal can then be acoustically output to user 2 through the wearable output unit 3. In particular, the configured acoustic signal is output in such a way that the acoustic signal can be perceived acoustically by user 2 essentially only.

[0050] In particular, the acoustic signals can be prioritized by user 2 or by priority unit 10 in the electronic priority list 8 via user-specific presets for at least one setting of at least one signal parameter of the acoustic signal. For example, user 2 can set the volume, level, or pitch of the acoustic signal via the touchscreen of vehicle 1. In particular, the acoustic signals can be specifically set by user 2 or priority unit 10 via signal parameters such as pitch, duration, volume, intensity, or timbre of the acoustic signal. In particular, user 2 can personalize or pre-configure or set acoustic signals that are of higher value to them.

[0051] Similarly, the electronic priority list 8 can generate user-specific presets for the order of interest, where acoustic signals of different types or categories are output according to the user's position of interest. User 2 can thus determine the order in which the different acoustic signals should be output. In particular, the acoustic signals with the highest priority should be output to user 2 first via output unit 3. For example, in the order of interest, audio sources T1-T6 can be set in terms of their volume ratio. For example, user 2 can set safety and driving-related information to take priority over entertainment information. Therefore, traffic warning sounds and / or traffic information can be output first.

[0052] Similarly, the electronic priority list 8 can generate user-specific presets for outputting multiple different acoustic signals simultaneously, at least temporarily. For example, an audio output stream can be generated in real time by mixing multiple acoustic signals. This generated audio output stream can be output via output unit 3 as multiple acoustic signal output formats. Signal mixing is particularly achieved here. The generation of the output format is achieved via the audio processing module 12 of the electronic signal processing system 5. For example, broadcast acoustic signals and navigation instructions from a navigation system can be simultaneously output to user 2 via output unit 3. Here, according to priority, one acoustic signal is output stronger or clearer than another. Specifically, the volume of a higher-priority acoustic signal can be greater than the volume of another acoustic signal. Therefore, important acoustic information is output in the foreground, while lower-priority acoustic information continues to be output quietly in parallel in the background.

[0053] In particular, the signal processing system 5 has safety functions. Here, when a safety-related situation arises while the vehicle 1 is in motion, or when the vehicle 1 is in a safety-related state, the vehicle system 13 of the vehicle 1 can generate a specific acoustic signal independent of the priority list 8 and / or the electronic user profile 4. This is especially true in unforeseen dangerous situations in the vehicle 1 or its environment. For example, vehicle conditions (engine temperature or engine condition) can also be considered. Similarly, dangerous situations while traveling along the vehicle 1 can be considered. This safety-critical information allows the electronic signal processing system 5, and especially the vehicle system 13, to output a specific acoustic signal independent of the acoustic signal currently output by the output unit 3. In particular, the priority list 8 can be bypassed here. Here, either the currently output acoustic signal can be completely interrupted, or these acoustic signals can be moved into the background, so that the acoustic signal adapted to the current safety-related situation can be immediately and clearly communicated and output to the user 3.

[0054] Similarly feasible is that another wearable output unit of another user 15 is wirelessly coupled to the infotainment system 6. Particularly feasible is that any number of output units of any user within the vehicle 1 are coupled to the infotainment system 5. Different acoustic signals can be output to different users in the vehicle via corresponding output units. In particular, another user 15 can generate a separate priority list for different acoustic signals. Here, compared to user 2, the other user 15 can prioritize acoustic signals in a different manner. This separate priority list can be stored in another electronic user profile of user 15. In particular, at least one first acoustic signal can be configured for user 2 based on the priority list and in priority list 8 and user profile 4 of user 2's electronic system, and output to user 2 via wearable output unit 3, especially for acoustic perception only by him / her. For this purpose, a second acoustic signal different from the first acoustic signal can be configured based on the separate priority list 8 and user profile of another electronic system of user 15. The second acoustic signal can be output to the other user 15 via the separate acoustic output unit, especially for acoustic perception only by him / her. The additional priority list and additional electronic user profiles can also be stored in storage unit 5.

[0055] Through the electronic signal processing system 5, the priority list 8 for users 2 and 15 can be adjusted according to which vehicle seat 16 users 2 and 15 are sitting in the passenger compartment 17. Specifically, the priority list 8 is adjusted based on whether user 2 is the driver or co-driver in vehicle 1. The priority list 8 is adjusted according to the user's seating position in the passenger compartment 17. This can be done dynamically and automatically by the priority unit 10. The detection of user 2's position in the passenger compartment 17 can be performed, in particular, by the detection unit 18. The detection unit 18 can be, for example, a camera system, an interior space camera, an observation camera, a sensor system, or a radio vehicle key. Similarly, identification can be manually input by user 2 through the input unit 9. Based on the position of users 2 and 15 within vehicle 1, the order of acoustic signals in the priority list 8 can be changed, or the number of acoustic signals in the priority list 8 can be reduced. This is particularly relevant when decisive and / or important information about vehicle 1 and / or its route only concerns the vehicle driver. Other passengers of vehicle 1 do not need to be informed of this information. For example, information related to safety and driving is only communicated to the vehicle driver. Only entertainment or radio signals and / or telephone calls are communicated to the front passenger or other passengers in vehicle 1. Warning sounds and / or warning signals are specifically designated for the vehicle driver. This ensures, in particular, that people inside vehicle 1 are not overwhelmed and / or distracted by unnecessary information.

[0056] Another embodiment specifies that acoustic signals within the vehicle interior space or passenger compartment 17 of the vehicle 1 are recorded by the vehicle's microphone system 19.

[0057] In particular, the microphone system 19 can be a microphone for the vehicle 1 or a microphone for the infotainment system 6. The microphone system 19 can, for example, record the voice conversations of the vehicle occupants in the rear seat. This can be optimized or processed accordingly by the electronic storage unit 5, so that these acoustic signals or acoustic information of the voice conversations are output to the user 2 through the output unit 3 without perceptible delay. This is particularly advantageous if people in the front area of ​​the vehicle, especially the driver or front passenger, cannot clearly understand what the people in the rear seat are saying due to external noise or other interference. This allows for better communication between people in the front and rear areas of the vehicle.

[0058] In another embodiment, the audio signal output by the infotainment system 6 through the speaker 20 of the infotainment system 6 can be directly transmitted to the output unit 3. Therefore, the audio signal of the infotainment system 6 can be directly transmitted to the output unit 3 through the speaker 20 and provided to the user 2.

[0059] A particular advantage of this invention is that the wearable output unit 3 is provided as a digital hearing device. The digital hearing device is either a "behind-the-ear" (HDO) device or an "in-the-ear" device. Therefore, while the vehicle 1 is in motion or parked, the hearing-impaired person can be provided with better acoustic perception of relevant information, such as vehicle warnings, navigation instructions, traffic information, or audio entertainment signals. In particular, the user 2, wearing the hearing device 21 on one or both ears, can prioritize acoustic signals to ensure the most efficient and safe driving of the vehicle 1. Through the digital hearing device 21, configured acoustic signals can be output directly and personalized to the user 2's ears. For example, the electronic signal processing system 5 can be integrated into the infotainment system 6 using the hearing device mode. Therefore, the hearing-impaired person can use the vehicle 1 or drive it more efficiently, comfortably, and with exceptional safety. In particular, the acoustic signal output by the hearing device 21 of the user 2 wearing the hearing device 21 on the ear is not affected by the limited directional hearing related to the speaker position of the speaker 20 of the infotainment system 6.

[0060] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0061] 1. Transportation

[0062] 2 users

[0063] 3 Wearable output unit

[0064] 4. Electronic User Profiles

[0065] 5 storage units

[0066] 6. Infotainment System

[0067] 7 Wireless coupling

[0068] 8. Priority List

[0069] 9 Input Unit

[0070] 10 Priority Units

[0071] 11 Configuration Unit

[0072] 12 Audio Processing Modules

[0073] 13 Transportation System

[0074] 14 Additional wearable output units

[0075] 15 Other users

[0076] 16. Vehicle seats

[0077] 17 Passenger Cabin

[0078] 18 detection units

[0079] 19 Microphone System

[0080] 20 speakers

[0081] 21 Digital hearing devices

Claims

1. A method for acoustically outputting acoustic signals at an output unit (3) designed to be worn on the ear of a user (2) in a rule-based manner, in which method the following steps are carried out: - a user-specific, electronic priority list (8) is created for different acoustic signals for the user (2) which can be produced in the vehicle (1) itself by the user (2) inputting priority information into an input unit (9), whereby the user (2) can assign priority information to the different acoustic signals; - the electronic priority list (8) is stored in a storage unit (5); - acoustic signals are produced by the vehicle (1) in which the user (2) with the wearable output unit (3) is located; - the wearable output unit (3) is wirelessly coupled (7) to an infotainment system (6) of the vehicle (1); - configuring the at least one generated acoustic signal according to the priority list (8) and generating a configured acoustic signal by a configuration unit (11) in this way, wherein - the configured acoustic signals are output acoustically at the wearable output unit (3) in accordance with the user-specific preset of the user (2), which is represented by the priority list (8); - the configured acoustic signals are transmitted from the infotainment system (6) to the wearable output unit (3) and output acoustically at the wearable output unit (3).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein - in the electronic priority list (8), the acoustic signals are characterized by a user-specific preset in terms of at least one setting of at least one signal parameter of the acoustic signals, and / or - in the electronic priority list (8), a user-specific preset of an order of interest is created in which acoustic signals with different signal types are to be output, and / or - in the electronic priority list (8), a user-specific preset of an output format is created for at least temporarily simultaneously outputting a plurality of different acoustic signals.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The electronic priority list (8) containing the user-specific preset of the user (2) is automatically stored in an electronic user profile (4) which explicitly corresponds to this user (2).

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, A further wearable output unit (3) of a further user (15) is wirelessly coupled to the infotainment system (6), wherein the further user (15) creates a further priority list for different acoustic signals and the further priority list is stored in a further electronic user profile of the further user (15).

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, The priority list (8) of the user (2, 15) is adjusted, if necessary, by an electronic signal processing system (4) in terms of which vehicle seat (16) the user (2, 15) is sitting in the passenger compartment (17) of the vehicle (1), in particular changing the order of the acoustic signals in the priority list (8) or reducing the number of acoustic signals in the priority list (8).

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, In the case of safety-relevant situations while the vehicle (1) is driving forward, or in safety-relevant vehicle states of the vehicle (1), acoustic signals are produced by a vehicle system (13) of the vehicle (1) independently of the priority list (8) and transmitted to the wearable output unit (3) for acoustic output.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein, The wearable output unit (3, 14) is prepared as a digital hearing device (21), wherein the configured acoustic signal is directly and individually output to the user (2, 15) at the ear of the user (2, 15) by the digital hearing device (21).

8. The method of claim 1, wherein, The acoustic signals within the passenger compartment (17) of the vehicle (1) are recorded using a microphone system (19) of the vehicle (1), wherein the recorded acoustic signals are configured according to a priority list (8), and the configured acoustic signals are transmitted to the wearable output unit (3) for acoustic output.

9. A computer program product comprising commands which, when the program is executed by a computer, enable the method according to one of claims 1 to 8 to be performed.

10. An electronic signal processing system (4) having a configuration unit (11), a priority unit (10) and a storage unit (5), wherein The electronic signal processing system (4) is designed to perform the method according to one of claims 1 to 8. The electronic signal processing system (4) is designed to perform the method according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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