Method for outputting audio signal, car machine and storage medium

Abstract

The application discloses a method, an in-vehicle infotainment and a storage medium for outputting an audio signal. The method is performed by the in-vehicle infotainment and can include: assigning at least first to sixth predetermined audio signals with different audio types to first to fourth paths correspondingly; associating the first to fourth paths with first to fourth audio output terminals respectively; and in response to receiving an instruction for outputting an audio signal, outputting the audio signal by a corresponding audio output terminal among the first to fourth audio output terminals based on the type of the audio signal. According to the scheme of the application, more types of audio signals can be output by the in-vehicle media center only through software improvement without changing the original hardware structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the fields of in-vehicle media and audio output, and more specifically, to methods for outputting audio signals, in-vehicle systems, and storage media. Background Technology

[0002] An in-vehicle media center is a device installed in a vehicle to provide information or entertainment to the user. Typically, an in-vehicle media center includes a head unit with a built-in amplifier that provides audio signals to the user.

[0003] With the development of information technology, the demand for multimedia services and other services involving audio signals is increasing, for example, the types of audio signals to be presented are becoming more diverse. To meet this demand, the audio output terminals of the built-in amplifier in the vehicle's infotainment system can be increased to provide more types of audio signals. However, modifying vehicle hardware faces enormous cost pressures. In fact, system-on-a-chip (SoC) manufacturers typically do not add more integrated circuits to the built-in audio bus of a particular chip model; however, external amplifier manufacturers require more stereo outputs. Specifically, taking the iMX6 chip as an example, SoC manufacturers typically do not add more I2S buses in hardware; more precisely, the vehicle's infotainment system actually only has two stereo output terminals, but external amplifier manufacturers may require six stereo outputs, making it impossible to truly meet the requirements of external amplifier manufacturers in terms of hardware.

[0004] Therefore, it is particularly important to increase the types of audio signals that can be output by the in-vehicle media center without changing the hardware structure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a method, vehicle unit, and storage medium for outputting audio signals suitable for in-vehicle media centers, which overcomes at least one of the aforementioned defects in the prior art.

[0006] One aspect of this application provides a method for outputting audio signals, executed by a vehicle-mounted system, the vehicle-mounted system including first to fourth audio output terminals, the audio signals including at least six predetermined audio signals of different audio types, the third predetermined audio signal among the six predetermined audio signals being a stereo signal, characterized in that the method includes: assigning first and second predetermined audio signals among the six predetermined audio signals to a first path; assigning a first channel signal of the third predetermined audio signal to the first path and assigning a second channel signal of the third predetermined audio signal to a second path; assigning a fourth predetermined audio signal to a third path; assigning fifth and sixth predetermined audio signals to a fourth path; associating the first to fourth paths with the first to fourth audio output terminals respectively; and, in response to receiving an instruction for outputting audio signals, outputting audio signals from the corresponding audio output terminals among the first to fourth audio output terminals based on the type of the audio signals.

[0007] In some alternative embodiments, the first and second predetermined audio signals may include a variety of mono signals that are mutually exclusive with the stereo signal.

[0008] In some alternative embodiments, the fourth predetermined audio signal may have a first stream type; the fifth and sixth predetermined audio signals may have other stream types different from the first stream type.

[0009] In some alternative embodiments, outputting an audio signal from a corresponding audio output terminal may include: identifying the stream type of the audio signal in response to determining that the type of the audio signal belongs to one of the fourth to sixth predetermined audio signals; and setting the output volume corresponding to the fourth path to 0 in response to the determined stream type being a first stream type.

[0010] In some alternative embodiments, outputting an audio signal from a corresponding audio output terminal may include: transmitting the audio signal to an external power amplifier via the corresponding audio output terminal for audio output via the external power amplifier.

[0011] In some alternative embodiments, the external power amplifier can be connected to the vehicle's infotainment system via a CAN bus.

[0012] In some alternative embodiments, outputting an audio signal from a corresponding audio output terminal may include: in response to a successful application for audio focus for a specific audio type among the first to sixth predetermined audio signals, issuing a channel via a CAN bus to an external amplifier for enabling the corresponding audio input terminal of the external amplifier; and outputting the audio signal to the external amplifier via the enabled channel through the corresponding audio output terminal.

[0013] The second aspect of this application provides a storage medium that can be read by a computer and stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform the method described in the first aspect.

[0014] The present application provides a vehicle infotainment system that may include: first to fourth audio output terminals, a memory capable of being read by a computer and storing instructions; and a processor configured to execute instructions to perform the method described in accordance with the first aspect.

[0015] By adopting the technical solution of this application, more types of audio signals can be output from the in-vehicle media center without changing the original hardware structure. For example, based on the original number of audio output terminals, the vehicle unit can output more types of audio signals, thereby making it compatible with external amplifiers that require outputting more types of audio signals. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Other features, objects, and advantages of this application will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the audio signal output from an in-vehicle media center according to relevant technologies.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for outputting an audio signal according to a first embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 3 It is shown in Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the relationship between the first to sixth predetermined audio signals, the first to fourth paths, and the first to fourth audio output terminals in the method shown.

[0020] Figure 4 This shows the execution Figure 2 The diagram shows a block diagram of the in-vehicle media center of the method shown.

[0021] Figure 5 It is shown by Figure 4 The in-vehicle media center shown in the image performs... Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating a specific example of the method shown.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for outputting an audio signal according to a second embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 7 It is shown in Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the relationship between the first to sixth predetermined audio signals, the first to fourth paths, the first to fourth audio output terminals, and the first to fourth power amplifier input terminals in the method shown.

[0024] Figure 8 This shows the execution Figure 6 The diagram shows a block diagram of the in-vehicle media center of the method shown.

[0025] Figure 9A It is shown Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the connections between some modules of the in-vehicle media center; Figure 9B It is shown Figure 9A The diagram shows the configuration of the external power amplifier.

[0026] Figures 10A to 10C It shows the results of the separate... Figure 8 The in-vehicle media center shown in the image performs... Figure 7 The diagram illustrates three scenarios of the method shown. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The various aspects of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in order to provide a better understanding of this application.

[0028] It should be understood that these specific descriptions are merely illustrative of exemplary embodiments or examples of this application and do not limit the scope of this application. For example, one or more specific cases may be selected as examples for ease of explanation, but the content described for these specific cases can be equally applied to other possible cases that were not selected.

[0029] Throughout this specification and in all the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding reference numerals denote the same or corresponding elements. Furthermore, to avoid unnecessarily downplaying the subject matter, only parts relevant to the technical subject may be shown in the drawings. Additionally, for ease of explanation, the dimensions and shapes of some elements, components, or parts may be exaggerated. Therefore, it should be understood that the drawings are illustrative only and are not necessarily exhaustive or strictly to scale.

[0030] Furthermore, the order in which the steps appear in this disclosure does not refer to their actual order of execution. On the contrary, these steps can be executed in different orders or simultaneously.

[0031] For ease of understanding, the subject matter and application scenarios of this application are first summarized below. This application relates to a method for outputting audio signals, an in-vehicle infotainment system, and a storage medium. The method can be executed in an in-vehicle infotainment system constituting a vehicle media center or part thereof. Accordingly, the storage medium storing instructions for executing these methods can be a storage medium implemented in the in-vehicle infotainment system. For example, the function of outputting audio signals from the in-vehicle infotainment system and / or further outputting the audio signals from the in-vehicle infotainment system to an external amplifier and having the external amplifier output the audio signals can be achieved through computer-executable instructions stored in the storage medium. The main focus of this application is to improve the software without changing the hardware structure, thereby enabling the output of more types of audio signals and / or adaptation to external amplifiers that require the output of more types of audio signals, based on the original hardware structure of the in-vehicle infotainment system, such as four audio output terminals.

[0032] The following will refer to Figures 1 to 10C The present application is further described in conjunction with embodiments.

[0033] First, for ease of understanding, we will combine Figure 1 Briefly describe the audio output method of the in-vehicle media center based on relevant technologies. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the audio signal output from an in-vehicle media center according to relevant technologies.

[0034] To better explain the audio output method of the in-vehicle media center based on the relevant technology, a brief description of the main hardware structure involved will be given first. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the in-vehicle media center 10 according to related technologies may include a vehicle-mounted unit, which may have a built-in amplifier, also referred to as a built-in amplifier. It should be understood that "built-in" or "inside" here does not necessarily mean that these components are located "inside" the housing of the vehicle-mounted unit, but rather that these components are integral with the housing of the vehicle-mounted unit rather than being separately disposed relative to the housing. For example, these components may also include those partially disposed on the "surface" of the housing of the vehicle-mounted unit or partially exposed through the housing of the vehicle-mounted unit.

[0035] An integrated amplifier can be implemented as a digital signal processor (DSP) amplifier; in this case, it can also be called an integrated DSP. A DSP amplifier uses a DSP chip to optimize and manage audio parameters through digital signal processing algorithms, and is capable of converting two-channel stereo signals into multi-channel surround sound signals. An integrated amplifier may have, for example, four audio output terminals, namely the first to fourth audio output terminals. These audio output terminals can be connected, for example, wired or wirelessly, to speakers located inside or outside the vehicle's head unit. The audio signals output through these audio output terminals can then be further transmitted to the corresponding speakers for playback.

[0036] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the in-vehicle infotainment system can have four built-in speakers corresponding to the first to fourth audio output terminals of the built-in DSP: left front FL, right front FR, left rear RL, and right rear RR. The first and second audio output terminals corresponding to the left front FL and right front FR form a first stereo output terminal, and the third and fourth audio output terminals corresponding to the left rear RL and right rear RR form a second stereo output terminal. The built-in DSP can control the audio signals to play stereo sound and sound field through the left front FL, right front FR, left rear RL, and right rear RR, thereby achieving a surround sound effect in the vehicle.

[0037] Next, we will combine Figures 2 to 5 This application describes a method for outputting audio signals and a corresponding in-vehicle media center according to a first embodiment. According to the embodiments of this application, it is possible to output, for example, six types of audio signals based on a conventional hardware structure with only two stereo output terminals.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for outputting an audio signal according to a first embodiment of this application.

[0039] and combination Figure 1 Similar to the described in-vehicle media center 10, the in-vehicle media center according to the first embodiment of this application includes a vehicle-mounted unit, which is provided with first to fourth audio output terminals. (The following will be combined with...) Figure 3 Detailed description.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the method 200 for outputting audio signals according to the first embodiment of this application can be configured to output at least six predetermined audio signals with different audio types, namely the first to the sixth predetermined audio signals.

[0041] Specifically, in step S202, the first and second predetermined audio signals are assigned to the first path, the first channel signal of the third predetermined audio signal is assigned to the first path, the second channel signal of the third predetermined audio signal is assigned to the second path, the fourth predetermined audio signal is assigned to the third path, and the fifth and sixth predetermined audio signals are assigned to the fourth path; the third predetermined audio signal can be a stereo signal. For example, at least six predetermined audio signals can be assigned to four paths. Since the third predetermined audio signal is a stereo signal, it can include, for example, two channel signals assigned to the first and second paths respectively, such as a left channel signal and a right channel signal.

[0042] As mentioned above, the order in which the steps of allocating the audio signal appear does not refer to their actual execution order. On the contrary, these steps can be executed in different orders or simultaneously.

[0043] In step S204, the first to fourth paths are associated with the first to fourth audio output terminals, respectively. In step S204, the four paths can be associated with the four audio output terminals respectively. That is, at least six predetermined audio signals, four paths, and the four audio output terminals of the built-in power amplifier can be matched, associated, or mapped to each other.

[0044] To better understand, the following example uses the allocation of six predetermined audio signals, combined with... Figure 3 The mapping relationship is explained using a diagram. Figure 3 It is shown in Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the relationship between the first to sixth predetermined audio signals, the first to fourth paths, and the first to fourth audio output terminals in the method shown.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, a first predetermined audio signal Type1, a second predetermined audio signal Type2, and a third predetermined audio signal Type3 can be assigned to a first path Path1, and the first path Path1 can be associated with a first audio output terminal DSP_OUT1; the third predetermined audio signal Type3 can be assigned to a second path Path2, and the second path Path2 can be associated with a second audio output terminal DSP_OUT2; the fourth predetermined audio signal Type4 can be assigned to a third path Path3, and the third path Path3 can be associated with a third audio output terminal DSP_OUT3; and the fifth predetermined audio signal Type5 and the sixth predetermined audio signal Type6 can be assigned to a fourth path Path4, and the fourth path Path4 can be associated with a fourth audio output terminal DSP_OUT4. The third predetermined audio signal Type3 can be a stereo signal.

[0046] In other words, the first predetermined audio signal Type1, the second predetermined audio signal Type2, and the third predetermined audio signal Type3 can correspond to the first path Path1, and thus to the first audio output terminal DSP_OUT1; the third predetermined audio signal Type3 can correspond to the second path Path2, and thus to the second audio output terminal DSP_OUT2; the fourth predetermined audio signal Type4 can correspond to the third path Path3, and thus to the third audio output terminal DSP_OUT3; the fifth predetermined audio signal Type5 and the sixth predetermined audio signal Type6 can correspond to the fourth path Path4, and thus to the fourth audio output terminal DSP_OUT4.

[0047] For the first path Path1 and the second path Path2, three types of predetermined audio signals can be output based on whether the audio signal is mono or stereo output.

[0048] For example, one of the left and right channel signals of the third predetermined audio signal Type 3, which is a stereo signal, can be assigned to the first path Path 1, while the other of the left and right channel signals of the third predetermined audio signal Type 3 can be assigned to the second path Path 2. Furthermore, the first and second predetermined audio signals Type 1 and Type 2 can include various mono signals that are mutually exclusive with the stereo signal.

[0049] Stereo signals can include music. Music here can be understood as song-based services, such as those provided by a music app, or other multimedia services that may involve music, such as video services, video services provided by short video apps, karaoke apps, and similar services. Mono signals can include telephone calls and voice. Telephone calls can be, for example, via Bluetooth, and can be, for example, at least one of cellular phones, voice calls, video calls, etc. Voice can be human voice or a mimicking of human voice, such as the voice emitted by intelligent voice assistant services (e.g., "Xiaodu"), audiobook services, and the voice emitted by in-vehicle media centers during other interactions with the user, etc. However, these are merely examples and not limitations.

[0050] In this configuration, both telephone and voice calls are in mono volume, while only music is output in stereo, and voice and telephone calls are played independently of music. Therefore, the predetermined audio signals for these three audio types can be assigned to the first path Path1 and the second path Path2, meaning they can share the first stereo path.

[0051] For the third path Path3 and the fourth path Path4, the three audio types of predetermined audio signals can be output based on whether the audio signal is a predetermined stream type.

[0052] For example, the fourth predetermined audio signal Type4 may have a first stream type; the fifth and sixth predetermined audio signals Type5 and Type6 may have other stream types different from the first stream type. Thus, the matching result in step S206 indicates that the audio signal type belongs to one of the fourth to sixth predetermined audio signals Type4 to Type6. That is, in response to determining that the audio signal type belongs to one of the fourth to sixth predetermined audio signals Type4 to Type6, the stream type of the audio signal can be identified; and in response to the determined stream type being the first stream type, the output volume corresponding to the fourth path Path4 can be set to 0. When the host computer module 404 is implemented as an upper-layer application, the stream type determination can be performed in the upper-layer application using, for example, the AudioTrack function. For example, in response to determining in the AudioTrack function that the stream type of the audio signal to be played is the first stream type, the setVolume function in the AudioTrack function is used to set the volume corresponding to the fourth path Path4 to 0.

[0053] The first audio type can be, for example, a voice type. Correspondingly, for example, the fourth predetermined audio signal Type4 can include navigation, and the fifth and sixth predetermined audio signals Type5 and Type6 can include system prompts and safety alerts. In this case, the third path Path3 (i.e., the left channel of the second stereo) can be assigned to the navigation output, and the fourth path Path4 (i.e., the right channel of the second stereo) can be assigned to the system prompts and safety alerts.

[0054] In step S206, in response to receiving an instruction to output an audio signal, an audio signal is output from the corresponding audio output terminal among the first to fourth audio output terminals based on the type of the audio signal. For example, the type of the audio signal can be matched with the audio types of the first to sixth predetermined audio signals according to the mapping relationship described above, and the corresponding audio output terminal can be determined based on the matching result.

[0055] The following will combine Figure 4 This describes an in-vehicle media center corresponding to the aforementioned method 200 for outputting audio signals. Figure 4 This shows the execution Figure 2 The diagram shows a block diagram of the in-vehicle media center of the method shown.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, the in-vehicle media center 100-1 for performing method 200 may include a vehicle unit 402, and the vehicle unit 402 may be equipped with a host computer module 404, a slave computer module 406, an output module 408, and an operation module 410.

[0057] and combination Figure 1 Similar to that described in the in-vehicle media center 10 shown, the vehicle infotainment system 402 may include a housing, and the host computer module 404, the slave computer module 406, the output module 408, and the operation module 410 are built into the housing of the vehicle infotainment system 402. Here, "built into" includes all possible cases where the housing of the vehicle infotainment system 402 is not separately provided, for example, these components are completely arranged in the housing, disposed on the surface of the housing, or partially exposed through the housing, etc.

[0058] The host computer module 404, also known as the audio strategy module, is a software module responsible for handling the distribution logic and can be implemented as, for example, an upper-layer application. The host computer module 404 can interact with the user and the lower-level computer module 406. The lower-level computer module 406 controls the corresponding hardware, such as a built-in DSP and an external DSP described later, according to the instructions from the host computer module 404. The lower-level computer module 406 can be implemented as, for example, a microcontroller unit (MCU).

[0059] The host computer module 404 can receive instructions for outputting audio signals generated internally based on predetermined algorithms or rules without user intervention, and can also receive instructions for outputting audio signals issued by the user via the operation module 410. For example, the user can input through the operation module 410, and the user's input can be sent to the host computer module 404 via the operation module 410, thereby allowing the host computer module 404 to know the user's needs. Specifically, for example, the operation module 410 can be implemented as at least one of a control panel, voice input device, smart control panel, button, soft key, etc., for the user to input commands. However, these are merely examples and not limitations.

[0060] After the host computer module 404 learns the user's needs, it can send control commands to the slave computer module 406. Upon receiving the control commands, which are in the form of, for example, analog signals, from the host computer module 404, the slave computer module 406 can convert the received commands into digital signals, perform a series of processing steps, and then send the processed execution commands to various execution modules, such as the output module 408. For example, the execution module of the output module 408, upon receiving the execution commands, performs the corresponding operations based on the received commands. Furthermore, the interaction between the host computer module 404 and the slave computer module 406 can be bidirectional.

[0061] Output module 408 may include a built-in amplifier (not shown separately) integrated into the vehicle's infotainment system. The built-in amplifier may include first to fourth audio output terminals DSP_OUT1 to DSP_OUT4. In a first embodiment, the first to fourth audio output terminals DSP_OUT1 to DSP_OUT4 may be associated with or correspond to, for example, multiple speakers (e.g., built-in or external speakers). In this case, the first to fourth audio output terminals DSP_OUT1 to DSP_OUT4 may further transmit audio signals to their respective associated speakers, and the sound may be played by the respective speakers.

[0062] The following is based on Figure 4 The in-vehicle media center 100-1 shown in the figure is implemented Figure 2 The method 200 for outputting audio signals shown is explained below. Since the specific execution of each step has already been described in the preceding text... Figure 2 Steps S202 to S206 of method 200 shown will be explained in detail, and repeated descriptions will be omitted here.

[0063] The host computer module 404 can pre-assign at least six predetermined audio signals of different audio types (e.g., the first predetermined audio signal Type1 to the sixth predetermined audio signal Type6) to the first path Path1 to the fourth path Path4 accordingly (this step is related to...). Figure 2 (This corresponds to step S202 in the previous step). Afterwards, the host computer module 404 can issue association commands to the slave computer module 406 to associate the first path Path1 to the fourth path Path4 with the first audio output terminals DSP_OUT1 to the fourth audio output terminals DSP_OUT4 respectively. Upon receiving the association commands, the slave computer module 406 can issue association commands to associate the first path Path1 to the fourth path Path4 with the first audio output terminals DSP_OUT1 to the fourth audio output terminals DSP_OUT4 respectively (this step corresponds to step S202 in the previous step). Figure 2 (This corresponds to step S204 in the text). These steps can be performed in advance before the user makes input, for example, they can be pre-set before the vehicle leaves the factory or is delivered to the user for use; however, this is only an example and not a limitation.

[0064] When a user uses an audio-related service, the user can input information via the operation module 410. The host computer module 404 then receives the user's instruction or request to output a certain audio signal. The host computer module 404 matches the type of the audio signal with the first to sixth predetermined audio signals Type1 to Type6, and based on the matching result, determines which path (i.e., the corresponding path) among the first path Path1 to the fourth path Path4 to assign the audio signal to, and determines which audio output terminal (i.e., the corresponding audio output terminal) among the first audio output terminal DSP_OUT1 to the fourth audio output terminal DSP_OUT4 to output the audio signal. The host computer module 404 issues an output command indicating assignment to the corresponding path and / or output of the audio signal from the corresponding audio output terminal to the slave computer module 406. The slave computer module 406 processes the received output command and sends the corresponding processed output command to the output module 408. After receiving the processed output command, the processed output command outputs the audio signal from the corresponding audio output terminal (this step is related to...). Figure 2 (corresponding to step S206 in the text).

[0065] The following is combined with Figure 5 The specific examples shown illustrate the explanation by Figure 4 The in-vehicle media center 100-1 shown in the figure is implemented Figure 2 The process of method 200 shown.

[0066] Figure 5 It is shown by Figure 4 The in-vehicle media center shown in the image performs... Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating a specific example of the method shown. It should be understood that... Figure 5 Only some components relevant to the explanation are shown schematically; other details not shown can be found in the corresponding descriptions in conjunction with other accompanying drawings.

[0067] like Figure 5 As shown, the in-vehicle media center 100-1 has a built-in DSP amplifier (also known as a built-in DSP) in its vehicle infotainment system. The built-in DSP includes four audio output terminals that correspond to the left front FL, right front FR, left rear RL and right rear RR speakers, respectively.

[0068] exist Figure 5In the specific example shown, the first to sixth predetermined audio signals are voice, Bluetooth phone, music, navigation, system prompts, and safety alerts, respectively. Accordingly, the left channel of music, voice, and Bluetooth phone are assigned to the front left (FL); the right channel of music is assigned to the front right (FR); navigation is assigned to the rear left (RL); and the system prompts and safety alerts are assigned to the rear right (RR). That is, the left channel of music, voice, and Bluetooth share the first stereo output; navigation, system prompts, and safety alerts share the second stereo output.

[0069] The following explains the application based on the first embodiment of this application using five specific scenarios (scenario 1 to scenario 5). Figure 5 The specific example shown is shown below.

[0070] Scenario 1: Multimedia Service

[0071] When a user wants to listen to a song while driving, they can input it. For example, a user can say, "Xiaodu Xiaodu, play song X."

[0072] After learning of the user's needs / commands, the host computer module 404 identifies that the audio signal to be output (i.e., the song to be played) is assigned to the first path and the second path by matching the type of the audio signal to be output (i.e., the song to be played) with the first to sixth predetermined audio signals, and publishes the identification result or the corresponding command generated based on the identification result to the slave computer module 406.

[0073] Based on the received commands, the lower-level module 406 controls the output of the song to be played through the first and second audio output terminals of the built-in DSP, which are respectively associated with the first and second paths. The song is then played by the left front FL and right front FR speakers corresponding to the first and second audio output terminals. The left front FL and right front FR speakers can be built-in speakers or external speakers.

[0074] Specifically, taking the QQ Music app as an example, with the host computer module 404 implemented as the upper-layer application, the lower-level computer module 406 implemented as the MCU, the built-in power amplifier implemented as the built-in DSP, and the audio played by the built-in speaker, the general process is as follows.

[0075] The QQ Music app, acting as the upper-layer application, receives the user's playback command and responds by requesting audio focus through the Android layer. Upon successful audio focus request based on the music genre, the QQ Music app determines that the song to be played is a music genre and assigns the song (or song data) to the first and second paths, issuing corresponding commands to the MCU. Based on these commands, the MCU sends a corresponding CAN message to the built-in DSP via the internal CAN bus, thereby controlling the built-in DSP to output the song to the corresponding left front FL and right front FR speakers via its first and second audio output terminals associated with the first and second paths. The left front FL and right front FR speakers then play the song.

[0076] Scenario 2: Telephone Service

[0077] When a Bluetooth call is received while a song is playing, the host computer module 404 can push a user interface to the user to confirm or reject the call. For example, the user can say "answer the call" via voice.

[0078] After learning of the user's needs / commands, the host computer module 404 identifies that the audio signal to be output (i.e., the telephone tone to be played) is assigned to the first path by matching the type of the audio signal to be output (i.e., the telephone tone to be played) with the first to sixth predetermined audio signals, and publishes the identification result or the corresponding command generated based on the identification result to the slave computer module 406.

[0079] Based on the received commands, the lower-level module 406 controls the output of the telephone tone to be played through the first audio output terminal associated with the first path via the built-in DSP, and then the telephone tone is played by the left front FL corresponding to the first audio output terminal. The left front FL and right front FR can be built-in speakers or external speakers.

[0080] Because telephone calls and music are mutually exclusive, when a telephone call is playing, the music previously played through the left front FL and right front FR corresponding to the first to second audio output terminals that constitute the first stereo output terminal will stop, and only the left front FL will play the telephone call.

[0081] Specifically, taking a telephone app as an example, with the host computer module 404 implemented as the upper-layer application, the lower-level computer module 406 implemented as the MCU, the built-in power amplifier implemented as the built-in DSP, and audio played through the built-in speaker, the general process is as follows.

[0082] The phone app, acting as the upper-layer application, receives the user's playback command and responds by requesting audio focus through the Android layer. Upon successful audio focus request based on the phone type, the phone app determines that the type of the call to be played is a phone call, and accordingly assigns the call audio (or call audio data) to the first path and issues a corresponding command to the MCU. Based on this command, the MCU issues a corresponding CAN message to the built-in DSP via the internal CAN bus, thereby controlling the built-in DSP to output the call audio to the corresponding left front FL (front panel) via its first audio output terminal associated with the first path. Then, the left front FL and right front FR (front panel) speakers play the call audio.

[0083] Scenario 3: Intelligent Voice Assistant Service

[0084] When a user decides to go somewhere and sets a route, they can activate the intelligent voice assistant service and interact with it. For example, a dialogue scenario could be illustrated below.

[0085] User wakes up: "Xiaodu Xiaodu".

[0086] The car's infotainment system says: "I'm here."

[0087] User command: "Navigate to the company."

[0088] The car's voice prompts: "Setting the destination to PATEO Dalian R&D Center, do you want to confirm?"

[0089] User instruction: "Confirm".

[0090] After receiving the wake-up word, the host computer module 404 identifies that the audio signal to be output (i.e., the voice to be emitted by the intelligent voice assistant) is assigned to the first path by matching the type of the audio signal to be output with the first to sixth predetermined audio signals, and publishes the recognition result or the corresponding command generated based on the recognition result to the slave computer module 406.

[0091] Based on the received commands, the lower-level module 406 controls the output of the voice to be played through the first audio output terminal associated with the first path via the built-in DSP. The voice issued by the intelligent voice assistant is then played by the left front FL corresponding to the first audio output terminal. The left front FL and right front FR can be built-in speakers or external speakers.

[0092] Since voice and music are mutually exclusive, when voice is played, the music previously played through the left front FL and right front FR corresponding to the first to second audio output terminals that constitute the first stereo output terminal will stop, and only the left front FL will play the voice.

[0093] Specifically, taking a voice assistant app as an example, with the host computer module 404 implemented as the upper-layer application, the lower-level computer module 406 implemented as the MCU, the built-in power amplifier implemented as the built-in DSP, and the audio played by the built-in speaker, the general process is as follows.

[0094] The voice assistant app, acting as the upper-layer application, receives the user's voice input and responds by requesting audio focus through the Android layer. Upon successful audio focus request based on voice type, the voice assistant app determines that the voice to be played is a specific type and allocates the voice (or voice data) to the first path, issuing a corresponding command to the MCU. Based on this command, the MCU sends a corresponding CAN message to the built-in DSP via the internal CAN bus, thereby controlling the built-in DSP to output the voice to be played to the corresponding left front FL (front-facing speaker) via its first audio output terminal associated with the first path. Then, the left front FL speaker plays the voice input from the voice assistant app.

[0095] Scenario 4: Navigation Service

[0096] When a user needs to use the navigation service, they can provide relevant input. For example, in the intelligent voice assistant service in Scenario 3, the user can issue a voice "confirm" to successfully activate the navigation service.

[0097] After receiving the user's request / command, the host computer module 404 identifies that the audio signal to be output (i.e., the navigation sound to be played) is assigned to the third path in the second stereo output terminal by matching the type of the audio signal to be output (i.e., the navigation sound to be played) with the first to sixth predetermined audio signals. If the host computer module 404 is implemented as an upper-layer application, the upper-layer application determines in the AudioTrack function that the stream type of the audio signal to be played is speech (TTS), and based on this, uses the setVolume function in the AudioTrack function to set the right channel volume of the second stereo output terminal (i.e., the volume corresponding to the fourth path) to 0.

[0098] Specifically, taking the Gaode Map app as an example, with the host computer module 404 implemented as the upper-layer application, the lower-level computer module 406 implemented as the MCU, the built-in power amplifier implemented as the built-in DSP, and the audio played by the built-in speaker, the general process is as follows.

[0099] As an upper-layer application, the Gaode Maps app receives the user's navigation commands and responds by requesting audio focus through the Android layer. Upon successful audio focus request based on the navigation type, the Gaode Maps app determines that the navigation sound to be played is a navigation sound, and accordingly assigns the navigation sound (or navigation sound data) to the third path and issues a corresponding command to the MCU. On the other hand, the Gaode Maps app, in the AudioTrack function, determines that the stream type of the navigation sound to be played is TTS (Telematics to Speech). Based on this, it uses the setVolume function in the AudioTrack function to set the volume corresponding to the fourth path (i.e., the fourth audio output terminal or the right rear RR) to 0, and issues a corresponding command to the MCU. Based on the above command, the MCU issues a corresponding CAN message to the built-in DSP via the internal CAN bus, thereby controlling the built-in DSP to output the navigation sound to the corresponding left rear RL through its third audio output terminal associated with the third path, and controlling the built-in DSP to set the volume corresponding to the fourth audio output terminal or the right rear RR to 0. Afterwards, the left rear RL speaker plays the navigation sound.

[0100] Scenario 5: Security Alert Service & System Notification Service

[0101] When a dangerous situation arises while driving, the in-vehicle media center can output a safety alert tone. For example, if a sensor detects that the distance between the vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle media center and a neighboring vehicle is too close, the in-vehicle media center will emit an alert tone, such as a buzzer, to warn the user.

[0102] When the host computer module 404 detects from the sensor that the vehicle distance is close, it matches the type of the audio signal to be output (i.e., the reminder tone to be emitted) with the first to sixth predetermined audio signals, identifying that the audio signal is assigned to the second stereo output terminal, namely the third and fourth paths. In the upper-level application, the AudioTrack function determines that the stream type of the audio signal to be played is not a voice TTS, and based on this, no additional setting is made to return the volume of the second stereo output terminal to 0.

[0103] Specifically, taking a driver assistance app as an example, with the host computer module 404 implemented as the upper-layer application, the lower-level computer module 406 implemented as the MCU, the built-in power amplifier implemented as the built-in DSP, and audio played through the built-in speaker, the general process is as follows.

[0104] The driver assistance app, acting as the upper-layer application, receives the command to issue a warning tone and responds by requesting audio focus through the Android layer. Upon successful audio focus request based on the safety warning tone type, the driver assistance app recognizes the warning tone as a safety warning tone and allocates the warning tone (or warning tone data) to the fourth path, issuing a corresponding command to the MCU. On the other hand, the driver assistance app determines in the AudioTrack function that the streaming type of the warning tone is not a TTS (Transparent Transcript) audio stream, and therefore does not specifically set the volume corresponding to the fourth path. Based on the above command, the MCU issues a corresponding CAN message to the built-in DSP via the internal CAN bus, thereby controlling the built-in DSP to output the warning tone to the corresponding right rear RR (rear bumper) via its fourth audio output terminal associated with the fourth path. Then, the right rear RR speaker plays the warning tone. The audio output method for system alert services is similar to that for safety warning services and will not be described again here.

[0105] By using the technical method according to the first embodiment of this application, for example, a six-channel stereo output terminal can be implemented in a conventional four-speaker output hardware solution without modifying the hardware, but only through software modification, saving costs and development time.

[0106] Next, we will combine Figures 6 to 10C This application describes a method for outputting audio signals and a corresponding in-vehicle media center according to a second embodiment. To avoid redundancy, descriptions identical or similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0107] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for outputting an audio signal according to a second embodiment of this application. In the second embodiment, the audio signal can be further output to an amplifier located outside the vehicle's infotainment system (i.e., an external amplifier or independent amplifier), and output by the external amplifier, for example, to an external speaker and played by the external speaker. Similar to a built-in amplifier, the external amplifier can also be a DSP amplifier, in which case it can also be referred to as an external DSP.

[0108] In the second embodiment, because different audio streams share a single channel, separate amplifiers are needed to set different volumes. Therefore, the vehicle infotainment system needs to notify the separate amplifiers via commands which audio stream is playing. For example, the host computer module 404 of the vehicle infotainment system can notify the separate amplifiers of which audio type is playing by customizing a CAN signal with them; on the other hand, the built-in amplifier outputs the corresponding audio signal to the separate amplifier based on this notification. The "notification" operation can be implemented as follows: for example, if the host computer module 404 is implemented as an upper-layer application, in response to a successful request for audio focus for a specific audio type in the upper-layer application, the relevant channel is opened.

[0109] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, with Figure 2 Compared to the method 200 shown, the method 600 for outputting audio signals according to the second embodiment of this application may additionally include steps S608 and S610 between steps S204 and S206 to adapt to external amplifiers that require more stereo outputs.

[0110] Steps S202 and S204 and combination Figure 2 The methods described in method 200 shown are the same as those described here, and will not be repeated here.

[0111] In step S608, the vehicle's infotainment system is connected to an external power amplifier, for example, via a CAN bus. This CAN bus can also be referred to as an external CAN bus.

[0112] In this second embodiment, the external amplifier is located outside the vehicle head unit and includes first to fourth amplifier input terminals respectively connected to the first to fourth audio output terminals. In this document, unless otherwise specified, "amplifier" generally refers to an external amplifier located outside the vehicle head unit or separately configured relative to the vehicle head unit.

[0113] Therefore, combined with the first embodiment Figure 3 Compared to the described mapping relationship, in this second embodiment, at least six predetermined audio signals, four paths, four audio output terminals of the built-in power amplifier, and four power amplifier input terminals of the external power amplifier can be matched, associated, or mapped with each other.

[0114] To better understand, the following example uses the allocation of six predetermined audio signals, combined with... Figure 7 The mapping relationship is explained using a diagram. Figure 7 It is shown in Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the relationship between the first to sixth predetermined audio signals, the first to fourth paths, the first to fourth audio output terminals, and the first to fourth power amplifier input terminals in the method shown. Here, the terminals of the built-in power amplifier are numbered "DSP_", while those of the external power amplifier are numbered "AMP_" to avoid confusion between the terminals of the built-in and external power amplifiers. However, it should be understood that this is for ease of explanation only and not a specific limitation.

[0115] like Figure 7As shown, the first predetermined audio signal Type1, the second predetermined audio signal Type2, and the third predetermined audio signal Type3 can be assigned to the first path Path1, which can be associated with the first audio output terminal DSP_OUT1, and the first audio output terminal DSP_OUT1 can be associated with the first power amplifier input terminal AMP_IN1; the third predetermined audio signal Type3 can be assigned to the second path Path2, which can be associated with the second audio output terminal DSP_OUT2, and the second audio output terminal DSP_OUT2 can be associated with the second power amplifier input terminal AMP_IN2; the fourth predetermined audio signal Type4 can be assigned to the third path Path3, which can be associated with the third audio output terminal DSP_OUT3, and the third audio output terminal DSP_OUT3 can be associated with the third power amplifier input terminal AMP_IN3; and the fifth predetermined audio signal Type5 and the sixth predetermined audio signal Type6 can be assigned to the fourth path Path4, which can be associated with the fourth audio output terminal DSP_OUT4, and the fourth audio output terminal DSP_OUT4 can be associated with the fourth power amplifier input terminal AMP_IN4.

[0116] In other words, the first predetermined audio signal Type1, the second predetermined audio signal Type2, and the third predetermined audio signal Type3 can correspond to the first path Path1, and then to the first audio output terminal DSP_OUT1, and then to the first power amplifier input terminal AMP_IN1; the third predetermined audio signal Type3 can correspond to the second path Path2, and then to the second audio output terminal DSP_OUT2, and then to the second power amplifier input terminal AMP_IN2; the fourth predetermined audio signal Type4 can correspond to the third path Path3, and then to the third audio output terminal DSP_OUT3, and then to the third power amplifier input terminal AMP_IN3; the fifth predetermined audio signal Type5 and the sixth predetermined audio signal Type6 can correspond to the fourth path Path4, and then to the fourth audio output terminal DSP_OUT4, and then to the fourth power amplifier input terminal AMP_IN4.

[0117] The predetermined audio signals of various audio types and their specific allocation methods are the same as those described in conjunction with the first embodiment, and will not be described again here.

[0118] In step S610, in response to the successful application for audio focus for a specific audio type among the first to sixth predetermined audio signals, a CAN message is sent to the external amplifier via, for example, a CAN bus, to enable the channel from the corresponding audio output terminal to the corresponding audio input terminal of the external amplifier. In this document, to avoid confusion, the audio input terminal of the external amplifier may also be referred to as the amplifier input terminal. If at least some of the audio input terminals of the external amplifier are enabled in their original state, method 600 may further include disabling the other amplifier input terminals among the first to fourth amplifier input terminals besides the corresponding amplifier input terminal.

[0119] In addition, to avoid having to set the amplifier's volume and / or sound effects separately for different types of audio signals, each corresponding audio input terminal of the external amplifier is equipped with different volume and / or sound effects.

[0120] In step S206 of method 600, an audio signal is output from the corresponding audio output terminal based on the type of the audio signal. In a second embodiment, step S206 can be performed based on the CAN message issued in step S610 (i.e., based on this notification). For example, based on the CAN message indicating that a path from a specific audio output terminal of the built-in amplifier to a specific amplifier input terminal of the external amplifier is opened, the specific audio output terminal of the vehicle system can further output the corresponding audio signal to the specific amplifier input terminal via the enabled channel, thereby feeding it into the external amplifier. Additionally, in response to the activation of different input terminals among the first to fourth amplifier input terminals of the external amplifier, the audio signal fed into the external amplifier input terminal (not shown) can be output, for example, at different volumes and / or sound effects.

[0121] The following is combined with Figure 8 This describes an in-vehicle media center corresponding to the aforementioned method 600 for outputting audio signals. Figure 8 This shows the execution Figure 6 The diagram shows a block diagram of the in-vehicle media center of the method shown.

[0122] like Figure 8 As shown, the in-vehicle media center 100-2 for executing method 600 may include a vehicle infotainment system 402, and the vehicle infotainment system 402 may be equipped with a host computer module 404, a slave computer module 406, an output module 408, and an operation module 410. The vehicle infotainment system 402, the host computer module 404, the slave computer module 406, the output module 408, and the operation module 410 are combined with... Figure 4 The corresponding descriptions will not be repeated here; instead, the main focus will be on explaining the differences.

[0123] Unlike Figure 4 The in-vehicle media center 100-1 shown is... Figure 8 The in-vehicle media center 100-2 shown may also include an external power amplifier 804 external to the vehicle head unit and communicatively connected to the lower-level module 406 via a CAN bus 802. The external power amplifier 804 may include an input unit 806 and an output unit 808. The input unit 806 may include first to fourth power amplifier input terminals corresponding to the first to fourth audio output terminals of the output module 408 of the vehicle head unit 402, respectively. The output unit 808 may include multiple power amplifier output terminals corresponding to the first to fourth power amplifier input terminals of the input unit 806, such as the first to eighth power amplifier output terminals.

[0124] The following is based on Figure 8 The in-vehicle media center 100-2 shown in the image is performing... Figure 6 The method 600 for outputting audio signals shown is explained below.

[0125] The host computer module 404 can pre-assign at least the first predetermined audio signal Type1 to the sixth predetermined audio signal Type6, which have different audio types, to the first path Path1 to the fourth path Path4 (this step is related to...). Figure 6 (This corresponds to step S202 in the previous step). Afterwards, the host computer module 404 can issue association commands to the slave computer module 406 to associate the first path Path1 to the fourth path Path4 with the first audio output terminals DSP_OUT1 to the fourth audio output terminals DSP_OUT4 respectively. Upon receiving the association commands, the slave computer module 406 can issue association commands to associate the first path Path1 to the fourth path Path4 with the first audio output terminals DSP_OUT1 to the fourth audio output terminals DSP_OUT4 respectively (this step corresponds to step S202 in the previous step). Figure 6 (This corresponds to step S204 in the text). These steps can be performed in advance before the user makes input.

[0126] When a user wants to use the external amplifier 804, the user can connect the vehicle's infotainment system 402 to the external amplifier 804 via the CAN bus 802 (this step is the same as...). Figure 6 (This corresponds to step S608 in the previous section). When a user uses an audio-related service, the user can input information through the operation module 410, and then the host computer module 404 can obtain the user's instructions or requests for outputting a certain audio signal.

[0127] When the host computer module 404 is implemented as an upper-layer application, the upper-layer application can request audio focus for different audio types corresponding to the first to sixth predetermined audio signals. In response to a successful request for audio focus for a specific audio type, the host computer module 404 can issue a notification command for the specific audio type to the lower-level computer module 406. The lower-level computer module 406 generates a corresponding port on / off command based on the received notification command and issues the port on / off command to the external power amplifier 804 via the CAN bus 802. The external power amplifier 804 can then enable the corresponding power amplifier input terminal based on the received port on / off command (this step is related to...). Figure 6 (corresponding to step S610 in the previous step). In an alternative embodiment, if all power amplifier input terminals other than the corresponding power amplifier input terminals were originally enabled, the external power amplifier 804 can also disable the other power amplifier input terminals based on the received port on / off command.

[0128] On the other hand, the host computer module 404 can match the type of the certain audio signal with six predetermined audio signals Type1 to Type6, and based on the matching result, determine which path (i.e., the corresponding path) among the first path Path1 to the fourth path Path4 to assign the audio signal, and determine which audio output terminal (i.e., the corresponding audio output terminal) among the first audio output terminal DSP_OUT1 to the fourth audio output terminal DSP_OUT4 to output the audio signal. The host computer module 404 issues an output command indicating that the audio signal is assigned to the corresponding path and / or output by the corresponding audio output terminal to the slave computer module 406. The slave computer module 406 processes the received output command and sends the corresponding processed output command to the output module 408. After receiving the processed output command, the processed output command outputs the audio signal from the corresponding audio output terminal (this step is related to...). Figure 6 (corresponding to step S206 in the previous embodiment). In the second embodiment, since the first amplifier input terminal AMP_IN1 to the fourth amplifier input terminal AMP_IN4 of the external amplifier 804 correspond to the first audio output terminal DSP_OUT1 to the fourth audio output terminal DSP_OUT4 of the built-in amplifier of the vehicle system 402, the data output through the corresponding audio output terminal will be fed into the external amplifier 804 through the corresponding amplifier input terminal among the first amplifier input terminal AMP_IN1 to the fourth amplifier input terminal AMP_IN4, and output through the output unit 808 of the external amplifier 804 (e.g., the built-in speaker or the external speaker).

[0129] The following is combined with Figure 9A and Figure 9B The specific examples shown illustrate the explanation by Figure 8The in-vehicle media center 100-2 shown in the image is performing... Figure 6 The process of method 600 shown. Figure 9A It is shown Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the connections between some modules of the in-vehicle media center; Figure 9B It is shown Figure 9A The diagram shows a configuration of the external power amplifier. It should be understood that... Figure 9A and Figure 9B Only some components relevant to the explanation are shown schematically; other details not shown can be found in the corresponding descriptions in conjunction with other accompanying drawings.

[0130] like Figure 9A As shown, the in-vehicle media center 100-2 includes a vehicle-mounted unit with a built-in DSP amplifier (also known as a built-in DSP). This built-in DSP includes four audio output terminals corresponding to the left front FL, right front FR, left rear RL, and right rear RR speakers, respectively. The in-vehicle media center 100-2 also includes a separate amplifier located outside the vehicle-mounted unit, which corresponds to… Figure 8 The external power amplifier 804 shown is connected to the vehicle's infotainment system via a CAN bus (e.g., an external CAN bus).

[0131] like Figure 9B The diagram clearly shows that a standalone power amplifier may include first power amplifier input terminals AUDIO_IN1 to fourth power amplifier input terminals AUDIO_IN4 for inputting audio data, and first power amplifier output terminals AUDIO_OUT1 to eighth power amplifier output terminals AUDIO_OUT8 for outputting audio signals. For example... Figure 9A As shown, the first amplifier input terminal AUDIO_IN1 to the fourth amplifier input terminal AUDIO_IN4 of the independent amplifier correspond to the first to fourth audio output terminals of the built-in speakers of the vehicle's infotainment system, and thus correspond to the left front FL, right front FR, left rear RL and right rear RR described above.

[0132] The following reference Figures 10A to 10C The second embodiment proposed in this application will be explained in conjunction with three specific scenarios (sixth to eighth scenarios). Figure 9A The specific example shown is shown below. Figures 10A to 10C It shows the results of the separate... Figure 8 The in-vehicle media center shown in the image performs... Figure 7 The diagram illustrates three scenarios of the method shown.

[0133] Scenario 6: Intelligent Voice Assistant Service

[0134] Scenario Six is ​​similar to Scenario Three mentioned above. Here, we will omit the same or similar descriptions and only describe the differences.

[0135] like Figure 10A As shown, when the host computer module 404 is implemented as an upper-layer application, after receiving the wake-up word, the host computer module 404 requests audio focus for various audio types corresponding to the first to sixth predetermined audio signals in the upper-layer application, and successfully requests audio focus for the voice TTS type. In response, the host computer module 404 notifies the lower-level computer module 406 of the successful request for audio focus for voice TTS. With all power amplifier input terminals of the independent power amplifier disabled, the lower-level computer module 406 generates a port open / close command for enabling the first power amplifier input terminal AUDIO_IN1 corresponding to voice TTS based on the received notification command. For example, a CAN message to open the TTS channel can be issued via the CAN bus, and the independent power amplifier can enable the first power amplifier input terminal AUDIO_IN1 based on this CAN message.

[0136] On the other hand, after receiving the wake-up word, the host computer module 404 identifies that the audio signal to be output (i.e., the voice to be emitted by the intelligent voice assistant) is assigned to the first path by matching the type of the audio signal to be output with the first to sixth predetermined audio signals, and publishes the recognition result or the corresponding command generated based on the recognition result to the slave computer module 406.

[0137] Based on the received corresponding command, the lower-level module 406 controls the output of the left front FL associated with the first path via the built-in DSP to play the voice issued by the intelligent voice assistant. Since the path of the first power amplifier input terminal AUDIO_IN1 associated with the left front FL is opened, the audio data output via the left front FL will be fed into the independent power amplifier via the enabled first power amplifier input terminal AUDIO_IN1 and output via the independent power amplifier.

[0138] Specifically, taking a voice assistant app as an example, with the host computer module 404 implemented as the upper-layer application, the lower-level computer module 406 implemented as the MCU, the built-in power amplifier implemented as the built-in DSP, and the audio played by the built-in speaker, the general process is as follows.

[0139] The voice assistant app, acting as the upper-layer application, receives the user's voice input and responds by requesting audio focus through the Android layer. Upon successful audio focus request based on voice type, the voice assistant app determines that the voice to be played is a specific type and, based on this, opens the TTS channel (corresponding to the left front FL), assigns the voice (or voice data) to be played to the first path, and issues a corresponding command to the MCU. The MCU, based on this command, issues a CAN message via the external CAN bus to the external DSP to open the TTS channel (corresponding to the left front FL), thereby controlling the opening of the channel corresponding to the left front FL on both the built-in and external DSPs (from the first audio output terminal of the built-in DSP to the first power amplifier input terminal of the external DSP). On the other hand, after the channel is opened, the MCU, based on this command, issues a corresponding CAN message via the internal CAN bus to the built-in DSP, thereby controlling the built-in DSP to output the voice to be played to the first power amplifier input terminal of the external DSP via its first audio output terminal associated with the first path. Then, the external DSP outputs the voice to be played to the corresponding left front FL, and the voice input from the voice assistant app is played by the left front FL speaker.

[0140] Scenario 7: Navigation Service

[0141] Scenario 7 is similar to Scenario 4 mentioned above. The CAN bus-related operations involved in Scenario 7 are... Figure 10A The six scenes shown are similar in some ways, and descriptions of the same or similar aspects are omitted here; only the differences are described.

[0142] like Figure 10B As shown, the upper-layer application successfully requested audio focus for the navigation NAVI type. In response, the host computer module 404 notifies the lower-level computer module 406, and the lower-level computer module 406 generates a port on / off command to enable the third power amplifier input terminal AUDIO_IN3 corresponding to the navigation NAVI. For example, a CAN message to open the NAVI channel can be issued via the CAN bus, and the independent power amplifier can enable the third power amplifier input terminal AUDIO_IN3 based on this CAN message.

[0143] On the other hand, the host computer module 404 identifies the navigation sound to be played by matching and assigns it to the audio output terminal corresponding to the left rear RL in the second stereo output terminal. When the host computer module 404 is implemented as an upper-layer application, the upper-layer application determines in the AudioTrack function that the stream type of the audio signal to be played is speech (TTS), and based on this, uses the setVolume function in the AudioTrack function to set the volume of the right rear RR in the second stereo output terminal to 0.

[0144] Because the path of the third amplifier input terminal AUDIO_IN3 associated with the left rear RL is opened, when audio data is output via the left rear RL, the output audio data will be fed into the independent amplifier via the enabled third amplifier input terminal AUDIO_IN3 and output via the independent amplifier.

[0145] Specifically, taking the Gaode Map app as an example, with the host computer module 404 implemented as the upper-layer application, the lower-level computer module 406 implemented as the MCU, the built-in power amplifier implemented as the built-in DSP, and the audio played by the built-in speaker, the general process is as follows.

[0146] As an upper-layer application, the Gaode Maps app receives the user's navigation commands and responds by requesting audio focus through the Android layer. Upon successful audio focus request based on the navigation type, the Gaode Maps app determines that the navigation sound to be played is a navigation type. Based on this, it opens the NAVI channel (corresponding to the left rear RL), assigns the navigation sound (or navigation sound data) to the third path, and issues a corresponding command to the MCU. On the other hand, the Gaode Maps app, in the AudioTrack function, determines that the stream type of the navigation sound to be played is TTS (Telephone-to-Speech). Based on this, it uses the setVolume function in the AudioTrack function to set the volume corresponding to the fourth path (i.e., the fourth audio output terminal or the right rear RR) to 0 and issues a corresponding command to the MCU. Based on the above command, the MCU issues a CAN message via the external CAN bus to the external DSP to open the NAVI channel (corresponding to the left rear RL), thereby controlling the opening of the channels corresponding to the left rear RL on both the built-in and external DSPs (from the third audio output terminal of the built-in DSP to the third power amplifier input terminal of the external DSP). On the other hand, after the channel is opened, the MCU, based on the aforementioned command, sends a corresponding CAN message to the built-in DSP via the internal CAN bus. This controls the built-in DSP to output the navigation sound to the third power amplifier input terminal of the external DSP via its third audio output terminal associated with the third path. The MCU also controls the built-in DSP to set the volume corresponding to the fourth audio output terminal or the right rear RR to 0. Afterward, the external DSP outputs the navigation sound to be played to the corresponding left rear RL, and the navigation sound is played by the speaker on the left rear RL.

[0147] Scenario 8: Multimedia Services

[0148] Scenario 8 is partially similar to the aforementioned scenarios. The CAN bus-related operations involved in Scenario 8 are similar to... Figure 10A Scene six shown Figure 10B The seven scenes shown are similar in some respects; similar or identical descriptions are omitted here, and only the differences are described.

[0149] like Figure 10C As shown, the upper-layer application successfully requests audio focus for the multimedia media type. In response, the upper-layer module 404 notifies the lower-layer module 406, and the lower-layer module 406 generates port open / close commands for enabling the first amplifier input terminal AUDIO_IN1 and the second amplifier input terminal AUDIO_IN2 corresponding to the multimedia media. For example, a CAN message to open the media channel can be issued via the CAN bus, and the independent amplifier can enable the first amplifier input terminal AUDIO_IN1 and the second amplifier input terminal AUDIO_IN2 based on this CAN message.

[0150] On the other hand, the host computer module 404 identifies the navigation sound to be played by matching and assigns it to the first and second audio output terminals corresponding to the left front FL and right front FR in the first stereo output terminal, and issues the corresponding command to the slave computer module 406.

[0151] Based on the received commands, the lower-level module 406 controls the output of the song to be played through the first and second audio output terminals of the built-in DSP, which are respectively associated with the first and second paths. Since the pathways from the first and second audio output terminals of the built-in DSP to the first amplifier input terminal AUDIO_IN1 and the second amplifier input terminal AUDIO_IN2 of the external DSP are opened, the song output via the first and second audio output terminals can be fed into the independent amplifier (i.e., the external DSP) via the enabled first amplifier input terminal AUDIO_IN1 and the second amplifier input terminal AUDIO_IN2, and then output through the independent amplifier. The external DSP outputs the song to be played to the left front FL and right front FR, and the song is played by the left front FL and right front FR.

[0152] Specifically, taking the QQ Music app as an example, with the host computer module 404 implemented as the upper-layer application, the lower-level computer module 406 implemented as the MCU, the built-in power amplifier implemented as the built-in DSP, and the audio played by the built-in speaker, the general process is as follows.

[0153] The QQ Music app, acting as the upper-layer application, receives the user's playback command and responds by requesting audio focus through the Android layer. Upon successful audio focus request based on the music genre, the QQ Music app determines that the song to be played is a music genre song. Based on this, it opens the media channels (corresponding to the left front FL and right front FR) and assigns the song (or song data) to the first and second paths, issuing a corresponding command to the MCU. The MCU, based on this command, issues a CAN message via the external CAN bus to the external DSP to open the media channels (corresponding to the left front FL and right front FR), thereby controlling the opening of the two channels corresponding to the left front FL and right front FR on both the built-in and external DSPs (from the first audio output terminal of the built-in DSP to the first amplifier input terminal of the external DSP, and from the second audio output terminal of the built-in DSP to the second amplifier input terminal of the external DSP). On the other hand, after the channels are opened, the MCU, based on this command, issues a corresponding CAN message via the internal CAN bus to the built-in DSP, thereby controlling the built-in DSP to output the song to be played to the first and second amplifier input terminals of the external DSP via its first and second audio output terminals associated with the first and second paths. Then, the external DSP outputs the song to be played to the corresponding left front FL and right front FR, and the song is played by the two speakers, the left front FL and right front FR.

[0154] By employing the technical solution according to the second embodiment, at least one of the following technical effects can be achieved. For example, for application developers, there is no need to understand the difference between built-in and external amplifiers, and no need to modify the code. For platform providers, external amplifier adaptation can be achieved without modifying the hardware. For platform users, the same effect as using 6-channel stereo hardware is achieved through existing hardware configurations.

[0155] This application also provides a storage medium that can be read by a computer and stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, can be performed in any manner described herein.

[0156] This application also provides a vehicle infotainment system, which may include: first to fourth audio output terminals, a memory capable of being read by a computer and storing instructions; and a processor configured to execute the instructions to perform any method according to this application. The instructions may be instructions stored in the aforementioned storage medium, i.e., the memory may correspond to the aforementioned storage medium.

[0157] That is, the technical solution of this application can be implemented as an apparatus, method, or computer program product. It can be in the form of entirely hardware, entirely software (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or a combination of software and hardware, and can generally be referred to as a "system," "apparatus," "module," "unit," "circuit," or "device." The computer program product can be embedded in any tangible expression medium, which has instructions embedded in the medium, such as computer program instructions.

[0158] These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause the instructions, when executed, to create instruction means for implementing the functions / actions specified in one or more blocks of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams disclosed herein. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a storage medium (e.g., a computer-readable medium) capable of directing a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to perform its functions in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in that storage medium produce the aforementioned instruction means.

[0159] It is worth noting that although the specification and / or claims describe in detail the steps of numerous methods / processes, these steps are merely examples and not limitations. For example, in alternative embodiments, some steps may be added or omitted, alternative steps may be used, or the order of some steps may be changed. Furthermore, the various embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other unless otherwise specified.

[0160] Furthermore, throughout this document, the terms are not limited to their literal meanings, but rather cover different means for achieving the same or similar functions without departing from the scope defined by the appended claims. For example, ordinal nouns such as “first,” “second,” etc., are used only to distinguish one element from another and do not limit their order or importance; the terms “and / or,” “at least one,” and “at least one / a kind / one” include any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items; the terms “comprising,” “including,” and / or “having,” when used in this specification, indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof; the term “exemplary” is intended to indicate an example or illustration; the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” and similar words indicate approximation rather than degree and are intended to describe inherent deviations in measured or calculated values ​​that would be recognized by those skilled in the art; the term “may” means “one or more embodiments.” Additionally, unless otherwise indicated, the singular form may include the plural meaning.

[0161] Furthermore, the above description only lists preferred embodiments / examples of this application to facilitate the explanation of the principles of this application, and is not intended to be exhaustive. That is, those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of this application is not limited to the embodiments / examples given in the specification, but can cover all modifications, equivalents or substitutions that can be derived based on the disclosure of this application without departing from the scope of this application as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A method for outputting audio signals, executed by a vehicle-mounted unit, the vehicle-mounted unit including first to fourth audio output terminals, the audio signals including at least six predetermined audio signals of different audio types, wherein a third predetermined audio signal among the six predetermined audio signals is a stereo signal, characterized in that... The method includes: The first and second predetermined audio signals out of the six predetermined audio signals are assigned to the first path; The first channel signal of the third predetermined audio signal is assigned to the first path, and the second channel signal of the third predetermined audio signal is assigned to the second path; The fourth predetermined audio signal is assigned to the third path; The fifth and sixth predetermined audio signals are assigned to the fourth path; Associate the first to fourth paths with the first to fourth audio output terminals respectively; and In response to receiving an instruction to output the audio signal, the audio signal is output from the corresponding audio output terminal among the first to fourth audio output terminals based on the type of the audio signal; The first and second predetermined audio signals include multiple mono signals that are mutually exclusive with the stereo signal, the stereo signal including music, and the mono signal including telephone and voice; the fourth predetermined audio signal includes navigation, and the fifth and sixth predetermined audio signals include system prompts and safety alerts.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The fourth predetermined audio signal has a first stream type; the fifth and sixth predetermined audio signals have other stream types that are different from the first stream type.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The audio signal output from the corresponding audio output terminal includes: In response to determining that the type of the audio signal belongs to one of the fourth to sixth predetermined audio signals, the stream type of the audio signal is identified; and In response to the determined stream type being the first stream type, the output volume corresponding to the fourth path is set to 0.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The first stream type is the speech type.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first channel signal is the left channel signal of the stereo signal, and the second channel signal is the right channel signal of the stereo signal; or The first channel signal is the right channel signal of the stereo signal, and the second channel signal is the left channel signal of the stereo signal.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein outputting the audio signal from the corresponding audio output terminal comprises: The audio signal is transmitted to an external amplifier through the corresponding audio output terminal, and then output as audio through the external amplifier.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The external power amplifier is connected to the vehicle's infotainment system via a CAN bus.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The audio signal output from the corresponding audio output terminal includes: In response to a successful request for audio focus for a specific audio type among the first to sixth predetermined audio signals, a CAN message is sent via the CAN bus to the external amplifier to enable the channel from the corresponding audio output terminal to the corresponding audio input terminal of the external amplifier; and The audio signal is output to the external amplifier via the corresponding audio output terminal through the enabled channel.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, Each of the corresponding audio input terminals of the external amplifier is configured with different volume and / or sound effects.

10. A storage medium capable of being read by a computer and storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform the method according to any one of claims 1-9.

11. A vehicle infotainment system, characterized in that, include: First to fourth audio output terminals, Memory is a device that can be read by a computer and stores instructions. as well as A processor configured to execute the instructions to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-9.

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