Acoustic headrest with adjustable surface

Abstract

This invention provides a system and method for delivering audio through or near a headrest. The headrest includes an adjustable surface and an acoustic opening positioned close to the occupant's head during use. The acoustic opening is configured to emit acoustic energy from an acoustic transducer within a directional range intended to be occupied by the occupant's ears. The position of the adjustable surface provides some indication of the position of the occupant's ears, and various audio signal (driver signal) characteristics can be adjusted based on the position of the adjustable surface.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 130,211, filed December 23, 2020, entitled “ACOUSTIC HEADREST WITH ADJUSTABLE SURFACE,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. Background Technology

[0003] Various seating systems, such as those in cars, amusement rides, and trains, may incorporate audio system components, such as speakers, in or near the headrest of the seat to provide audio functionality to the occupant. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The systems and methods disclosed herein relate to a headrest configured to house at least one acoustic transducer. The headrest includes a surface configured to be adjacent to the head of a user or occupant and to prevent or restrict movement of the user's head, for example, during rapid acceleration. This surface is further configured to be adjustable relative to a typical seating position or arrangement in at least one dimension and preferably in two dimensions, such as being movable, like forward and backward, and upward and downward.

[0005] A system and method for delivering audio through or near a headrest are provided. The headrest includes an adjustable surface and an acoustic opening positioned close to the occupant's head during use. The acoustic opening is configured to emit acoustic energy from an acoustic transducer within the directional range expected to be occupied by the occupant's ears. The position of the adjustable surface provides some indication of the position of the occupant's ears, and various audio signal (driver signal) characteristics can be adjusted based on the position of the adjustable surface.

[0006] According to at least one aspect, a headrest is provided, the headrest comprising: an adjustable surface positioned close to the head of a occupant during use; and an acoustic opening configured to emit acoustic energy from an acoustic transducer within a directional range intended to be occupied by the occupant's ear.

[0007] In various examples, the processor can be configured to adjust the driver signal supplied to the acoustic transducer based on the position of the adjustable surface. The processor can be located elsewhere and coupled to the headrest.

[0008] Some examples include sensors configured to detect the position of an adjustable surface.

[0009] In some examples, the processor can be configured to adjust the driver signal to at least partially compensate for the occlusion area between the acoustic opening and the ear, which changes with the position of the adjustable surface.

[0010] Based on various examples, adjustable surfaces can be adjustable in the horizontal dimension, the vertical dimension, or both.

[0011] Various examples may include acoustic ducts whose shape is adjusted by movement relative to an adjustable surface. The processor may be configured to adjust the driver signal supplied to the acoustic transducer based on the position of the adjustable surface to at least partially compensate for the change in acoustic characteristics of the acoustic duct based on the position of the adjustable surface.

[0012] Some examples include acoustic transducers.

[0013] According to another aspect, an audio system is provided, comprising: a headrest having an adjustable surface and an acoustic opening, the adjustable surface being positioned close to the head of a occupant during use, the acoustic opening being configured to emit acoustic energy from an acoustic transducer within a directional range intended to be occupied by the occupant's ears; and a processor configured to adjust a driver signal provided to the acoustic transducer based on the position of the adjustable surface.

[0014] Various examples include sensors configured to detect the position of an adjustable surface.

[0015] In some examples, the processor can be configured to adjust the driver signal to at least partially compensate for the occlusion area between the acoustic opening and the ear, which changes with the position of the adjustable surface.

[0016] Based on some examples, adjustable surfaces are adjustable in the horizontal dimension, the vertical dimension, or both.

[0017] Some examples may include an acoustic duct whose shape is adjusted by movement relative to an adjustable surface. In such examples, the processor may be configured to adjust a driver signal to at least partially compensate for the acoustic characteristics of the acoustic duct that change based on the position of the adjustable surface.

[0018] According to another aspect, a method for controlling the audio output of an audio headrest having an adjustable surface is provided. The method includes: detecting the position of the adjustable surface of the headrest; and adjusting a driver signal supplied to an acoustic transducer based on the detected position of the adjustable surface.

[0019] In some examples, the adjustment of the driver signal at least partially compensates for the shielding area between the acoustic opening and the ear, which changes with the position of the adjustable surface.

[0020] In various examples, the adjustment of the driver signal at least partially compensates for the acoustic properties of the acoustic duct that change based on the position of the adjustable surface.

[0021] Based on various examples, adjustable surfaces can be adjustable in the horizontal dimension, the vertical dimension, or both.

[0022] Other aspects, examples, and advantages of these exemplary aspects and examples are discussed in detail below. The examples disclosed herein may be combined with other examples in any manner consistent with at least one of the principles disclosed herein, and references to “example,” “some examples,” “alternative examples,” “various examples,” “an example,” etc., are not necessarily mutually exclusive, but are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or property described may be included in at least one example. The appearance of such terms in this document does not necessarily refer to the same example. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The following discussion of at least one example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, is not intended to be drawn to scale. The drawings are included to provide illustration and further understanding of the various aspects and examples, and are incorporated in and form part of this specification, but are not intended to be a definition of limitation of the invention. In the drawings, the same or nearly identical parts shown in the various figures may be represented by similar reference numerals or numbers. For clarity, not every part is labeled in every figure. In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a seat with a headrest based on the published example;

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Side view of the seat;

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A close-up perspective view of the headrest section of the seat;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic top view of an exemplary headrest having an adjustable surface in a nominal position;

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic top view of the headrest, with the adjustable surface in the forward position;

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A schematic top view of the headrest, with the adjustable surface in a rearward position;

[0030] Figure 7 yes Figure 4A schematic side view of the headrest, with the adjustable surface in the nominal position;

[0031] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 A schematic side view of the headrest, with the adjustable surface in the raised position;

[0032] Figure 9 yes Figure 4 A schematic side view of the headrest, with the adjustable surface in a lowered position;

[0033] Figure 10 This is a schematic side view of another exemplary headrest having an adjustable surface in the nominal position;

[0034] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A schematic side view of the headrest, with the adjustable surface in the forward position; and

[0035] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 A schematic side view of the headrest, with the adjustable surface in the rearward position. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Figures 1 to 3 Perspective, side, and close-up perspective views of a seat are shown, including an exemplary headrest 100 with an adjustable surface 110 positioned adjacent to the occupant's head when the seat is occupied. The headrest 100 also includes at least one acoustic opening 120 coupled to an acoustic transducer (not shown) to provide an acoustic signal to the occupant. In various examples, the headrest 100 may have two or more acoustic openings 120 to accommodate, for example, left and right signals, high-mid-low frequencies, or combinations thereof. In some examples, only a single acoustic opening 120 may be present.

[0037] Various examples may include acoustic transducers coupled to each acoustic opening 120. In various examples, acoustic transducers may be coupled to multiple acoustic openings 120 and / or acoustic openings 120 may be coupled to multiple acoustic transducers to accommodate varying system requirements and / or performance characteristics. Various examples may include acoustic channels providing conduits from the acoustic transducers to the acoustic openings 120. In some examples, acoustic openings 120 may be associated with an adjustable surface 110 such that the acoustic opening moves with the adjustable surface 110. In such examples, the acoustic conduit may be adjustable and expand, contract, or shift as the adjustable surface 110 moves. In various examples, acoustic openings 120 may be associated with other parts of the seat or headrest (as shown) and remain fixed as the adjustable surface 110 moves. In some examples, the acoustic transducer may be positioned very close to the acoustic opening 120 without any discernible acoustic conduit, and thus the acoustic opening 120 may be substantially indistinguishable from the acoustic transducer itself; for example, the acoustic transducer may be mounted in or at the acoustic opening 120.

[0038] Figure 2 It is also shown that surface 110 is adjustable along a first axis 112 (e.g., horizontal or forward / backward) and a second axis 114 (e.g., vertical or up / down). Reference to horizontal, vertical, forward, backward, up, down, etc., is relative to a headrest in a nominal orientation, such as a typical orientation in a vehicle with a driver, passengers, etc. In various examples, the seat or headrest according to this document may be oriented differently, temporarily or permanently, such as in airplanes, amusement rides, etc.

[0039] The placement or position of the adjustable surface has acoustic effects on various acoustic signals emitted from the acoustic opening 120, such as by changing the degree of shielding around the edge of the adjustable surface 110 located between the acoustic opening 120 and the occupant's ear. In some examples where the acoustic opening 120 is associated with the adjustable surface 110 and where the acoustic conduit is also adjustable, the placement or position of the adjustable surface 110 can alter the acoustic properties of the acoustic conduit, such as by elongating, shortening, or twisting the shape of the acoustic conduit.

[0040] Various examples detect the position of the adjustable surface 110 and adjust audio or acoustic processing based on the detected position to account for changes in the relative position between the expected ear position and the acoustic opening 120, changes in the relative position between the adjustable surface 110 and the acoustic opening 120, changes in the acoustic characteristics of the acoustic conduit, and / or various other relative changes that may affect acoustic performance. For example, one or more sensors may indicate or detect the position of the adjustable surface 110, and the processor may adjust signal processing configured to provide driver signals to an acoustic transducer (acoustic driver, loudspeaker). In some examples, gain and / or equalization processing may be adjusted in response to the detected position of the adjustable surface 110. In various examples, various phase and / or timing adjustments may be applied additionally or alternatively, such as adjustments to maintain inter-ear phase, inter-ear timing, inter-ear gain, etc.

[0041] In some examples, the physical characteristics of the headrest can be adjusted in response to the detected position of the adjustable surface 110. For example, the acoustic transducer can be physically adjusted, such as moved, angled, tilted, rotated, etc., and / or the acoustic opening 120 can be physically adjusted, such as changed in size, angled, extended, retracted, etc. In some examples, such physical characteristics can be performed through a mechanical connection between the adjustable surface and other components to be adjusted. In some examples, a controller and actuator can perform such mechanical adjustments.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic top cross-sectional view of an exemplary headrest 100, showing an adjustable surface 110 in a nominal position relative to a horizontal axis 112. In this example, two acoustic transducers 122 are shown (e.g., in various examples, housed within an enclosure inside the headrest 100). The approximate positions of the occupant's head 200 and ears 220 are shown. In various examples, and in various positions of the adjustable surface 110, acoustic energy is emitted from each of the acoustic openings 120 and distributed outwards toward the occupant's head 200. In various examples, the distribution angle 222 can be represented as an angle measured from a direction extending straight forward (e.g., from the center point of the acoustic opening 120 or other reference point) toward the central axis of the headrest until the acoustic energy is structurally disturbed by the adjustable surface 110.

[0043] At some positions of the adjustable surface 110 (and for a given position of a given occupant), the occupant's ear 220 can fall completely within the distribution angle 222. Therefore, any acoustic shielding of the adjustable surface 110 can have a relatively small effect on the acoustic energy reaching the occupant's ear 220 from a given acoustic opening in the acoustic opening 120. However, as Figure 4As shown, the rider's ears 220 are at least partially covered by the structure of the adjustable surface 110, thus defining a covering angle 224.

[0044] refer to Figure 5 It shows something similar to Figure 4 The exemplary headrest 100, except that the adjustable surface 110 is positioned further forward relative to the horizontal axis, allows the distance 112a to indicate the degree of forward positioning of the adjustable surface 110. With the adjustable surface 110 in this forward position, for those positioned relative to... Figure 4 For a given rider at the same position (relative to the adjustable surface 110), the adjustable surface 110 can cause a larger shading angle 224a and a correspondingly smaller distribution angle 222a.

[0045] refer to Figure 6 It shows something similar to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The exemplary headrest 100, except that the adjustable surface 110 is positioned further back relative to the horizontal axis. In this case, for the same occupant in the same position (relative to the adjustable surface 110), the distribution angle 222b completely covers the occupant's ears 220, and the shading angle 224b is correspondingly negative, for example, the occupant's ears 220 are outside the shading area.

[0046] Continue to refer to all the horizontal positions showing the changes in the adjustable surface 110. Figures 4 to 6 , Figures 4 to 6 Each diagram in the audio system may have a different acoustic transfer function from the acoustic opening 120 to the occupant's ear 220. In other words, each diagram may have a different transfer function from the acoustic transducer 122 to the occupant's ear 220, which may be an acoustic transfer function, or may include the transfer function of the acoustic transducer 122, or other signal transmission portions of the audio system that provide driver signals to the acoustic transducer 122.

[0047] For a given passenger in a given position relative to the adjustable surface 110, Figures 4 to 6 The difference in transfer function between each graph (at least in part) is caused by the distance to the rider's ear 220 and the change in position of the adjustable surface 110, which is caused by the shading area created by the structure of the adjustable surface 110.

[0048] In various examples, the audio system and / or processor may adjust the driver signals provided to the acoustic transducer 122 (e.g., various “tuning” changes, including equalization, gain, phase, timing, and / or similar terms) based on the position of the adjustable surface 110 to adapt to and / or at least partially compensate for the changes in the transfer function. In various examples, various sensors may be included to detect the position of the adjustable surface 110, and the audio system or other processor may receive signals from such sensors indicating the detected position.

[0049] exist Figures 4 to 6 The various angular dimensions shown in each figure represent only one exemplary headrest 100 for a given occupant's head position and are not intended to be limiting.

[0050] Figure 7 This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an exemplary headrest 100, showing an adjustable surface 110 in a nominal position relative to a vertical axis 114. During operation, acoustic energy is emitted from an acoustic opening 120 (e.g., the left side shown), and the occupant's ear 220 may have a vertical alignment 226 relative to a reference point of the acoustic opening 120. For example, the central position of the acoustic opening 120 may be configured to be nearly or substantially horizontally aligned with the occupant's ear 220 in a nominal position relative to the adjustable surface 110, which may be intended to be properly aligned with the nominal occupant's head 200. In various examples, the nominal position may include other alignment angles 226.

[0051] Different passengers can have different heights, and therefore the vertical position of the adjustable surface 110 can be adjusted. For example... Figure 8 As shown, a shorter passenger 200 can position the adjustable surface 110 at a position that is, for example, relative to... Figure 7 The position shown is a lower position, such that alignment 226a indicates that the occupant's ear 220 is aligned with the acoustic opening 120 below the nominal position.

[0052] In addition, and refer to Figure 9 The taller passenger 200 can position the adjustable surface 110 at a position relative to, for example, the height of the passenger. Figure 7 The position shown is higher, such that alignment 226b indicates that the occupant's ear 220 is aligned with the acoustic opening 120 above the nominal position.

[0053] Continue to refer to all the vertical positions showing the changes in the adjustable surface 110. Figures 7 to 9 , Figures 7 to 9Each diagram in the audio system may have a different acoustic transfer function from the acoustic opening 120 to the occupant's ear 220. Similar to the varying horizontal position of the adjustable surface 110, each diagram may have a different transfer function from the acoustic transducer 122 to the occupant's ear 220. This transfer function may be an acoustic transfer function, or may include the transfer function of the acoustic transducer 122, or other signal transmission components of the audio system that provide driver signals to the acoustic transducer 122. Figures 7 to 9 The difference in the transfer function between each graph (at least in part) is caused by the position of the occupant's ear 220 and the changing position of the adjustable surface 110. Each of these differences can represent a change in the radiation pattern relative to the acoustic energy emitted from the acoustic opening 120, and can also represent a change in distance to the occupant's ear 220. Furthermore, the adjustable surface 110 can create a varying shielding area at, for example, at a changing vertical position caused by the structure of the adjustable surface 110, similar to the situation regarding... Figures 4 to 6 Those that were discussed.

[0054] In various instances, the audio system and / or processor may adjust the driver signals provided to the acoustic transducer 122 (e.g., various “tuning” changes, including equalization, gain, phase, timing, and / or similar terms) based on the position of the adjustable surface 110 to adapt to and / or at least partially compensate for the changes in the transfer function. For example, adjustments may be made to overcome off-axis high-frequency losses (or gain). In various examples, various sensors may be included to detect the position of the adjustable surface 110, and these sensors may be based on previously established information regarding the position of the adjustable surface 110. Figures 4 to 6 The same or similar sensors discussed, and audio systems or other processors can receive signals from such sensors indicating the detected location.

[0055] In various examples, certain positions of the adjustable surface 110 can provide a variety of unobstructed acoustic paths from the acoustic opening 120 to the ear 220. For example, and referring to... Figure 9 The lowest portion of the acoustic opening 120 can have an unobstructed acoustic path to the ear 220. Therefore, various positions of the adjustable surface 110 can produce significantly different transfer functions, and the processor can adapt these different transfer functions to adjust the driver signal in response to these positions.

[0056] In various examples, the detected vertical position of the adjustable surface 110 can indicate the horizontal alignment and distance to the occupant's ear 220. In some examples, this can also indicate the distance to other surfaces (such as the headliner of a car) and the drive signal can be further adjusted to accommodate and / or partially compensate for the acoustic effects of such variations in distance to other surfaces.

[0057] The various angular alignments shown in each of the figures represent only an exemplary headrest 100 of the nominal head position of the occupant relative to the adjustable surface 110 and are not intended to be limiting.

[0058] In at least one example, reference Figures 10 to 12 An alternative form of headrest 100 is shown. Figures 10 to 12 The headrest 100 can be similar to Figures 1 to 9 The headrest, but with acoustic openings 120 associated with the adjustable surface 110. Figures 10 to 12 In the exemplary headrest 100, an acoustic transducer (not shown) may be installed in another part of the headrest 100 or another part of the seat (or any suitable location), and an acoustic duct 300 may be provided to carry or transmit acoustic energy from the acoustic transducer to the acoustic opening 120.

[0059] The acoustic conduit can be adjustable to accommodate different positions of the adjustable surface 110. For example, as Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the acoustic conduit 300 may have an accordion-like design that allows the acoustic conduit to be compressed (shortened) or extended (stretched). Figure 10 An acoustic conduit 300 is shown in its nominal (medium length) position, while Figure 11 An acoustic conduit 300 in its extended (extended) position is shown, and Figure 12 An acoustic duct 300 in a compressed (shortened) position is shown (so that the acoustic duct 300 is not visible in this example). In various examples, the acoustic duct 300 may be flexible in other dimensions, such as to accommodate upward and downward, forward and backward movement of the adjustable surface 110. In various examples, the acoustic duct 300 may be stretchable, flexible, elastic and / or include any other mechanical or physical properties to allow the acoustic duct 300 to adapt to the relative positioning of the adjustable surface 110.

[0060] As mentioned above Figures 1 to 9 The various examples discussed can detect Figures 10 to 12 The adjustable surface 110 has a position and can be adjusted by any signal processing and / or physical / mechanical means to accommodate one or more varying acoustic characteristics of the headrest system, which includes an acoustic transducer, acoustic duct 300, adjustable surface 110, and acoustic opening 120 in combinations different from those of the occupant and / or other features. (Regarding detection...) Figures 1 to 9 The position of the adjustable surface 110 and each aspect of the foregoing discussion regarding any adjustment or action in response to the detected position can be equally applied to... Figures 10 to 12 The headrest 100 is an example. For the sake of brevity, repeated detailed discussions are omitted here.

[0061] The accompanying drawings are merely schematic and illustrate the relative positions of components, such that adjustable surface 110 is shown in a changing relative position, without regard to the physical structure that may support adjustable surface 110. In various examples, such physical support structures may include mechanically adjustable supports that may facilitate variations in the acoustic transfer function (which can be taken into account when adjusting the driver signal). Furthermore, such physical support structures can be operated manually by a user or by a power mechanism, which may be controlled by user input or by a processor receiving sensor input (e.g., sensing the occupant's head position) or by various devices.

[0062] The examples of methods and apparatus discussed herein are not limited to the construction details and component arrangements listed in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings. These methods and apparatuses can be implemented in other examples and can be operated or performed in various ways. The examples of specific implementations provided herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. Specifically, the functions, components, elements, and features discussed in conjunction with any one or more examples are not intended to exclude similar effects in any other examples.

[0063] Furthermore, the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting. Any reference to examples, components, elements, actions, or functions of the systems and methods herein, when referred to in the singular, may also cover embodiments including the plural, and any reference to examples, components, elements, actions, or functions herein, when referred to in the plural, may also cover examples including only the singular. Therefore, references in either the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the systems or methods disclosed in this invention, their components, actions, or elements. The use of “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof herein is intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as additional items. References to “or” are to be understood as inclusive, such that any term described using “or” may indicate any one, more than one, or all of the terms mentioned. Unless the context reasonably implies otherwise, any references to front and back, left and right, top and bottom, upper and lower, and vertical and horizontal are intended to facilitate description and not to limit the systems and methods or their components to any particular location or spatial orientation.

[0064] Having described several aspects of at least one example above, it should be understood that various changes, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such changes, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure and are intended to fall within the scope of this invention. Therefore, the foregoing description and drawings are merely exemplary, and the scope of the invention should be determined by the proper construction of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A headrest, comprising: An adjustable surface, which is positioned close to the occupant's head during use; An acoustic opening configured to emit acoustic energy from an acoustic transducer within the directional range intended to be occupied by the occupant's ear; as well as A processor configured to adjust the driver signal provided to the acoustic transducer based on the position of the adjustable surface. The processor is further configured to adjust the driver signal to at least partially compensate for the obstruction area between the acoustic opening and the ear, the obstruction area changing with the position of the adjustable surface.

2. The headrest of claim 1 further includes a sensor configured to detect the position of the adjustable surface.

3. The headrest according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable surface is adjustable in at least one of the horizontal and vertical dimensions.

4. The headrest according to claim 1 further includes an acoustic conduit, the shape of which is adjusted by movement of the acoustic conduit relative to the adjustable surface.

5. The headrest of claim 4, further comprising a processor configured to adjust a driver signal provided to the acoustic transducer based on the position of the adjustable surface to at least partially compensate for the acoustic characteristics of the acoustic conduit altered based on the position of the adjustable surface.

6. The headrest according to claim 1, further comprising the acoustic transducer.

7. An audio system, comprising: A headrest having an adjustable surface and an acoustic opening, the adjustable surface being positioned close to the occupant's head during use, and the acoustic opening being configured to emit acoustic energy from an acoustic transducer within the direction expected to be occupied by the occupant's ears. and A processor configured to adjust a driver signal provided to the acoustic transducer based on the position of the adjustable surface; The processor is further configured to adjust the driver signal to at least partially compensate for the obstruction area between the acoustic opening and the ear, the obstruction area changing with the position of the adjustable surface.

8. The audio system of claim 7, further comprising a sensor configured to detect the position of the adjustable surface.

9. The audio system of claim 7, wherein the adjustable surface is adjustable in at least one of the horizontal and vertical dimensions.

10. The audio system of claim 7, further comprising an acoustic conduit, wherein movement of the acoustic conduit relative to the adjustable surface adjusts the shape of the acoustic channel.

11. The audio system of claim 10, wherein the processor is configured to adjust the driver signal to at least partially compensate for the acoustic characteristics of the acoustic conduit that change based on the position of the adjustable surface.

12. A method for controlling the audio output of an audio headrest having an adjustable surface, the method comprising: Detect the position of the adjustable surface of the headrest; as well as The driver signal supplied to the acoustic transducer is adjusted based on the detected position of the adjustable surface; The driver signal is adjusted to at least partially compensate for the obstruction area between the acoustic opening and the ear, the obstruction area changing with the position of the adjustable surface.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein adjusting the driver signal at least partially compensates for the acoustic characteristics of the acoustic conduit that change based on the position of the adjustable surface.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the adjustable surface is adjustable in at least one of the horizontal and vertical dimensions.

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