Modular audio components for use with vehicle headrests

Abstract

A modular audio assembly for use with a vehicle headrest includes a speaker assembly comprising: a support member arranged rotatably to the vehicle headrest; and a speaker module coupled to the support member, the speaker module including a housing having a front face and at least one speaker mounted therein for generating audio output. An actuator is operatively connected to the speaker assembly and configured to position the speaker assembly in: an inactive position, wherein the front face is substantially adjacent to a lateral side of the vehicle headrest; and an active position, wherein the speaker assembly is rotated away from the lateral side of the vehicle headrest and the front face is oriented in an inward direction.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 132,583, filed on December 31, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The implementation scheme relates to a modular audio component for seat-based audio in vehicles, such as for use with headrests. Background Technology

[0004] Modern vehicle systems utilize a variety of speakers and speaker configurations. The sound quality and performance of a vehicle audio system are an important service of the vehicle. In many existing designs, due to spacing and other limitations, speakers are typically mounted in the passenger doors or along the front or rear dashboard. There is a desire to improve upon traditional vehicle configurations with four or five speakers. While typical vehicle configurations are able to attenuate sound to the front or rear of the vehicle and allow sound to be shifted to the left or right side, the overall effect is to limit the sound from speakers with fixed positions to specific sections of the vehicle.

[0005] Vehicle audio systems are increasingly based on seat-based concepts that provide an individual user-preferred listening mode in each seat. These listening modes rely primarily on the arrangement of headrest speakers, particularly their placement relative to the listener's head. Different listening modes require speakers to be positioned differently relative to the listener's head to produce optimal acoustics. Other factors, such as safety and comfort, must also be considered. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one or more embodiments, a modular audio assembly for use with a vehicle headrest includes: a speaker assembly including a support member arranged to be rotatably mounted to the vehicle headrest; and a speaker module coupled to the support member and including a housing having a front face and at least one speaker mounted therein for generating audio output. An actuator is operatively connected to the speaker assembly and configured to position the speaker assembly in: an inactive position, wherein the front face is substantially adjacent to a lateral side of the vehicle headrest; and an active position, wherein the speaker assembly is rotated away from the lateral side of the vehicle headrest and the front face is oriented in an inward direction.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the support member includes a track on which the speaker module is movably mounted, and an actuator is configured to translate the speaker module along the track away from the support member into an extended configuration of the speaker assembly in an active position. The speaker assembly may be oriented generally vertically in an inactive position and generally horizontally in an active position. The actuator may be disposed within the support member.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the speaker module includes a first speaker and a second speaker, the second speaker having a different frequency range than the first speaker. A support member has a first mating surface and the speaker module has a second mating surface, the first and second mating surfaces having complementary shapes arranged to be abut each other when the speaker assembly is in an inactive position. In the inactive position, the speaker assembly can be positioned generally within the periphery of the lateral side of the vehicle headrest. When mounted to the vehicle headrest, the speaker assembly is configured to be operatively connected to a power source associated with the vehicle headrest to provide power to an actuator.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, a modular audio assembly for use with a vehicle headrest includes a speaker assembly comprising a support member arranged rotatably to a bottom portion of the vehicle headrest, the support member including a track. A speaker module is movably mounted to the track for translation along it, the speaker module including a housing with a front face and at least one speaker mounted therein for generating audio output. An actuator is disposed in the speaker assembly and configured to position the speaker assembly in: an inactive position, wherein the speaker assembly is oriented substantially vertically adjacent to a lateral side of the vehicle headrest; an active position, wherein the speaker assembly is rotated away from the lateral side of the vehicle headrest and substantially horizontally oriented; and an extended configuration of the active position, wherein the speaker assembly is substantially horizontally oriented and the speaker module translates along the track away from the support member.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, an audio system used with a vehicle headrest includes at least one modular audio component, which includes a speaker assembly. The speaker assembly includes: a support member arranged rotatably to the vehicle headrest; and a speaker module coupled to the support member and including a housing having a front face and at least one speaker mounted therein for generating audio output. An actuator is operatively connected to the speaker assembly. The audio system also includes a vehicle control unit electrically communicated with the actuator to position the speaker assembly in: a non-active position, wherein the front face is substantially adjacent to a lateral side of the vehicle headrest; and an active position, wherein the speaker assembly is rotated away from the lateral side of the vehicle headrest and the front face is oriented in an inward direction.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the vehicle control unit controls the translation of the speaker modules based on a stored user profile. The vehicle control unit includes a user interface configured to generate control signals for movement of the speaker assemblies in response to user input. At least one modular audio assembly may include a left speaker assembly and a right speaker assembly, the left speaker assembly being rotatably mounted to the left side of the vehicle headrest and the right speaker assembly being rotatably mounted to the right side of the vehicle headrest, wherein the vehicle control unit may be configured to control the left speaker assembly independently of the right speaker assembly. The vehicle control unit may be arranged to position the speaker assemblies based on vehicle parameters, including at least one of vehicle parking, vehicle operating mode, occupant detection, or driving condition. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 A front perspective view of a modular audio assembly mounted on a vehicle headrest according to one or more embodiments is shown, each modular audio assembly including a speaker assembly in an inactive position relative to the headrest;

[0013] Figure 2 A rear perspective view of a modular audio assembly mounted on a vehicle headrest according to one or more embodiments is shown, wherein the speaker assembly is in an inactive position;

[0014] Figure 3 A front perspective view of a modular audio assembly mounted on a vehicle headrest according to one or more embodiments is shown, wherein the speaker assembly is in an active position relative to the headrest;

[0015] Figure 4 A front perspective view of a modular audio assembly mounted on a vehicle headrest according to one or more embodiments is shown, wherein the speaker assembly is extended relative to the headrest in an active position;

[0016] Figure 5 The internal components of a modular audio component according to one or more embodiments are shown;

[0017] Figure 6 The process for controlling modular audio components according to one or more implementation schemes is described;

[0018] Figure 7 A graphical representation of an audio system for a vehicle according to one or more embodiments is depicted; and

[0019] Figure 8 The vehicle cabin configuration according to one or more implementation schemes is depicted. Detailed Implementation

[0020] As requested, detailed embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention that can be implemented in various alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; some features may be enlarged or minimized to show details of specific components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to employ the invention in different ways.

[0021] Existing vehicle speaker arrangements cannot meet all acoustic, safety, and user comfort requirements while providing a variety of advanced audio features with optimal performance. To address this challenge, the embodiments disclosed herein provide a modular audio assembly for mounting to vehicle headrests. The modular audio assembly includes a movable speaker that may have an inactive position and then be deployed to one or more active positions to provide vehicle occupants with a variety of audio modes. These audio modes may include, but are not limited to, independent zone (ISZ) mode, binaural mode, and surround sound mode.

[0022] In ISZ mode, sound energy is isolated from other vehicle seats, minimizing disturbance to other listeners. Optimal tuning performance is achieved in ISZ mode by placing speakers or speaker arrays in a specific arrangement on each side of the head. Specifically, on each side, the speakers are positioned at chin level, in the same vertical plane as the ears, and tilted so that the main broadcast direction of the speakers is directed towards the occupant's chin or mouth. In this arrangement, the driver's or passenger's head can rotate freely without obstructed vision.

[0023] In binaural mode, signals received by the listener's left and right ears are carefully controlled to present a three-dimensional sound image in perception, achieving audio effects and immersion, and utilizing techniques involving the Head Relative Transfer Function (HRTF). To achieve a satisfactory binaural presentation, speakers or speaker arrays can be placed at the same height on each side of the head facing the ears in the same vertical plane. In this arrangement, the speakers produce sound around the head with natural left-right crosstalk cancellation for mid- and high-frequency (>300Hz) frequencies, which is advantageous for further applications of binaural signal processing technology. In surround sound mode, the speakers are placed near or inside the headrest, behind the listener's head. This arrangement provides comfort and safety and allows for unrestricted use for drivers and passengers.

[0024] Speakers with fixed extension positions do not allow for selection between different audio modes and present ergonomic, safety, and management challenges when implemented in today's automotive environment. For example, speakers in fixed extension positions can obstruct entry or exit from the vehicle, may block much of a passenger's visual periphery, and may interfere with daily driving tasks. Placing speaker modules in the desired locations for achieving optimal performance in different audio modes is impractical without a dynamic mobility solution. The embodiments disclosed herein achieve desired headrest speaker positions without restricting occupant movement, violating traffic or driving laws, or causing any discomfort to occupants.

[0025] The embodiments disclosed herein provide a modular audio assembly with a movable speaker assembly that can be mounted to a vehicle headrest to enable extended or retracted speaker positions for seat-based audio in a vehicle. The speaker assembly has a motorized, actuator-driven, spring-driven, or manual mechanism for deployment.

[0026] The disclosed implementation allows each vehicle seat and associated headrest to be equipped with multiple advanced audio features and modes that can be activated by vehicle occupants. The disclosed audio system allows users to access multiple audio features for optimal performance by considering different speaker arrangements for individual user seats. Because some audio modes require more precise positioning of the listener's head position within the speaker arrangement to account for individual listener seating variations, the vehicle control unit communicating with the modular audio components may have a storage device to store user-specific parameters. After the initial adjustment of each feature for each user upon first activation, a user profile can be established and retrieved in the future.

[0027] Different vehicles have different seat component designs, such as headrests. If a seat-based audio solution is integrated within the headrest's head support portion, it may be necessary to adapt and redesign different speakers and movement components for each type of headrest in different vehicles. Instead, the embodiments disclosed herein introduce a modular design, where a common core of the device is included in a modular audio component to support acoustic functionality and necessary movement. The disclosed modular audio component is compatible with multiple different headrests and provides a "plug-and-play" interface with various headrests to deliver audio and movement features. While the modular audio component is shown and described herein as being mountable to vehicle headrests, it is conceivable that the modular audio component could be designed for modular application in any seat-based audio system, and is therefore not limited to headrests.

[0028] Figures 1 to 5A headrest 100 with a modular audio assembly 102 mounted thereon is shown according to one or more embodiments. Each modular audio assembly 102 includes a speaker assembly 104 having a support member 106 arranged to be rotatably mounted to the vehicle headrest 100. The speaker assembly 104 also includes a speaker module 108 coupled to the support member 106 and includes a housing 110 having a front face 112 and at least one speaker 114 mounted therein for generating audio output. In one or more embodiments, the modular audio assembly 102 may be implemented as a “wing” assembly that can be mounted to any lateral side 116 of the headrest 100. While the modular audio assembly 102 is shown and described herein as being mounted on both lateral sides 116 of the headrest 100, it should be understood that, alternatively, a single modular audio assembly 102 may be present only on one lateral side 116 of the headrest 100.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, speaker module 108 includes speaker 114, acoustic housing, and components, while support member 106 may include any auxiliary structures for supporting speaker module 108 or moving speaker module relative to headrest 100, such as one or more arms, links, housings, actuation points, hinges, mounting points, motors, etc. Some examples of devices and support objects in modular audio assembly 102 include, but are not limited to, transducers (speakers, microphones, etc.), electronic components, wiring and electrical support equipment, acoustic components (sealed chambers, resonators, ports, etc.), and sensors (occupancy detection, passenger monitoring, biometrics, etc.).

[0030] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of modular audio assemblies 102 mounted on a vehicle headrest 100 is shown. Each modular audio assembly 102 includes a speaker assembly 104 in a retracted, inactive position relative to the headrest 100. In one or more embodiments, the inactive position may position the speaker assembly 104 in a generally vertical orientation to correspond to the height dimension of the headrest 100 and to visually integrate with the headrest 100. The modular audio assemblies 102 may be generally positioned within the periphery of the lateral side 116 of the headrest 100. Figure 1 In the middle, a modular audio component 102 is moved to the side, making the lateral side 116 visible. Support member 106 may include a pivot member 118 arranged to be received in the headrest 100 (see also...). Figure 5 ), used to install and place the modular audio component 102 onto the headrest 100.

[0031] In the inactive or retracted position, speaker module 108 can be configured to be inactive, wherein the front 112 of speaker module 108 and speaker 114 face inward toward headrest 100, substantially adjacent to the lateral side 116 of headrest 100. Alternatively, speaker module 114 may direct audio output at least in a forward direction. This retracted position of speaker module 108's front 112 and / or speaker 114 facing forward, along with one or more control signals, allows surround sound modes. Figure 2 As shown, the support member 106 may have a first mating surface 120 and the speaker module 108 may have a second mating surface 122, the first mating surface 120 and the second mating surface 122 having complementary shapes arranged to be adjacent to each other when the speaker assembly 104 is in an inactive position. In an alternative embodiment, the speaker assembly 104 may have a support member 106 and a speaker module 108 integrated together. The support member 106 and the speaker module 108 may have any suitable shape and positioning relative to each other, and are not limited to the configuration depicted and described herein.

[0032] Figure 3 A front perspective view of a modular audio assembly 102 according to one or more embodiments is shown, wherein speaker assemblies 104 are in an active position relative to headrest 100. As shown, speaker assemblies 104 are generally horizontally oriented in the active position, wherein each speaker assembly 104 rotates distally and outward from the lateral side 116 of headrest 100, and the front face 112 and speaker 114 are oriented in an inward direction. Figure 3 In the indicated active position, the first mating surface 120 and the second mating surface 122 can be arranged to be adjacent to each other as described above. As an example, the support member 106 and the speaker module 108 can extend outward and forward from the headrest 100, such that the speaker module 108 is arranged toward the ears of the seat occupant.

[0033] Modular audio assembly 102 can provide mechanical actuation (e.g., motorized, actuator-driven, spring-driven, and / or retractable, etc.) of support member 106 and speaker module 108 to move the physical orientation of support member 106 and speaker module 108, thereby achieving adaptive performance of seat-based audio functionality. Support member 106 and / or speaker module 108 can automatically, electrically, hydraulically, or mechanically extend, retract, rotate, translate, and / or tilt along one, two, or three axes. In one or more embodiments, actuator 124 ( Figure 5An actuator, such as a motor, is operatively connected to the speaker assembly 104 and configured to position the speaker assembly 104 in various active or inactive positions. An actuator 124 may be disposed within the speaker assembly 104, such as within the support member 106. Alternatively or additionally, the actuator 124 may be disposed within the headrest 100.

[0034] Figure 4 A front perspective view of a modular audio assembly 102 according to one or more embodiments is shown, wherein a speaker assembly 104 (particularly a speaker module 108) is in an extended configuration relative to a headrest 100 in an active position. Each support member 106 may include a track 126 on which the speaker module 108 is movably mounted, and an actuator 124 is configured to translate the speaker module 108 along the track 126 away from the support member 106 to the extended configuration of the speaker assembly 104 in the active position. Figure 3 As in the configuration, the support member 106 and the speaker module 108 can extend outward and forward from the headrest 100, in this case, extending a designed or selected distance along the track 126 such that the speaker module 108 is arranged toward the ears of the seat occupant.

[0035] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The active position of the speaker module 108 and one or more control signals enable ISZ mode. The speaker module 108 can be positioned at the chin level of the seat occupant, while remaining in the same vertical plane as the seat occupant's ears. Furthermore, the speaker module 108 can be tilted in a manner that aligns its primary broadcast direction towards the seat occupant's chin or mouth, thereby providing the seat occupant with an unobstructed panoramic view. The position of the speaker module 108 can actively influence the amount of passive acoustic isolation or separation between passengers, which is a crucial factor in isolated audio configurations.

[0036] Although the activity locations shown in this article are described as corresponding to ISZ layout and audio mode, other activity locations can be envisioned. As an example, Figure 3 and Figure 4 The speaker module 108 shown can be configured to provide a binaural arrangement and audio mode, wherein sound from the speaker module 108 can be focused to the occupant's ears, typically collinear with the occupant's ear canals, and the speaker module 108 is located on each side of the head facing the ears, having the same height in the same vertical plane.

[0037] Figure 5Internal components of a modular audio assembly 102 according to one or more embodiments are shown. When mounted to a headrest 100, the speaker assembly 102 is configured to be operatively connected to a power source 128, such as that associated with the headrest 100 or a vehicle seat, to provide power to an actuator 124. A pivot member 118 may include an electrical connector (not shown) configured to dock with and / or electrically communicate with the power source 128. Alternatively, the power source 128 may be located on the speaker assembly 104.

[0038] Modular audio components 102, such as housing 110, may have mounting points or other attachment methods for modular speaker grilles 130 and modular design “skin” options (e.g., plastic, cloth, leather) that can be easily changed for different vehicles and specific implementations. Any external design surface or material of modular audio components 102 can be modular in nature, thus allowing for rapid development and deployment with specific materials, finishes, designs, or trademarks.

[0039] Speaker module 108 can be used as a speaker 315 in other vehicles. Figure 7 This can be used in conjunction with and / or independently of other vehicle speakers. Each speaker module 108 is envisioned to have a single speaker 114, two speakers 114, or more than two speakers 114. Each speaker 114 may optionally operate with its own hermetically sealed acoustic volume such that they do not interfere with each other to the greatest extent possible. When two or more speakers 114 are used, the speakers 114 may have different spectral characteristics (frequency ranges). For example, to improve low-frequency separation between different sound zones, one of the speakers 114 may be a low-frequency speaker, such as a woofer or a suitable midrange speaker. The other speaker 114 may be a high-frequency speaker, such as a suitable midrange speaker or a tweeter. Of course, these configurations are merely exemplary, and the speaker module 108 is not limited to the shape of the housing 110 or the number and arrangement of the speakers 114 shown or described herein. The size of the speaker module 108, as well as the number and characteristics of the included speakers 114, can be selected to optimize audio characteristics and performance, as well as ergonomics for vehicle occupants.

[0040] Figure 6 The process for controlling a modular audio component 102 according to one or more embodiments is described. This includes a vehicle control unit 305 such as an infotainment unit, a head unit, and / or other control units. Figure 7Process 200 can be employed to control one or more modular audio components 102 and speaker component elements (e.g., speaker module 108). Process 200 can be initiated by receiving a modular audio component control signal at block 205. In one embodiment, the modular audio component control signal can be one or more control signals for guiding the position of support member 106 and speaker module 108 to at least one of an inactive position, an active position, and an extended configuration of the active position. In addition to position control, the modular audio component control signal can relate to audio data, speaker control, etc. Furthermore, the control of the position of the support member and speaker module can be coupled to other seat-based positional movements (e.g., headrest height, seat tilt, etc.).

[0041] At block 210, the modular audio component 102 can be controlled based on a control signal received at block 205. In one exemplary embodiment, control of the modular audio component includes moving the support member 106 and speaker module 108 from a current position to a second position (e.g., an inactive position, an active position, or an extended configuration of the active position). For example, the support member 106 and speaker module 108 can be controlled to move from a retracted position to an active position, or vice versa, or to move between different active or extended positions. In some cases, control signals can be generated by occupant selection of modes such as surround sound mode, ISZ mode, or binaural mode, which instruct the modular audio component 102 to control the position of the support member 106 and speaker module 108. Control can be based on activation of vehicle buttons and / or infotainment or other user interface 306. Figure 7 The selection of occupant selection is used to detect occupant selection. Although the support member 106 and the speaker module 108 are described herein as moving as a group in a coordinated manner, independent control and movement of the support member 106 and the speaker module 108 or movement of only one support member 106 and the corresponding speaker module 108 are also contemplated.

[0042] Control may include arranging the support member 106 and speaker module 108 in one or more of an active position, an extended configuration of the active position, and a retracted position. Control may include arranging the speaker module 108 in one or more of a surround sound mode, an ISZ mode, and a binaural mode. Control may include positioning the support member 106 and speaker module 108 based on vehicle parameters, including at least one of vehicle parking, vehicle operating mode, occupant detection, and / or driving conditions. Control may include automatically moving the support member 106 and speaker module 108 between an audio mode or an active / inactive position. Additionally, the positions of the support member 106 and speaker module 108 may be continuously adjusted to achieve advanced head-related speaker positioning and tracking.

[0043] At block 215, process 200 can update control over modular audio component 102 and one or more speaker component elements (e.g., support member 106 and speaker module 108). Process 200 allows continuous or periodic monitoring of vehicle control signals, such that passenger selection or vehicle events can trigger modification of the position of support member 106 and speaker module 108. In one exemplary embodiment, vehicle parking or certain operating modes can control the position of support member 106 and speaker module 108. For example, parking the vehicle can automatically guide support member 106 and speaker module 108 to a retracted position and / or an inactive position. Alternatively, occupant detection can result in positioning support member 106 and speaker module 108 based on one or more occupant presets. According to another embodiment, driving conditions such as highway versus local driving can prompt vehicle control unit 305 ( Figure 7 Positioning support component 106 and speaker module 108.

[0044] Figure 7 An audio system 300 is depicted according to one or more embodiments. The audio system 300 may relate to a vehicle configuration, such as an automobile or passenger vehicle configuration. According to one embodiment, a vehicle control unit 305, such as a vehicle infotainment unit, is electrically connected to one or more modular audio components 102. The vehicle control unit 305 may provide one or more of driver assistance, navigation, media, and vehicle control features. In one embodiment, the audio system 300 includes a user interface 306 that can be used to provide one or more commands or control signals to the vehicle control unit 305, including settings of speaker component elements (e.g., support member 106 and speaker module 108). An actuator 124 may be electrically connected to the vehicle control unit 305 (e.g., via an electrical connection in a pivot member 118) to cause movement of the support member 106 and speaker module 108. Commands may be directed to one or more of the directional and movable element controls as described herein. The user interface 306 may include a display and one or more input controls, such as a touchscreen display, to present the user interface of the vehicle control unit 305 and the display of input and adjustment commands.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the vehicle control unit 305 drives one or more vehicle speakers 315. According to another embodiment, the vehicle control unit 305 controls one or more modular audio components 102. Each modular audio component 102 may include one or more speaker modules 108 (each speaker module includes one or more speakers 114) and one or more support members 106 for positioning the speaker modules 108. According to another embodiment, the vehicle control unit 305 may be configured to control one or more modular audio components 102 to achieve one or more adaptive audio modes, such as surround sound mode, ISZ mode, or binaural mode. According to another embodiment, the speakers 114 may be used as a speaker array. The modular audio components 102 may include a left speaker assembly 104 and a right speaker assembly 104, the left speaker assembly being rotatably mounted to the left lateral side 116 of the headrest 100, and the right speaker assembly being rotatably mounted to the right lateral side 116 of the headrest 100, wherein the vehicle control unit 305 may be configured to control the left speaker assembly 104 independently of the right speaker assembly 104. The vehicle control unit 305 may include a processor to perform one or more functions that may be stored in a memory module of the vehicle control unit 305. For example, the vehicle control unit 305 may control the speaker module 108 to translate a certain distance along the track 126 based on a stored user profile.

[0046] Figure 8 Vehicle cabin configurations according to one or more embodiments are depicted. Vehicle cabin configuration 600 of vehicle 605 may allow one or more sound zones and sound configurations. Cabin 610 of vehicle 605 includes multiple seats. According to one embodiment, separate sound zones can be provided by employing a configuration of modular audio components 102 and speaker modules 108 for vehicle seats. Front seats such as driver's seat 615 and passenger seat 620 may be associated with dedicated zones. Passenger seats such as rear seat 625 may have multiple zones. Rear seat 625 is shown with a two-headrest configuration for bench seats, but can be configured to have three headrests. Driver zone 630 and passenger zone 635 for driver's seat 615 and passenger seat 620, respectively, are shown. Each zone relates to a guideable sound area of ​​vehicle 605, and speaker module 108 configuration is adaptively controlled to achieve surround sound configuration, ISZ configuration, or binaural configuration. Rear areas 640 and 645 of the left and right sections of rear seat 625 are shown. Figure 8 As shown, each seat and zone is such that the modular audio component 102 is configured to provide audio output in at least one of a surround sound configuration, an ISZ configuration, or a binaural configuration.

[0047] Although exemplary embodiments have been described above, they are not intended to describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the language used in this specification is descriptive rather than limiting, and it should be understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, features of various embodiments may be combined to form other embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A modular audio component for use with a vehicle headrest, comprising: Speaker assembly, the speaker assembly comprising: A support member, arranged to be rotatably mounted to the vehicle headrest, the support member defining an elongated track extending along the support member, and A speaker module, coupled to and movably mounted on a track on the support member, the speaker module comprising a housing having a front face and at least one speaker mounted therein for generating audio output; and An actuator, operatively connected to the support member and the speaker assembly, is configured to rotate the support member to move the speaker assembly between: an inactive position, wherein the front face is substantially adjacent to the lateral side of the vehicle headrest; and an active position, wherein the support member is rotated away from the lateral side of the vehicle headrest and the front face is oriented in an inward direction. The actuator is configured to translate the speaker module relative to the support member along a track to an extended configuration of the speaker assembly in the active position. The active position and the extended configuration of the active position each correspond to an independent sound zone mode. In the independent sound zone mode, the speaker module is arranged at the chin level of the seat occupant, while remaining on the same vertical plane as the seat occupant's ear. The speaker module is tilted such that the main broadcast direction of the speaker module is arranged to point towards the occupant's chin or mouth.

2. The modular audio assembly of claim 1, wherein the speaker assembly is oriented generally vertically in the inactive position and generally horizontally in the active position.

3. The modular audio assembly of claim 1, wherein the actuator is disposed within the support member.

4. The modular audio component of claim 1, wherein the speaker module includes a first speaker and a second speaker, the second speaker having a different frequency range than the first speaker.

5. The modular audio assembly of claim 1, wherein the support member has a first mating surface and the speaker module has a second mating surface, the first mating surface and the second mating surface having complementary shapes arranged to be adjacent to each other when the speaker assembly is in the inactive position.

6. The modular audio assembly of claim 1, wherein in the inactive position, the speaker assembly is generally positioned within the periphery of the lateral side of the vehicle headrest.

7. The modular audio assembly of claim 1, wherein when mounted to the vehicle headrest, the speaker assembly is configured to be operatively connected to a power source associated with the vehicle headrest to provide power to the actuator.

8. A modular audio component for use with a vehicle headrest, comprising: Speaker assembly, the speaker assembly comprising: A support member, arranged to be rotatably mounted to the bottom portion of the vehicle headrest, defines an elongated track extending along the support member, and A speaker module, movably mounted to the track of the support member for translation thereal, the speaker module comprising a housing having a front face and at least one speaker mounted therein for generating audio output; and An actuator, disposed in and operatively connected to the support member and the speaker assembly, is configured to rotate the support member to move the speaker assembly between: a stationary position, wherein the speaker assembly is oriented substantially vertically adjacent to a lateral side of the vehicle headrest; and an active position, wherein the speaker assembly is rotated away from the lateral side of the vehicle headrest and oriented substantially horizontally, the actuator being configured to translate the speaker module relative to the support member along a track to an extended configuration in the active position. The active position and the extended configuration of the active position each correspond to an independent sound zone mode. In the independent sound zone mode, the speaker module is arranged at the chin level of the seat occupant, while remaining on the same vertical plane as the seat occupant's ear. The speaker module is tilted such that the main broadcast direction of the speaker module is arranged to point towards the occupant's chin or mouth.

9. The modular audio component of claim 8, wherein the speaker module includes a first speaker and a second speaker, the second speaker having a different frequency range than the first speaker.

10. The modular audio assembly of claim 8, wherein the support member has a first mating surface and the speaker module has a second mating surface, the first mating surface and the second mating surface having complementary shapes arranged to be adjacent to each other when the speaker assembly is in the inactive position.

11. The modular audio assembly of claim 8, wherein in the inactive position, the speaker assembly is generally positioned within the periphery of the lateral side of the vehicle headrest.

12. An audio system for use with a vehicle headrest, the audio system comprising: At least one modular audio component, comprising: Speaker assembly, the speaker assembly comprising: A support member, arranged to be rotatably mounted to the vehicle headrest, the support member defining an elongated track extending along the support member, and A speaker module, coupled to and movably mounted on a track on the support member, the speaker module comprising a housing having a front face and at least one speaker mounted therein for generating audio output; and An actuator operatively connected to the support member and the speaker assembly; and A vehicle control unit, electrically connected to and configured to control the operation of the actuator. The actuator is configured to rotate the support member to move the speaker assembly between: an inactive position, wherein the front face is substantially adjacent to the lateral side of the vehicle headrest; and an active position, wherein the speaker assembly is rotated away from the lateral side of the vehicle headrest and the front face is oriented in an inward direction. The actuator is configured to translate the speaker module relative to the support member along the track to an extended configuration of the speaker assembly in the active position. The active position and the extended configuration of the active position each correspond to an independent sound zone mode. In the independent sound zone mode, the speaker module is arranged at the chin level of the seat occupant, while remaining on the same vertical plane as the seat occupant's ear. The speaker module is tilted such that the main broadcast direction of the speaker module is arranged to point towards the occupant's chin or mouth.

13. The audio system of claim 12, wherein the vehicle control unit controls the translation of the speaker module based on a stored user profile.

14. The audio system of claim 12, wherein the speaker module includes a first speaker and a second speaker, the second speaker having a different frequency range than the first speaker.

15. The audio system of claim 12, wherein the vehicle control unit includes a user interface configured to generate control signals for movement of the speaker assembly in response to user input.

16. The audio system of claim 12, wherein the at least one modular audio component includes a left speaker assembly and a right speaker assembly, the left speaker assembly being rotatably mounted to the left side of the vehicle headrest and the right speaker assembly being rotatably mounted to the right side of the vehicle headrest.

17. The audio system of claim 16, wherein the vehicle control unit is configured to control the left speaker assembly independently of the right speaker assembly.

18. The audio system of claim 12, wherein the vehicle control unit is arranged to position the speaker assembly based on vehicle parameters, the vehicle parameters including at least one of vehicle parking, vehicle operating mode, occupant detection, or driving condition.

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