A method for controlling audio output in a vehicle, a vehicle, and a computer readable medium

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to controlling audio output in a vehicle. Systems, methods, and software can be used to control audio output of a vehicle. In some aspects, a method is disclosed that includes determining, at a vehicle, a current driving mode of the vehicle; determining, at the vehicle, a plurality of audio output levels based on the current driving mode and one or more preconfigured audio zone profiles; and controlling, by the vehicle, an audio device of the vehicle to output audio in accordance with the plurality of audio output levels.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to controlling audio output in a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles may include audio devices that provide audio output from various sources. Examples of these sources include AM / FM radios, CD players, DVD players, Blu-ray players, navigation systems, Bluetooth phone integration, and smart phone controllers such as CarPlay and Android Auto. Audio output can be provided through one or more speakers installed inside the vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0003] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example communication system for controlling audio operations in a vehicle, based on the implementation.

[0004] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an example method for controlling audio output in a vehicle, based on an implementation.

[0005] Figure 3 It is a high-level architecture diagram based on the implemented computing system.

[0006] Similar reference numerals and names in various diagrams indicate similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0007] In some situations, a vehicle can control the audio output of speakers or audio devices. Different audio output levels can be pre-configured using audio zone profiles. These profiles can be configured for different driving modes of the vehicle. The vehicle can determine the current driving mode and select the corresponding audio zone profile. The vehicle can determine the audio output level based on the audio output level configured in the audio zone profile. The vehicle can control the speakers to output audio according to the audio output level. Figures 1 to 3 The associated description provides additional details of these implementations. The approach described in this disclosure provides a way to customize the audio output operation of a vehicle. This approach further simplifies user interaction with the vehicle's audio output operation and improves the user experience.

[0008] In some cases, audio output can be specified or controlled using a signal format based on a standardized protocol. This protocol can be used to configure audio output levels in an audio region profile and to communicate with the vehicle's firmware to transfer data objects related to audio output operation. As previously discussed, the approach described in this disclosure improves the interoperability of software modules performing audio output control operations. It allows software modules to be easily adapted to different vehicle firmware and operating systems.

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example communication system 100 for controlling audio operations in a vehicle, according to an implementation. At a high level, the example communication system 100 includes a vehicle 120 communicatively coupled to an electronic device 122. The vehicle 120 is also communicatively coupled to a server 130 via a network 140.

[0010] Whether currently existing or future, vehicle 120 may include motor vehicles (e.g., automobiles, cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, etc.), aircraft (e.g., airplanes, drones, unmanned aerial vehicle systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters, etc.), spacecraft (e.g., space shuttles, spacecraft, space capsules, space stations, satellites, etc.), vessels (e.g., ships, small boats, hovercraft, submarines, etc.), rail vehicles (e.g., trains, trams, etc.), and other types of vehicles, including combinations of any of the foregoing items. In the illustrated example, vehicle 120 includes one or more sensors 102 connected to bus 110, vehicle component controller 104, vehicle system processor 106, communication subsystem 116, user interface 118, memory 114, and audio control module 112.

[0011] In some cases, a vehicle may include one or more sensors. These sensors can generate inputs that reflect the surrounding environment or conditions inside the vehicle, such as video or audio input. Examples of sensors may include cameras, microphones, lasers, radar, ultrasonic sensors, light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or any other sensor.

[0012] Vehicle 120 includes one or more sensors 102 that detect or measure information about vehicle 120. Examples of sensors 102 may include sensors that capture environmental information outside vehicle 120, such as cameras, microphones, lasers, radar, ultrasonic sensors, light detection and ranging (LIDAR), etc. These sensors can provide environmental input to an automated processing platform operating on vehicle 120 for automated decision-making. Examples of sensors 102 may also include devices that capture information inside vehicle 120, such as monitors for components such as engines, batteries, fuel, electronic systems, cooling systems, etc. These sensors can provide operational status and warnings to an automated processing platform operating on vehicle 120. Examples of sensors 102 may also include acoustic sensors that can detect sound levels inside vehicle 120. Acoustic sensors can determine noise levels inside vehicle 120 or provide input to other signal processors that determine noise levels.

[0013] Vehicle 120 includes vehicle component controller 104. Although in Figure 1The vehicle component controller 104 is illustrated in the diagram, but vehicle 120 may include two or more vehicle component controllers 104. A vehicle component controller 104 represents a controller that controls the operation of components on vehicle 120. Examples of components may include an engine, accelerator, brakes, radiator, battery, steering wheel, transmission system, cooling system, electrical system, entertainment system, and any other components of vehicle 120. For example, vehicle component controller 104 may control the speaker system of vehicle 120, including controlling the volume, balance, fade, and any other settings of the audio output within vehicle 120. Vehicle component controller 104 may automatically operate appropriate components based on inputs from vehicle system processor 106 or combinations thereof. In some implementations, vehicle component controller 104 may include a data processing device.

[0014] The vehicle system processor 106 may include one or more processing components (optionally referred to as a "processor" or "central processing unit" (CPU)) configured to execute instructions relating to one or more of the processes, steps, or actions of an automated processing platform operating on the vehicle 120. Generally, the vehicle system processor 106 executes instructions and manipulates data to perform operations of the automated processing platform. The vehicle system processor 106 may receive input from sensors 102 and generate commands to the vehicle component controller 104. In some cases, the vehicle system processor 106 may perform automated operation. In some cases, the vehicle system processor 106 may include data processing means.

[0015] The communication subsystem 116 can be configured to provide wireless or wired communication for data or control information to the vehicle 120. For example, the communication subsystem 116 can support transmission via wireless local area network (WLAN or WiFi), near field communication (NFC), infrared (IR), radio frequency identification (RFID), Bluetooth (BT), universal serial bus (USB), or any other short-range communication protocol. The communication subsystem 116 can also support Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Provisional Standard 95 (IS-95), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), CDMA2000 (Code Division Multiple Access), Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (E-UMTS), Long Term Assessment (LTE), Advanced LTE, 5G, or any other wireless access technology. The communication subsystem 116 may include, for example, one or more antennas, receivers, transmitters, local oscillators, mixers, and digital signal processing (DSP) units. In some implementations, the communication subsystem 116 can support multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission. In some implementations, the receiver in the communication subsystem 116 can be an advanced receiver or a baseline receiver.

[0016] User interface 118 may include, for example, one or more of the following: a display or touchscreen display (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), or a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) display), a keyboard or keypad, a trackball, a speaker, or a microphone. User interface 118 may also include an I / O interface, such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface.

[0017] Memory 114 may be a computer-readable storage medium. Examples of memory 114 include volatile and non-volatile memory, magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), removable media, etc. Memory 114 may store the operating system (OS) of vehicle 120 and various other computer-executable software programs for performing one or more of the processes, steps, or actions described above.

[0018] The audio control module 112 represents an application, set of applications, software, software module, hardware, or any combination thereof that can be configured to determine the audio output level within the vehicle 120. Examples of audio output levels include volume, balance, fade, etc.

[0019] In some implementations, the audio control module 112 can determine or be informed of the current driving mode of the vehicle 120. The audio control module 112 can determine the audio output level of the speakers inside the vehicle 120 based on the current driving mode and a pre-configured audio zone profile. The audio zone profile can be configured via user interface 118, electronic device 122, or any combination thereof. The audio control module 112 can send the determined audio output level to the vehicle component controller 104. The vehicle component controller 104 can control the speakers to output audio according to these determined audio output levels. Figure 2 The associated description provides additional details of these implementations. In some implementations, the audio control module 112 may be implemented as a separate software program or part of a software program stored in memory 114 and executed by the vehicle system processor 106.

[0020] As illustrated, bus 110 provides a communication interface for components of an automated processing platform operating on vehicle 120. In some cases, bus 110 may be implemented using a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus.

[0021] Electronic device 122 refers to an electronic device connected to vehicle 120 for data transmission. Electronic device 122 may include, but is not limited to, any of the following: endpoint, computing device, mobile device, mobile electronic device, user equipment, mobile station, user station, portable electronic device, mobile communication device, wireless modem, wireless terminal, or other electronic device. Examples of endpoints may include mobile devices, IoT (Internet of Things) devices, EoT (Internet of Things) devices, cellular phones, personal data assistants (PDAs), smartphones, laptops, tablets, personal computers (PCs), pagers, portable computers, portable gaming devices, wearable electronic devices, health / medical / fitness devices, cameras, or other mobile communication devices having components for transmitting voice or data via wireless or wired communication networks. Electronic device 122 may also be a peripheral device, such as a headset, remote controller, or display.

[0022] Electronic device 122 can connect to vehicle 120 using short-range communication technology. Short-range communication technology can be wireless, such as BitTorrent, NFC, or WLAN. It can also be wired, such as USB.

[0023] In some implementations, the electronic device 122 can be used to configure the previously discussed audio region profile. For example, a user can use an application on the electronic device 122 to set or change the audio region profile, and the electronic device 122 can send the audio region profile to the vehicle 120. The electronic device 122 can also be used to further adjust the audio output level while the speakers are outputting audio signals.

[0024] Server 130 represents an application, application set, software, software module, hardware, or any combination thereof that can be configured to manage the audio region profiles of vehicle 120. In some implementations, server 130 can receive, store, and adjust audio region profiles and send updated audio region profiles to vehicle 120.

[0025] Example communication system 100 includes network 140. Network 140 represents an application, application set, software, software module, hardware, or combination thereof that can be configured to transmit data between server 130 and vehicle 120 in communication system 100. Network 140 includes wireless networks, wired networks, or combinations thereof. For example, network 140 may include one or more radio access networks (RANs), core networks (CNs), and external networks. The RAN may include one or more radio access technologies. In some implementations, the radio access technology may be Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Provisional Standard 95 (IS-95), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), CDMA2000 (Code Division Multiple Access), Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (E-UMTS), Long Term Assessment (LTE), Advanced LTE, 5G, or any other radio access technology. In some cases, the core network may be Evolved Packet Core (EPC).

[0026] RAN is part of a wireless telecommunications system that implements radio access technologies such as UMTS, CDMA2000, 3GPP LTE, 3GPP LTE-A, and 5G. In many applications, RAN includes at least one base station. A base station can be a radio base station that controls all or at least some of the radio-related functions of the fixed portion of the system. A base station can provide a radio interface for mobile devices to communicate within its coverage area or cell. Base stations can be distributed throughout the cellular network to provide broad coverage. Base stations communicate directly with one or more mobile devices, other base stations, and one or more core network nodes.

[0027] Although Figure 1 The components are shown as various component parts, sections, or modules that implement various features and functionalities, but conversely, these components may include several sub-modules, third-party services, components, libraries, etc., as appropriate. Furthermore, the features and functionalities of various components may be combined into fewer components, as appropriate.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an example method 200 for controlling audio output in a vehicle, based on an implementation. Method 200 can be... Figure 1 The entities shown (e.g., including vehicle 120) are used for implementation. Additional, fewer, or different entities can also be used for implementation. Figure 2 Method 200 is shown. Furthermore, it can be implemented using additional, fewer, or different operations. Figure 2 The methods 200 shown can be performed in the order shown or in a different order. In some cases, an operation or a set of operations can be iterated or repeated, for example, within a specified number of iterations or until a termination condition is reached.

[0029] In step 202, the vehicle determines its current driving mode. In some implementations, the vehicle may determine the current driving mode based on the values ​​of its current driving operation parameters. Examples of current driving operation parameters include speed, direction, acceleration, gear position, etc. These driving operation parameters can be obtained through sensors in the vehicle, the vehicle system processor, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the current driving mode can be determined based on the values ​​of driving operation parameters compared to a set of thresholds over a preset duration. The thresholds and the preset duration can be configured. In one example, the vehicle may determine that the current driving mode is drowsy mode based on a configuration when the vehicle has been idling for more than 5 minutes. In another example, the vehicle may determine that the current driving mode is highway mode when the vehicle's average speed has been above 60 mph for more than 10 minutes. Alternatively or in combination, the current driving mode may be further determined based on other information, such as the vehicle's occupants, the vehicle's location, the time of day, and the noise level inside or outside the vehicle. For example, when the vehicle has been idling and the vehicle is at a highway rest stop, the vehicle may determine that the current driving mode is drowsy mode. In some cases, the vehicle determines a nap mode when a user inputs information indicating a desire to nap via the vehicle's user interface or an app connected to an external electronic device. In other cases, the vehicle determines a nap mode when vehicle sensors detect the seat is reclined and the vehicle is not moving. In another example, the vehicle can determine the current driving mode as a noise mode when the vehicle's noise level (or the noise level inside the vehicle) exceeds a configured threshold. Furthermore, the vehicle can determine the current driving mode based on whether other operations are being performed within the vehicle. For example, the vehicle can determine the current driving mode as a Bluetooth mode when it detects Bluetooth communication. If vehicle sensors detect an infant car seat in the vehicle, the current driving mode can be determined as an infant-in-car mode. If vehicle sensors detect sirens from an ambulance / police / fire truck or other noises near the vehicle, the current driving mode can be determined as an alarm mode. If vehicle sensors detect nighttime, the current driving mode can be a night mode.

[0030] In some implementations, the current driving mode can be input by the driver or other persons in the vehicle via the vehicle's user interface or via electronic devices connected to the vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle can further adjust the driving mode configuration for a specific driver by using machine learning algorithms.

[0031] In 204, the vehicle determines multiple audio output levels based on the current driving mode and pre-configured audio region profiles. Each pre-configured audio region profile includes a set of audio output levels for the corresponding driving mode. These multiple audio output levels can include the volume, fade, balance, and other audio output parameters of different speakers in the vehicle. For example, for nap mode, the volume can be set to a low value. For highway mode, the volume can be set to an average value. For noise mode, the volume can also be set to a high value. For baby in-car mode, the volume of the rear section of the vehicle can be set to a low value. For change mode, the volume of the front and rear sections of the vehicle can be set to low values, or the audio can be turned off. In some cases, the pre-configured audio region profiles may also include audio programs corresponding to each driving mode, such as soothing melodies for nap mode, music selections for highway mode, children's songs for baby in-car mode, and loud and lively music to keep the driver awake for night mode.

[0032] In some cases, pre-configured audio zone profiles can be set by the vehicle manufacturer as the default. Alternatively or additionally, the pre-configured audio zone profiles can be set or changed by the user or anyone in the vehicle through the vehicle's user interface. The pre-configured audio zone profiles can also be configured via electronic devices connected to the vehicle, via a server connected to the vehicle, or both.

[0033] The vehicle can select a pre-configured audio region file that matches the current driving mode and use the audio output level in the pre-configured audio region as the current audio output level. In some cases, the vehicle can output the determined audio output level through the vehicle's user interface, and the user can also adjust the audio output level (e.g., using a dial, button, knob, touchscreen, or other input mechanism provided by the user interface). The vehicle can also save the user-adjusted audio output level in the pre-configured audio region file for future use. The vehicle can also prompt the user to choose whether the user-adjusted audio output level should be saved in the pre-configured audio region file for future use, and save the user-adjusted audio output level upon user confirmation. Alternatively or in combination, the user can use an electronic device or server to view the audio output level and adjust it accordingly.

[0034] In section 206, the vehicle controls the vehicle's audio equipment to output audio based on the audio output level. In some implementations, the vehicle's control system is implemented using different layers. Lower layers include the firmware of the physical devices that control the operation of the equipment, such as the speakers in the vehicle's speaker system. Higher layers include the control software that accesses the modules in the lower layers. In some cases, the modules in the lower layers can be vendor-specific to the physical devices, the vehicle's operating system, or both. Therefore, standardized signaling protocols can be used to provide a consistent interface to these modules. This improves the portability of the software in the higher layers.

[0035] In one example, the Vehicle Signaling Specification (VSS), developed by the Connected Vehicle Systems Alliance (COVESA), can be used to provide a common signaling protocol for vehicle signals. The VSS introduces a domain classification for vehicle signals, which can be used as a standard in automotive applications to transmit information around the vehicle. The VSS defines vehicle signals in a tree structure with respect to classical attributes, sensors and actuators, as well as raw data transmitted via the vehicle bus and data typically associated with the infotainment system. The VSS defines a catalog of signals. More generally, this catalog of signals is referred to herein as the "signal catalog."

[0036] In some cases, the signal structure or format of VSS can be used to define the previously discussed audio input and output levels. Tables 1-1 and 1-2 are examples of the signal structure / format for these data:

[0037]

[0038]

[0039] Table 1-1 Example signals for audio input and output levels (signal type and data type)

[0040]

[0041]

[0042] Table 1-2 Example Signals for Audio Input and Output Levels (Explanation)

[0043] As seen in Table 1 above, dots are symbolically represented as name paths to identify components as branches (sets of data entries) or data entries (sensors, actuators, or attributes). Sensors represent unidirectional signals originating from the vehicle (e.g., generated based on measurements from one or more sensors in the vehicle). Actuators represent bidirectional signals capable of setting or acquiring values ​​(i.e., actuators can be used to control corresponding aspects of a speaker's audio). Branches are nodes in a tree structure. Attributes are typically fixed values. Sensors / actuators typically have publishers (or producers) that continuously update signal values ​​as changes occur in the sensor, while attributes have set values ​​that should generally not change more than once per ignition cycle. In some cases, the signals in Table 1 can be implemented using Extensible Markup Language (XML), JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) scripts, or other encoding formats.

[0044] In some implementations, the vehicle's audio controller (e.g., the audio control module 112 discussed earlier) can receive input from sensors, such as the noise level in the front region of the vehicle, the noise level in the rear region of the vehicle, and the noise level from sensors within the vehicle when Bluetooth is used. The input can be received, for example, via entries for signal types of sensors or actuators in Tables 1-1 and 1-2 using the signal formats in Tables 1-1 and 1-2. The vehicle's audio controller can determine different aspects of the audio output level, such as the volume level of the front speakers, the volume level of the rear speakers, and the volume level when Bluetooth is running based on the previously discussed algorithms, for example, according to the current driving mode and audio region profile. The determined audio output level can be set using the signal formats in Tables 1-1 and 1-2, for example, via entries for signal types of actuators in Tables 1-1 and 1-2 using the signal formats in Tables 1-1 and 1-2. In some cases, the vehicle's audio controller can also adjust the audio output level based on input received from sensors. For example, if the noise in front exceeds a configured threshold, the volume in the front can be increased by a configured amount.

[0045] The audio controller can set the determined audio output level using the signal formats in Table 1. These signals can be sent to the speaker system's firmware, enabling the speaker system to output audio at different speakers according to these audio output levels.

[0046] Figure 3 This is a high-level architectural block diagram illustrating a computer 302 coupled to a network 350 according to an implementation. The described illustrations are merely one possible implementation of the described subject matter and are not intended to limit this disclosure to the single described implementation. Those skilled in the art will understand the fact that the described components can be alternatively connected, combined, or used according to this disclosure.

[0047] Network 350 facilitates communication between computer 302 and other devices. In some cases, a user (e.g., an administrator) can access computer 302 from a remote network. In these or other cases, network 350 can be a wireless or wired network. In some cases, a user can access computer 302 locally. In these or other cases, network 350 can also be any internal or external communication path between memory pipes, hardware connections, or components.

[0048] Computer 302 includes a computing system configured to perform the algorithms described in this disclosure. For example, computer 302 can be used to implement... Figure 1 The server 130 shown. Computer 302 can be used to implement... Figure 1 The electronic device 122 shown is, for example, a laptop computer or a smartphone. Computer 302 can also be used to implement... Figure 1 The audio control module 112 is shown. In some cases, the algorithm can be implemented in executable computational code (e.g., C / C++ executable code). Alternatively or in combination, the algorithm can be implemented in an application (e.g., Excel). In some cases, computer 302 may include a standalone Linux system running a batch processing application. In some cases, computer 302 may include a mobile or personal computer running an application.

[0049] Computer 302 may include input devices such as keypad, keyboard, touch screen, microphone, voice recognition device or other device that can accept user information and / or output devices or GUI that convey information (including digital data, visual and / or audio information) associated with the operation of computer 302.

[0050] Computer 302 can be used as a client, network component, server, database, or other host. In some implementations, one or more components of computer 302 can be configured to run within a cloud-based environment.

[0051] At a higher level, computer 302 is an electronic computing device operable to receive, transmit, process, store, or manage data and information. According to some implementations, computer 302 may also include application servers, email servers, web servers, cache servers, streaming data servers, business intelligence (BI) servers, and / or other servers, or be communicatively coupled to them.

[0052] Computer 302 can receive requests from client applications (e.g., those executing on a user device) via network 350 and respond to the received requests by processing them in an appropriate software application. Alternatively, requests can also be sent to computer 302 from internal users (e.g., from a command console or via another suitable access method), external or third parties, other automation applications, and any other suitable entity, individual, system, or computer.

[0053] Each component of computer 302 can communicate using system bus 303. In some implementations, any and / or all components (both hardware and / or software) of computer 302 can interface with each other and / or with interface 304 via system bus 303 using application programming interfaces (APIs) 312 and / or service layer 313. API 312 may include specifications for routines, data structures, and object classes. API 312 may be language-independent or language-dependent and refers to a complete interface, a single function, or even a set of APIs. Service layer 313 provides software services to computer 302. All service consumers using this service layer can access the functionality of computer 302. Software services (such as those provided by service layer 313) provide reusable, defined business functionality through defined interfaces. For example, this interface may be software written in JAVA, C++, or other suitable languages ​​that provide data in Extensible Markup Language (XML) format or another suitable format. Although illustrated as an integrated component of computer 302, alternative implementations may illustrate API 312 and / or service layer 313 as stand-alone components relative to other components of computer 302. Furthermore, any or all portions of API 312 and / or service layer 313 may be implemented as a descendant or submodule of another software or hardware module without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0054] Computer 302 includes interface 304. Although in Figure 3 The interface 304 is illustrated as a single interface, but two or more interfaces 304 may be used depending on the specific needs, configuration, or implementation of the computer 302. Interface 304 is used by the computer 302 to communicate with other systems (whether illustrated or not) connected to the network 350 in a distributed environment. Generally, interface 304 includes logic coded in a suitable combination of software and / or hardware and operable to communicate with the network 350. More specifically, interface 304 may include software supporting one or more communication protocols associated with the communication, enabling the network 350 or the interface hardware to transmit physical signals.

[0055] Computer 302 includes processor 305. Although in Figure 3The computer 302 is illustrated as a single processor 305, but two or more processors may be used depending on the specific requirements, configuration, or implementation of the computer 302. Generally, processor 305 executes instructions and manipulates data to perform operations on the computer 302. In some cases, processor 305 may include data processing means.

[0056] Computer 302 also includes memory 306 for storing data for computer 302. Although in Figure 3 The memory 306 is illustrated as a single memory unit, but two or more memories may be used depending on the specific requirements, configuration, or implementation of the computer 302. Although the memory 306 is illustrated as an integral component of the computer 302, in alternative implementations, the memory 306 may be external to the computer 302.

[0057] Application 307 includes an algorithmic software engine that provides functionality based on the specific needs, configuration, or implementation of computer 302. Although illustrated as a single application 307, application 307 can be implemented as multiple applications 307 on computer 302. Furthermore, although illustrated as being integrated with computer 302, in alternative implementations, application 307 can be external to computer 302.

[0058] Any number of computers 302 may exist, either associated with or outside of system 300 and communicating via network 350. Furthermore, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, the terms "client," "user," and other suitable terms may be used interchangeably as appropriate. Additionally, this disclosure contemplates the possibility that a number of users may use one computer 302, or that one user may use multiple computers 302.

[0059] The implementation described in this topic may include one or more features, individually or in combination.

[0060] For example, in a first implementation, a method includes: determining the current driving mode of the vehicle at the vehicle; determining multiple audio output levels at the vehicle based on the current driving mode and one or more pre-configured audio region profiles; and having the vehicle control the vehicle's audio devices to output audio according to the multiple audio output levels.

[0061] The aforementioned and other described implementations may each optionally include one or more of the following features:

[0062] The first feature, which can be combined with any of the following features, wherein controlling the audio device of the vehicle to output audio according to multiple audio output levels includes: setting the values ​​of multiple audio output levels by using a signal structure defined by the Vehicle Signal Specification (VSS).

[0063] The second feature, which may be combined with any of the previous or following features, wherein the audio device controlling the vehicle outputs audio according to multiple audio output levels, further includes: sending the values ​​of the multiple audio output levels to the audio device by using a signal structure defined by VSS.

[0064] The third feature can be combined with any of the previous or following features, wherein the signal structure is based on the VSS of the Connected Vehicle Systems Alliance (COVESA).

[0065] The fourth feature may be combined with any of the previous or following features, wherein the audio output level includes at least one of the following: volume, fade, or balance.

[0066] The fifth feature may be combined with any of the previous or following features, wherein the audio device includes at least one of the following: a front speaker or a rear speaker.

[0067] The sixth feature, which can be combined with any of the previous features, wherein the current driving mode includes at least one of the following: nap mode or highway mode.

[0068] In a second implementation, a vehicle includes: an audio device; at least one hardware processor; and a computer-readable storage medium coupled to the at least one hardware processor and storing programming instructions for execution by the at least one hardware processor, wherein the programming instructions, when executed, cause the vehicle to perform operations including: determining a current driving mode of the vehicle; determining a plurality of audio output levels based on the current driving mode and one or more pre-configured audio region profiles; and controlling the vehicle's audio device to output audio according to the plurality of audio output levels.

[0069] The aforementioned and other described implementations may each optionally include one or more of the following features:

[0070] The first feature, which can be combined with any of the following features, wherein controlling the audio device of the vehicle to output audio according to multiple audio output levels includes: setting the values ​​of multiple audio output levels by using a signal structure defined by the Vehicle Signal Specification (VSS).

[0071] The second feature, which may be combined with any of the previous or following features, wherein the audio device controlling the vehicle outputs audio according to multiple audio output levels, further includes: sending the values ​​of the multiple audio output levels to the audio device by using a signal structure defined by VSS.

[0072] The third feature can be combined with any of the previous or following features, wherein the signal structure is based on the VSS of the Connected Vehicle Systems Alliance (COVESA).

[0073] The fourth feature may be combined with any of the previous or following features, wherein the audio output level includes at least one of the following: volume, fade, or balance.

[0074] The fifth feature may be combined with any of the previous or following features, wherein the audio device includes at least one of the following: a front speaker or a rear speaker.

[0075] The sixth feature, which can be combined with any of the previous features, wherein the current driving mode includes at least one of the following: nap mode or highway mode.

[0076] In a third implementation, a computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause a computing device to perform operations including: determining a current driving mode of the vehicle at a vehicle; determining multiple audio output levels at the vehicle based on the current driving mode and one or more pre-configured audio region profiles; and having the vehicle control an audio device of the vehicle to output audio according to the multiple audio output levels.

[0077] The aforementioned and other described implementations may each optionally include one or more of the following features:

[0078] The first feature, which can be combined with any of the following features, wherein controlling the audio device of the vehicle to output audio according to multiple audio output levels includes: setting the values ​​of multiple audio output levels by using a signal structure defined by the Vehicle Signal Specification (VSS).

[0079] The second feature, which may be combined with any of the previous or following features, wherein the audio device controlling the vehicle outputs audio according to multiple audio output levels, further includes: sending the values ​​of the multiple audio output levels to the audio device by using a signal structure defined by VSS.

[0080] The third feature can be combined with any of the previous or following features, wherein the signal structure is based on the VSS of the Connected Vehicle Systems Alliance (COVESA).

[0081] The fourth feature may be combined with any of the previous or following features, wherein the audio output level includes at least one of the following: volume, fade, or balance.

[0082] The fifth feature may be combined with any of the previous or following features, wherein the audio device includes at least one of the following: a front speaker or a rear speaker.

[0083] The sixth feature, which can be combined with any of the previous features, wherein the current driving mode includes at least one of the following: nap mode or highway mode.

[0084] Some of the subjects and operations described in this disclosure can be implemented using digital electronic circuit systems, or using computer software, firmware, or hardware (including the structures described herein and their equivalents), or a combination thereof. Some of the subjects described herein can be implemented as one or more computer programs, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a computer storage medium for execution by a data processing apparatus or for controlling the operation of the data processing apparatus. Alternatively or additionally, the program instructions can be encoded in artificially generated propagated signals, such as machine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signals, generated to encode information for transmission to a suitable receiver device for execution by the data processing apparatus. The computer storage medium can be any combination of a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a random or serial access memory device, or a computer storage medium.

[0085] The terms "data processing apparatus," "computer," or "electronic computer equipment" encompass all kinds of apparatus, devices, and machines for processing data, including, for example, programmable processors, computers, systems-on-a-chip, or a combination of the foregoing. Apparatus may include special-purpose logic circuit systems, such as FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits). In some implementations, the data processing apparatus or special-purpose logic circuit system (or a combination of data processing apparatus or special-purpose logic circuit systems) may be hardware-based or software-based (or a combination of both hardware-based and software-based). Apparatus may optionally include code that creates an execution environment for computer programs, such as code constituting a combination of processor firmware, protocol stack, database management system, operating system, or execution environment. This disclosure contemplates data processing apparatuses with or without a conventional operating system (e.g., LINUX, UNIX, WINDOWS, MAC OS, ANDROID, IOS, or any other suitable conventional operating system).

[0086] Computer programs (which may also be referred to or described as programs, software, software applications, modules, software modules, scripts, or code) can be written in any form of programming language (including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative languages, or procedural languages) and can be deployed in any form (including as stand-alone programs or modules, components, subroutines, or other units suitable for a computing environment). Computer programs may, but are not required to, correspond to files in a file system. A program may be stored as part of a file containing other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program under development, or in multiple collaborative files (e.g., a file storing one or more modules, subroutines, or portions of code). A computer program may be deployed to execute on a single computer or on multiple computers located at a single site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected via a communication network. While portions of programs illustrated in the figures are shown as separate modules implementing various features and functionalities through various objects, methods, or other processes, conversely, programs may, as appropriate, include several submodules, third-party services, components, libraries, etc. Conversely, features and functionalities of various components may, as appropriate, be combined into a single component.

[0087] Some of the processes and logical flows described in this disclosure can be performed by one or more programmable processors, which execute one or more computer programs to perform actions by performing operations on input data and generating outputs. Processes and logical flows can also be performed by dedicated logic circuit systems (e.g., FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits), and the apparatus can also be implemented as such FPGAs or ASICs.

[0088] Processors suitable for executing computer programs include, for example, both general-purpose microprocessors and special-purpose microprocessors, as well as processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. A processor can include, for example, a programmable processor, a computer, a system-on-a-chip, or a combination of the foregoing. A processor can include special-purpose logic circuitry systems such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0089] A computer suitable for executing computer programs can be based on a general-purpose microprocessor or a special-purpose microprocessor, either of these or any other type of CPU. Generally, the CPU receives instructions and data from read-only memory (ROM) or random access memory (RAM), or both. The essential components of a computer are a CPU for making or executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include one or more mass storage devices (e.g., disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data, or the computer may be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to such mass storage devices, or both. However, a computer does not necessarily need to have such devices. Furthermore, a computer can be embedded in another device (e.g., a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile audio or video player, a game console, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, or a portable storage device (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive, to name a few).

[0090] Computer-readable media (temporary or non-temporary, as appropriate) suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices, including: for example, semiconductor memory devices (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and flash memory devices); disks (e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks); magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM, DVD+ / -R, DVD-RAM, and DVD-ROM discs. Memory can store a variety of objects or data, including caches, categories, frames, applications, backup data, jobs, web pages, web page templates, database tables, repositories storing dynamic information, and any other suitable information including any parameters, variables, algorithms, instructions, rules, constraints, or references thereof. Additionally, memory may include any other suitable data, such as logs, policies, security or access data, report files, etc. Processors and memory may be supplemented by or incorporated into a dedicated logic circuit system. In some cases, computer storage media may be temporary, non-temporary, or a combination thereof.

[0091] To provide interaction with a user, the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented on a computer having a display device for displaying information to the user, such as a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display), LED (light-emitting diode), or plasma monitor; and a keyboard and pointing device, such as a mouse, trackball, or touchpad, through which the user provides input to the computer. A touchscreen (such as a pressure-sensitive tablet surface, a multi-touch screen using capacitive or electrosensitive sensing, or other types of touchscreen) can also be used to provide input to the computer. Other types of devices can also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual, auditory, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form (including sound input, voice input, or tactile input). Additionally, the computer can interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from the device used by the user (e.g., by sending web pages to a web browser on a client device in response to a request received from a web browser).

[0092] The term "graphical user interface" or "GUI" can be used in the singular or plural to describe one or more graphical user interfaces and each display in a particular graphical user interface's display. Therefore, a GUI can represent any graphical user interface that processes information and efficiently presents the results of that information to a user, including but not limited to web browsers, touchscreens, or command-line interfaces (CLI). Generally, a GUI can include multiple user interface (UI) elements, some or all of which are associated with a web browser, such as interactive fields, dropdown lists, and buttons that can be operated by the business suite user. These and other UI elements may relate to or represent the functionality of the web browser.

[0093] The terms "real-time," "real time," "(fast) real-time (RFT)," "near real-time (NRT)," "quasi-real-time," or similar terms (as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art) refer to actions and responses that are close in time, such that an individual perceives the actions and responses as occurring substantially simultaneously. For example, the time difference between an individual's action of accessing data and the response to displaying (or initiating the display) of that data can be less than 1 ms, less than 1 second, less than 5 seconds, etc. Although it is not necessary to display (or initiate the display) the requested data immediately, the data is displayed (or initiated) without any intentional delay, taking into account the processing limitations of the described computing system and the time required for, for example, collecting, accurately measuring, analyzing, processing, storing, or transmitting the data.

[0094] Implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a computing system including back-end components (e.g., as a data server), or a computing system including middleware components (e.g., an application server), or a computing system including front-end components (e.g., a client computer with a graphical user interface or a web browser through which a user can interact with the implementation of the subject matter described in this disclosure), or a computing system including one or more such back-end components, middleware components, or front-end components. The components of the system can be interconnected via wired or wireless digital data communication (or a combination of data communications) of any form or medium (e.g., a communication network). Examples of communication networks include local area networks (LANs), radio access networks (RANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), wide area networks (WANs), Global System for Microwave Access Interoperability (WIMAX), wireless local area networks (WLANs) using, for example, 802.11a / b / g / n or 802.20 (or a combination of 802.11x and 802.20 or other protocols according to this disclosure), all or part of the Internet, or any other communication system or system at one or more locations (or a combination of communication networks). A network can communicate with network addresses via Internet Protocol (IP) packets, Frame Relay frames, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) cells, voice, video, data, or other suitable information (or combinations of communication types).

[0095] A computing system may include clients and servers. Clients and servers are generally located far apart and typically interact through a communication network. The client-server relationship is created by computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship with each other.

[0096] In some implementations, any or all components of the computing system (hardware or software (or a combination of hardware and software)) may interface with each other or with an interface using an Application Programming Interface (API) or a service layer (or a combination of API and service layer). An API may include specifications for routines, data structures, and object classes. An API may be language-independent or language-dependent and refers to a complete interface, a single function, or even a collection of APIs. The service layer provides software services to the computing system. All service consumers using this service layer can access the functionality of various components of the computing system. Software services provide reusable, defined business functionality through defined interfaces. For example, this interface may be software written in JAVA, C++, or other suitable languages ​​that provide data in Extensible Markup Language (XML) format or other suitable formats. An API or service layer (or a combination of API and service layer) may be an integral or independent component relative to other components of the computing system. Furthermore, any or all portions of the service layer may be implemented as a descendant or submodule of another software or hardware module without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0097] While this disclosure contains numerous specific implementation details, these details should not be construed as limiting the scope of any invention or what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to a particular implementation of a particular invention. Certain features described in this disclosure in the context of individual implementations may also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of single implementations may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple implementations. Furthermore, although features may be described above as functioning in certain combinations and initially even equally claimed, in some cases one or more features from the claimed combination may be removed from the combination, and the claimed combination may involve sub-combinations or variations of sub-combinations.

[0098] Specific implementations of this subject matter have been described. Other implementations, modifications, and substitutions of the described implementations are within the scope of the following claims, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Although operations are depicted in a specific order in the figures or claims, this should not be construed as requiring such operations to be performed in the specific order shown or in a sequential order, or as requiring all illustrated operations to be performed (some operations may be considered optional) to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking or parallel processing (or a combination of multitasking and parallel processing) may be advantageous and carried out where deemed appropriate.

[0099] Furthermore, the separation or integration of various system modules and components in the above implementation should not be construed as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or encapsulated into multiple software products.

[0100] Therefore, the above description of the example implementation does not define or limit this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0101] Furthermore, any of the following required implementations are considered to be at least applicable to a computer-implemented method; a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions for performing a computer-implemented method; and a computer system including computer memory interoperably coupled to a hardware processor configured to perform a computer-implemented method or instructions stored on a computer-readable medium.

Claims

1. A method for controlling audio output in a vehicle, comprising: Determine the current driving mode of the vehicle at the vehicle location; At the vehicle, multiple audio output levels are determined based on the current driving mode and one or more pre-configured audio region profiles, wherein each pre-configured audio region profile includes a set of audio output levels for the corresponding driving mode, and each pre-configured audio region profile also includes an audio program configured to provide associated music for the corresponding driving mode. as well as The vehicle controls the vehicle's audio device to output audio according to the plurality of audio output levels, wherein controlling the vehicle's audio device to output audio according to the plurality of audio output levels includes: setting the values ​​of the plurality of audio output levels by using a signal structure defined by a standardized signaling protocol, wherein corresponding items of the signal structure are associated with components of the vehicle.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the standardized signaling protocol is specified according to the Vehicle Signalling Specification (VSS).

3. The method of claim 2, wherein controlling the audio device of the vehicle to output audio according to the plurality of audio output levels further comprises: The values ​​of the plurality of audio output levels are sent to the audio device using the signal structure defined by VSS.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the signal structure is based on the VSS of the Connected Vehicle Systems Alliance (COVESA).

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the audio output level includes at least one of the following: volume, fade, or balance.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the audio device comprises at least one of the following: a front speaker or a rear speaker.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the current driving mode includes at least one of the following: nap mode or highway mode.

8. A vehicle comprising: Audio equipment; At least one hardware processor; as well as A computer-readable storage medium, coupled to the at least one hardware processor, stores programming instructions for execution by the at least one hardware processor, wherein the programming instructions, when executed, cause the vehicle to perform operations including: Determine the current driving mode of the vehicle; Multiple audio output levels are determined based on the current driving mode and one or more pre-configured audio region profiles, wherein each pre-configured audio region profile includes a set of audio output levels for the corresponding driving mode, and each pre-configured audio region profile also includes an audio program configured to provide associated music for the corresponding driving mode; and Controlling the audio device of the vehicle to output audio according to the plurality of audio output levels, wherein controlling the audio device of the vehicle to output audio according to the plurality of audio output levels includes: setting the values ​​of the plurality of audio output levels by using a signal structure defined by a standardized signaling protocol, wherein corresponding items of the signal structure are associated with components of the vehicle.

9. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the standardized signaling protocol is specified according to the Vehicle Signalling Specification (VSS).

10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the audio device controlling the vehicle outputs audio according to the plurality of audio output levels further comprises: The values ​​of the plurality of audio output levels are sent to the audio device using the signal structure defined by VSS.

11. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the signal structure is based on the VSS of the Connected Vehicle Systems Alliance (COVESA).

12. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the audio output level includes at least one of the following: volume, fade, or balance.

13. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the audio device comprises at least one of: a front speaker or a rear speaker.

14. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the current driving mode includes at least one of the following: nap mode or highway mode.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause a computing device to perform operations, the operations including: Determine the current driving mode of the vehicle at the vehicle location; At the vehicle, multiple audio output levels are determined based on the current driving mode and one or more pre-configured audio region profiles, wherein each pre-configured audio region profile includes a set of audio output levels for the corresponding driving mode, and each pre-configured audio region profile also includes an audio program configured to provide associated music for the corresponding driving mode. as well as The vehicle controls the vehicle's audio device to output audio according to the plurality of audio output levels, wherein controlling the vehicle's audio device to output audio according to the plurality of audio output levels includes: setting the values ​​of the plurality of audio output levels by using a signal structure defined by a standardized signaling protocol, wherein corresponding items of the signal structure are associated with components of the vehicle.

16. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the standardized signaling protocol is specified according to the Vehicle Signalling Specification (VSS).

17. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein controlling the audio device of the vehicle to output audio according to the plurality of audio output levels further comprises: The values ​​of the plurality of audio output levels are sent to the audio device by using the signal structure defined by VSS.

18. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the signal structure is based on the VSS of the Connected Vehicle Systems Alliance COVESA.

19. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the audio output level includes at least one of the following: volume, fade, or balance.

20. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the audio device comprises at least one of: a front speaker or a rear speaker.

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