Systems and methods for low profile audio devices with force cancellation transducers

Abstract

Methods and systems are provided for a vehicle audio system. In one or more embodiments, an audio device includes a first motor, a second motor, and a first diaphragm and a second diaphragm disposed opposite each other, where the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are each driven by both the first motor and the second motor. In one or more embodiments, the first motor and the second motor may include respective biasing members. The biasing member may be electrically conductive and may be energized to adjust a force applied to the diaphragm.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 368,007, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOW-PROFILE AUDIO DEVICE WITH FORCE-CANCELLING TRANSDUCER,” filed on July 8, 2022. The entire contents of the above-listed applications are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to audio devices, and in particular to low profile audio devices for vehicle audio systems. Background Art

[0004] Some vehicles include an audio device, such as a speaker, configured to provide audio content to an operator and / or passenger of the vehicle. The audio device typically includes a transducer disposed at the center of a diaphragm. However, such a configuration may increase the thickness of the audio device, which may be undesirable in configurations where the audio device is disposed within a relatively small space in the vehicle and / or where the vehicle space is occupied by other components. In addition, the difficulty of providing a diaphragm with a high aspect ratio may increase due to limited stiffness along the long axis of the diaphragm. Multiple transducers may be included in the center to provide a more acceptable stiffness along the long axis of the diaphragm. However, the additional transducers may have an increased size and may increase the cost and / or weight of the audio device. Summary of the invention

[0005] In one or more embodiments, an audio device includes a first motor, a second motor, and a first diaphragm and a second diaphragm arranged opposite to each other. The first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are each driven by both the first motor and the second motor.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, a system includes an audio device configured to be placed in a vehicle component or housing. The audio device includes a first motor and a second motor, and when the audio device is placed in the vehicle component or housing, the first motor and the second motor each extend in a vertical direction of the vehicle component or housing. The audio device also includes a first diaphragm and a second diaphragm, and the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are each driven by both the first motor and the second motor.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, a method includes generating an audio output from a low-profile audio device by driving a first diaphragm via a first transducer and a second transducer aligned with each other. The method also includes driving the second diaphragm via a third transducer and a fourth transducer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present disclosure may be better understood by reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 An audio system including a low-profile audio device removed from an opening in a vehicle door is shown according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 an audio system in which a low-profile audio device is positioned within a door opening;

[0011] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 to Figure 2 A front view of a low-profile audio device;

[0012] Figure 4 Shows Figures 1 to 3 A side view of a low-profile audio device;

[0013] Figure 5 Shows Figures 1 to 4 Top view of a low profile audio device;

[0014] Figure 6 shows an exemplary partial view of a vehicle cabin according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 7 A block diagram illustrating an exemplary in-vehicle computing system for a vehicle having a digital media player according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0016] Figure 8 A flow chart illustrating a method for configuring a low-profile audio device within a vehicle according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0017] Fig. 9 A flow chart illustrating a method for controlling the operation of a low-profile audio device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The following description relates to systems and methods for vehicle audio systems. According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a low-profile audio device includes a first motor arranged at a first end and a second motor arranged at a second end opposite to the first motor. The first motor and the second motor may each be arranged along the long axis of a diaphragm of the low-profile audio device. The first motor may include a first transducer and a second transducer, and the second motor may include a third transducer and a fourth transducer. The first transducer and the third transducer may each drive a first diaphragm, and the second transducer and the fourth transducer may each drive a second diaphragm opposite to the first diaphragm. In this configuration, the diaphragm may have a relatively long length in the long axis direction of the diaphragm, but the size of the low-profile audio device in the vertical direction may be reduced. The low-profile audio device may be placed in a vehicle component or housing, such as a vehicle panel or door, wherein the first diaphragm is spaced apart from the second diaphragm in the vertical direction of the vehicle component or housing.

[0019] By arranging the motors at opposite ends of the low-profile audio device, the stiffness of the diaphragm can be increased without increasing the vertical size of the low-profile audio device relative to a configuration that includes one or more motors in the center of the diaphragm. In addition, relative to a configuration that includes a motor in the center of the diaphragm, the sway mode can be reduced for the configuration disclosed herein while providing the diaphragm with a high aspect ratio.

[0020] According to one or more embodiments, the motor may include a biasing member configured to bias the transducer of each motor. The biasing member may be formed of a magnetic material and may contribute to the magnetic circuit of each motor, wherein the current flowing through each biasing member may generate a reverse magnetic field to linearize each motor.

[0021] The description of the embodiments has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. Suitable modifications and variations of the embodiments may be performed in light of the above description or may be acquired through practice of the methods. For example, unless otherwise stated, one or more of the methods described may be performed by suitable apparatus and / or combinations of apparatus, such as those described in the referenced embodiments. Figure 1 to Figure 2 The audio system 100 described herein, with reference to Figures 1 to 5 The low profile audio device 112 described and / or referenced Figure 6 to Figure 7The described system. These methods can be performed by executing the stored instructions with a combination of one or more logic devices (e.g., processors) and one or more additional hardware elements, such as storage devices, memories, hardware network interfaces / antennas, switches, actuators, clock circuits, etc. The described methods and associated actions can also be performed in various orders other than the order described in this application, in parallel and / or simultaneously. The described system is exemplary in nature and may include additional elements and / or omit elements. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed various systems and configurations and other features, functions and / or characteristics.

[0022] Figure 1 A perspective view of an audio system 100 including a low-profile audio device 112 is shown. In the example shown, the low-profile audio device 112 is configured to be positioned within an opening 114 of a vehicle component 102, which may be a housing included in a vehicle interior and / or forming a portion of a vehicle body, a vehicle panel (e.g., a trim piece or sheet metal piece), a vehicle seat, etc. In the example shown, the vehicle component or housing is a vehicle door and is referred to herein as a vehicle door 102. The vehicle may be a car, a truck, etc., and the vehicle door 102 may be a door (e.g., a passenger door, a driver door, etc.) of a car, a truck, etc. In some examples, the low-profile audio device 112 may be configured to be positioned within a housing 134, and the housing 134 may be configured to be positioned within the opening 114 of the vehicle door 102. For example, the low-profile audio device 112 is supported within the housing 134, and the housing 134 may be inserted into the opening 114 and supported by the vehicle door 102 within the opening 114.

[0023] The door includes a first end 108 and a second end 110 disposed opposite each other. In some examples, the first end 108 may be disposed toward a front end of a vehicle including the door 102, wherein the front end of the vehicle is a portion of the vehicle including a windshield, a steering wheel, a driver's seat, etc., and the rear end of the vehicle is a portion of the vehicle opposite the front end (e.g., a portion of the vehicle including rear passenger seats, a trunk, a rear window, etc.).

[0024] exist Figure 1In the view shown in , the low-profile audio device 112 is removed from the vehicle door 102. Axis 120 is shown extending vertically through the center of the opening 114, and axis 116 is shown extending through the center of the opening in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The horizontal direction extends from a first end 110 of the vehicle door 102. The vertical direction extends between a lower end 106 of the vehicle door 102 and an upper end 104 of the vehicle door 102. In addition, an axis 118 is shown extending through the center of the opening 114 along a direction orthogonal to each of the horizontal and vertical directions (e.g., perpendicular to each of axis 116 and axis 120). Axis 116, axis 118, and axis 120 are each arranged relative to the opening 114.

[0025] Figure 1 Also shown are an axis 132 extending vertically through the center of the low-profile audio device 112, an axis 130 extending horizontally through the center of the low-profile audio device 112, and an axis 128 extending through the center of the low-profile audio device 112 in a direction orthogonal to each of the horizontal and vertical directions (e.g., perpendicular to the axis 132 and the axis 130). Also shown are an axis 124 and an axis 122, wherein both the axis 124 and the axis 122 extend in a vertical direction parallel to the axis 132. As further described below, the axis 124 and the axis 122 are arranged at opposite ends of the low-profile audio device 112. In the case where the low-profile audio device 112 is disposed within the opening 114, as further described below, the axis 132 arranged along the vertical direction may be arranged coaxially with the axis 120 also arranged along the vertical direction.

[0026] Reference Figure 2 , the low-profile audio device 112 is shown as being disposed within the opening 114 without the housing 134 (although in some examples, the low-profile audio device 112 may be disposed within the opening 114). Figure 2 1 is enclosed within housing 134 within opening 114). In this configuration, axis 120 and axis 132 are coaxially arranged, axis 130 extending along the horizontal direction and axis 116 are coaxially arranged, and axis 118 and axis 128 are coaxially arranged, wherein axis 118 and axis 128 are respectively perpendicular to the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.

[0027] The low-profile audio device 112 is configured such that the size of the low-profile audio device 112 in the vertical direction is reduced relative to other configurations, thereby reducing the amount of space occupied by the low-profile audio device 112 within the vehicle door 102 (e.g., within the opening 114). Due to the reduced size of the low-profile audio device 112 in the vertical direction, the vehicle door 102 can be configured with a smaller opening 114, which can increase the amount of space available for other vehicle components within the vehicle door 102. In addition, the reduced size of the low-profile audio device 112 can result in a reduction in the cost of the low-profile audio device 112, as further described below. The orientation of the low-profile audio device 112 within the opening 114 of the vehicle door 102 can increase the quality of audio (e.g., music, speech, etc.) produced by the low-profile audio device 112. For example, the configuration of the low-profile audio device 112 can increase the force cancellation of the low-profile audio device 112, thereby improving the audio quality.

[0028] Reference Figure 3 , shows a front view of the low profile audio device 112. Figure 3 In the view shown in FIG. 1 , the low profile audio device 112 is moved from Figure 1 to Figure 2 The vehicle door 102 is shown removed. However, for comparison purposes, Figure 1 to Figure 2 Several axes shown in Figure 3 For example, Figure 3 , wherein the axis 132 is coupled to the low-profile audio device 112 Figure 1 to Figure 2 102 (eg, positioned within the opening 114 of the door 102 as described above) are arranged in a vertical direction.

[0029] The low-profile audio device 112 includes a first diaphragm 324 disposed opposite to a second diaphragm 326 in a vertical direction. Specifically, the center of the first diaphragm 324 and the center of the second diaphragm 326 may be aligned so that the axis 132 intersects each of the center of the first diaphragm 324 and the center of the second diaphragm 326. The first diaphragm 324 is disposed at an upper end 300 of the low-profile audio device 112, and the second diaphragm 326 is disposed at a lower end 302 of the low-profile audio device 112. In the low-profile audio device 112, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 When coupled to the vehicle door 102 as shown in FIG, the length between the upper end 300 of the low-profile audio device 112 and the lower end 106 of the vehicle door 102 (e.g., as shown in FIG. Figure 1 to Figure 2 ) is greater than the length between the lower end 302 of the low-profile audio device 112 and the lower end 106 of the vehicle door 102. Figure 2, the first end 304 of the low-profile audio device 112 is disposed toward the first end 108 of the vehicle door 102, and the second end 306 of the low-profile audio device 112 is disposed toward the second end 110 of the vehicle door 102 ( Figure 2 1 and 12 ). The first end 108 and the second end 110 of the vehicle door 102 are shown in FIG.

[0030] The low-profile audio device 112 includes a first transducer 308 and a second transducer 310 disposed at a first end 304, and a third transducer 314 and a fourth transducer 316 disposed at a second end 306. The second transducer 310 and the fourth transducer 316 are disposed toward a lower end 302 of the low-profile audio device 112, and the first transducer 308 and the third transducer 314 are disposed toward an upper end 300 of the low-profile audio device 112. The first transducer 308 and the second transducer 310 are coaxially disposed. Specifically, the first transducer 308 and the second transducer 310 are each centered along the axis 124, wherein the axis 124 extends in a vertical direction as described above. Furthermore, the third transducer 314 and the fourth transducer 316 are coaxially arranged, wherein each of the third transducer 314 and the fourth transducer 316 is centered along the axis 122 , wherein the axis 122 extends in a vertical direction parallel to the axis 124 .

[0031] First transducer 308 may be horizontally aligned with third transducer 314 along axis 336, and second transducer 310 and fourth transducer 316 may be horizontally aligned along axis 338. Axis 336 and axis 338 are each disposed parallel to axis 130 and extend in a horizontal direction.

[0032] The first transducer 308 is coupled to the first support 312 toward the upper end 300 of the low-profile audio device 112, and the second transducer 310 is coupled to the first support 312 toward the lower end 302 of the low-profile audio device 112. In addition, the third transducer 314 is coupled to the second support 318 toward the upper end 300 of the low-profile audio device 112, and the fourth transducer 316 is coupled to the second support 318 toward the lower end 302 of the low-profile audio device 112. The first transducer 308, the second transducer 310, and the first support 312 may be collectively referred to as a first motor 340 herein. The third transducer 314, the fourth transducer 316, and the second support 318 may be collectively referred to as a second motor 342 herein. In this configuration, the first motor 340 is disposed at the first end 304 of the low-profile audio device 112, and the second motor 342 is disposed at the opposite second end 306 of the low-profile audio device 112.

[0033] In the case of operating the low-profile audio device 112 (e.g., the low-profile audio device 112 is powered by an electronic controller such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 The first motor 340 and / or the second motor 342 may be energized to generate an audio output of the low-profile audio device 112, based on the controller of the system described further in the description of the embodiment of the present invention. For example, the low-profile audio device 112 may convert the analog and / or digital signals received by the controller into sound waves to provide audio (e.g., sound signals) to the driver and passengers of the vehicle (e.g., to provide music, speech, etc.). The audio output may be generated by moving the transducer in response to the signal provided to the transducer by the controller. For example, the signal provided by the controller to the low-profile audio device 112 may command the low-profile audio device 112 to generate an audio output by energizing the first transducer 308 to move the first transducer 308 in a vertical direction (e.g., vibrating the first transducer 308 in a vertical direction). The movement of the first transducer 308 in the vertical direction may drive the movement of the first diaphragm 324, and the movement of the first diaphragm 324 in the vertical direction may cause the generation of sound waves based on the signal received by the low-profile audio device 112.

[0034] The first transducer 308 and the third transducer 314 may each be coupled to the first diaphragm 324 so as to drive the first diaphragm 324 in the vertical direction in response to a signal received by the low-profile audio device 112 from the controller. In addition, the second transducer 310 and the fourth transducer 316 may each be coupled to the second diaphragm 326 so as to drive the second diaphragm 326 in the vertical direction in response to a signal received by the low-profile audio device 112 from the controller. In this configuration, the first transducer 308 and the third transducer 314 may each drive the first diaphragm 324 (e.g., drive the first diaphragm 324 to vibrate in the vertical direction), and the second transducer 310 and the fourth transducer 316 may strike the second diaphragm 326 (e.g., drive the second diaphragm 326 to vibrate in the vertical direction).

[0035] exist Figure 3 In the configuration shown in , the first diaphragm 324 has a length 332 in the horizontal direction along the long axis of the first diaphragm 324, and the second diaphragm 326 has a length 334 in the horizontal direction along the long axis of the second diaphragm 326. In the example shown, the long axis of the first diaphragm 324 and the long axis of the second diaphragm 326 are parallel to each other (e.g., the length 332 is in the same direction as the length 334). The length 334 may be equal to the length 332. In addition, the first diaphragm 324 has a depth 328 in the vertical direction (e.g., a direction parallel to the axis 132), and the second diaphragm 326 has a depth 330 in the vertical direction. The depth 328 is in the same direction as the depth 330, and the depth 328 may be equal to the depth 330.

[0036] By configuring the first motor 340 and the second motor 342 at opposite ends of the low-profile audio device 112, the first diaphragm 324 and the second diaphragm 326 of the low-profile audio device 112 each have a high aspect ratio without increasing the overall vertical depth 344 of the low-profile audio device 112 relative to a configuration including a motor disposed at the center of the diaphragm.

[0037] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. , the first diaphragm 324 is perpendicular to Figure 3 The length 332 shown in the direction and perpendicular to Figure 3 The second diaphragm 326 has a width 400 in the direction of the depth 328 shown in FIG. Figure 3 The length direction 334 shown in FIG. Figure 3 The low-profile audio device 112 has a width 402 in the direction of the depth direction 330 shown in . The width 400 may be equal to the width 402, wherein the width 400 extends along the short axis of the first diaphragm 324, and the width 402 extends along the short axis of the second diaphragm 326. Configuring the motors at opposite ends of the low-profile audio device 112 as described above may increase the stiffness of the diaphragm, and therefore, the sizes of the width 400, the width 402, the length 332, and the length 334 may be relatively large compared to the depth 328 and the depth 330. The smaller depth 328 and the depth 330 may reduce the vertical space occupied by the low-profile audio device 112 in the vehicle door. In some examples, the reduced vertical space occupied by the low-profile audio device 112 may enable the low-profile audio device 112 to be retrofitted to a vehicle door configured for other audio devices, which may reduce costs.

[0038] Reference Figure 5 , shows a top view of the low profile audio device 112. Each diaphragm may have an elliptical shape as shown, including a major axis and a minor axis. For example, the major axis of the first diaphragm 324 is at Figure 5 Indicated by axis 500, and the short axis of the first diaphragm 324 is Figure 5 500 and 502 are arranged parallel to each other. Axis 500 and / or axis 502 may be referred to herein as the long axis of the low-profile audio device 112.

[0039] Figure 6 An exemplary partial view of one type of environment for an audio system including an audio device such as the low-profile audio device 112 described above is shown: the interior of a cabin 600 of a vehicle 602 in which a driver and / or one or more passengers may be seated. Figure 6The vehicle 602 may be a motor vehicle including a drive wheel (not shown) and an internal combustion engine 604. The internal combustion engine 604 may include one or more combustion chambers that may receive intake air via an intake passage and exhaust combustion gases via an exhaust passage. The vehicle 602 may be a road car as well as other types of vehicles. In some examples, the vehicle 602 may include a hybrid propulsion system that includes an energy conversion device that is operable to absorb energy from vehicle motion and / or the engine and convert the absorbed energy into an energy form suitable for storage by an energy storage device. The vehicle 602 may include an all-electric vehicle that incorporates a fuel cell, a solar energy capture element, and / or other energy storage system for powering the vehicle.

[0040] As shown, the dashboard 606 may include various displays and controls accessible to a human driver (also referred to as a user) of the vehicle 602. For example, the dashboard 606 may include a touch screen 608 of an onboard computing system or infotainment system 609 (e.g., an infotainment system), an audio system control panel, and an instrument panel 610. The touch screen 608 may receive user input to the onboard computing system or infotainment system 609 for controlling audio output, visual display output, user preferences, control parameter selections, and the like. Although Figure 6The exemplary system shown in includes audio system controls that can be performed via a user interface such as a touch screen 608 of an onboard computing system or infotainment system 609 without the need for a separate audio system control panel, but in other embodiments, the vehicle may include an audio system control panel that may include controls for conventional vehicle audio systems (such as a radio, a compact disc player, an MP3 player, etc.). The audio system controls may include features for controlling one or more aspects of the audio output via one or more speakers 612 of the vehicle speaker system. For example, the onboard computing system or audio system controls may control the volume of the audio output, the distribution of sound between the various speakers of the vehicle speaker system, the equalization of the audio signal, and / or any other aspect of the audio output. As an example, the audio system controls may control the audio output via the low-profile audio device 112 described above. In another example, the onboard computing system or infotainment system 609 may adjust radio station selection, playlist selection, audio input source (e.g., from radio or CD or MP3), etc. based on user input received directly via the touch screen 608, or based on data about the user (such as the user's physical state and / or environment) received via one or more external devices 650 and / or mobile devices 628. The vehicle's audio system may include an amplifier (not shown) coupled to a plurality of speakers (not shown). In some embodiments, one or more hardware elements of the onboard computing system or infotainment system 609, such as the touch screen 608, the display screen 611, various control dials, knobs and buttons, memory, processor, and any interface elements (e.g., connectors or ports) may form an integrated head unit installed in the dashboard 606 of the vehicle. The head unit may be fixedly or removably attached in the dashboard 606. In additional or alternative embodiments, one or more hardware elements of the onboard computing system or infotainment system 609 may be modular and installable in multiple locations of the vehicle.

[0041] The cabin 600 may include one or more sensors for monitoring the vehicle, the user, and / or the environment. For example, the cabin 600 may include: one or more seat-mounted pressure sensors configured to measure pressure applied to the seat to determine the presence of a user; door sensors configured to monitor door activity; humidity sensors that measure the humidity content of the cabin; microphones that receive user input in the form of voice commands to enable the user to make a phone call, and / or measure ambient noise in the cabin 600, etc. It should be understood that the above sensors and / or one or more additional or alternative sensors may be positioned in any suitable location of the vehicle. For example, the sensor may be positioned in the engine compartment, on the exterior surface of the vehicle, and / or in other suitable locations to provide information about the operation of the vehicle, the environmental conditions of the vehicle, the user of the vehicle, etc. Information about the environmental conditions of the vehicle, the vehicle state, or the driver of the vehicle may also be received from sensors that are external to the vehicle / separate from the vehicle (i.e., not part of the vehicle system), such as sensors coupled to the external device 650 and / or the mobile device 628.

[0042] The vehicle compartment 600 may also include one or more user objects, such as a mobile device 628, stored in the vehicle before, during, and / or after travel. The mobile device 628 may include a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a portable media player, and / or any suitable mobile computing device. The mobile device 628 may be connected to the vehicle computing system via a communication link 630. The communication link 630 may be wired (e.g., via a universal serial bus (USB), a mobile high-definition link (MHL), a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), Ethernet, etc.) or wireless (e.g., via a Wi-Fi Near Field Communication (NFC), cellular connection, etc.), and is configured to provide two-way communication between the mobile device and the vehicle-mounted computing system. is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc., Kirkland, WA. and Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance of Austin, Texas. ) The mobile device 628 may include one or more wireless communication interfaces for connecting to one or more communication links (e.g., one or more of the example communication links described above). The wireless communication interface may include: one or more physical devices such as antennas or ports, which are coupled to the data line to carry the data sent or received; and one or more modules / drivers, which are used to operate the physical devices according to other devices in the mobile device. For example, the communication link 630 can provide sensor and / or control signals from various vehicle systems (such as the vehicle audio system, climate control system, etc.) and the touch screen 608 to the mobile device 628, and can provide control and / or display signals from the mobile device 628 to the vehicle system and touch screen 608. The communication link 630 can also provide power to the mobile device 628 from the vehicle power supply to charge the internal battery of the mobile device.

[0043] The onboard computing system or infotainment system 609 may also be communicatively coupled to additional devices that are operated and / or accessed by the user but are located outside the vehicle 602, such as one or more external devices 650. In the depicted embodiment, the external devices are located outside the vehicle 602, but it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the external devices may be located inside the vehicle cabin 600. The external devices may include server computing systems, personal computing systems, portable electronic devices, electronic wristbands, electronic headbands, portable music players, electronic activity tracking devices, pedometers, smart watches, GPS systems, and the like. The external devices 650 may be connected to the onboard computing system via a communication link 636, which may be wired or wireless, as discussed with reference to the communication link 630, and is configured to provide two-way communication between the external device and the onboard computing system. For example, the external device 650 may include one or more sensors, and the communication link 636 may send the sensor output from the external device 650 to the onboard computing system or infotainment system 609 and the touch screen 608. The external device 650 may also store and / or receive information regarding contextual data, user behavior / preferences, operating rules, etc., and may send such information from the external device 650 to the onboard computing system or infotainment system 609 and touchscreen 608 .

[0044] The in-vehicle computing system or infotainment system 609 can analyze input received from the external device 650, the mobile device 628, and / or other input sources and select settings for various in-vehicle systems (such as a climate control system or an audio system), provide output via the touch screen 608 and / or speaker 612, a low-profile audio device such as the low-profile audio device 112 described above, communicate with the mobile device 628 and / or the external device 650, and / or perform other actions based on the evaluation. In some embodiments, all or part of the evaluation can be performed by the mobile device 628 and / or the external device 650.

[0045] In some embodiments, one or more of the external devices 650 may be indirectly communicatively coupled to the onboard computing system or infotainment system 609 via the mobile device 628 and / or another of the external devices 650. For example, the communication link 636 may communicatively couple the external device 650 to the mobile device 628 such that output from the external device 650 is relayed to the mobile device 628. Data received from the external device 650 may then be aggregated at the mobile device 628 with data collected by the mobile device 628, and the aggregated data is then sent to the onboard computing system or infotainment system 609 and touchscreen 608 via the communication link 630. Similar data aggregation may occur at the server system and then be sent to the onboard computing system or infotainment system 609 and touchscreen 608 via the communication link 636 and / or the communication link 630.

[0046] Figure 7 A block diagram of an onboard computing system or infotainment system 609 configured and / or integrated inside a vehicle 602 is shown. In some examples, the onboard computing system or infotainment system 609 may be referred to herein as a controller and / or electronic controller. In some embodiments, the onboard computing system or infotainment system 609 may perform one or more of the methods described herein. In some examples, the onboard computing system or infotainment system 609 may be a vehicle infotainment system configured to provide information-based media content (audio and / or visual media content, including entertainment content, navigation services, etc.) to a vehicle user to enhance the operator's in-vehicle experience. The onboard computing system or infotainment system 609 may include or be coupled to various vehicle systems, subsystems, hardware components, and software applications and systems integrated or capable of being integrated in the vehicle 602 to enhance the in-vehicle experience of the driver and / or passenger. As an example, the infotainment system 609 may include or be coupled to a low-profile audio device, such as the above-mentioned low-profile audio device 112.

[0047] The vehicle-mounted computing system or infotainment system 609 may include one or more processors including an operating system processor 714 and an interface processor 720. The operating system processor 714 may execute an operating system on the vehicle-mounted computing system or infotainment system 609 and control input / output, display, playback, and other operations of the vehicle-mounted computing system or infotainment system 609. The interface processor 720 may be connected to a vehicle control system 730 via an inter-vehicle system communication module 722.

[0048] The inter-vehicle system communication module 722 may output data to one or more other vehicle systems 731 and / or one or more other vehicle control elements 761, for example, through the vehicle control system 730, while also receiving data input from other vehicle systems 731 and other vehicle control elements 761. When outputting data, the inter-vehicle system communication module 722 may provide a signal corresponding to the output of any state of the vehicle, the vehicle's surroundings, or any other information source connected to the vehicle via the bus. The vehicle data output may include, for example, an analog signal (such as current speed), a digital signal provided by a separate information source (such as a clock, a thermometer, a position sensor such as a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, etc.), a digital signal propagated through a vehicle data network (such as an engine controller area network (CAN) bus that can be used to transmit engine-related information, a climate control CAN bus that can be used to transmit climate control-related information, and a multimedia data network used to transmit multimedia data between multimedia components in the vehicle). For example, the on-board computing system or infotainment system 609 may retrieve the current speed of the vehicle estimated by the wheel sensor, the power state of the vehicle obtained via the vehicle's battery and / or power distribution system, the ignition state of the vehicle, etc. from the engine CAN bus. Additionally, other connection means such as Ethernet may also be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0049] The storage device 708 may be included in the onboard computing system or infotainment system 609 to store data in a non-volatile form, such as instructions that may be executed by the operating system processor 714 and / or the interface processor 720. The storage device 708 may store application data, including pre-recorded sounds, to enable the onboard computing system or infotainment system 609 to run applications for connecting to a cloud-based server and / or collecting information for transmission to a cloud-based server. The application may retrieve information collected by vehicle systems / sensors, input devices (e.g., user interface 718), data stored in one or more storage devices (e.g., volatile memory 719A or non-volatile memory 719B), devices that communicate with the onboard computing system (e.g., via a Link-connected mobile devices), etc. is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc., Kirkland, WA.) The in-vehicle computing system or infotainment system 609 may also include volatile memory 719A. The volatile memory 719A may be random access memory (RAM). A non-transitory storage device (such as non-volatile storage device 708 and / or non-volatile memory 719B) may store instructions and / or codes that, when executed by a processor (e.g., operating system processor 714 and / or interface processor 720), control the in-vehicle computing system or infotainment system 609 to perform one or more of the actions described in the present disclosure.

[0050] Microphone 702 may be included in the in-vehicle computing system or infotainment system 609 to receive voice commands from a user, measure ambient noise in the vehicle, determine whether audio from the vehicle's speakers and / or low-profile audio devices (such as the low-profile audio device 112 described above) is tuned to the vehicle's acoustic environment, etc. Voice processing unit 704 may process voice commands, such as those received from microphone 702. In some embodiments, the in-vehicle computing system or infotainment system 609 may also be able to use a microphone included in the vehicle's audio system 732 to receive voice commands and sample ambient vehicle noise.

[0051] One or more additional sensors may be included in the sensor subsystem 710 of the onboard computing system or infotainment system 609. For example, the sensor subsystem 710 may include a camera, such as a rear-view camera for assisting a user in parking the vehicle and / or a cabin camera for identifying a user (e.g., using facial recognition and / or user gestures). The sensor subsystem 710 of the onboard computing system or infotainment system 609 may communicate with and receive input from various vehicle sensors and may further receive user input. For example, the input received by the sensor subsystem 710 may include transmission gear position, transmission clutch position, accelerator pedal input, brake input, transmission selector position, vehicle speed, engine speed, mass air flow through the engine, ambient temperature, intake air temperature, etc., as well as input from climate control system sensors (such as heat transfer fluid temperature, antifreeze temperature, fan speed, passenger compartment temperature, desired passenger compartment temperature, ambient humidity, etc.), audio sensors that detect voice commands issued by a user, remote control key sensors that receive commands from a remote control key of the vehicle and optionally track the geographic location / proximity of the remote control key, etc.

[0052] While certain vehicle system sensors may communicate solely with the sensor subsystem 710, other sensors may communicate with both the sensor subsystem 710 and the vehicle control system 730, or may communicate indirectly with the sensor subsystem 710 via the vehicle control system 730. The navigation subsystem 711 of the onboard computing system or infotainment system 609 may generate and / or receive (e.g., via a GPS sensor and / or other sensors from the sensor subsystem 710) navigation information such as location information, route guidance, traffic information, point of interest (POI) identification, and / or provide other navigation services to the driver.

[0053] The external device interface 712 of the onboard computing system or infotainment system 609 can be coupled to and / or communicate with one or more external devices 650 located outside the vehicle 602. Although the external devices are illustrated as being located outside the vehicle 602, it should be understood that they can be temporarily accommodated in the vehicle 602, such as when a user is operating the external device while operating the vehicle 602. In other words, the external device 650 is not integral to the vehicle 602. The external device 650 may include a mobile device 628 (e.g., via NFC, WI-FI or other wireless connection) or alternative support Device 752. (Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance, Austin, Texas.)

[0054] The mobile device 628 may be a mobile phone, a smart phone, a wearable device / sensor, or other portable electronic device that can communicate with the vehicle-mounted computing system via wired and / or wireless communications. Other external devices include one or more external services 746. For example, the external device may include an off-vehicle device that is separated from the vehicle and located outside it. Other other external devices include one or more external storage devices 754, such as a solid-state drive, a pen drive, a universal serial bus (USB) drive, and the like. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the external device 650 may communicate with the vehicle-mounted computing system or infotainment system 609 wirelessly or via a connector. For example, the external device 650 may communicate with the vehicle-mounted computing system or infotainment system 609 via a network 760, a USB connection, a direct wired connection, a direct wireless connection, and / or other communication links through the external device interface 712.

[0055] The external device interface 712 may provide a communication interface to enable the vehicle computing system to communicate with a mobile device associated with the driver's contacts. For example, the external device interface 712 may enable a phone call to be established with the mobile device associated with the driver's contacts and / or a text message (e.g., short message service (SMS), multimedia message service (MMS), etc.) to be sent to the mobile device (e.g., via a cellular communication network). The external device interface 712 may additionally or alternatively provide a wireless communication interface to enable the vehicle computing system to communicate with the driver's contacts via Wi-Fi. The data is synchronized with one or more devices in the vehicle (eg, the driver's mobile device), as described in more detail below.

[0056] One or more applications 744 may be capable of operating on the mobile device 628. As an example, the mobile device application 744 may be operated to aggregate user data about the user's interaction with the mobile device. For example, the mobile device application 744 may aggregate data about the following: a music playlist that the user listens to on the mobile device, a phone call log (including the frequency and duration of phone calls answered by the user), location information (including locations frequented by the user and the amount of time spent at each location), and the like. The collected data may be transmitted by the application 744 to the external device interface 712 via the network 760. In addition, specific user data requests may be received from the onboard computing system or infotainment system 609 via the external device interface 712 at the mobile device 628. Specific data requests may include requests for determining where the user's geographic location is, the ambient noise level and / or music genre at the user's location, the ambient weather conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.) at the user's location, and the like. The mobile device application 744 can send control instructions to components (e.g., microphone, amplifier, etc.) or other applications (e.g., navigation applications) of the mobile device 628 to enable the collection of requested data or the requested adjustments to components on the mobile device. The mobile device application 744 can then relay the collected information back to the onboard computing system or infotainment system 609.

[0057] Likewise, one or more applications 748 may be capable of operating on external services 746. As an example, external service applications 748 may be operated to aggregate and / or analyze data from multiple data sources. For example, external service applications 748 may aggregate data from one or more social media accounts of a user, data from an onboard computing system (e.g., sensor data, log files, user input, etc.), data from Internet queries (e.g., weather data, POI data), etc. The collected data may be sent to another device and / or analyzed by the application to determine the context of the driver, vehicle, and environment and perform actions based on the context (e.g., request data / send data to other devices).

[0058] The vehicle control system 730 may include controls for controlling aspects of various vehicle systems 731 involved in different in-vehicle functions. These may include, for example, controlling aspects of a vehicle audio system 732 for providing audio entertainment to vehicle occupants, aspects of a climate control system 734 for meeting the cabin cooling or heating needs of vehicle occupants, and aspects of a telecommunications system 736 for enabling vehicle occupants to establish telecommunications links with others.

[0059] The audio system 732 may include one or more sound reproduction devices including electromagnetic transducers such as one or more speakers 735, low profile audio devices such as the low profile audio device 112 described above, and the like. The vehicle audio system 732 may be passive or active, such as by including a power amplifier. In some examples, the onboard computing system or infotainment system 609 may be the only audio source for the sound reproduction device, or there may be other audio sources connected to the audio reproduction system (e.g., external devices such as mobile phones). The connection of any such external device to the audio reproduction device may be analog, digital, or any combination of analog and digital technologies.

[0060] The climate control system 734 may be configured to provide a comfortable environment within the cabin or passenger compartment of the vehicle 602. The climate control system 734 includes components that enable controlled ventilation, such as vents, heaters, air conditioners, integrated heater and air conditioner systems, etc. Other components linked to the heating and air conditioning equipment may include a windshield defrost and defogging system that can sweep the windshield clean, and a ventilation air filter for cleaning the outside air that enters the passenger compartment through the fresh air intake.

[0061] The vehicle control system 730 may also include controls for adjusting settings of various vehicle control elements 761 (or vehicle controls, or vehicle system control elements) associated with the engine and / or auxiliary elements within the vehicle cabin, such as steering wheel controls 762 (e.g., audio system controls mounted on the steering wheel, cruise controls, windshield wiper controls, headlight controls, turn signal controls, etc.), instrument panel controls, microphones, accelerator / brake / clutch pedals, shifters, door / window controls located in the driver or passenger door, seat controls, cabin light controls, audio system controls, cabin temperature controls, etc. The vehicle control elements 761 may also include internal engine and vehicle operating controls (e.g., engine controller modules, actuators, valves, etc.) configured to receive instructions via the vehicle's CAN bus to change the operation of one or more of the engine, exhaust system, transmission, and / or other vehicle systems. The control signals may also control the audio output of one or more speakers 735 of the vehicle audio system 732. For example, the control signals may adjust audio output characteristics such as volume, balance, audio image (e.g., configuration of audio signals to produce audio output that appears to a user to originate from one or more defined locations), multiple speakers, audio distribution between low-profile audio devices (such as the low-profile audio device 112 described above), etc. Similarly, the control signals may control the vents, air conditioner, and / or heater of the climate control system 734. For example, the control signals may increase the delivery of cooling air to a particular portion of the vehicle cabin.

[0062] Control elements located outside the vehicle (e.g., controls for safety systems) may also be connected to the onboard computing system or infotainment system 609, such as via the inter-vehicle system communication module 722. The control elements of the vehicle control system 730 may be physically and permanently located on and / or in the vehicle for receiving user input. In addition to receiving control instructions from the onboard computing system or infotainment system 609, the vehicle control system 730 may also receive input from one or more external devices 650 operated by a user, such as from a mobile device 628. This allows various aspects of the vehicle system 731 and the vehicle control elements 761 to be controlled based on user input received from the external devices 650.

[0063] The onboard computing system or infotainment system 609 may also include one or more antennas 706. The onboard computing system may obtain broadband wireless Internet access via antenna 706, and may also receive broadcast signals such as radio, television, weather, traffic, and the like. The onboard computing system or infotainment system 609 may receive positioning signals such as GPS signals via antenna 706. The onboard computing system may also receive wireless commands via radio frequency (RF) (such as via antenna 706) or via infrared or other means through an appropriate receiving device. In some embodiments, antenna 706 may be included as part of an audio system 732 or telecommunication system 736. In addition, antenna 706 may provide AM / FM radio signals to an external device 650 (such as to a mobile device 628) via an external device interface 712.

[0064] One or more elements of the in-vehicle computing system or infotainment system 609 may be controlled by a user via a user interface 718. The user interface 718 may include a touch screen such as Figure 6 The user may also interact with one or more applications of the onboard computing system or infotainment system 609 and the mobile device 628 via the user interface 718. In addition to receiving the user's vehicle setting preferences on the user interface 718, the vehicle settings selected by the onboard control system 730 may be displayed to the user on the user interface 718. Notifications and other messages (e.g., received messages) and navigation assistance may be displayed to the user on the display of the user interface. User preferences / information and / or responses to presented messages may be executed via user input to the user interface.

[0065] Reference Figure 8 , illustrates a flow chart of a method 800 for configuring a low-profile audio device in a vehicle. The low-profile audio device may be used with Figures 1 to 5 The low profile audio device 112 shown in FIG. 1 is similar or identical to the low profile audio device 112 shown in FIG. 1 and described above.

[0066] At 802, the method may include coupling a low-profile audio device to a housing. The housing may be coupled to Figure 1 The housing 134 shown in and described above is similar or identical to FIG. 1. For example, the housing can be configured to support multiple components of a low-profile audio device within a vehicle, such as a diaphragm, a transducer, etc.

[0067] The method includes coupling a low-profile audio device to a vehicle component or housing within an opening of the vehicle component or housing at 804. The vehicle component or housing and the opening may be respectively as described above with reference to Figure 1 to Figure 2 The depicted door 102 and opening 114 are similar or identical. In some examples, the vehicle component or housing may be a vehicle panel (eg, trim or sheet metal) included within a vehicle interior and / or forming part of a vehicle body, a vehicle seat, or the like.

[0068] Coupling the low-profile audio device to the vehicle component or housing within the opening of the vehicle component or housing at 804 includes positioning the low-profile audio device such that the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are opposite each other in a vertical direction of the vehicle component or housing at 806. As described above, the low-profile audio device may be coupled to the vehicle component or housing. Figures 1 to 5 The low profile audio device 112 shown in FIG. 1 and described above is similar or identical. The first diaphragm and the second diaphragm may be respectively the same as those described above with reference to FIG. Figures 3 to 5 The first diaphragm 324 and the second diaphragm 326 are similar or identical. The vertical direction of the vehicle component or housing can be the direction indicated by the axis 120 (eg, parallel to the axis 120), such as Figure 1 to Figure 2 As shown in and as described above. For example, the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm can be arranged along an axis such as Figures 1 to 5 The axes 132 shown and described above are centered relative to each other, and positioning the low-profile audio device having the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm opposite each other in the vertical direction of the vehicle component or housing may include positioning the low-profile audio device such that the central axes of the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are arranged to be aligned with the vertical axis of the vehicle component or housing (e.g., Figure 1 to Figure 2 In this configuration, the center of the first diaphragm and the center of the second diaphragm are each arranged along a vertical axis of the vehicle component or housing, wherein the vertical axis extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle (e.g., perpendicular to the direction of the ground on which the vehicle is located, which in some cases (e.g., when the ground is flat and horizontal) can be the direction of gravity).

[0069] Coupling the low-profile audio device to the vehicle component or housing within the opening of the vehicle component or housing at 804 includes positioning the low-profile audio device such that the first transducer is coupled to the first diaphragm and the second transducer is coupled to the second diaphragm at 808, wherein the first transducer and the second transducer are aligned with each other in a vertical direction of the vehicle component or housing at a first end of the low-profile audio device. For example, the first transducer and the second transducer may be aligned with each other in a vertical direction of the vehicle component or housing. Figure 31 and described above, wherein the first transducer 308 and the second transducer 310 are aligned (e.g., centered) along the axis 124, which extends in a vertical direction when the low-profile audio device is positioned within an opening of a vehicle component or housing, and the first transducer 308 and the second transducer 310 are arranged at the first end 304 of the low-profile audio device 112. The first transducer is coupled to the first diaphragm and is configured to drive the first diaphragm, and the second transducer is coupled to the second diaphragm and is configured to drive the second diaphragm.

[0070] Coupling the low-profile audio device to the vehicle component or housing within the opening of the vehicle component or housing at 804 includes positioning the low-profile audio device such that the third transducer is coupled to the first diaphragm and the fourth transducer is coupled to the second diaphragm at 810, wherein the third transducer and the fourth transducer are aligned with each other in a vertical direction of the vehicle component or housing at an opposite second end of the low-profile audio device. For example, the third transducer and the fourth transducer may be aligned with Figure 3 314 and the fourth transducer 316 are similar or identical to those shown in and described above, wherein the third transducer 314 and the fourth transducer 316 are aligned (e.g., centered) along the axis 122, which extends in a vertical direction when the low-profile audio device is positioned within an opening of a vehicle component or housing, and the third transducer 314 and the fourth transducer 316 are arranged at the second end 306 of the low-profile audio device 112. The first transducer is coupled to the first diaphragm and is configured to drive the first diaphragm, and the second transducer is coupled to the second diaphragm and is configured to drive the second diaphragm.

[0071] The method continues from 804 to 812, where the method may include controlling the operation of the low-profile audio device via an electronic controller. In some examples, the electronic controller may be the same as described above with reference to Figure 6 The in-vehicle computing system or infotainment system 609 described above is similar or identical to the in-vehicle computing system or infotainment system 609 described above. Controlling the operation of the low-profile audio device includes controlling the signal provided to the low-profile audio device, as described below in conjunction with Fig. 9 described.

[0072] Reference Fig. 9 , a flow chart illustrating a method 900 for controlling the operation of a low-profile audio device via an electronic controller is shown. The low-profile audio device may be used with Figures 1 to 5 The low profile audio device 112 shown in and described above is similar or identical to the low profile audio device 112. In some examples, the low profile audio device can be similar to the low profile audio device 112 described above. Figure 8The low-profile audio device described with reference to method 900 includes similar or identical components to the low-profile audio device described above with reference to method 800, and in the same relative arrangement as described above, such as transducers, diaphragms, etc. Similar (or identical) components are not introduced again in the description of method 900.

[0073] Instructions for executing method 900 and the remaining methods included herein may be executed by a controller (e.g., as described above with reference to FIG. 1 ) based on instructions stored on a memory of the controller and in conjunction with signals received from sensors of the vehicle (such as the sensors described above). Figure 6 The controller may use an actuator of a vehicle component to adjust the operation of the component according to the method described below.

[0074] At 902, the method includes estimating and / or measuring audio system operating conditions. Estimating and / or measuring audio system operating conditions may include, for example, determining whether components and / or devices of the audio system (e.g., low-profile audio devices) are powered on, whether signals are provided to devices of the audio system for audio output, etc., determining whether a user of the vehicle (e.g., a driver) has input an audio selection, etc.

[0075] The method continues from 902 to 904, where the method includes providing an electronic signal from a controller to a low-profile audio device. The electronic signal may include an electronic audio signal to be converted into sound waves by the low-profile audio device. For example, the electronic audio signal may include an electronic signal provided to energize a transducer of the low-profile audio device to cause the transducer to vibrate, where the vibration of the transducer may drive vibration of a diaphragm of the low-profile audio device to convert the electronic signal into sound waves, as described below.

[0076] The method continues from 904 to 906 where the method includes generating an audio output via the low-profile audio device based on a signal received by the low-profile audio device.

[0077] Generating an audio output via the low-profile audio device based on the signal received by the low-profile audio device at 906 includes driving the first diaphragm in a vertical direction of the vehicle component or housing via the first transducer and the third transducer at 908. The vertical direction may be referred to herein as a driving direction of the first diaphragm.

[0078] Driving the first diaphragm in the vertical direction of the vehicle component or housing via the first transducer and the third transducer at 908 includes energizing the first transducer and the third transducer at 910 to vibrate the first transducer, the third transducer, and the first diaphragm in the vertical direction. As described above, the first transducer, the third transducer, and the first diaphragm may be respectively connected to Figure 3The first transducer 308, the third transducer 314 and the first diaphragm 324 shown in FIG. 3 are similar or identical. Figure 3 In the configuration shown in FIG. 1 , the electronic signal received by the low-profile audio device can energize the first transducer and the third transducer, thereby causing the first transducer and the third transducer to vibrate. The vibration of the first transducer and the third transducer causes the first diaphragm 324 to vibrate in the vertical direction, and the vibration of the first diaphragm generates a sound signal based on the electrical signal provided to the first transducer and the third transducer.

[0079] The transducer described herein may be referred to as a voice coil including conductive windings configured to generate a magnetic field when the transducer is energized by an electrical signal. The strength and direction of the magnetic field may be based on the amplitude and polarity of the electronic signal, and adjusting the parameters of the electronic signal may adjust the characteristics of the sound signal (e.g., sound wave) generated by the low-profile audio device (e.g., via the first diaphragm).

[0080] Driving the first diaphragm in a vertical direction of the vehicle component or housing via the first transducer and the third transducer at 908 may also include biasing the first transducer via the first biasing element and biasing the third transducer via the second biasing element at 912. The first biasing element and the second biasing element may be respectively Figure 3 The first biasing element 320 and the second biasing element 322 shown and described above are similar or identical. In some examples, the biasing element can be a spring. As an example, the biasing element can be a wave spring. The biasing element can provide a restoring force for the corresponding transducer to which the biasing element is coupled. Specifically, the first biasing element can provide a restoring force for the first transducer, and the second biasing element can provide a restoring force for the second transducer.

[0081] In a case where the first transducer moves in response to an electronic signal sent to the low-profile audio device to energize the first transducer, the first biasing element may apply a restoring force to the first transducer in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the first transducer due to energizing the first transducer via the electronic signal. Thus, the first transducer may vibrate in a case where the first transducer is energized, and as an example, the first transducer may vibrate in a case where the first transducer is energized by a signal having a single polarity (e.g., a case where the first transducer moves vertically in one direction due to energization of the first transducer), wherein the first biasing element is configured to bias (e.g., push) the first transducer in a vertical direction opposite to the direction in which the first transducer moves due to energization of the first transducer.

[0082] In a case where the third transducer moves in response to an electronic signal sent to the low-profile audio device to energize the third transducer, the second biasing element may apply a restoring force to the third transducer in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the third transducer due to energization of the third transducer via the electronic signal. Thus, the third transducer may vibrate in a case where the third transducer is energized, and as an example, the third transducer may vibrate in a case where the third transducer is energized by a signal having a single polarity (e.g., a case where the third transducer moves vertically in one direction due to energization of the third transducer), wherein the second biasing element is configured to bias (e.g., push) the third transducer in a vertical direction opposite to the direction in which the third transducer moves due to energization of the third transducer.

[0083] Biasing the first transducer via the first biasing element at 912 and biasing the third transducer via the second biasing element may include energizing the first biasing element at 914 to generate a magnetic field to control the bias of the first transducer, and / or energizing the second biasing element to generate a magnetic field to control the bias of the third transducer. As described above, the first biasing element may bias the first transducer, and the second biasing element may bias the third transducer. In some examples, the first biasing element and / or the second biasing element may be formed of a conductive material (e.g., a metal such as copper or a copper alloy, steel, etc.). The first biasing element may be energized to adjust the restoring force applied to the first transducer by the first biasing element. For example, when the first biasing element is energized, the current flowing through the first biasing element may generate a magnetic field based on the direction of the current flow. The magnetic field can magnetically interact with the first transducer to apply a force to the first transducer in an upward or downward vertical direction, either in the direction of a mechanical restoring force applied to the first transducer by the first biasing element (e.g., caused by compression or expansion of the first biasing element) or in a direction opposite to the mechanical restoring force.

[0084] The controller may adjust the energization of the first bias element based on the operating conditions of the low-profile audio device (e.g., to increase or decrease the amount of magnetic interaction of the magnetic field generated by the first bias element with the first transducer, to change the direction of the magnetic field generated by the first bias element, etc., to improve the performance of the low-profile audio device).

[0085] Although energization of the first bias element is described above, the second bias element may be energized in a similar manner to adjust the strength, direction, etc. of the force applied to the third transducer via the magnetic field generated by the second bias element when the second bias element is energized.

[0086] Generating an audio output via the low-profile audio device based on the signal received by the low-profile audio device at 906 also includes driving the second diaphragm via the second transducer and the fourth transducer in a vertical direction of the vehicle component or housing based on the driving of the first diaphragm at 916. The vertical direction may be referred to herein as a driving direction of the second diaphragm.

[0087] Driving the second diaphragm based on the driving of the first diaphragm may include controlling the movement of the second diaphragm (e.g., driving vibration) so that the movement of the second diaphragm is equal in strength to the movement of the first diaphragm and opposite in direction to the movement of the first diaphragm. For example, in the case where the first diaphragm is driven based on an electronic signal having a first waveform, the second diaphragm may be driven simultaneously with the first diaphragm based on an electronic signal having a second waveform having an amplitude equal to and opposite in polarity to the first waveform. In this configuration, when the first diaphragm is driven by a first amount in a first vertical direction (e.g., an upward direction), the second diaphragm is simultaneously driven by a first amount in a second vertical direction (e.g., a downward direction). By driving the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm simultaneously in opposite directions, the cancellation of inertial forces generated by the operation of the low-profile audio device may be increased, so that the driven vibration of the first diaphragm is balanced with the driven vibration of the second diaphragm. However, in other examples, the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm may be driven simultaneously in the same vertical direction according to the operating conditions of the audio system.

[0088] Driving the second diaphragm in the vertical direction of the vehicle component or housing via the second transducer and the fourth transducer at 916 includes energizing the second transducer and the fourth transducer at 918 to vibrate the second transducer, the fourth transducer, and the second diaphragm in the vertical direction. As described above, the second transducer, the fourth transducer, and the second diaphragm may be respectively connected to Figure 3 The second transducer 310, the fourth transducer 316 and the second diaphragm 326 shown in FIG. are similar or identical. Figure 3 As an illustrative example, the electronic signal received by the low-profile audio device can energize the second transducer and the fourth transducer, thereby causing the second transducer and the fourth transducer to vibrate. The vibration of the second transducer and the fourth transducer causes the second diaphragm 326 to vibrate in the vertical direction, and the vibration of the second diaphragm generates a sound signal based on the electrical signal provided to the second transducer and the fourth transducer.

[0089] Adjusting the parameters of the electronic signals provided to the second transducer and the fourth transducer may adjust characteristics of the sound signals (eg, sound waves) generated by the low-profile audio device via the second diaphragm.

[0090] Driving the second diaphragm in a vertical direction of the vehicle component or housing via the second and fourth transducers at 916 may also include biasing the second transducer via the first biasing element and biasing the fourth transducer via the second biasing element at 920. The biasing elements may provide a restoring force for the respective transducers to which the biasing elements are coupled. As described above, the first biasing element may provide a restoring force for the second transducer and the second biasing element may provide a restoring force for the fourth transducer.

[0091] In a case where the second transducer moves in response to an electronic signal sent to the low-profile audio device to energize the second transducer, the first biasing element may apply a restoring force to the second transducer in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the second transducer due to energization of the second transducer via the electronic signal. Thus, the fourth transducer may vibrate in a case where the second transducer is energized, and as an example, the second transducer may vibrate in a case where the second transducer is energized by a signal having a single polarity (e.g., a case where the second transducer moves vertically in one direction due to energization of the second transducer), wherein the first biasing element is configured to bias (e.g., push) the second transducer in a vertical direction opposite to the direction in which the second transducer moves due to energization of the second transducer.

[0092] In a case where the fourth transducer moves in response to an electronic signal sent to the low-profile audio device to energize the fourth transducer, the second biasing element may apply a restoring force to the fourth transducer in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the fourth transducer due to energization of the fourth transducer via the electronic signal. Thus, the first transducer may vibrate in a case where the fourth transducer is energized, and as an example, the fourth transducer may vibrate in a case where the fourth transducer is energized by a signal having a single polarity (e.g., a case where the fourth transducer moves vertically in one direction due to energization of the fourth transducer), wherein the second biasing element is configured to bias (e.g., push) the fourth transducer in a vertical direction opposite to the direction in which the fourth transducer moves due to energization of the fourth transducer.

[0093] Biasing the second transducer via the first biasing element at 920 and biasing the fourth transducer via the second biasing element may include energizing the first biasing element at 922 to generate a magnetic field to control the bias of the second transducer, and / or energizing the second biasing element to generate a magnetic field to control the bias of the fourth transducer. As described above, the first biasing element may bias the second transducer, and the second biasing element may bias the fourth transducer. The first biasing element may be energized to adjust the restoring force applied to the second transducer by the first biasing element. For example, when the first biasing element is energized, the current flowing through the first biasing element may generate a magnetic field based on the direction of the current flow. The magnetic field may interact magnetically with the second transducer to apply a force to the second transducer in an upward or downward vertical direction, the force either in the direction of the mechanical restoring force applied to the second transducer by the first biasing element (e.g., caused by compression or expansion of the first biasing element), or in a direction opposite to the mechanical restoring force.

[0094] The controller may adjust the energization of the first bias element based on operating conditions of the low-profile audio device (e.g., to increase or decrease the amount of magnetic interaction of the magnetic field generated by the first bias element with the second transducer, to change the direction of the magnetic field generated by the first bias element, etc., to improve performance of the low-profile audio device).

[0095] Although energization of the first bias element is described above, the second bias element may be energized in a similar manner to adjust the strength, direction, etc. of the force applied to the fourth transducer via the magnetic field generated by the second bias element when the second bias element is energized.

[0096] In the above configuration, the low-profile audio device can be operated to generate sound (sound waves) for the operator and / or passengers of the vehicle while reducing the space occupied in the vehicle. In addition, due to the cancellation of the forces generated by the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm being driven in opposite directions, the operation of the low-profile audio device can result in a reduction in the amount of undesirable vibration of the low-profile audio device within the vehicle component or housing, thereby improving the quality of the audio signal generated by the low-profile audio device. By vertically aligning the first transducer and the second transducer, the inertial forces generated by the first transducer and the second transducer can cancel each other. Similarly, by vertically aligning the third transducer and the fourth transducer, the inertial forces generated by the third transducer and the fourth transducer can cancel each other. By arranging the first transducer and the second transducer at the first end of the low-profile audio device and arranging the third transducer and the fourth transducer at the second end of the low-profile audio device, the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are fully supported by the transducers to increase the stiffness of the diaphragms without increasing the size of the central portion of the low-profile audio device. Thus, the low-profile audio device may be placed in a relatively smaller space compared to other configurations, and in some examples, the low-profile audio device may be retrofitted into an existing space without modification, which may reduce costs.

[0097] Figures 1 to 5 They are shown to scale, but other relative dimensions may be used if desired.

[0098] The present disclosure also provides support for an audio device, which includes: a first motor, a second motor, and a first diaphragm and a second diaphragm, the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are arranged opposite to each other and are each driven by both the first motor and the second motor. In a first embodiment of the system, the first end of the first motor is arranged at the first diaphragm, the first end of the second motor is arranged at the first diaphragm, the second end of the first motor is arranged at the second diaphragm, and the second end of the second motor is arranged at the second diaphragm. In a second embodiment of the system, optionally including the first embodiment, the first motor and the second motor are arranged opposite to each other across the gap formed between the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm. In a third embodiment of the system, optionally including one or both of the first and second embodiments, the first motor and the second motor are arranged opposite to each other in a direction orthogonal to the driving direction of the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm. In a fourth embodiment of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to third embodiments, the first motor includes a first transducer coupled to the first diaphragm and a second transducer coupled to the second diaphragm, and the second motor includes a third transducer coupled to the first diaphragm and a fourth transducer coupled to the second diaphragm. In a fifth embodiment of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to fourth embodiments, the first transducer and the second transducer are arranged coaxially with each other, and the third transducer and the fourth transducer are arranged coaxially with each other. In a sixth embodiment of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to fifth embodiments, the driving vibration of the first transducer balances the driving vibration of the second transducer, and the driving vibration of the third transducer balances the driving vibration of the fourth transducer. In a seventh embodiment of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to sixth embodiments, the system further includes: a first wave spring coupled between the first transducer and the second transducer, and a second wave spring coupled between the third transducer and the fourth transducer.

[0099] The present disclosure also provides support for a system, the system comprising: an audio device shaped to be placed in a vehicle component or housing, the audio device comprising: a first motor and a second motor, each of which extends in a vertical direction of the vehicle component or housing when the audio device is placed in the vehicle component or housing; and a first diaphragm and a second diaphragm, each of which is driven by both the first motor and the second motor. In a first embodiment of the system, the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are driven in a vertical direction by the first motor and the second motor, wherein the first motor is coupled to the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm at a first end of a long axis of the audio device, and the second motor is coupled to the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm at a second end of the long axis. In a second embodiment of the system, optionally including the first embodiment, the system further comprises: a first conductive biasing member engaged with each of the first transducer and the second transducer of the first motor. In a third embodiment of the system, optionally including one or both of the first and second embodiments, the first conductive biasing member is a wave spring.

[0100] The present disclosure also provides support for a method, the method comprising: generating an audio output from a low-profile audio device, the low-profile audio device comprising a first diaphragm, a second diaphragm aligned with the first diaphragm and arranged opposite to the first diaphragm in a direction perpendicular to the major and minor axes of the first diaphragm, a first transducer aligned with the second transducer between the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm, and a third transducer aligned with the fourth transducer between the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm by: driving the first diaphragm via the first transducer and the third transducer and driving the second diaphragm via the second transducer and the fourth transducer. In a first embodiment of the method, the method further comprises: coupling the low-profile audio device to a vehicle component or housing within an opening of the vehicle component or housing by: positioning the low-profile audio device so that the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are opposite to each other in a vertical direction of the vehicle component or housing. In a second embodiment of the method, optionally including the first embodiment, coupling the low-profile audio device to the vehicle component or housing within the opening of the vehicle component or housing includes positioning the low-profile audio device such that the first transducer is coupled to the first diaphragm and the second transducer is coupled to the second diaphragm, wherein the first transducer and the second transducer are aligned with each other in a vertical direction of the vehicle component or housing at a first end of the low-profile audio device. In a third embodiment of the method, optionally including one or both of the first and second embodiments, coupling the low-profile audio device to the vehicle component or housing within the opening of the vehicle component or housing includes positioning the low-profile audio device such that the third transducer is coupled to the first diaphragm and the fourth transducer is coupled to the second diaphragm, wherein the third transducer and the fourth transducer are aligned with each other in a vertical direction of the vehicle component or housing at an opposite second end of the low-profile audio device. In a fourth embodiment of the method, optionally including one or more or each of the first to third embodiments, driving the first diaphragm via the first transducer and the third transducer includes energizing the first transducer to drive the first diaphragm from a first end of the low-profile audio device, and energizing the third transducer to drive the first diaphragm from an opposite second end of the low-profile audio device. In a fifth embodiment of the method, optionally including one or more or each of the first to fourth embodiments, driving the second diaphragm via the second transducer and the fourth transducer includes energizing the second transducer to drive the second diaphragm from a first end of the low-profile audio device, and energizing the fourth transducer to drive the second diaphragm from a second end of the low-profile audio device. In a sixth embodiment of the method, optionally including one or more or each of the first to fifth embodiments, driving the first diaphragm via the first transducer and the third transducer includes biasing the first transducer via the first biasing element and biasing the third transducer via the second biasing element, and driving the second diaphragm via the second transducer and the fourth transducer includes biasing the second transducer via the first biasing element and biasing the fourth transducer via the second biasing element.In a seventh embodiment of the method, optionally including one or more or each of the first to sixth embodiments, biasing the first transducer via a first bias element and biasing the second transducer via the first bias element includes energizing the first bias element to generate a magnetic field that magnetically interacts with the first transducer and the second transducer, or biasing the third transducer via a second bias element and biasing the fourth transducer via the second bias element includes energizing the second bias element to generate a magnetic field that magnetically interacts with the third transducer and the fourth transducer.

[0101] As used in this application, an element or step described in the singular and preceded by the word "one" or "a kind of" should be understood as not excluding a plurality of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is specified. In addition, reference to "one embodiment" or "an example" of the present disclosure is not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the described features. The terms "first", "second", and "third", etc. are used only as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements or specific positional order on their objects. The attached claims specifically point out the subject matter that is considered novel and non-obvious from the above disclosure.

Claims

1. An audio device, comprising: First Motor; Second motor; as well as A first diaphragm and a second diaphragm, the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are arranged opposite to each other and are each driven by both the first motor and the second motor, respectively.

2. An audio device as described in claim 1, wherein the first end of the first motor is arranged at the first diaphragm, the first end of the second motor is arranged at the first diaphragm, the second end of the first motor is arranged at the second diaphragm, and the second end of the second motor is arranged at the second diaphragm. 3 . The audio device of claim 1 , wherein the first motor and the second motor are arranged opposite to each other across a gap formed between the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm. 4 . The audio device according to claim 1 , wherein the first motor and the second motor are arranged opposite to each other in a direction orthogonal to a driving direction of the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm.

5. The audio device of claim 1, wherein the first motor comprises a first transducer coupled to the first diaphragm and a second transducer coupled to the second diaphragm, and the second motor comprises a third transducer coupled to the first diaphragm and a fourth transducer coupled to the second diaphragm. 6 . The audio device of claim 5 , wherein the first transducer and the second transducer are arranged coaxially with each other, and the third transducer and the fourth transducer are arranged coaxially with each other.

7. The audio device of claim 5, wherein the driving vibration of the first transducer balances the driving vibration of the second transducer, and the driving vibration of the third transducer balances the driving vibration of the fourth transducer.

8. The audio device of claim 5, further comprising a first wave spring coupled between the first transducer and the second transducer, and a second wave spring coupled between the third transducer and the fourth transducer.

9. A system, comprising: An audio device configured to be housed within a vehicle component or housing, the audio device comprising: a first motor and a second motor, each of the first motor and the second motor extending in a vertical direction of the vehicle component or housing when the audio device is positioned within the vehicle component or housing; and A first diaphragm and a second diaphragm, wherein the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are each driven by both the first motor and the second motor.

10. A system as described in claim 9, wherein the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are driven in the vertical direction by both the first motor and the second motor, wherein the first motor is coupled to the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm at a first end of a long axis of the audio device, and the second motor is coupled to the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm at a second end of the long axis.

11. The system of claim 9, further comprising a first conductive biasing member engaged with each of the first transducer and the second transducer of the first motor.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the first conductive biasing member is a wave spring.

13. A method comprising: An audio output is generated from a low-profile audio device in the following manner, wherein the low-profile audio device includes a first diaphragm, a second diaphragm aligned with the first diaphragm and arranged opposite to the first diaphragm in a direction perpendicular to the major axis and minor axis of the first diaphragm, a first transducer aligned with the second transducer between the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm, and a third transducer aligned with the fourth transducer between the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm: the first diaphragm is driven via the first transducer and the third transducer and the second diaphragm is driven via the second transducer and the fourth transducer.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: The low-profile audio device is coupled to a vehicle component or housing within an opening of the vehicle component or housing by positioning the low-profile audio device with the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm facing each other in a vertical direction of the vehicle component or housing.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein coupling the low-profile audio device to the vehicle component or housing within the opening of the vehicle component or housing comprises positioning the low-profile audio device such that the first transducer is coupled to the first diaphragm and the second transducer is coupled to the second diaphragm, wherein the first transducer and the second transducer are aligned with each other in the vertical direction of the vehicle component or housing at a first end of the low-profile audio device.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein coupling the low-profile audio device to the vehicle component or housing within the opening of the vehicle component or housing comprises positioning the low-profile audio device such that the third transducer is coupled to the first diaphragm and the fourth transducer is coupled to the second diaphragm, wherein the third transducer and the fourth transducer are aligned with each other in the vertical direction of the vehicle component or housing at opposite second ends of the low-profile audio device.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein driving the first diaphragm via the first transducer and the third transducer comprises energizing the first transducer to drive the first diaphragm from a first end of the low-profile audio device, and energizing the third transducer to drive the first diaphragm from an opposite second end of the low-profile audio device.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein driving the second diaphragm via the second transducer and the fourth transducer comprises energizing the second transducer to drive the second diaphragm from a first end of the low-profile audio device, and energizing the fourth transducer to drive the second diaphragm from a second end of the low-profile audio device.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein driving the first diaphragm via the first transducer and the third transducer comprises biasing the first transducer via a first biasing element and biasing the third transducer via a second biasing element, and driving the second diaphragm via the second transducer and the fourth transducer comprises biasing the second transducer via the first biasing element and biasing the fourth transducer via the second biasing element.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein biasing the first transducer via the first bias element and biasing the second transducer via the first bias element comprises energizing the first bias element to generate a magnetic field that magnetically interacts with the first transducer and the second transducer, or biasing the third transducer via the second bias element and biasing the fourth transducer via the second bias element comprises energizing the second bias element to generate a magnetic field that magnetically interacts with the third transducer and the fourth transducer.

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