Method for calibrating vehicle audio system of vehicle

Abstract

A method for calibrating a vehicle audio system of a vehicle. A vehicle includes: an audio system having a set of speakers (14, 15, 52, 53); a powered adjustable vehicle seat (6) comprising a seat cushion (10), a seat back (11), a seat headrest (12), at least one microphone (17, 36) integrated in the seat headrest (12) or in an upper region of the seat back (11), and at least one powered seat position actuator (16, 35, 40) for effecting adjustment of the vehicle seat position; and a control system (18) configured to control operation of the powered seat position actuators (16, 35, 40). The method includes controlling, by a control system (18), at least one powered seat position actuator (16, 35, 40) to move at least one microphone (17, 36) of the vehicle seat (6) to a plurality of different spatial positions (37, 38), and recording microphone data received from the at least one microphone (17, 36) at each of the different spatial positions (37, 38) when generating a calibration sound by means of a loudspeaker (14, 15, 52, 53) of the vehicle audio system (19); and calibrating the vehicle audio system (19) based on the recorded microphone data received from the at least one microphone (17, 36).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a method for calibrating a vehicle audio system and a corresponding vehicle system.

[0002] The methods and associated systems for calibrating vehicle audio systems will be described primarily in the context of passenger cars. However, these methods and systems are not limited to this particular vehicle and can also be installed or implemented in other types of vehicles, such as trucks, buses, aircraft, ships, or work vehicles. Background Technology

[0003] In the field of vehicle audio systems, especially considering the reduction of powertrain noise associated with electric vehicles, there is an increasing demand for providing high-quality vehicle audio.

[0004] However, the interior of a vehicle cabin is typically a very complex acoustic environment, with numerous nearby walls, roof, windshield, and windows that cause reflections, as well as seats that absorb some of the sound.

[0005] In addition, the drastic temperature changes in the vehicle cabin throughout the year cause the speakers to age faster.

[0006] Therefore, simply installing standard audio equipment in a vehicle will reduce sound quality.

[0007] A known solution for improving audio quality is to conduct extensive audio testing on test vehicles (such as gold sample vehicles) during the vehicle development phase. This audio testing may, for example, involve temporarily installing a measuring microphone in the driver's cabin and recording sound profiles while playing calibration sounds on the existing vehicle audio system.

[0008] However, although this audio sound test can improve sound quality, there is still a need for further improved methods and systems for calibrating audio systems, especially for further improving audio sound quality. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Because the interior cabin space of a vehicle is typically quite small, even a small shift in the head position of a user in the vehicle seat can cause a large change in sound pressure level, for example, due to the cancellation or superposition of sound waves with different sources and / or reflection paths. In other words, depending on body posture, seating position, etc., the perceived sound level from a single speaker may be more than twice as loud or quiet as expected.

[0010] Furthermore, due to manufacturing tolerances, as well as the effects of aging and climate, the actual performance parameters of loudspeaker components vary significantly.

[0011] The solution disclosed herein relates to performing tuning or calibration of a vehicle audio system by generating tuning or calibration sounds from speakers while simultaneously recording the tuning or calibration sounds using a microphone. This allows for individual calibration of the signal of each output channel of the vehicle audio system to provide balanced and high-quality sound.

[0012] However, using external microphones temporarily installed in test vehicles during the vehicle development phase to perform the aforementioned tuning or calibration has several drawbacks. For example, tuning or calibration is time-consuming because microphone data must be recorded at every single microphone location out of a large number of microphone positions to enable audio system tuning at all seating positions. Furthermore, the microphone data recording process is typically performed only once for pre-production test vehicles and does not take into account speaker aging or individual vehicle and / or speaker characteristics.

[0013] Furthermore, performing vehicle audio tuning or calibration based on microphone data from microphones mounted on the seat or other points inside the vehicle may also result in poor sound quality. This is because the potential for large changes in sound level when the user's ear is positioned slightly off-center from the microphone's location can lead to significant differences between the recorded microphone data and the sound the user hears.

[0014] Therefore, the object of this disclosure is to provide a method for calibrating a vehicle audio system and a corresponding vehicle system, avoiding the aforementioned problems. This object is achieved at least in part by the features of the independent claims.

[0015] Specifically, according to a first aspect of this disclosure, a method for calibrating an audio system for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes: an audio system having a set of speakers; a power-adjustable vehicle seat including a seat cushion, a seat back, a seat headrest, at least one microphone integrated in the upper region of the seat headrest or the seat back, and at least one power seat position actuator for enabling adjustment of the vehicle seat position; and a control system configured to control the operation of the power seat position actuator. The method includes: controlling at least one power seat position actuator via the control system to move at least one microphone of the vehicle seat to a plurality of different spatial positions, and recording microphone data received from at least one microphone at each of the different spatial positions while generating calibration sounds by means of the speakers of the vehicle audio system; and calibrating the vehicle audio system based on the recorded microphone data received from at least one microphone.

[0016] Additionally, according to a second aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle system is provided, comprising: an audio system having a set of speakers; a power-adjustable vehicle seat including a seat cushion, a seat back, a seat headrest, at least one microphone integrated in the upper region of the seat headrest or the seat back, and at least one power seat position actuator for enabling adjustment of the vehicle seat position; and a control system configured to control the operation of the power seat position actuator. The control system is configured to: control at least one power seat position actuator to move at least one microphone of the vehicle seat to a plurality of different spatial positions, and record microphone data received from at least one microphone at each of the different spatial positions when generating calibration sound by means of the speakers of the vehicle audio system; and calibrate the vehicle audio system based on the recorded microphone data received from at least one microphone.

[0017] In this way, improved vehicle audio system calibration can be achieved to improve sound quality because the microphone can be closer to the user's actual ear position during the calibration sound recording, and the calibration process will provide a unique audio system tuning for each individual vehicle, taking into account the individual characteristics of the speakers and / or the vehicle.

[0018] Furthermore, the calibration process can be easily repeated over time to account for aging of speakers and / or audio electronics, as well as changes in the vehicle cabin interior.

[0019] Furthermore, the automatic movement of the seat, which moves the integrated microphone to multiple spatial locations during the calibration process and takes into account calibration measurements from each of these locations during the calibration process, reduces the potential risk of a single measurement location providing poor calibration settings and affecting sound quality, for example, due to the internal cabin sound effects at that particular location.

[0020] Further advantages can be achieved by implementing one or more features of the dependent claims.

[0021] In some example embodiments, which can be combined with any or more of the above embodiments, the power-adjustable vehicle seat includes at least two microphones, wherein a first microphone of the at least two microphones is integrated in the left side region of the headrest or the upper left side region of the backrest, and wherein a second microphone of the at least two microphones is integrated in the right side region of the headrest or the upper right side region of the backrest; wherein the step of controlling at least one power seat position actuator includes controlling at least one power seat position actuator to move each of the first and second microphones of the vehicle seat to a plurality of different spatial positions; wherein the step of recording microphone data includes recording microphone data received from each of the first and second microphones at each of the different spatial positions when a calibration sound is generated by means of a speaker of the vehicle audio system; and wherein the step of calibrating the vehicle audio system includes calibrating the vehicle audio system based on the recorded microphone data received from each of the first and second microphones. By having two microphones, these microphones can be mounted and positioned closer to each of the user's ears, thereby providing more relevant microphone measurement data. Furthermore, the left and right positions of the two microphones allow each microphone to be more sensitive to the respective left and right sound characteristics of the seat, thereby improving calibration results.

[0022] In some example embodiments, which can be combined with any or more of the above embodiments, the step of controlling at least one powered seat position actuator includes controlling at least one powered seat position actuator to move at least one microphone of the vehicle seat to at least four different spatial positions; wherein the step of recording microphone data includes recording microphone data received from at least one microphone at each of the at least four different spatial positions when a calibration sound is generated by means of a speaker of the vehicle audio system; wherein the step of calibrating the vehicle audio system includes calibrating the vehicle audio system based on the recorded microphone data received from each of the at least four different spatial positions. Increasing the number of spatial positions for recording the local distribution of the calibration sound in the area of ​​the user's ear makes it possible to improve calibration because the adverse effects of individual measurement errors and / or undesirable sound conditions at individual spatial positions can be reduced.

[0023] In some example embodiments, which can be combined with any or more of the above embodiments, the step of controlling at least one powered seat position actuator includes controlling at least one powered seat position actuator to move each of the first and second microphones of the vehicle seat to at least four different spatial positions; and wherein the step of recording microphone data includes recording microphone data received from each of the first and second microphones at each of the at least four different spatial positions when a calibration sound is generated by means of a speaker of the vehicle audio system. This results in an increased number of relevant microphone measurement data, enabling improved calibration results.

[0024] In some example embodiments that can be combined with any or more of the above embodiments, the audio system includes a power amplifier having at least a first output channel and a second output channel, and a first speaker connected to the first output channel and a second speaker connected to the second output channel; wherein the step of recording microphone data includes recording microphone data received from at least one microphone at each of the different spatial locations when calibration sounds are generated individually by means of the first speaker and when calibration sounds are generated individually by means of the second speaker. Therefore, when performing audio system calibration, the individual characteristics of each output channel and each speaker can be taken into account.

[0025] In some example embodiments that can be combined with any or more of the above embodiments, the audio system includes a power amplifier having at least a first output channel and a second output channel, and a first speaker connected to the first output channel and a second speaker connected to the second output channel; wherein the step of controlling at least one powered seat position actuator includes controlling at least one powered seat position actuator to move each of the first microphone and the second microphone of the vehicle seat to at least four different spatial positions; and wherein the step of recording microphone data includes recording microphone data received from each of the first microphone and the second microphone at each of the at least four different spatial positions when calibration sounds are generated separately by means of the first speaker and when calibration sounds are generated separately by means of the second speaker. This makes it possible to improve calibration results by increasing microphone measurement data and generating separate speaker calibration sounds.

[0026] In some example embodiments that can be combined with any or more of the above embodiments, the power-adjustable vehicle seat includes at least two power seat position actuators, a first power seat position actuator of the at least two power seat position actuators being configured to adjust the longitudinal and / or vertical position of the seat cushion of the vehicle seat, and a second power seat position actuator of the at least two power seat position actuators being configured to adjust the angular position of the seat back of the vehicle seat; wherein the step of controlling at least one power seat position actuator includes controlling at least the first power seat position actuator and the second power seat position actuator to move each of the first microphone and the second microphone of the vehicle seat to at least four different spatial positions; wherein the step of recording microphone data includes recording microphone data received from each of the first microphone and the second microphone at each of the at least four different spatial positions when calibration sounds are generated separately by means of a first speaker and when calibration sounds are generated separately by means of a second speaker.

[0027] In some example embodiments, which can be combined with any or more of the above embodiments, the step of calibrating the vehicle audio system includes calibrating the vehicle audio system based on recorded microphone data received from each of the plurality of different spatial locations, wherein, when calibrating the vehicle audio system based on the recorded microphone data, the correlation of the recorded microphone data received from each of the plurality of different spatial locations is weighted differently. Therefore, the importance of the recorded microphone measurement data from each spatial location can be evaluated and considered individually during the calibration process.

[0028] In some example embodiments, which may be combined with any or more of the above embodiments, the relevance of the recorded microphone data received from each of the plurality of different spatial locations is weighted as a function of the proximity of each of the plurality of different spatial locations to the recorded or estimated ear position when the user is seated in the vehicle seat. This means that microphone measurement data from a spatial location located near the user's estimated / recorded ear position can be evaluated as more relevant than microphone measurement data from a spatial location located further away from the estimated / recorded ear position, enabling improved calibration results.

[0029] In some example embodiments, which can be combined with any or more of the above embodiments, the method further includes an initial step: receiving an instruction or determining that calibration of the vehicle audio system needs to be performed, and in response, initiating the step of moving at least one microphone from the vehicle seat to multiple different spatial locations and recording microphone data at each of these different spatial locations while generating calibration sounds by means of a speaker. Therefore, a vehicle user can initiate the calibration process at any time, for example, in response to a perceived decrease in sound quality, or to perform diagnostics of the audio system if a malfunction in any part of the audio system is suspected, without relying on another party to perform the calibration. This provides the user with greater flexibility and freedom of choice.

[0030] In some example embodiments, which may be combined with any or more of the above embodiments, the method further includes performing a warm-up sequence and / or temperature equalization sequence for one or more speakers of the audio system, which will generate calibration sounds during the recording of microphone data at each of the different spatial locations. Therefore, it can be ensured that the calibration results are valid for the normal operating conditions of the audio system.

[0031] In some example embodiments, which can be combined with any or more of the above embodiments, control of at least one powered seat position actuator for moving at least one microphone of the vehicle seat to multiple different spatial locations is based on at least one of the following parameters: vehicle seat position setting, steering wheel position setting, user's recorded or estimated body length, and user's recorded or estimated ear position while seated in the vehicle seat. The seat and / or steering wheel settings are data that is readily and cost-effectively obtainable in the vehicle and provide a relatively accurate estimate of the user's ear position while seated.

[0032] In some example embodiments, which can be combined with any or more of the above embodiments, at least one powered seat position actuator is controlled such that the plurality of different spatial locations where microphone data received from at least one microphone is recorded are positioned as close as possible in the vehicle lateral direction to or overlap with the recorded or estimated ear position when the user is seated in the vehicle seat. By selecting a spatial location as close as possible to the user's ear when seated, the correlation of the microphone measurement data is improved.

[0033] In some example embodiments, which can be combined with any or more of the above embodiments, the different spatial locations where microphone data received from at least one microphone is recorded define a measurement area that, in the vehicle's lateral direction, is smaller than 50% of the maximum area reachable by the at least one microphone through control of at least one powered seat position actuator, specifically smaller than 25% of the maximum area, and more specifically smaller than 10% of the maximum area. By selecting a relatively small set of different spatial locations for microphone data measurement, for example, in the range of 3 to 10 different locations, these locations are densely located within the relevant measurement area, i.e., close to or overlapping with the ear position, the obtained measurement data is relevant to the specific user of the vehicle and achieves good calibration results, while avoiding the very long calibration process typically associated with calibration processes that consider large fixed and predetermined measurement areas.

[0034] In some example embodiments, which can be combined with any or more of the above embodiments, the control system is configured to automatically perform a calibration process for the vehicle audio system. This calibration process includes movement of at least one microphone from the vehicle seat to multiple different spatial positions and recording of microphone data received from the at least one microphone. Therefore, the user does not need to actively participate in the calibration process, which may be convenient for the user, and the calibration results are generally better and more reliable.

[0035] In some example embodiments, which can be combined with any or more of the above embodiments, the method further includes controlling at least one powered seat position actuator by a control system to return the seat to the position it had before the calibration process began. Therefore, the user does not need to manually return the seat to its previous position.

[0036] In some example embodiments, which can be combined with any or more of the above embodiments, the control system is configured to perform a calibration process for the vehicle audio system. This calibration process includes moving at least one microphone from the vehicle seat to multiple different spatial locations and recording microphone data received from the at least one microphone when the vehicle is unoccupied and the doors and windows are closed. This reduces unwanted interference from noise from the user and from outside the vehicle, ensures the speakers in the doors are correctly positioned, and takes into account the reflection of sound waves from the windows during the calibration process.

[0037] In some example embodiments that can be combined with any or more of the above embodiments, the control system may perform a quality check on the recorded microphone data received from at least one microphone during the calibration process, and interrupt the calibration process if the recorded microphone data indicates some kind of interference (such as too much background noise).

[0038] In some example embodiments, which can be combined with any or more of the above embodiments, the control system is configured to request the user to leave the vehicle before initiating the step of moving at least one microphone of the vehicle seat to multiple different spatial locations and recording microphone data at each of these different spatial locations while generating calibration sounds by means of a speaker. This avoids surprising the user with the sudden, automatic movement of the seat during the calibration process and avoids any unwanted interference from the user during calibration.

[0039] In some example embodiments, which can be combined with any or more of the above embodiments, the step of calibrating the vehicle audio system based on recorded microphone data received from at least one microphone includes: analyzing the recorded microphone data received from at least one microphone; and determining a calibration profile and applying it to the signal of at least one output channel of the vehicle audio system. Therefore, the sound characteristics of each speaker can be calibrated to provide optimal sound when a user is seated.

[0040] In some example embodiments that can be combined with any or more of the above embodiments, the control system further enables the user to perform manual calibration, such as applying manual calibration profiles, target curves, or offsets, to enhance the calibration provided by the automatic calibration method of this disclosure.

[0041] In some example embodiments, which may be combined with any or more of the embodiments described above, the step of analyzing recorded microphone data received from at least one microphone includes applying correction to eliminate or at least reduce acoustic effects caused by embedding at least one microphone in the seat. In some example embodiments, at least one microphone is not only integrated into the seat but also invisibly embedded within the seat, for example, beneath an external fabric overlay. In this case, the fabric overlay may affect the recorded calibration sound, and correction of the recorded calibration sound may be necessary to avoid interference caused by the fabric overlay.

[0042] In some example embodiments, which can be combined with any or more of the above embodiments, the calibration sound generated by means of the vehicle audio system's speakers is pink noise, logarithmic scan, white noise, or other audio content suitable for analyzing the recorded audio spectrum. Thus, the recorded microphone data will serve as high-quality input for subsequent sound analysis and calibration.

[0043] In some example embodiments, which may be combined with any or more of the above embodiments, the method may include: an initial step in which the control system controls at least one powered seat position actuator to move at least one microphone of the vehicle seat to multiple different spatial locations covering the main portion of all conceivable seat positions, and records microphone data received from the at least one microphone at each of these different spatial locations while generating calibration sounds by means of the vehicle audio system's speakers; and, upon receiving an instruction or determining that calibration of the vehicle audio system needs to be performed, performing vehicle audio system calibration based on microphone data recorded at locations in the multiple different spatial locations that are as close as possible in the lateral direction of the vehicle to the recorded or estimated ear position when the user is seated in the vehicle seat, or at locations overlapping with the recorded or estimated ear position when the user is seated in the vehicle seat. Thus, the actual microphone data recording step is pre-performed over a large measurement area believed to correspond to a large portion of the different types of users expected to use the vehicle, and the raw microphone data is stored in the vehicle or a cloud application. In subsequent steps, in response to the initiation of the calibration process, the vehicle control system performs audio system calibration using only the raw microphone data from the relevant spatial location (i.e., a spatial location near the ear of the current or planned next user). In other words, it is not necessary to re-record microphone data during each calibration process.

[0044] In some example embodiments, which may be combined with any or more of the above embodiments, the method includes: an initial step in which a control system controls at least one powered seat position actuator to move at least one microphone of the vehicle seat to a plurality of different spatial locations covering the main portion of all conceivable seat positions, and records microphone data received from the at least one microphone at each of said different spatial locations while generating calibration sounds by means of speakers of the vehicle audio system; performing a plurality of calibrations to determine predetermined calibration data for each of the plurality of different spatial locations covering the main portion of all conceivable seat positions; and, upon receiving an instruction or determining that calibration of the vehicle audio system needs to be performed, applying said predetermined calibration data associated with a spatial location that, when the user is seated in the vehicle seat, is as close as possible to or overlaps with the user's recorded or estimated ear position, as observed in the lateral direction of the vehicle. Thus, in a large measurement area considered to correspond to a large portion of different types of users expected to use the vehicle, the actual microphone data recording step and the microphone data analysis step are performed in advance, and an optimal calibration setting is predetermined for each spatial location of the user's ear. In subsequent steps, in response to the initiation of the calibration process, the vehicle control system simply checks or estimates the position of the user's ear and begins using a previously stored, predetermined calibration profile associated with the relevant position. In other words, to apply another calibration to a new occupant's ear position, it is not necessary to re-record microphone data or perform microphone data analysis.

[0045] In some example embodiments, which may be combined with any or more of the above embodiments, the method further includes storing vehicle audio calibration settings generated by the calibration process and associating the stored vehicle audio calibration settings with the current seat position or seat memory preset or user identity; and applying the stored vehicle audio calibration settings when the seat is moved to a position with the associated audio settings, or when a memory preset with the associated audio settings is selected, or when a user with a user identity associated with the audio calibration settings enters the seat. Therefore, substantially optimal sound is achieved for a specific seat memory preset, providing rapid and efficient adjustment of the audio system without requiring a new calibration process for that specific seat memory preset.

[0046] In some example embodiments, which can be combined with any or more of the above embodiments, at least one microphone integrated in the upper region of the seat headrest or backrest is also used for other purposes, such as recording background noise to provide active road noise cancellation via a speaker, recording voice commands via speech recognition to enable voice communication with another party inside or outside the vehicle, voice recognition for biometrics, karaoke, or any other type of communication and information input use case. In other words, the microphone can have a dual function.

[0047] In some example embodiments that may be combined with any or more of the above embodiments, this disclosure also relates to vehicles, such as sedans, that include a vehicle audio system as described above.

[0048] In summary, the seat can have a left-side microphone and a right-side microphone, and the seat can be moved to allow the two microphones to be moved around the space where the occupant's ears might be located. The microphone spacing in the lateral direction can be selected to correspond to the distance between human ears, for example, with the spacing between the left and right microphones in the range of 15cm to 20cm. The movement of the seat can effectively replicate almost any number of relevant microphone positions in the XZ plane and provide good left-right data on the Y-axis.

[0049] Microphone data can be used as input to an automatic speaker calibration algorithm that can individually calibrate the exact speaker components in the vehicle for the desired seating position.

[0050] An example embodiment of the calibration process includes: - Users can, for example, manually initialize the calibration process, where data such as the current seat position or other types of data are used to estimate the user's ear position. - The vehicle control system can require the user / driver to leave the vehicle and subsequently initiate the calibration process, or the vehicle control system can initiate the calibration process the next time the vehicle is locked from the outside. The control system will control the seat movement, causing the seat microphones to move to a predetermined array position and causing calibration signals to be played through speakers, while the microphone data is recorded as input data for the calibration process. The microphone measurement data can then be processed on-site in the vehicle or sent to an online server for processing. -Then, a new, separate calibration profile is applied to the audio system.

[0051] - Optionally, a new, separate calibration profile can be associated with the current seat memory preset, ensuring that the correct audio calibration is always provided in response to the activation of a particular seat memory preset.

[0052] Optional example embodiments of the calibration process include: For example, before a vehicle is delivered to a customer, or in response to a user-initiated calibration, the vehicle control system runs a sequence of measurements that essentially covers the entire interior environment in a single operation. This typically takes much longer than measuring only some spatial locations in the user's head area.

[0053] In subsequent calibration steps, the control system can directly load only the relevant microphone data from the existing complete measurement data—that is, the microphone data associated with the ear area—and process this loaded data through a calibration algorithm to obtain appropriate calibration settings and good sound quality, all without requiring the user to leave the vehicle. This is certainly more convenient, but it requires storing a large amount of measurement data; running a large number of measurements in advance; and the user does not witness the measurement process running.

[0054] According to another alternative example embodiment of the calibration process: - The vehicle control system operates a sequence of measurements that essentially covers the entire interior environment in a single operation, such as before the vehicle is delivered to a customer or in response to a user-initiated calibration, and processes the recorded microphone data through a calibration algorithm to obtain the appropriate calibration settings for each spatial location, and stores the predetermined calibration data in the vehicle's memory or remotely on a server.

[0055] During the subsequent initial audio calibration process, the control system can directly load the relevant pre-defined calibration settings from the existing optimal calibration settings for each spatial location to obtain appropriate calibration settings and good sound quality, all without requiring the user to leave the vehicle. This requires even more processing in the initial steps, but may be even more convenient for the user because it is faster and requires less storage space. This allows for near-instantaneous calibration switching and less storage compared to storing the original measurements, but at the cost of requiring additional calculations to pre-calculate the calibration for unused seating positions.

[0056] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent when examined in light of the appended claims and the following description. Those skilled in the art will recognize that different features of this disclosure can be combined to construct embodiments other than those explicitly described above and below, without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0057] The method and system for calibrating a vehicle audio system according to the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A side view of an example vehicle that can be implemented using the audio system and method according to this disclosure is shown schematically. Figure 2AA schematic layout of an example embodiment of a vehicle system according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2B and Figure 2C An example seat in which a microphone can be integrated is shown. Figure 3 A schematic layout of another example embodiment of a vehicle system according to this disclosure is shown. Figures 4A to 4E Various example embodiments of the method according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 5 An example of a motion sequence of a vehicle seat is shown. Figure 6 Another example of a vehicle seat motion sequence is shown. Figure 7 An example embodiment of a seat with a powered seat position actuator is shown. Figure 8A A schematic layout of yet another example embodiment of a vehicle system according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 8B A schematic layout of yet another example embodiment of a vehicle system according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 9 An example embodiment with a measurement area having five spatial locations is shown. Figure 10 An example of a vehicle seating configuration for a relatively tall user is shown, and Figure 11 An example of a vehicle seat setup for a relatively short user is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0058] The following description of various aspects of this disclosure is intended to illustrate, rather than limit, the disclosure, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and variations of the described aspects are not limited to the embodiments specifically shown, but are applicable to other variations of the disclosure.

[0059] Those skilled in the art will understand that some of the steps and functions described herein can be implemented using separate hardware circuitry, software running in conjunction with a programmable microprocessor or a general-purpose computer, or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and / or one or more digital signal processors (DSPs). It should also be understood that, when this disclosure is described in a methodological manner, some steps may also be embodied in one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to one or more processors, wherein one or more memories store one or more programs that, when executed by one or more processors, perform the steps, services, and functions disclosed herein.

[0060] To place the method and associated system for calibrating a vehicle audio system disclosed herein in an example setting, Figure 1 Examples of vehicles that can be equipped with a vehicle audio system according to the present disclosure are shown, and the method for calibrating a vehicle audio system according to the present disclosure can, for example, partially or completely, be used in accordance with... Figure 1 The operation will be carried out in the vehicles.

[0061] Specifically, Figure 1 Vehicle 1 is schematically shown, which defines a longitudinal direction X, a vertical direction Z, and a lateral direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction X and the vertical direction Z.

[0062] Figure 1 Example vehicle 1 has front wheels 2, rear wheels 3, a propulsion source 4, and an occupant cabin 5 with front seats 6, rear seats 7, and a steering wheel 8. According to Figure 1 The vehicle in the example embodiment may also include an image detector 41, which is located within the occupant compartment 5 and configured to detect the user's body posture or at least the position of the user's ears. User 9 herein refers to the person occupying the driver's seat of the vehicle 1.

[0063] If vehicle 1 is an autonomous vehicle without a dedicated driver's seat, then the user can actually sit in any seat in vehicle 1.

[0064] exist Figure 1 In the example vehicle, user 9 sits in the driver's front seat 6, which may include a seat cushion 10, a backrest 11, and a headrest 12.

[0065] Figure 2A An example schematic layout of a vehicle system 13 according to the present disclosure implemented in vehicle 1 is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 2A The vehicle system 13 includes a vehicle audio system with a set of speakers 14, 15. The vehicle system 13 also includes a power-adjustable, particularly electrically adjustable, vehicle seat 6, which includes a seat cushion 10, a seat back 11, an integrated or separate seat headrest 12, at least one microphone 17 integrated in the upper area of ​​the seat headrest 12 or the seat back 11, and at least one power seat position actuator (or actuator) 16 (specifically at least one electrically adjustable seat position actuator) for adjusting the position of the vehicle seat.

[0066] Seat 6 can be, for example, dynamically adjustable in the longitudinal direction X, such as... Figure 2A As indicated by the dashed arrow in the diagram. Of course, the seat 6 may optionally or additionally be power-adjustable in the vertical direction Z, and / or the tilt of the seat back 11 may be power-adjustable, etc.

[0067] The power seat position actuator 16 can be, for example, a linear electric actuator with an electric motor operably connected to a rolling or sliding linear bearing device, which is configured to enable linear seat adjustment in the longitudinal direction X.

[0068] Figure 2B An example front view of a seat with a split headrest 12 (i.e., a headrest 12 that is mounted on the backrest 11 and is generally separable from the backrest 11) is shown. Figure 2C An example of a front view of a seat with an integrated headrest 12 (i.e., a headrest 12 integrally formed with the backrest 11) is shown. Figure 2B and Figure 2C The upper area 51 of the seat corresponds to the headrest 12.

[0069] The term "upper region of the backrest" herein refers to having at least one microphone 17 integrated, for example, in the upper half 50 of the backrest 11. Figure 2B and Figure 2C As shown, it may be integrated into the uppermost quarter or uppermost sixth of the backrest 11.

[0070] According to some example embodiments, seat 6 may include two microphones, a first microphone 17 and a second microphone 36. These may preferably be positioned such that they are ear-width apart from each other in the lateral direction Y.

[0071] The vehicle system 13 also includes a control system 18 configured to control the operation of the powered seat position actuator 16. The control system 18 is also typically configured to control the operation of the vehicle's audio system.

[0072] The control system 18 is configured to control at least one powered seat position actuator 16 to move at least one microphone 17 of the vehicle seat 6 to multiple different spatial positions within the vehicle occupant compartment 5.

[0073] The movement of at least one microphone 17 is achieved by moving the seat 6 by means of a powered seat position actuator 16. In other words, the powered seat position actuator 16 is controlled by the control system 18 to move at least a portion of the seat, such that at least one microphone 17 of the vehicle seat 6 is moved to multiple different spatial positions within the vehicle occupant compartment 5.

[0074] The control system 18 is also configured to record microphone data received from at least one microphone 17 at each of the different spatial locations when a calibration sound is generated by means of the speakers 14, 15 of the vehicle audio system.

[0075] The calibration sound is preferably generated by a single speaker (such as the first speaker 14 or the second speaker 15), or by the first speaker and the second speaker consecutively (i.e., one after the other). However, in some example embodiments, the calibration sound may be generated jointly (i.e., simultaneously) by the first speaker 14 and the second speaker 15.

[0076] Finally, the control system 18 is configured to calibrate the vehicle audio system based on recorded microphone data received from at least one microphone 17.

[0077] By analyzing the microphone data received from at least one microphone 17 at each of the different spatial locations within the vehicle's occupant cabin 5, the control system 18 can take all of this microphone data into account and calibrate the vehicle's audio system so that the sound quality is as perceived by the vehicle user sitting in the seat.

[0078] Control system 18 can be implemented in various ways, such as more distributed or more centralized. Figure 3 In the example embodiment illustrated schematically, the control system functions are distributed across multiple separate control systems, for example, interconnected via a common gateway device 20.

[0079] Specifically, the control system 18 may include a seat control system 21, which may include a dedicated controller (ECU) for controlling the operation of the seat position actuator 16.

[0080] Furthermore, the control system 18 may include a vehicle audio system 19, which may include a dedicated audio or multimedia controller (ECU) 22 for controlling the operation of components of the vehicle audio system 19. Components of the vehicle audio system 19 may be, for example, audio source components 23, preferably multi-channel sources, such as digital audio files from an audio streaming provider or locally stored sources.

[0081] Another component of the vehicle audio system 19 may be a digital signal processing (DSP) component 23, which may include, for example, a parametric equalizer, an adjustable electronic crossover, and a signal delay processor.

[0082] Another component of the vehicle audio system 19 may be a power amplifier component 25 connected to speakers 14 and 15. Figure 3 In an example embodiment, the power amplifier component 25 has two output channels, wherein a first speaker 14 is connected to a first output channel of the power amplifier component 25, and a second speaker 15 is connected to a second output channel of the power amplifier component 25.

[0083] Components 22 to 25 of the vehicle audio system 19 can be partially or completely integrated into a single unit. Similarly, the seat control system 21 can be integrated with other components of the vehicle system 13.

[0084] The following will refer to Figure 4A An example embodiment of a method for calibrating a vehicle's audio system is described. Figure 4A The basic steps of the method are illustrated schematically. (Refer to the above...) Figures 1 to 3 As described, vehicle 1 includes an audio system 19 and a power-adjustable vehicle seat 6. The audio system 19 has a set of speakers 14, 15. The power-adjustable vehicle seat 6 includes a seat cushion 10, a seat back 11, a headrest 12, at least one microphone 17 integrated in the upper region of the headrest 12 or the seat back 11, and at least one power seat position actuator 16 capable of adjusting the position of the vehicle seat. Vehicle 1 also includes a control system 18 configured to control the operation of the power seat position actuator 16 and the audio system 19. The method includes a first step S10: controlling at least one power seat position actuator 16 via the control system 18 to move at least one microphone 17 of the vehicle seat 6 to a plurality of different spatial positions, and recording microphone data received from at least one microphone 17 at each of the different spatial positions while generating calibration sounds by means of the speakers 14, 15 of the vehicle audio system 19. The method also includes a second step S20: calibrating the vehicle audio system 19 based on the recorded microphone data received from at least one microphone 17.

[0085] The term "multiple different spatial positions" in this document refers to multiple different positions within the ZX plane. Therefore, moving seat 6 to multiple different positions within the ZX plane causes at least one microphone 17 of vehicle seat 6 to move to multiple different spatial positions. The movement of seat 6 can be achieved by means of movement of the entire seat in the longitudinal direction X, and / or by adjusting the tilt of the backrest and / or headrest, and / or by adjusting the position of seat 5 in the vertical direction Z.

[0086] As an example, Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrates how the seat, by means of a powered seat position actuator 16, progressively moves forward in the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle 1 from an initial seat position 26 to a first seat measurement position 27, then further forward in the longitudinal direction X to a second seat measurement position 28, and then further forward in the longitudinal direction X to a third seat measurement position 29. This seat movement sequence causes the microphone 17 to move forward from an initial microphone position 30 to a first microphone measurement position 31, then further forward to a second microphone measurement position 32, and then further forward to a third microphone measurement position 33.

[0087] Therefore, the first step S10 of the above method may, for example, include controlling the power seat position actuator 16 to move the seat 6 from the initial seat position 26 to the first seat measurement position 27, such that the microphone 17 of the seat 6 moves from the initial microphone position 30 to the first microphone measurement position 31. At this first position, the speakers 14 and 15 generate calibration sounds recorded by the microphone 17.

[0088] Subsequently, the power seat position actuator 16 is controlled to move the seat 6 from the first seat measurement position 27 to the second seat measurement position 28, causing the microphone 17 of the seat 6 to move from the first microphone measurement position 31 to the second microphone measurement position 32. At this second position, the speakers 14 and 15 generate calibration sounds recorded by the microphone 17.

[0089] Finally, the power seat position actuator 16 is controlled to move the seat 6 from the second seat measurement position 28 to the third seat measurement position 29, causing the microphone 17 of the seat 6 to move from the second microphone measurement position 32 to the third microphone measurement position 33. At this third position, the speakers 14 and 15 generate calibration sounds recorded by the microphone 17.

[0090] Thus, microphone data received by microphone 17 is collected from each of the different spatial locations (i.e., from the first microphone measurement position 31 to the third microphone measurement position 33).

[0091] In this example, the first microphone measurement position 31 to the third microphone measurement position 33 represent different spatial positions of the microphone.

[0092] The first microphone measurement position 31 to the third microphone measurement position 33 are preferably selected such that, during the calibration sound recording, the microphone is closer to the user's actual ear position when the user is seated. Therefore, the calibration process will provide more valuable microphone data, and the calibration will yield improved results.

[0093] Figure 5 The example shown is merely one example of how the seat can be moved to achieve multiple different spatial positions of the microphone 17.

[0094] Figure 6Another example embodiment illustrating how the seat can be moved to achieve multiple different spatial positions of the microphone 17 is shown schematically. Specifically, in this example, the seat 6 includes a powered seat position actuator 35 configured to control the tilt level of the backrest 11. Therefore, step S10 of the above method includes: moving the seat backrest 11 forward from an initial seat position 26 about a pivot point 34 by means of the powered seat position actuator 35 to a first seat measurement position 27 (e.g., ...). Figure 6 (As shown by the dashed arrow in the diagram) and the microphone 17 records the calibration sound generated by the speakers 14 and 15 at this position. Then, the seat back 11 is moved forward from the first seat measurement position 27 around the pivot point 34 to the second seat measurement position 28 and the microphone 17 records the calibration sound generated by the speakers 14 and 15 at this position. Then, the seat back 11 is moved forward from the second seat measurement position 28 around the pivot point 34 to the third measurement position 29 and the microphone 17 records the calibration sound generated by the speakers 14 and 15 at this position.

[0095] Clearly, more advanced or complex modes of multiple spatial positions of microphone 17 can be achieved using two or more powered seat position actuators 16, 35. For example, modern vehicle seats 6 typically have independent powered seat position actuators for controlling longitudinal seat position, seat height position, seat cushion tilt level, seat back tilt level, and / or headrest tilt position, etc., so that each driver can achieve a comfortable seating position regardless of size and posture. In other words, almost any type of mode of spatial position of microphone 17 in the XZ plane can be achieved using the vehicle's standard powered seat position actuators.

[0096] For example, Figure 7 An exemplary embodiment of a vehicle seat 6 is schematically illustrated, the vehicle seat 6 having a separate powered seat position actuator 16 for controlling the longitudinal seat position, another separate powered seat position actuator 35 for controlling the tilt level of the seat back 11, and yet another separate powered seat position actuator 40 for controlling the seat height position. Each of these separate powered seat position actuators 16, 35, and 40 can be independently controlled to move, and they can be jointly controlled to move the microphone 17 over the total or maximum movement area 47 in the XZ plane.

[0097] Since the vehicle's standard, readily available powered seat position actuator is used to move microphone 17 to multiple different spatial locations during the calibration phase, no special or dedicated powered actuator is required to move microphone 17.

[0098] The number of different spatial locations at which microphone data received from at least one microphone 17 is recorded can be freely chosen. However, in order to avoid a very long calibration process, while still being able to rely on microphone measurement data from multiple measurements, the number of different spatial locations used to record microphone data can be, for example, in the range of 2 to 20, specifically in the range of 3 to 15, and more specifically in the range of 4 to 10.

[0099] Therefore, in some example embodiments of the method for calibrating a vehicle audio system, a first step S10 of controlling at least one powered seat position actuator 16, 35 includes controlling at least one powered seat position actuator 16, 35 to move at least one microphone 17 of the vehicle seat to at least four different spatial positions, specifically in the range of 4 to 10, wherein the step of recording microphone data includes recording microphone data received from at least one microphone at each of the at least four different spatial positions when a calibration sound is generated by means of a speaker of the vehicle audio system, and wherein a second step S20 of calibrating the vehicle audio system includes calibrating the vehicle audio system based on the recorded microphone data received at each of the at least four different spatial positions.

[0100] Further improvements to the sound quality of the audio system using the method for calibrating a vehicle audio system according to this disclosure can be achieved by providing a power-adjustable vehicle seat with two or more microphones, as this allows recorded microphone data to be captured at a location closer to the estimated position of the user's ears while the user is seated in the seat 6. Furthermore, providing a power-adjustable vehicle seat with two or more microphones also increases the number of microphone data recording locations without increasing seat movement, thereby providing improved calibration results without significantly increasing calibration time.

[0101] For example, one microphone can be positioned on the left side of the headrest or the upper left side of the backrest, and another microphone can be positioned on the right side of the headrest or the upper right side of the backrest. This allows the microphones to be positioned very close to the estimated location of the user's ears while the user is seated in the seat.

[0102] Specifically, Figure 8A The seat and vehicle audio system are shown, with the first microphone 17 positioned on the left side of the headrest 12 and the second microphone 36 positioned on the right side of the headrest 12.

[0103] Therefore, in some example embodiments of the method for calibrating a vehicle audio system, the power-adjustable vehicle seat includes at least two microphones, wherein a first microphone 17 of the at least two microphones is integrated in the left side region of the headrest or the upper left side region of the backrest, and wherein a second microphone 36 of the at least two microphones is integrated in the right side region of the headrest or the upper right side region of the backrest, wherein a first step S10 of controlling at least one power seat position actuator includes controlling at least one power seat position actuator to move each of the first and second microphones of the vehicle seat to a plurality of different spatial locations, wherein a first step S10 of recording microphone data includes recording microphone data received from each of the first and second microphones at each of the different spatial locations while generating calibration sound by means of a speaker of the vehicle audio system, and wherein a second step S20 of calibrating the vehicle audio system includes calibrating the vehicle audio system based on the recorded microphone data received from each of the first and second microphones.

[0104] In the case where the vehicle audio system includes at least two microphones, the first step S10 of controlling at least one powered seat position actuator may include controlling at least one powered seat position actuator to move each of the first microphone and the second microphone of the vehicle seat to at least four different spatial positions, and wherein recording microphone data includes recording microphone data received from each of the first microphone and the second microphone at each of the at least four different spatial positions when a calibration sound is generated by means of a speaker of the vehicle audio system.

[0105] In practice, all vehicle audio systems include multiple speakers, such as two, three, four, five, six, or more. The power amplifiers in such audio systems typically include multiple output channels to enable the reproduction of multi-channel sound from a multi-channel music source. The calibration of an audio system with multiple speakers, some of which are connected to different channels, can benefit from individual calibration of each channel. Therefore, the individual characteristics of the audio components for each channel can be taken into account to provide better overall calibration and sound quality.

[0106] In other words, in the case where the audio system includes a power amplifier having at least a first output channel and a second output channel, and a first speaker connected to the first output channel and a second speaker connected to the second output channel, the first step S10 of recording microphone data may include: recording microphone data received from at least one microphone at each of the different spatial locations when calibration sounds are generated individually or separately by means of the first speaker and when calibration sounds are generated individually or separately by means of the second speaker.

[0107] Similarly, if the audio system includes a vehicle seat with at least two microphones, at least two speakers, and where calibration involves microphone recording at at least four locations, Similarly, if the audio system includes a power amplifier having at least a first output channel and a second output channel, and a first speaker connected to the first output channel and a second speaker connected to the second output channel, and calibration involves microphone recording at at least four locations, then the first step S10 of controlling at least one powered seat position actuator includes: controlling at least one powered seat position actuator to move each of the first microphone and the second microphone of the vehicle seat to at least four different spatial locations, and recording microphone data received from each of the first microphone and the second microphone at each of the at least four different spatial locations when calibration sounds are generated individually or individually by means of the first speaker and when calibration sounds are generated individually or individually by means of the second speaker.

[0108] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the seat typically includes multiple powered seat position actuators that can be used to control the position of the microphones during microphone recording in the calibration process. Therefore, in the case where an electrically adjustable vehicle seat includes at least two powered seat position actuators (wherein a first powered seat position actuator is configured to adjust the longitudinal and / or vertical position of the seat cushion of the vehicle seat, and a second powered seat position actuator is configured to adjust the angular position of the seat back of the vehicle seat), the first step S10 of controlling at least one powered seat position actuator includes: controlling at least the first and second powered seat position actuators to move each of the first and second microphones of the vehicle seat to at least four different spatial positions, and recording microphone data received from each of the first and second microphones at each of the at least four different spatial positions when calibration sounds are generated individually or individually by means of a first speaker and when calibration sounds are generated individually or individually by means of a second speaker.

[0109] Specifically, Figure 8BA vehicle system is shown, comprising: a vehicle audio system having four speakers 14, 15, 52, 53 and four output channels, each output channel connected to an independent speaker 14, 15, 52, 53; a power-adjustable vehicle seat including a first microphone integrated in the left side of the headrest 12 and a second microphone integrated in the right side of the headrest 12, and a first power seat position actuator 16, 35, 40 for enabling adjustment of the vehicle seat in the longitudinal position X, a second power seat position actuator 35 for enabling adjustment of the tilt of the seat back 11 about a pivot point 34, and a third power seat position actuator 40 for enabling adjustment of the vehicle seat height in the vertical direction Z; and a control system 18 configured to control the operation of the first to third power seat position actuators 16, 35, 40. The control system 18 is configured to: control the first powered seat position actuator 16, the second powered seat position actuator 35, and the third powered seat position actuator 40 via the control system 18 to move each of the first and second microphones of the vehicle seat to a plurality of different spatial positions, and to record microphone data received from each of the first and second microphones at each of the different spatial positions while calibration sounds are generated individually and sequentially at each of the first speaker 14, the second speaker 15, the third speaker 52, and the fourth speaker 53 of the vehicle audio system at each of the different spatial positions; and to calibrate the vehicle audio system based on the microphone data received from the first and second microphones recorded at each of the spatial positions.

[0110] As described above, by recording the generated calibration sounds at multiple different spatial locations within a focal region that matches or is adjacent to the estimated or detected ear position of the user while seated in the vehicle, the overall calibration results can be improved by relying on microphone measurement data from multiple measurements. This can help avoid situations where performing a single calibration measurement at a location exhibiting relatively strong sound interference could lead to poor calibration results.

[0111] The geographical distribution of multiple different spatial locations in the XZ plane, as well as the number of these multiple different spatial locations, can vary considerably.

[0112] Figure 9 An example embodiment of a calibration method with five planned measurement locations is shown, including a central measurement location 37 and four separate outer / surrounding measurement locations 38 distributed around the central location 37.

[0113] The different spatial locations where microphone data received from at least one microphone 17 is recorded define the measurement area 39, such as Figure 9 As schematically shown. The measurement area 39 can be defined by the outermost line that interconnects the various spatial locations 37, 38.

[0114] In some example embodiments, microphone measurement data from each measurement location can be assigned equal weights; that is, calibration is performed while considering microphone measurement data from each location in different spatial locations equally. However, in some example embodiments, microphone measurement data from each measurement location can be assigned different weights.

[0115] exist Figure 9 In the example embodiment, measurement data received from the central measurement location 37 can be considered more relevant to the calibration process than measurement data received from the four individual outer / encircling measurement locations 38. However, as stated above, in cases where the central measurement location 37 happens to provide poor measurement results due to local interference effects, measurement data received from the four individual outer / encircling measurement locations 38 are still taken into consideration.

[0116] An example scheme could involve assigning a 50% weight to the measurement data received from the central measurement location 37 and assigning a 12.5% ​​weight to the measurement data received from the four separate outer / encircling measurement locations 38.

[0117] Therefore, in some example embodiments, the second step S20 of calibrating the vehicle audio system includes calibrating the vehicle audio system based on recorded microphone data received from each of the plurality of different spatial locations, wherein, when calibrating the vehicle audio system based on the recorded microphone data, the correlation of the recorded microphone data received from each of the plurality of different spatial locations is weighted differently.

[0118] In other words, when calibrating the vehicle audio system based on the recorded microphone data, the correlation of the recorded microphone data received from at least one of the plurality of different spatial locations is given a higher weight than the correlation of the recorded microphone data received from at least another of the plurality of different spatial locations.

[0119] In this paper, the term "weighted" refers to the level of importance of the recorded microphone data, that is, the degree of influence of microphone data from a particular location on the final calibration result compared to microphone data from other locations.

[0120] One approach to determining the weight level of microphone data recorded at a particular location could be to make the weight a function of the distance between said particular location and the recorded or estimated ear position when the user is sitting in a vehicle seat, as seen in the XZ plane.

[0121] In other words, when the first position is closer to the recorded or estimated ear position when the user is sitting in the vehicle seat than the second position, the weight level of the microphone data recorded at the first position can be considered greater than the weight of the microphone data recorded at the second position, as seen in the XZ plane.

[0122] Therefore, the correlation of the recorded microphone data received from each of the plurality of different spatial locations is weighted as a function of the proximity of each of the plurality of different spatial locations to the recorded or estimated ear position when the user is sitting in the vehicle seat.

[0123] The proximity function can reflect the gradual or progressive decrease in correlation as the proximity of each of the multiple different spatial locations decreases.

[0124] The proximity of a particular measurement position 37, 38 is typically determined by measuring or calculating the distance between measurement positions 37, 38 in the XZ plane and the recorded or estimated ear position when the user is sitting in the vehicle seat.

[0125] Compared to the total or maximum movement area 47 of at least one microphone in the seat in the XZ plane, the measurement area 39 defined by a set of measurement locations 37, 38 with different spatial positions in the XZ plane is generally relatively small and focused because the method for calibrating a vehicle audio system according to this disclosure is configured to acquire microphone measurement data only for the current user at the relevant location.

[0126] In other words, during the calibration process, the method does not acquire microphone measurement data at fixed predetermined locations within a relatively large predetermined area covering the XZ plane (which reflects the normal head area for most vehicle users), but rather at adaptable measurement locations 37, 38 within a variable and relatively small measurement area 39 covering the XZ plane. During each calibration process, measurement locations 37, 38 are determined based on at least one parameter reflecting the current or newer user, particularly a parameter reflecting the ear position of the current or newer user while seated in seat 6. Therefore, each calibration process is dedicated to and adapted to the current or newer user.

[0127] For example, by Figure 9The measurement area 39 defined by a set of measurement positions 37, 38 may have a vehicle length 48 in the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle ranging from 0 cm to 20 cm (specifically, 0 cm to 10 cm), and a vehicle height 49 in the vertical direction Z of the vehicle ranging from 0 cm to 20 cm (specifically, 0 cm to 10 cm). The length or height “0 cm” herein refers only to the measurement position of a single straight line in the vertical or horizontal direction, respectively.

[0128] The methods and systems disclosed herein can rely on many different types of parameters to reflect the ear position of a current or newer user while seated in seat 6. For example, the control system can be configured to use the position settings of the vehicle seat and / or the steering wheel as input parameters for determining the measurement positions 37, 38.

[0129] Figure 10 and Figure 11 The illustration schematically shows how the position settings of the vehicle seats and / or steering wheel can be used as input parameters for determining measurement positions 37, 38, wherein, Figure 10 The diagram schematically illustrates the position of the vehicle seat 6 and the steering wheel 8 after adjustment by the relatively high driver or user 9. Figure 11 The position of the vehicle seat 6 and the steering wheel 8 are schematically shown after adjustment by a relatively short driver or user 9.

[0130] Specifically, in Figure 10 In the example illustration, the relatively tall driver or user 9 has adjusted the seat height to a relatively low seating position to avoid being too close to the vehicle's interior roof. The relatively tall driver or user 9 has also adjusted the seat longitudinal position along the X-axis towards the rear of the vehicle (i.e., away from the steering wheel 8) to provide a comfortable leg position for the vehicle's brake and accelerator pedals. Finally, the relatively tall driver or user 9 has also adjusted the steering wheel position along the steering column towards the rear of the vehicle (i.e., away from the vehicle's dashboard 42) to provide a comfortable arm position when holding the steering wheel 8.

[0131] In addition, Figure 11 In the example illustration, the relatively short driver or user 9 has adjusted the seat height to a relatively high seating position to ensure good visibility of traffic conditions over the steering wheel 8. The relatively short driver or user 9 has also adjusted the seat longitudinal position along the X-axis towards the front of the vehicle (i.e., towards the steering wheel 8) to provide a comfortable leg position for the vehicle's brake and accelerator pedals. Finally, the relatively short driver or user 9 has also adjusted the steering wheel position along the steering column towards the front of the vehicle (i.e., towards the vehicle's dashboard 42) to provide a comfortable arm position when gripping the steering wheel 8.

[0132] Therefore, as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As illustrated, the user's ear position 45 can be estimated based on the current vehicle seat setting and / or vehicle steering wheel setting and based on the average body size and / or shape and / or body posture of all relevant human users.

[0133] In other words, based on the average body size and / or body shape and / or body posture of all relevant human users, it is possible to prepare a lookup table with one or more input parameters (such as vehicle seat settings and / or vehicle steering wheel settings) and one or more power seat position actuators as output parameters, wherein the output position settings of one or more power seat position actuators are used as output parameters, resulting in the microphone 17 being positioned in the area of ​​the user's ear before the seat 6 moves.

[0134] For example, in Figure 10 In the schematic diagram, microphone 17 needs to move forward and upward a predetermined length 43 along a straight path, as shown by arrow 44, at an angle 46 of approximately 40 degrees to the horizontal plane.

[0135] Similarly, in Figure 11 In the schematic diagram, microphone 17 needs to move forward and upward a predetermined length 43 along a straight path, as shown by arrow 44, at an angle 46 of approximately 10 degrees to the horizontal plane.

[0136] As a result, the control system 18 can be configured to use a predetermined lookup table to determine how one or more power seat position actuators 16, 35, 40 should be controlled to move the microphone 17 to the user's estimated ear position 45 based on one or more input parameters (such as vehicle seat settings and / or vehicle steering wheel settings).

[0137] The automatic movement of the seat 6 by the control system 18 to move the microphone 17 to the user's estimated ear position 45 is intended to be performed when the seat is empty, and this can be verified by the control system 18 through some type of well-known user presence detection (such as seat weight detection, etc.).

[0138] The vehicle control system 18 can acquire other types of input data reflecting the size, shape, and / or body posture of the current or newer user. For example, the control system 18 can acquire input data reflecting the user's size, shape, and / or body posture from the vehicle interior camera 41 or other types of image detectors. The vehicle interior camera 41 or other types of image detectors can optionally be used to directly detect and record the user's ear position while the user is seated.

[0139] This can be achieved, for example, by processing received camera image data using head and / or ear detection and position tracking algorithms. Such detection and position tracking algorithms are now quite common in "driver monitoring" systems in vehicles, which can be used for various purposes, such as detecting and monitoring driver fatigue, detecting and monitoring acceptable seating positions for airbag deployment, or detecting and monitoring driver attention to the road and traffic. In addition, other user head tracking technologies are available, such as those using vehicle-mounted radar, lidar, structured light, stereo imaging, and ultrasound.

[0140] The vehicle control system 18 can also be configured to move the microphone 17 to a predetermined layout of multiple different spatial locations centered on the user's estimated or recorded ear position.

[0141] In summary, at least one powered seat position actuator 16, 35, 40 is controlled to move at least one microphone 17 of the vehicle seat 6 to multiple different spatial positions based on at least one of the following parameters: the position setting of the vehicle seat, the position setting of the steering wheel, the recorded or estimated body length of the current or newer user of the seat, and the recorded or estimated ear position of the current or newer user of the seat while sitting in the vehicle seat.

[0142] Furthermore, at least one powered seat position actuator 16, 35, 40 is controlled such that when a user is seated in vehicle seat 6, the center of the plurality of different spatial positions where microphone data received from at least one microphone 17 is recorded is substantially as close as possible to, overlap with, or at least adjacent to, the user's recorded or estimated ear position, as observed in the vehicle's lateral direction Y. The term "adjacent" herein means a distance not exceeding 15 cm, specifically not exceeding 10 cm, and more specifically not exceeding 5 cm.

[0143] Refer again Figure 9 Different spatial locations 37, 38 where microphone data received from at least one microphone is recorded define a measurement area 39. The measurement area 39 is less than 50% of the maximum area 47 reachable by the at least one microphone through control of at least one powered seat position actuator, specifically less than 25%, and more specifically less than 10%, as viewed in the lateral direction of the vehicle. As described above, the measurement area 39 can be defined, for example, by the outermost line of a set of lines interconnecting all the spatial locations.

[0144] The calibration process can be initiated, for example, automatically or by a service provider or OEM at regular or irregular intervals, or automatically triggered when poor sound quality is detected. According to another example embodiment, the calibration process can be initiated by the vehicle's user, for example, when a new user wants to use the vehicle, or when the user deems a calibration process necessary. According to another example embodiment, the calibration process can be initiated by vehicle service personnel as a service diagnostic procedure to diagnose audio system defects, such as identifying audio system component failures for quick and low-cost component replacement.

[0145] Therefore, refer to Figure 4B In some example embodiments, the method may further include an initial step S5: obtaining an instruction or determining that calibration of the vehicle audio system needs to be performed, and in response thereto, proceeding to the first step S10: controlling at least one powered seat position actuator 16 to move at least one microphone of the vehicle seat to a plurality of different spatial locations, and recording microphone data at each of the different spatial locations while generating calibration sound by means of a speaker.

[0146] Sometimes, calibration processes can occur during periods of low interior cabin temperature, such as during winter conditions. However, when in cold conditions, vehicle speakers may exhibit reduced or altered frequency responses and / or different musical reproduction behavior. Therefore, calibration of the vehicle audio system in low-temperature environments may provide poor sound quality when the vehicle's driver's cabin has been heated to normal operating temperature. Therefore, the method may include an intermediate step S7, which involves preheating and / or temperature equalization sequences for one or more speakers of the audio system that will generate the calibrated sound during microphone data recording at each of the different spatial locations.

[0147] By performing a speaker preheating sequence, the operating temperature of the speaker increases, resulting in improved sound quality of the vehicle audio system as perceived by the user due to subsequent calibration processes.

[0148] The speaker preheating sequence may include playing noise or ultrasonic signals to make the speaker heat up while producing sound.

[0149] According to one example embodiment, the vehicle may include a temperature sensor for detecting the interior temperature of the cabin and for inputting that information to a vehicle control system 18. In response to a low interior cabin temperature, the control system 18 may execute a preheating sequence for the speakers to increase their temperature, thereby providing better sound quality results in a warmer vehicle during the calibration process.

[0150] According to most example embodiments, the control system 18 is configured to automatically perform the calibration process of the vehicle audio system, including moving at least one microphone 17 of the vehicle seat to multiple different spatial locations and recording microphone data received from the at least one microphone. In other words, the control system 18 is configured to perform the entire calibration process independently without human intervention or interaction.

[0151] For example, the method may include controlling at least one powered seat position actuator via a control system to return the seat to the position it had before the calibration process began.

[0152] Therefore, in response to the initialization of the calibration process, the seat can first move to the sound recording position, and after the calibration sound recording is completed, the seat moves back to the original position. All of this is done independently by the seat under the control of the control system via the power seat position actuators 16, 35, and 40.

[0153] It is preferable to perform the calibration process when there is no user in the vehicle, as users may interfere with the calibration sound recording, and calibration test signals often sound unpleasant. Furthermore, the movement of the vehicle seat 6 used to move the microphone to the user's estimated ear position may be surprising and uncomfortable for the user still seated in the seat 6.

[0154] Therefore, the control system is configured to perform a calibration process for the vehicle's audio system when the vehicle is not occupied and the doors and windows are closed. This includes moving at least one microphone 17 from the vehicle seat to multiple different spatial positions and recording microphone data received from the at least one microphone. The closed doors and windows ensure a low level of external interference noise.

[0155] The calibration process can be performed, for example, while the vehicle is stationary or parked, to avoid measurement errors caused by human interaction and to reduce external noise.

[0156] Furthermore, the control system can be configured to request the user to leave the vehicle before the steps of initializing the movement of at least one microphone of the vehicle seat to multiple different spatial locations and recording microphone data at each of these different spatial locations while generating calibration sounds by means of a speaker. The control system may request the user to leave the vehicle, for example, via an audio message, a written message on a display, or another information channel.

[0157] The actual calibration process, namely the microphone data processing used to determine the appropriate calibration or adjustment settings for the sound characteristics of each channel, can be performed by a processing unit in the vehicle or by an external processing unit that has already wirelessly received microphone data from the control system 18 or audio system 19.

[0158] In other words, in some example embodiments, the second step S20 of calibrating the vehicle audio system based on recorded microphone data received from at least one microphone may include: analyzing the received microphone data received from at least one microphone; and determining a calibration profile and applying it to the signal of at least one output channel of the vehicle audio system.

[0159] The steps of analyzing and determining the tuning profile can be performed either in the vehicle's computer or via a remote server. This analysis and determination can be done, for example, by running analysis software or by querying a lookup table.

[0160] Applying a calibration profile to the signal of at least one output channel of a vehicle audio system to modify the signal of at least one output channel may include, for example, applying a calibration frequency profile to the output signal of the vehicle audio system, or applying a set of calibration parameters (such as gain, delay, phase equalization, array processing, etc.) to the output signal of the vehicle audio system.

[0161] The sound system can be calibrated to provide optimal sound quality for the user located in seat 6. Optionally, the multiple seats 6 of the vehicle may be equipped with at least one integrated microphone, and microphone data can be recorded from the multiple seats 6. A second step S20, calibrating the vehicle audio system based on the recorded microphone data received from the microphones of the multiple seats, can be performed to provide optimal sound quality for the group of users located in the multiple seats 6, i.e., by optimizing the sound to be equally good at all seat positions with microphones, rather than optimizing for a single seat.

[0162] One, two, or more microphones 17, 36 are preferably integrated or embedded in the seat 6. Specifically, the microphones may be compact microphones (such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) microphones, integrated into the upper area of ​​the seat headrest or backrest, which are generally relatively inexpensive, reliable, and sufficiently accurate. Therefore, one, two, or more microphones 17, 36 are typically installed in the seat 6 during vehicle manufacturing, and one, two, or more microphones 17, 36 are configured to remain in the seat 6 throughout the vehicle's lifespan.

[0163] Integration or embedding of one, two, or more microphones 17, 36 within the seat may cause distortion and / or attenuation of the recorded calibration sounds. However, by recording calibration sounds from microphones located both outside and within the seat at their integrated locations, and by analyzing the differences in the recorded sound and / or frequency profiles, a correction profile that can be applied to the recorded calibration sounds can be determined to compensate for any distortion and / or attenuation effects caused by the integration location of the microphones 17, 36.

[0164] Therefore, in some example embodiments, the step of analyzing received microphone data received from at least one microphone includes applying correction to eliminate or at least reduce acoustic effects caused by embedding at least one microphone in the seat 6.

[0165] The type, characteristics, frequency, intensity, etc. of the calibrated sound generated by the speakers of a vehicle audio system can be of many different kinds, depending on the environment, vehicle type, and speaker type.

[0166] For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the calibration sound generated by means of the speakers of the vehicle audio system is a white noise signal or a gradually or progressively changing tone signal. Other types of generated calibration sounds are also possible.

[0167] For example, refer to the above Figure 7 or Figure 9 In some of the example embodiments described, the generated calibration sounds are recorded only at multiple different spatial locations within a focal region that matches or is adjacent to the user's estimated or detected ear position. This allows for a faster calibration process while still providing the user with high-quality audio system sound, provided the user does not significantly change their seating position and / or seat setup. Furthermore, this type of calibration process, which actually records new calibration sounds during each calibration cycle, also takes into account long-term aging of speakers and amplifiers. However, the calibration method according to this disclosure can also be performed according to optional procedures, which may be preferred in some implementations.

[0168] According to this optional calibration method, the control system is configured to perform an initial large-scale calibration process related to the manufacturing of the vehicle, and then rely on microphone data recorded during the large-scale calibration process during subsequent user- or system-initiated calibration events.

[0169] In other words, the control system can be configured, in conjunction with the manufacturing or delivery of the vehicle, to control at least one powered seat position actuator to move at least one microphone of the vehicle seat to multiple different spatial locations distributed across virtually all realistically conceivable ear positions for all possible future users, and to record raw microphone data received from at least one microphone at each of these different spatial locations while generating calibration sound via the vehicle audio system's speakers. The raw microphone data is stored locally in the vehicle or in an external cloud data store and is accessible to the control system in response to the initialization of a vehicle audio system calibration event.

[0170] Specifically, the control system will then simply download the relevant stored raw microphone data (i.e., microphone data corresponding to the spatial location associated with the current or most recent vehicle user's ear position) and use this data to calibrate the audio system, as referenced. Figure 4A The second step S20 is described in the process.

[0171] Therefore, this calibration process can be performed very quickly because no new microphone data measurements are required, and the user does not even have to leave the vehicle.

[0172] The following reference Figure 4D The basic steps of this optional calibration method are described, including an initial step S10: controlling at least one powered seat position actuator 16, 35, 40 via a control system 18 to move at least one microphone 17, 36 of the vehicle seat 6 to multiple different spatial locations 37, 38 covering the main portion of all conceivable seat positions (e.g., at least 50% or at least 75%), and recording microphone data received from at least one microphone 17, 36 at each of said different spatial locations 37, 38 when a calibration sound is generated by means of speakers 14, 15 of the vehicle audio system. The initial step S10 also includes storing the microphone data locally or in cloud storage. The method further includes a subsequent step S15: obtaining instructions or determining that calibration of the vehicle audio system needs to be performed. Thereafter, the method includes a third step S20: performing calibration of the vehicle audio system based on the stored raw microphone data, which is recorded at those multiple different spatial locations as close as possible to or overlapping with the user's recorded or estimated ear position when the user is seated in the vehicle seat, as observed in the lateral direction of the vehicle.

[0173] According to Figure 4D In the method, the initial step S10 is typically performed at least in conjunction with the manufacture or delivery of the vehicle, and subsequent steps S15 and S20 are typically performed after delivery to the user. However, the initial step S10 may sometimes be repeated after delivery to the user to update the stored original measurement data, for example, once a year.

[0174] Alternatively, the control system 18 can go even further and combine this step with vehicle manufacturing analysis. In other words, the raw microphone data will not be stored locally or in cloud storage; instead, the actual tuning or calibration settings of the audio system will be stored locally or in cloud storage. In fact, these tuning or calibration settings are not particularly large in terms of storage requirements and can likely be easily stored locally on the vehicle.

[0175] In this case, the control system 18 will target the total or maximum movement area 47 of at least one microphone of the seat in the XZ plane (e.g., Figure 7 The analysis steps are performed at multiple different locations within the XZ plane (as shown in the figure), and when calibration is requested later by the user or the system, the control system 18 will only select the predetermined adjustment or calibration settings associated with the location in the XZ plane (which is closest to the estimated or recorded ear position of the current or most recent user of the vehicle).

[0176] The numerous predetermined calibration or adjustment settings associated with a large number of different locations in the XZ plane enable improvements to the calibration process, as the difference between the predetermined calibration location and the actual position of the vehicle's current or most recent user's ear may be small.

[0177] The following reference Figure 4E The basic steps of this optional calibration method are described, including an initial step S10: controlling at least one powered seat position actuator by a control system to move at least one microphone of the vehicle seat to multiple different spatial locations covering the main portion of all conceivable seat positions (e.g., at least 50% or at least 75%), and recording microphone data received from at least one microphone at each of these different spatial locations while generating calibration sounds by means of speakers of the vehicle audio system. The method also includes another initial step S13: performing multiple calibrations to determine predetermined calibration data for each of the multiple different spatial locations covering the main portion of all conceivable seat positions. The method further includes a subsequent step S15: receiving an instruction or determining that calibration of the vehicle audio system needs to be performed, and in response, performing a final step S20: applying the predetermined calibration data associated with a spatial location that is as close as possible to or overlaps with the user's recorded or estimated ear position when the user is seated in the vehicle seat, as observed in the lateral direction of the vehicle.

[0178] According to Figure 4E In the method, initial steps S10 and S13 are typically performed in conjunction with vehicle manufacturing or delivery, and subsequent steps S15 and S20 are typically performed after delivery to the user. However, initial steps S10 and S13 may sometimes be repeated after delivery to the user to update the stored original measurement data, for example, once a year.

[0179] In some example embodiments, the method for calibrating an audio system may further include: storing vehicle audio calibration settings generated by the calibration process and associating the stored vehicle audio calibration settings with a current seat position; and subsequently applying the stored vehicle audio calibration settings when the seat is moved to a position having the audio settings associated therewith.

[0180] In other words, if the user performs the calibration process and the seat is in the first position at the start of the calibration process, the method will first perform the calibration process as described above, and additionally store the vehicle audio calibration settings generated by the calibration process and associate the stored vehicle audio calibration settings with the current seat position. The control system is then configured to automatically apply the stored vehicle audio calibration settings when the seat moves to or is adjacent to the first position (e.g., within + / -2 cm in the longitudinal direction X).

[0181] In some example embodiments, the method for calibrating an audio system further includes: storing vehicle audio calibration settings generated by the calibration process and associating the stored vehicle audio calibration settings with a current seat memory preset; and applying the stored vehicle audio calibration settings when a memory preset with associated audio settings is selected.

[0182] In other words, if a user first stores a seat position setting as the number 1 for the memory seat function and then performs a calibration process, the method will first perform the calibration process as described above, and additionally store the vehicle audio calibration settings generated by the calibration process and associate the stored vehicle audio calibration settings with the number 1 for the memory seat function. As a result, the control system will then be configured to automatically apply the stored vehicle audio calibration settings when the number 1 for the memory seat function is activated.

[0183] Finally, in some other example embodiments, the method for calibrating an audio system may further include: storing vehicle audio calibration settings generated by the calibration process and associating the stored vehicle audio calibration settings with a user identity; and applying the stored vehicle audio calibration settings when a user with a user identity associated with the audio calibration settings is entering a seat.

[0184] In other words, if the vehicle has recorded a user's identity, and that user subsequently performs a calibration process, the method will first perform the calibration process as described above, and additionally store the vehicle audio calibration settings generated by the calibration process and associate the stored vehicle audio calibration settings with the user's identity. As a result, the control system will then be configured to automatically apply the stored vehicle audio calibration settings when the user with the recorded user identity is entering / starting the vehicle.

[0185] One or more integrated microphones 17, 36 can also be used for other purposes, such as voice communication, voice commands, or road noise cancellation. Therefore, in some example embodiments, at least one microphone 17, 36 integrated in the upper region of the seat headrest or backrest can also be used for road noise cancellation and / or voice communication, etc.

[0186] The present disclosure has been presented above with reference to specific embodiments. However, other embodiments besides those described above are possible and are within the scope of this disclosure. Within the scope of this disclosure, method steps different from those described above can be provided, and the method can be performed by hardware or software.

[0187] The methods disclosed herein can be implemented in a general-purpose computer, processor, or processor core. Suitable processors include, for example, general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, conventional processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors associated with a DSP core, controllers, microcontrollers, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate array (FPGA) circuits, or any other type of integrated circuit (IC).

[0188] One or more processors associated with the control system may be or include any number of hardware components for performing data or signal processing or for executing computer code stored in memory. The system may have associated memory, and this memory may be one or more means for storing data and / or computer code for performing or facilitating the various methods described herein. The memory may include volatile or non-volatile memory. The memory may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities described herein. According to exemplary embodiments, any distributed or local storage device may be used with the systems and methods of this specification. According to exemplary embodiments, the memory may be communicatively connected to the processor (e.g., via circuitry or any other wired, wireless, or network connection) and includes computer code for performing one or more processes described herein.

[0189] It will be understood that the above description is exemplary in nature only and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or use. While specific examples have been described in the specification and shown in the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and its elements can be substituted with equivalents without departing from the scope of this disclosure as defined in the claims. Furthermore, modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the basic scope of this disclosure.

[0190] Despite the above as the reason Figures 4A to 4EThe methods described in the flowcharts have been discussed, but it should be understood that one or more operations may be omitted from the methods discussed. Similarly, a single step in a flowchart may include one or more actions, and the term "initial step" is not limited to the first step, but simply refers to a step in the initial stage of a method with multiple steps. Furthermore, operations may be performed in any order, and the provided order is not necessarily implied. Rather, the methods discussed are merely one embodiment of the present disclosure contemplated.

[0191] Figure Labels 1. Vehicle 2. Front wheel 3. Rear wheel 4. Propulsion source 5. Passenger cabin 6. Front seats 7. Rear seats 8. Steering wheel 9. Users 10. Seat Cushion 11. Backrest 12. Headrest 13. Vehicle Systems 14. First loudspeaker 15. Second speaker 16. Seat position actuator 17. Microphone 18. Control System 19. Vehicle audio system 20. Gateway device 21. Seat control system 22. Audio Controller (ECU) 23. Audio source 24.DSP 25. Power Amplifier 26. Initial seat position 27. First seat measurement position 28. Second seat measurement position 29. Measurement position of the third seat 30. Initial microphone position 31. First microphone measurement position 32. Second microphone measurement position 33. Third microphone measurement position 34. Pivot Point 35. Seat position actuator 36. Second microphone 37. Central position 38. Outer / surrounding position 39. Measurement Area 40. Seat position actuator 41. Image detector 42. Dashboard 43. Pre-determined length 44. Arrow 45. Estimated ear position 46. ​​Angle 47. Maximum area 48. Length of the measurement area 49. Height of the measurement area 50. The upper part of the backrest 51. The headrest area 52. Loudspeaker 53. Loudspeaker

Claims

1. A method for calibrating a vehicle audio system, wherein, The vehicles include: The audio system has a set of speakers (14, 15, 52, 53). A power-adjustable vehicle seat (6) includes a seat cushion (10), a seat back (11), a seat headrest (12), at least one microphone (17, 36) integrated in the seat headrest (12) or in the upper region of the seat back (11), and at least one power seat position actuator (16, 35, 40) for enabling adjustment of the vehicle seat position; and The control system (18) is configured to control the operation of the powered seat position actuators (16, 35, 40). The method includes: The control system (18) controls at least one powered seat position actuator (16, 35, 40) to move at least one microphone (17, 36) of the vehicle seat (6) to multiple different spatial positions (37, 38), and while generating calibration sound by means of the speakers (14, 15, 52, 53) of the vehicle audio system (19), microphone data received from at least one microphone (17, 36) is recorded at each of the different spatial positions (37, 38); and The vehicle audio system (19) is calibrated based on recorded microphone data received from the at least one microphone (17, 36).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The step of calibrating the vehicle audio system (19) includes calibrating the vehicle audio system (19) based on the recorded microphone data received from each of the plurality of different spatial locations (37, 38). When calibrating the vehicle audio system (19) based on the recorded microphone data, the correlation of the recorded microphone data received from each of the plurality of different spatial locations (37, 38) is weighted differently.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The correlation of the recorded microphone data received from each of the plurality of different spatial locations (37, 38) is weighted as a function of the proximity of each of the plurality of different spatial locations (37, 38) to the recorded or estimated ear position when the user (9) is sitting in the vehicle seat (6).

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The method further includes an initial step: receiving an instruction or determining that calibration of the vehicle audio system (19) needs to be performed, and in response to this, initiating the following steps: moving at least one microphone (17, 36) of the vehicle seat (6) to a plurality of different spatial locations (37, 38), and recording microphone data at each of the different spatial locations (37, 38) while generating calibration sounds by means of speakers (14, 15, 52, 53).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Controlling the at least one powered seat position actuator (16, 35, 40) to move the at least one microphone (17, 36) of the vehicle seat (6) to multiple different spatial positions (37, 38) is based on at least one of the following parameters: the position setting of the vehicle seat (6), the position setting of the steering wheel, the recorded or estimated body length of the user (9), and the recorded or estimated ear position of the user (9) while sitting in the vehicle seat (6).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one powered seat position actuator (16, 35, 40) is controlled such that the plurality of different spatial locations (37, 38) where microphone data received from the at least one microphone (17, 36) is recorded are positioned as close as possible in the vehicle lateral direction (Y) to the recorded or estimated ear position (45) of the user (9) when sitting in the vehicle seat (6) or overlap with the recorded or estimated ear position (45) of the user (9) when sitting in the vehicle seat (6).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The different spatial locations (37, 38) where the microphone data received from the at least one microphone (17, 36) is recorded define a measurement area (39) in the vehicle lateral direction (Y), which is smaller than 50% of the maximum area (47) that can be reached by the at least one microphone (17, 36) through the control of the at least one powered seat position actuator (16, 35, 40), specifically smaller than 25% of the maximum area (47), and more specifically smaller than 10% of the maximum area (47).

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control system (18) is configured to automatically perform a calibration process for the vehicle audio system (19), the calibration process including: movement of the at least one microphone (17, 36) of the vehicle seat (6) to a plurality of different spatial positions (37, 38) and recording of microphone data received from the at least one microphone (17, 36).

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control system (18) is configured to perform a calibration process for the vehicle audio system (19) when the vehicle is not occupied and the doors and windows are closed. The calibration process includes: movement of at least one microphone (17, 36) of the vehicle seat (6) to multiple different spatial positions (37, 38) and recording of microphone data received from the at least one microphone (17, 36).

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control system (18) is configured to request the user to leave the vehicle before the initialization of the step of moving at least one microphone (17, 36) of the vehicle seat (6) to a plurality of different spatial locations (37, 38) and recording microphone data at each of the different spatial locations (37, 38) while generating calibration sounds by means of speakers (14, 15, 52, 53).

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The steps of calibrating the vehicle audio system (19) based on recorded microphone data received from the at least one microphone (17, 36) include: Analyze the recorded microphone data received from the at least one microphone (17, 36); and Determine a calibration profile and apply the calibration profile to the signal of at least one output channel of the vehicle audio system (19).

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The step of analyzing the recorded microphone data received from the at least one microphone (17, 36) includes applying correction to eliminate or at least reduce the acoustic effects caused by embedding the at least one microphone (17, 36) into the seat (6).

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or 5 to 12, wherein, The method includes: The initial steps of the control system (18) controlling the at least one powered seat position actuator (16, 35, 40) are used to move the at least one microphone (17, 36) of the vehicle seat (6) to multiple different spatial locations (37, 38) covering the main part of all conceivable seat positions, and to record microphone data received from the at least one microphone (17, 36) at each of the multiple different spatial locations (37, 38) when generating calibration sounds by means of the speakers (14, 15, 52, 53) of the vehicle audio system (19); and to perform the calibration of the vehicle audio system (19) based on the recorded or estimated ear position in the multiple different spatial locations (37, 38) that is as close as possible in the lateral direction of the vehicle to the recorded or estimated ear position when the user (9) is sitting in the vehicle seat (6), or at a location that overlaps with the recorded or estimated ear position when the user (9) is sitting in the vehicle seat (6), when an instruction is received or it is determined that calibration of the vehicle audio system (19) needs to be performed, or The initial steps of the control system (18) controlling the at least one powered seat position actuator (16, 35, 40) are used to move the at least one microphone (17, 36) of the vehicle seat (6) to multiple different spatial locations (37, 38) covering the main part of all conceivable seat positions, and to record microphone data received from the at least one microphone (17, 36) at each of the different spatial locations (37, 38) when calibration sounds are generated by means of the speakers (14, 15, 52, 53) of the vehicle audio system (19); and to perform multiple calibrations. For determining predetermined calibration data for each of the plurality of different spatial locations (37, 38) covering the main portion of all conceivable seating positions; and when an instruction is received or it is determined that calibration of the vehicle audio system (19) needs to be performed, applying the predetermined calibration data associated with the spatial location (37, 38), which is as close as possible in the lateral direction of the vehicle to or overlaps with the recorded or estimated ear position of the user (9) when sitting in the vehicle seat (6).

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one microphone (17, 36) integrated in the headrest (12) or the upper region of the backrest (11) is also used for road noise cancellation and / or voice communication.

15. A vehicle system comprising: The vehicle audio system (19) has a set of speakers (14, 15, 52, 53). A power-adjustable vehicle seat (6) includes a seat cushion, a seat back, a seat headrest, at least one microphone (17, 36) integrated in the headrest or in the upper region of the seat back, and at least one power seat position actuator (16, 35, 40) for enabling adjustment of the vehicle seat position; and A control system (18) is configured to control the operation of the power seat position actuators (16, 35, 40), wherein the control system (18) is configured to: The control system (18) controls at least one powered seat position actuator (16, 35, 40) to move at least one microphone (17, 36) of the vehicle seat (6) to a plurality of different spatial positions (37, 38), and records microphone data received from at least one microphone (17, 36) at each of the different spatial positions (37, 38) when generating calibration sound by means of the speakers (14, 15, 52, 53) of the vehicle audio system (19). as well as The vehicle audio system (19) is calibrated based on recorded microphone data received from the at least one microphone.

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