Vehicle audio system

Abstract

Aspects of the present invention relate to an audio system (210), the audio system (210) comprising: at least one audio speaker (325) for converting a speaker audio signal (320) into sound waves; at least one haptic transducer (525) for generating vibrations as a function of the haptic signal (520); at least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker (425) for converting the panel audio signal (420) into sound waves; a control system (220) in communication with the at least one audio speaker, the at least one haptic transducer, and the at least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker, and configured to cause the at least one audio speaker to convert the speaker audio signal into an acoustic wave, cause the at least one haptic transducer to vibrate in accordance with the haptic signal, and cause the at least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker to vibrate in accordance with the acoustic wave. And causing the at least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker to convert the panel audio signal into sound waves.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to vehicle audio systems. Various aspects of the invention relate to audio systems, vehicle audio systems, and vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Audio systems that include conventional loudspeakers and audio systems that use electrostatic panel loudspeakers are known to be provided.

[0003] The object of this invention is to provide an audio system that includes a hybrid audio speaker type, which provides the user with a coherent and pure audio experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides, in various aspects and embodiments, an audio system, a vehicle audio system, and a vehicle as described below.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, an audio system is provided, the audio system comprising: at least one audio loudspeaker for converting loudspeaker audio signals into sound waves; at least one tactile transducer for generating vibrations based on tactile signals; at least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker for converting panel audio signals into sound waves; and a control system communicating with the at least one audio loudspeaker, the at least one tactile transducer, and the at least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker, and configured to cause the at least one audio loudspeaker to convert loudspeaker audio signals into sound waves, cause the at least one tactile transducer to vibrate based on tactile signals, and cause the at least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker to convert panel audio signals into sound waves.

[0006] This invention provides an audio system that combines at least one conventional audio speaker with at least one electrostatic panel amplifier. The electrostatic panel amplifier is thinner than a conventional audio speaker, and therefore, this audio system achieves space savings compared to an audio system that includes only a conventional audio speaker. The use of at least one haptic transducer provides additional benefits in providing an audio system with good bass performance. In one configuration, the at least one audio speaker may be a speaker configured to provide low-frequency frequencies, while the at least one electrostatic panel amplifier may be configured to provide higher audio frequencies. The at least one haptic transducer can then be configured to complement the performance of the audio system at the intersection between the at least one audio speaker and the at least one electrostatic panel amplifier.

[0007] Optionally, the at least one audio speaker may include a woofer or a subwoofer.

[0008] Optionally, the panel audio signal may include a frequency range from 125 Hz to 50 kHz, the speaker audio signal may include a frequency range up to 120 Hz, and the haptic signal may include a frequency range from 20 Hz to 300 Hz. For a subwoofer, the audio signal may have a frequency range up to 80 Hz. For a woofer, the audio signal may be in the range of 60 Hz to 120 Hz.

[0009] The control system can be configured to reduce the power to the at least one audio speaker and increase the power to the at least one haptic transducer to mitigate the effects of distortion in the output from the at least one audio speaker. The control system can be configured to detect distortion in the audio speaker, or alternatively, to have power / drive performance limits for the audio speaker, and can be further configured to accordingly optimize the bass in the audio signal between the audio and haptic outputs.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle audio system for outputting audio to the interior compartment of a vehicle is provided, the vehicle audio system comprising the audio system according to the above aspects of the present invention.

[0011] A vehicle audio system may include at least one vehicle seat, the at least one vehicle seat including a headrest portion, wherein the at least one electrostatic amplifier includes a headrest electrostatic amplifier unit disposed within the headrest portion. Different configurations may be used to deploy the headrest electrostatic amplifier unit. For example, the unit may include a pair of panels in the headrest on either side of the occupant's head, or alternatively, the unit may include a surround electrostatic panel amplifier. A vehicle audio system may include multiple vehicle seats, each vehicle seat including a headrest portion, wherein each headrest portion includes an electrostatic amplifier unit. The electrostatic amplifier units within the multiple seats may all have the same configuration (e.g., they may all be surround panels), or different configurations may exist within the vehicle compartment (e.g., the front seats may have surround panels, and the rear seats may include a pair of panels).

[0012] Optionally, the at least one tactile transducer may include multiple tactile transducers disposed in the foot pedal or floor portion of the vehicle and disposed in the vehicle seat.

[0013] At least one vehicle seat may include a backrest portion, wherein the at least one tactile transducer is disposed on the backrest portion. In such a vehicle seat, the at least one tactile transducer may include: a first group of at least one tactile transducer disposed along a central longitudinal axis of the backrest portion; and a second group of at least one tactile transducer disposed at a position laterally offset relative to the central longitudinal axis of the backrest portion. Preferably, each seat may include four tactile transducers, with two in the first group and two in the second group. However, each seat may include three tactile transducers, with one in the first group and the remaining two in the second group.

[0014] At least one tactile transducer in the first group can be positioned to vibrate the spinal region of the user of the vehicle tactile system when in use, and wherein at least one tactile transducer in the second group can be positioned to vibrate the kidney region of the user of the vehicle tactile system when in use.

[0015] The vehicle audio system may include multiple vehicle seats, each including at least one haptic transducer. Optionally, the control system may be configured to drive haptic signals individually to each vehicle seat. Such an arrangement allows each vehicle occupant to conveniently configure the amount of bass response they wish to experience. For example, one vehicle occupant may require "more bass" than other occupants. Other occupants may receive only bass audio from the subwoofer / subwoofer, while the first occupant receives additional bass experience from the transducer in their seat.

[0016] The control system can be configured to deactivate at least one tactile transducer within the vehicle seat when the seat is not occupied. Conveniently, the vehicle may include an occupancy sensor system (e.g., a vehicle weight sensor in each seat) to determine whether the seat is occupied / unoccupied.

[0017] Optionally, the at least one tactile transducer may be coupled to a foam mount. For example, the at least one tactile transducer may be coupled to a Poron® foam mount. Such an installation arrangement conveniently allows the pulses applied by the tactile transducer to be distributed over a larger area.

[0018] The control system may include one or more controllers, which collectively include: at least one electronic processor having an electrical input for receiving input signals; and at least one memory device electrically coupled to the at least one electronic processor and having instructions stored therein; wherein the at least one electronic processor is configured to access the at least one memory device and execute the instructions on the at least one memory device to perform the following operations: causing the at least one audio speaker to convert speaker audio signals into sound waves, causing the at least one tactile transducer to vibrate according to tactile signals, and causing the at least one electrostatic panel amplifier to convert panel audio signals into sound waves.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided that includes an audio system or vehicle audio system according to the above two aspects of the present invention.

[0020] Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that all aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims, and / or in the description and drawings below, as well as particularly their various features, may be adopted independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment may be combined in any manner and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to amend any initially filed claim or accordingly file any new claim, including the right to modify any initially filed claim to be subordinate to any other claim and / or incorporated into any other claim, even though it was not initially claimed in this manner. Attached Figure Description

[0021] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 A known vehicle audio system is shown;

[0023] Figure 2a A vehicle audio system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0024] Figure 2b It shows Figure 2a A schematic representation of a vehicle's audio system;

[0025] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2a and Figure 2b The vehicle audio system shown includes a control system and an audio subsystem.

[0026] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2a and Figure 2b The vehicle audio system control system and electrostatic panel subsystem are shown.

[0027] Figure 5 It shows Figure 2a and Figure 2b The vehicle audio system control system and haptic subsystem shown; and

[0028] Figure 6 A vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Embodiments of the invention are described below in conjunction with their use in vehicles. However, it should be noted that the audio system according to embodiments of the invention can be deployed in other environments, such as homes, cinemas, or other locations.

[0030] Figure 1 A vehicle 100 with a known vehicle audio system is shown. This vehicle includes multiple different types of audio speakers, including: a subwoofer 10, a woofer 20, a midrange speaker 30, and a tweeter 40. Note that in some vehicle models, more than 30 different speakers may be present, controlled by a multi-channel amplifier with approximately 30 different channels. In alternative vehicle configurations, multiple additional, smaller amplifiers may be distributed throughout the vehicle to control the various audio speakers.

[0031] Driving so many speakers within a current vehicle is a complex and power-intensive process. Furthermore, traditional speakers require specific space constraints to accommodate their components (e.g., see below regarding...). Figure 3 The description includes the magnet, coil, and cone structure. In environments such as seat headrests (note: headrests can also be called headrestraints), mounting all the necessary speakers within the vehicle structure can be challenging. Note that the front seats may contain five or more speakers. Figure 1 In the middle, each front seat includes multiple tweeters and midrange speakers.

[0032] Refer to the appendix in this article Figure 2a A vehicle 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described. The vehicle 200 includes a vehicle audio system 210, which includes a control system 220 for controlling the audio output of speakers (10, 20, 50, 60, 70, 80) within the vehicle audio system 210. The audio output of the speakers is output to an interior compartment 202 of the vehicle 200.

[0033] and Figure 1 similar, Figure 2a The vehicle audio system 210 includes a subwoofer 10 and a woofer 20. However, Figure 1 The midrange and tweeter speakers have been replaced by multiple electrostatic panel loudspeakers (50, 60, 70, 80). As shown in Figure 2, the electrostatic panel loudspeakers have different sizes depending on their location in the vehicle.

[0034] exist Figure 2a In the configuration shown, two large electrostatic panel loudspeakers 50 are located at the front of the vehicle. These loudspeakers 50 can have a wide frequency range, for example, from 125 Hz to 50 kHz. Note that the electrostatic loudspeaker panels 50 can have a frequency range far beyond human hearing, thus minimizing the effects of harmonic distortion.

[0035] The smaller electrostatic panel loudspeaker 60 can be located at the rear of the vehicle, and the headrest-mounted electrostatic panel loudspeakers (70, 80) can be located in the headrest 112 of the front seat 90 and the headrest 114 of the rear seat 110.

[0036] exist Figure 2a In the configuration shown, the rear seat 110 has two electrostatic panel amplifiers 70 in the vehicle seat headrest 114, which direct sound toward the front of the vehicle.

[0037] The headrests 112 of the front seats 90 have three electrostatic panel loudspeakers (70, 80). There are two electrostatic panel loudspeakers 70 that direct sound forward of the vehicle and another electrostatic loudspeaker 80 that directs sound backward toward the rear seats 110.

[0038] Electrostatic panel loudspeakers (50, 60, 70, 80) can be retrofitted into vehicles in locations previously occupied by traditional midrange and tweeter speakers.

[0039] Electrostatic panel loudspeakers are thinner than traditional audio speakers; for example, the depth of an electrostatic panel loudspeaker can be only 5 mm. Therefore, such panel loudspeakers can also be located within interior trim components 84, behind the material trim, and can also be formed into curved shapes and other shapes, allowing them to be placed in more locations within the vehicle cabin.

[0040] Electrostatic panel loudspeakers feature a low-mass diaphragm that requires less energy to move compared to conventional audio loudspeakers, and stops moving much faster once power is turned off. This contrasts with conventional audio loudspeakers, where the cone can continue moving even after power is cut off due to its higher momentum compared to the panel loudspeaker diaphragm.

[0041] Therefore, compared to traditional speakers, electrostatic panel amplifiers typically require lower power levels to operate and provide a clearer audio experience.

[0042] Each of the vehicle seats (90, 110) also includes one or more tactile transducers 85 for generating vibrations based on tactile signals. A tactile transducer, also referred to as a "tactile transducer" or "bass vibrator," is a device that generates perceptible low-frequency frequencies. Tactile transducers can be compared to conventional audio speakers that lack a diaphragm.

[0043] The tactile transducer 85 is used to supplement the bass response of the vehicle 200 generated by the subwoofer 20 and the subwoofer 10.

[0044] Figure 2b It shows Figure 2a A simplified representation of a vehicle 200 and a vehicle audio system 210, wherein the control system 220 outputs a speaker audio signal 320 to an audio speaker subsystem 300, a panel audio signal 420 to a panel subsystem 400, and a tactile signal 520 to a tactile transducer subsystem 500.

[0045] To better understand the implementation background and advantages of the vehicle audio system 210 of the present invention, refer to Figure 3 A description is provided of an audio loudspeaker subsystem 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention, including a typical woofer 20 or subwoofer 10 audio loudspeaker intended to be used with electrostatic panel loudspeakers (50, 60, 70, 80). Figure 3 and Figure 1 , Figure 2a and Figure 2b The same features are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0046] Figure 3 The connection to the audio speaker subsystem 300 is shown. Figure 2a / Figure 2b The control system 220.

[0047] The control system 220 is also shown as including a vehicle audio source 305 connected to the audio amplifier 310 via a digital bus 315. The audio amplifier 310 amplifies the incoming signal from the audio source 305 and is configured to output a relatively low-voltage speaker audio signal 320 to the audio speaker subsystem 300. For clarity, Figure 3A single audio speaker 325 is shown, but it should be understood that the vehicle 200 may include multiple audio speakers 325 in the form of one or more subwoofer audio speakers 10 or bass audio speakers 20. The audio signal is located in the frequency range commonly referred to as the "bass range" for audio speakers, and is typically between about 20 Hz to 200 Hz (for bass speaker systems) and 20 Hz to 80 Hz (for subwoofer systems).

[0048] Audio speaker 325 provides audio transducer functionality: an audio signal 320 output from audio amplifier 310 is transmitted to audio speaker 325, which is configured to convert the incoming audio signal 320 into sound waves. More specifically, audio speaker 325 includes a magnet 330 and a cylindrical coil 335 with wiring located between the magnetic poles of magnet 330. The incoming audio signal 320 is transmitted through coil 335 in alternating directions, causing the coil to move back and forth between the magnetic poles of magnet 330 based on Faraday's law. Audio speaker 325 also includes a speaker cone 340 attached to one end of coil 335 and thus also reciprocating in time as coil 335 moves. When speaker cone 340 moves, it generates pressure waves in the surrounding air, which propagate and are detected as sound waves by the listener.

[0049] As described above, the audio speaker subsystem 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a woofer 20 or a subwoofer 10 as an audio speaker 125.

[0050] The applicant has recognized that other types of transducers exist that can generate sound waves and thus be used as loudspeakers. For example, electrostatic transducers can be used in loudspeaker systems to generate audio waves other than the audio loudspeaker 325 described above. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, an electrostatic transducer in its most general sense is designed to generate sound via a force applied to a membrane (or diaphragm) suspended in an electrostatic field. More specifically, an electrostatic transducer typically comprises a membrane (e.g., a flexible sheet coated with a conductive material) sandwiched between two conductive stators (or grids), thereby leaving a small air gap on either side of the membrane. An incoming audio signal is used to drive the stators, thereby causing an electrostatic field proportional to the audio signal to be generated between the stators. The membrane is charged and maintained at a high voltage relative to the stators. Therefore, a force is applied to the membrane, causing it to move, thereby driving the air on either side of the membrane to generate pressure waves (sound waves).

[0051] The applicant has recognized that there are several benefits associated with the use of electrostatic transducers (e.g., improved audio response and sound quality, improved versatility of implementation) and that it would be useful to combine the aforementioned vehicle audio subsystem 300 (including one or more audio speakers 325) for bass response with an electrostatic speaker system for mid-range and high-frequency ranges.

[0052] Now refer to Figure 4 A description of an electrostatic loudspeaker panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 and Figure 1 , Figure 2a , Figure 2b and Figure 3 The same features are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0053] Figure 4 The connection to the electrostatic panel loudspeaker subsystem 400 is shown. Figure 2a / Figure 2b The control system 220.

[0054] For example Figure 3 As shown, the control system 220 includes a vehicle audio source 305 connected to the audio amplifier 310 via a digital bus 315. Figure 4 As shown, the audio amplifier 310 is also configured to amplify the incoming signal from the audio source 305 and output a relatively low-voltage panel audio signal 420 to the electrostatic panel loudspeaker subsystem 400. For clarity, Figure 4 A single electrostatic panel loudspeaker 425 is shown, but it should be understood that the vehicle 200 may include, for example, a single electrostatic panel loudspeaker 425. Figure 2a Multiple panel speakers 425 are located in various positions within the vehicle shown.

[0055] Notice, Figure 4 The electrostatic panel loudspeaker 425 shown corresponds to the electrostatic panel loudspeakers (50, 60, 70, 80) shown in Figure 2.

[0056] It should also be noted that components 305 (audio source), 310 (audio amplifier), and 315 (digital bus) are similar to those previously referenced. Figure 3 The description is the same. The output panel audio signal 420 corresponds to... Figure 3 The audio signal 320 output from the middle is directed to the audio speaker 325, and the panel audio signal 420 is directed to the electrostatic panel amplifier 425.

[0057] The electrostatic loudspeaker subsystem 400 includes an electrostatic panel loudspeaker 425 that provides transducer functionality. Specifically, the electrostatic panel loudspeaker 425 includes an electrostatic transducer 430 configured to convert a panel audio signal 420 output from an audio amplifier 310 into sound waves. More specifically, the electrostatic transducer 430 includes a pair of stators 435a, 435b and a diaphragm 440 located between the pair of stators 435a, 435b. The stators 435a, 435b are configured to receive the incoming audio signal 320 and generate an electrostatic field; and the diaphragm 440 is configured to move within the electrostatic field and generate sound waves.

[0058] Additionally, the electrostatic panel loudspeaker 425 also includes a voltage conversion module 445 configured to receive the panel audio signal 420 output by the audio amplifier 310 and convert the input signal (as previously mentioned, which corresponds to a relatively low voltage speaker level signal) into a relatively high voltage audio signal 420a, which can be used by the stators 435a, 435b to generate an electrostatic field of sufficient strength to move the diaphragm 440.

[0059] To perform its function, the voltage conversion module 445 includes at least one audio transformer 450 (i.e., a transformer with audio quality) configured to "step-up" the voltage of the incoming audio signal 420 to a predefined voltage level suitable for operating the electrostatic transducers 430 (and specifically stators 435a, 435b) in a desired manner. This predefined voltage value is typically on the order of several hundred V (e.g., between approximately 500 V and 700 V); in specific cases, the predefined voltage value is between approximately 550 V and 650 V, and more specifically, approximately 600 V. The transformer 450 used in the voltage conversion module 445 can correspond to any suitable transformer with audio quality and capable of providing the necessary step-up functionality for the audio signal. In a specific example, the transformer 450 can be implemented as a toroidal transformer. The advantages associated with using such a transformer—such as high efficiency and small size—make it particularly suitable for use in the context of the electrostatic panel loudspeaker 425.

[0060] Advantageously, using the audio transformer in the voltage conversion module 445 to provide the desired voltage boost to the signal utilizes a simple and straightforward solution that optimizes the desired results while minimizing the number of additional electronic components that need to be installed. Therefore, minimizing the overall physical size of the voltage conversion module 445 is useful, as the module needs to be mounted physically close to the electrostatic transducer 430 to provide the necessary functionality. Thus, the voltage conversion module 445 can be combined with the electrostatic transducer 430 without unduly increasing the overall size of the electrostatic panel loudspeaker 425. This is particularly advantageous when replacing speaker systems installed in space-constrained locations within a vehicle.

[0061] Additional electronic (processing) components can also be provided as part of the electrostatic panel loudspeaker 425, such as a smoothing component 455 configured to perform signal smoothing on the boosted signal before it is input to the electrostatic transducer 430. Although these smoothing components... Figure 4 They are shown as part of forming voltage conversion module 445, but they can alternatively be provided as completely independent modules.

[0062] As previously mentioned, for the electrostatic transducer to operate correctly, the membrane located between the stators needs to be charged to a high potential (voltage). Therefore, the vehicle audio system 210 also includes a high-voltage module 460 configured to provide the necessary high-voltage power to charge the membrane 440 in the electrostatic transducer 430. The high-voltage module 460 is essentially a small voltage conversion module (frame) that can convert a low input voltage (12 V) into a significantly higher output voltage. The high-voltage module 460 can be installed in various locations within the vehicle with adequate space, such as loading areas. The appropriate power level provided by the high-voltage module 460 is typically in the order of several kilovolts (e.g., between about 2 kV and 5 kV); in specific cases, it is between 2.5 kV and 4 kV, and more specifically between 2 kV and 3 kV, and even more specifically, about 3 kV.

[0063] The power supply 465, which provides appropriate power to the high-voltage module 460, also forms part of the vehicle audio system 400. This power supply 465 can correspond to a standard (vehicle) battery used to power other components of the vehicle on which the audio system 400 is to be installed. Therefore, although the electrostatic speaker system 425 has different power and signal strength requirements than the standard audio system 325, the vehicle audio system 400 can be seamlessly integrated (and retrofitted) into existing vehicle systems.

[0064] Figure 5 The connection to the haptic transducer subsystem 500 is shown. Figure 2a / Figure 2bThe control system 220.

[0065] For example Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the control system 220 includes a vehicle audio source 305 connected to the audio amplifier 310 via a digital bus 315. Figure 5 As shown, the audio amplifier 310 is also configured to amplify the incoming signal from the audio source 305 and output the tactile signal 520 to the tactile transducer subsystem 500. For clarity, Figure 5 A single tactile transducer 525 is shown, but it should be understood that the vehicle 200 may include, for example, a single tactile transducer 525. Figure 2a Multiple tactile transducers 525 located in various positions within the vehicle are shown.

[0066] Notice, Figure 5 The tactile transducer 525 shown corresponds to Figure 2a The tactile transducer 85 shown.

[0067] It should also be noted that components 305 (audio source), 310 (audio amplifier), and 315 (digital bus) are similar to those previously referenced. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The description is the same. The output tactile signal 520 corresponds to... Figure 3 The audio signal output from the middle is 320 and Figure 4 The panel audio signal 420 output from the middle is directed to the audio speaker 325, the panel audio signal 420 is directed to the electrostatic panel amplifier 425, and the tactile signal is directed to the tactile transducer 525.

[0068] The tactile transducer 525 provides tactile transducer functionality: a tactile signal 520 output from the audio amplifier 310 is transmitted to the tactile transducer 525, which is configured to convert the incoming tactile signal 520 into vibration. More specifically, the tactile transducer 525 includes a magnet 530 and a cylindrical coil 535 with wiring located between the magnetic poles of the magnet 530. The transducer 525 includes a base 540, and the magnet 530 and the wiring coil 535 are located within a cover 545. The base 540 is fixed to a vibrating tactile foam film 550.

[0069] The incoming tactile signal 520 is transmitted through the coil 535 in alternating directions, causing the magnet 530 to reciprocate back and forth within the housing 545. The vibration generated by the movement of the magnet 530 is transmitted through the base 540. The vibrating tactile membrane 550 distributes the vibration across the foam membrane rather than acting as a point source of vibration.

[0070] Figure 5The tactile transducer 525 is located within one of the seats (90, 110) in the vehicle 200. The seat (90, 100) includes a sensor 560 configured to output a seat sensor signal 565 to the control system 220 to indicate whether the seat is occupied.

[0071] Reference Figure 6 Vehicle seats 90 and 110 include a backrest portion 610 for supporting the occupant of the vehicle seat, and more specifically for supporting the occupant's back. The occupant may be the driver or a passenger of the vehicle 200. Vehicle seats 90 and 110 include a base portion 620 for further supporting the occupant's hips and legs. Figure 6 In the middle, the base portion 620 is joined to the backrest portion 610 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees; however, this angle can be configured by the occupant.

[0072] Tactile transducers 525a and 525b are disposed on or within the backrest portion 110 of vehicle seats 90 and 110.

[0073] exist Figure 6 The seat includes at least two sets of tactile transducers—a first set with at least one tactile transducer 525a and a second set with at least one tactile transducer 525b. In the illustrated seat, each of the first and second sets includes two tactile transducers. However, the seat can be configured alternatively, for example, the first set of tactile transducers 525a and the second set of tactile transducers 525b may include one, three, or more tactile transducers.

[0074] The backrest portion 610 includes a central longitudinal axis 615 that divides or equally divides the backrest portion 610 into two substantially equal longitudinal segments—a first segment and a second segment. The first segment may be laterally offset relative to the central longitudinal axis 615 in a first direction, and the second segment may be laterally offset relative to the central longitudinal axis 615 in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0075] The first group of tactile transducers 525a is disposed along the central longitudinal axis 615 of the backrest 610. The tactile transducers 525a can be disposed in any position along the central longitudinal axis 615 of the backrest portion 610. For example, the first group may include a first tactile transducer 525a disposed in the upper section of the backrest portion 610 and a second tactile transducer 525a disposed in the lower section of the backrest portion 610, wherein the two tactile transducers 525a are disposed along the central longitudinal axis 615.

[0076] When an occupant is seated in the vehicle, the central longitudinal axis 615 of the backrest portion 610 is aligned with the passenger's spinal region. The advantage of positioning the tactile transducer 525a in this manner is that the occupant's spinal region is particularly sensitive to vibrations. Therefore, the occupant's perception of the low-frequency sounds emitted by the first set of tactile transducers 525a is maximized.

[0077] The second group of tactile transducers 525b are each positioned laterally offset relative to the central longitudinal axis 615 of the backrest portion 610. As used herein, the lateral offset of the central longitudinal axis 615 of the backrest portion 610 refers to a position offset in a direction substantially to the left or right of the central longitudinal axis 615. In the illustrated example, the second group of tactile transducers 525b are positioned on either side of the central longitudinal axis 615 (i.e., the left and right sides). The backrest portion 610 also includes a base 625 and a lateral axis 630. The base 625 of the backrest portion 610 is located at the intersection between the backrest portion 610 and the base portion 620. The lateral axis 630 divides the backrest portion 610 into a substantially upper segment and a lower segment. Figure 6 In the illustrated seat, a second set of tactile transducers 525b is disposed in the lower section of the backrest portion 610. In this position, at least one tactile transducer 525b of the second set is positioned to vibrate the kidney region of the occupant of at least one vehicle seat 90, 100 during use. The advantage of positioning the tactile transducers 525b in this manner is that the occupant's kidney region is particularly sensitive to vibration. Therefore, the occupant's perception of the low-frequency frequencies emitted by the second set of tactile transducers 525b is maximized.

[0078] The control system 220 can be configured to independently control the first group of tactile transducers 525a and the second group of tactile transducers 525b. That is, individual tactile signals 520 can be sent to each group of transducers. Furthermore, the control system 220 can be configured to transmit individual tactile signals to the tactile transducers within each group.

[0079] Tactile transducers 525a and 525b can be installed within a frame 600 having a vibrating acoustic material 640 that allows vibrations to be distributed across the entire backrest portion 610 rather than acting as a point source of vibration.

[0080] In the above about Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figures 3 to 6 In the described embodiments of the invention, the control system 220 can be configured to operate in different operating modes according to the audio environment within the vehicle 200.

[0081] For example, since there will be overlap between the operating frequencies of the audio speakers (10, 20, 325) and the haptic transducers (85, 525), the control system 220 can be configured to reduce the power supplied to the audio speakers in order to mitigate the effects of distortion in the audio speaker output. Note that the operating frequencies of the audio speakers (in the form of subwoofers or woofers) and the electrostatic panel amplifiers may not completely overlap. The haptic transducers can be used to provide a more coherent audio experience by bridging this operating frequency gap. Additionally, since the haptic transducers extend into the bass range, they can be used to reduce the power required at the audio speakers to achieve the desired bass performance within the vehicle.

[0082] Additionally, note that providing bass audio from both the audio speaker and the haptic transducer can achieve a perceived audio output boost of approximately 3dB to 6dB. This results in improved bass performance without requiring an increase in power to the audio speaker (which could potentially cause distortion).

[0083] The vehicle will be configured such that all seats include haptic transducers, or the front seats include haptic transducers. Each seat with a haptic transducer further includes a sensor 560 that outputs a signal 565 to the control system 220 indicating whether the seat is occupied. Therefore, the control system 220 can be configured to output the haptic signal 520 only to the occupied seats; that is, the control system is configured to individually drive the haptic signal 520 to each seat equipped with a haptic transducer (85, 525).

[0084] In another operating mode, the control system can be configured such that the haptic transducers are activated for one occupied seat but not for other occupied seats. In this way, a universal bass audio experience is provided throughout the vehicle's interior compartment 202, but an occupant can have an enhanced bass experience via haptic transducers in their seat.

[0085] It will be understood that various changes and modifications can be made to this invention without departing from the scope of this application.

Claims

1. An audio system, comprising: At least one audio speaker, the at least one audio speaker being used to convert speaker audio signals into sound waves; At least one tactile transducer, the at least one tactile transducer being used to generate vibrations based on tactile signals; At least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker, the at least one electrostatic panel loudspeaker being used to convert panel audio signals into sound waves; A control system that communicates with the at least one audio speaker, the at least one tactile transducer, and the at least one electrostatic panel amplifier, and is configured to cause the at least one audio speaker to convert the speaker audio signal into sound waves, cause the at least one tactile transducer to vibrate according to the tactile signal, and cause the at least one electrostatic panel amplifier to convert the panel audio signal into sound waves.

2. The audio system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one audio speaker includes a woofer or a subwoofer.

3. The audio system according to claim 1, wherein, The panel audio signal includes a frequency range from 125 Hz to 50 kHz, the speaker audio signal includes a frequency range up to 120 Hz, and the tactile signal includes a frequency range from 20 Hz to 300 Hz.

4. The audio system according to claim 1, wherein, The control system is configured to reduce the power to the at least one audio speaker and increase the power to the at least one tactile transducer in order to mitigate the effects of distortion in the output from the at least one audio speaker.

5. A vehicle audio system for outputting audio to an interior compartment of a vehicle, the vehicle audio system comprising the audio system according to any of the preceding claims.

6. The vehicle audio system of claim 5, comprising at least one vehicle seat, said at least one vehicle seat including a headrest portion, wherein, The at least one electrostatic loudspeaker includes a headrest electrostatic loudspeaker unit disposed in the headrest portion.

7. The vehicle audio system according to claim 6, comprising a plurality of vehicle seats, each vehicle seat including a headrest portion, wherein, Each headrest section includes an electrostatic speaker unit.

8. The vehicle audio system according to claim 7, wherein, The headrest electrostatic loudspeaker unit or each headrest electrostatic loudspeaker unit includes a pair of electrostatic loudspeaker panels, each of the pair being located on either side of the headrest portion, or the headrest electrostatic loudspeaker unit or each headrest electrostatic loudspeaker unit includes a wraparound panel located within the headrest portion.

9. The vehicle audio system according to claim 5, wherein, The at least one tactile transducer includes a plurality of tactile transducers disposed in the foot pedal portion or floor portion of the vehicle and disposed in the vehicle seat.

10. The vehicle audio system of claim 5, comprising at least one vehicle seat, the at least one vehicle seat including a backrest portion, wherein, The at least one tactile transducer is disposed on the backrest portion.

11. The vehicle audio system according to claim 10, wherein, The at least one tactile transducer includes: A first group of at least one tactile transducer, wherein the first group of at least one tactile transducer is arranged along the central longitudinal axis of the backrest portion; and The second group of at least one tactile transducer is positioned at a location laterally offset relative to the central longitudinal axis of the backrest portion.

12. The vehicle audio system of claim 5, comprising a plurality of vehicle seats, each seat including at least one tactile transducer, and wherein, The control system is configured to individually drive tactile signals to each vehicle seat.

13. The vehicle audio system according to claim 12, wherein, The control system is configured to deactivate at least one tactile transducer within the vehicle seat when the vehicle seat is not occupied.

14. The vehicle audio system according to claim 5, wherein, The at least one tactile transducer is coupled to the foam mount.

15. A vehicle comprising an audio system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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