Audio system, audio transmission method, and vehicle

By using an Ethernet connection processing module and regional audio units in the vehicle audio system, the speaker can be accessed nearby and audio data can be transmitted via Ethernet. This solves the problems of high cost and complexity in traditional analog audio transmission methods, reduces the overall vehicle cost, and simplifies the system.

CN122513697APending Publication Date: 2026-08-04BYD CO LTD
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
BYD CO LTD
Filing Date
2026-04-07
Publication Date
2026-08-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional in-vehicle audio systems use analog audio transmission, resulting in high cable costs and system complexity.

Method used

The processing module and the regional audio unit are connected via Ethernet communication. Audio data is transmitted via Ethernet, and the speakers are connected to the regional audio unit nearby. Audio-related data is transmitted using the vehicle's Ethernet network, avoiding the need for additional dedicated audio lines and chips.

Benefits of technology

It reduced the overall vehicle cost, simplified the system complexity, and enabled flexible expansion and synchronized playback of speakers.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN122513697A_ABST
    Figure CN122513697A_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

This invention provides an audio system, audio transmission method, and vehicle, comprising: a processing module, at least one regional audio unit, and multiple speakers; the regional audio unit is communicatively connected to the processing module via Ethernet; each speaker is connected to a corresponding regional audio unit. In this application, all audio source signals are transmitted to the processing module for sound effect processing. The processed audio data is then transmitted to the regional audio unit via Ethernet. The regional audio unit processes the audio data and amplifies and converts the audio, finally playing the audio through the speaker corresponding to the regional audio unit. This application is based on the vehicle's Ethernet communication line, eliminating the need for additional dedicated audio lines and chips. By connecting the speakers to the regional audio unit nearby and transmitting audio-related data via Ethernet, the overall vehicle cost is reduced.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive technology, and more particularly to an audio system, an audio transmission method, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In-vehicle audio-visual entertainment functions are no longer just simple audio playback functions, but have intelligently evolved into a comprehensive multimedia platform that integrates multiple functions such as audio playback, real-time navigation, voice assistant, and vehicle status prompts.

[0003] Traditional in-vehicle audio systems use analog audio transmission, which has problems such as high cable costs and system complexity. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides an audio system, an audio transmission method, and a vehicle to solve the problems of high cost and complexity in audio transmission in the prior art.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide an audio system, including: a processing module, at least one regional audio unit, and multiple speakers; The regional audio unit is connected to the processing module via Ethernet; Each speaker is connected to a corresponding area audio unit.

[0006] Optionally, it also includes: at least one audio input interface; The audio input interface is connected to the processing module.

[0007] Optionally, the processing module and the multiple regional audio units form a star network structure via Ethernet.

[0008] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide an audio transmission method, applied to the audio system described in the first aspect, the method comprising: Receive audio source signals and process the audio source signals into an audio stream; Based on the regional audio unit to which the target speaker of the audio stream belongs, the audio stream is grouped to obtain regional audio data; The target speaker is driven to play based on the regional audio data and the synchronization clock signal.

[0009] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention provide an audio transmission device, the device comprising: The first receiving module is used to receive the audio source signal and process the audio source signal into an audio stream; The receiving module is used to receive the audio source signal and process the audio source signal into an audio stream; The grouping module is used to group the audio stream according to the regional audio unit to which the target speaker corresponding to the audio stream belongs, so as to obtain regional audio data; The driving module is used to drive the target speaker to play according to the regional audio data and the synchronization clock signal.

[0010] Fourthly, embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic device, including: a processor, a communication interface, a memory, and a communication bus; wherein the processor, the communication interface, and the memory communicate with each other through the communication bus; Memory, used to store computer programs; When a processor executes a program stored in memory, it implements the steps described in the second aspect.

[0011] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that, when executed on a processor, cause the processor to perform the method described in the second aspect.

[0012] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product comprising a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the second aspect.

[0013] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a vehicle including the audio system described in the first aspect.

[0014] Regarding prior art, this application discloses an audio system, including: a processing module, at least one regional audio unit, and multiple speakers; the regional audio unit is communicatively connected to the processing module via Ethernet; each speaker is connected to a corresponding regional audio unit. In this application, all audio source signals are transmitted to the processing module for sound effect processing. The processed audio data is transmitted to the regional audio unit via Ethernet. The regional audio unit processes the audio data and amplifies and converts the audio, finally playing the audio through the speaker corresponding to the regional audio unit. This application is based on the vehicle's Ethernet communication line, eliminating the need for additional dedicated audio lines and chips. By connecting the speakers to the regional audio unit nearby and transmitting audio-related data via Ethernet, the overall vehicle cost is reduced.

[0015] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to better understand the technical means of the present invention and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention are described below. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below.

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an audio transmission system architecture provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is an embodiment of an audio transmission system provided by the present invention; Figure 3 A flowchart of an audio transmission method provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a central control host communication architecture provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a regional controller communication architecture provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a synchronization architecture diagram provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a block diagram of an audio transmission device provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a block diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0019] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and are not limited in number; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, the term "and / or" in the specification and claims is used to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. In the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more, and other quantifiers are similar.

[0020] The concepts involved in this application are explained below.

[0021] AVTP (Audio / Video Transport Protocol) is a transmission protocol specification designed for professional audio and video scenarios. In the automotive scenario, it is used to unify the transmission logic of audio and video data, and provide standardized transmission rules for different audio and video data to ensure the compatibility and stability of data transmission between different audio and video modules.

[0022] AAF (AVTP Audio Format) is a proprietary audio data format based on the AVTP protocol. By clearly defining the encapsulation structure and encoding adaptation method of audio data, it ensures that various types of in-vehicle audio data can meet the transmission requirements of the AVTP protocol, achieving stable transmission of audio data in the AVTP transmission system.

[0023] CRF (Clock Reference Format) is a clock synchronization specification for audio and video transmission, used to provide a unified clock reference for all modules involved in audio and video transmission.

[0024] gPTP (generalized Precision Time Protocol) is a high-precision time synchronization protocol used to provide a unified and accurate time reference for various hardware modules of in-vehicle audio and video systems.

[0025] A2B (Automotive Audio Bus) is an audio transmission bus designed for in-vehicle environments to enable audio data transmission.

[0026] With the rapid development of Ethernet AVB / TSN technology and its continuous enhancement in deterministic communication, AVB can ensure stable and smooth transmission of audio data in the network by reserving a portion of available Ethernet bandwidth for audio traffic. Ethernet can adopt ring, star, daisy chain, and other connection topologies, and the diverse topologies allow for flexible device deployment in in-vehicle networks to adapt to different layout requirements. Ethernet not only supports audio data transmission but also other control data transmission and can achieve conversion with vehicle CAN / LIN and other networks, meeting the diverse data transmission needs of in-vehicle entertainment systems. Based on this, an audio system architecture is disclosed as follows.

[0027] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1This application illustrates an audio system architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application, including: a sound source generation module, an audio processing module, regional audio units, a microphone pickup module, a sensor data acquisition module, and a speaker module. The sound source generation module, microphone pickup module, and sensor data acquisition module provide data to the audio processing module for audio algorithm processing. The processed audio data is transmitted to the regional audio units via a network, and the regional audio units play the audio through speakers. All data from the microphone pickup module, sensor data acquisition module, and sound source generation module are aggregated into a unified module, namely the audio processing module. The audio processing module transmits audio data to each regional audio unit via a switch over Ethernet. The audio data transmitted by the audio processing module to each regional audio unit includes specific audio content data and related necessary control information. The transmission methods include point-to-point unicast and one-to-many multicast or broadcast. In unicast, the audio processing module sends audio data to each regional audio unit in a time-division manner, with the timing determined according to specific requirements. In multicast or broadcast, the audio processing module simultaneously sends data to all regional audio units, and all regional audio units receive the data. The sensor data acquisition module collects sensor signals including acceleration, engine speed, and vibration. The audio processing module and the regional audio units use an Ethernet network for transmission. Speakers are deployed near the regional audio units and play audio through links to these units.

[0028] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 An audio system provided in this application includes: a processing module, at least one regional audio unit, and multiple speakers; the regional audio unit is communicatively connected to the processing module via Ethernet; each speaker is connected to a corresponding regional audio unit. In this embodiment, the processing module can be an in-vehicle central control unit, used to centrally process audio source signals, determine which area audio unit the audio data should be sent to, and distribute the area audio data and synchronization clock signal via Ethernet. The area audio unit can be an area controller deployed in various areas of the vehicle, such as the left front door or right rear roof. It receives synchronization clock signals and data packets from the processing module via Ethernet, parses the data packets, and drives the speakers within its area to emit sound. The speakers are located in various positions within the vehicle and can be connected to the nearest area controller for sound emission.

[0029] The speaker is connected to the local audio unit nearby, saving the cost of the whole vehicle's A2B dedicated wiring harness, A2B dedicated chip and winding, and reducing system complexity.

[0030] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2This illustration shows an implementation of an audio system according to an embodiment of this application. The in-vehicle central control unit (CCU) acts as a processing module, connecting to multiple zone controllers and sensors. It receives audio signals from MIC1 and MIC2, vehicle data collected by the sensors, processes the input data, and distributes the processed signals to each zone controller. Specifically, the CCU processes the audio signals using sound effect algorithms and converts them into AVTP Ethernet signals. The CCU, acting as an AVTPTalker, transmits the signals to the AVTPListeners of each zone controller via Ethernet. The CCU acts as a gPTPMaster master clock, synchronizing the left, right, and rear gPTPSlave domains. The zone controllers synchronize their reference clocks with the CCU via gPTP and media clocks via AVTP-AAF or AVTP-CRF. Internally, each zone controller uses a PLL (phase-locked loop) for media clock verification and synchronization.

[0031] The in-vehicle central control unit switch transmits the audio data processed by the central control unit to the corresponding zone controllers, enabling signal distribution across multiple zones. MIC1 and MIC2 are in-vehicle microphones used to collect sound signals from inside the vehicle and transmit these signals to the central control unit as input for audio processing. The vehicle interior is divided into left, right, and rear zones, each with its own zone controller and speaker array, allowing for zoned audio playback. Specifically, the left zone controller connects to the left overhead speaker, left midrange speaker, left subwoofer, and left headrest speaker, driving all speakers in the left zone for audio playback. The right zone controller connects to the right overhead speaker, right midrange speaker, right subwoofer, and right headrest speaker, driving the speakers in the right zone. The rear zone controller connects to the left surround speaker, subwoofer, and right surround speaker for audio output to the rear seats. All zone controllers are connected to the central control unit, and speaker arrays are connected to their corresponding zone controllers, enabling zoned audio control.

[0032] Optionally, it further includes: at least one audio input interface; the audio input interface is connected to the processing module.

[0033] In this embodiment, at least one audio input interface is connected to the processing module. This allows the processing module to receive audio signals from various sources. For example, the audio signals may include: ambient sound signals from the vehicle's microphone, media audio signals from entertainment systems such as Bluetooth music, USB audio, online streaming media, and radio, and alert audio signals from other vehicle systems such as navigation prompts, system warnings, and turn signal sounds. These various audio signals are transmitted to the processing module through the audio input interface, enabling the processing module to process the audio signals.

[0034] The central control unit centrally processes and schedules multiple audio sources, distributing audio data from different zones to the left, right, and rear zone controllers via Ethernet in a star topology. Each zone controller is responsible for driving multiple speakers within its zone, enabling zoned audio playback.

[0035] Optionally, the processing module and the multiple regional audio units form a star network structure via Ethernet.

[0036] In the embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The processing module and multiple regional audio units form a star network structure via Ethernet. That is, the processing module is connected to each regional audio unit and communicates via Ethernet, ensuring synchronization of each channel. Furthermore, when expanding, the system can be expanded by connecting new regional audio units to the processing module, making system expansion more flexible.

[0037] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 This application illustrates an audio transmission method provided by an embodiment of the present application, applied to an audio system. The method includes: Step 101: Receive the audio source signal and process the audio source signal into an audio stream; In this embodiment, the processing module is used to process audio and distribute it to various regional audio units. The processing module can be located on the vehicle's central control screen. The audio source signal refers to all raw sound electrical signals that need to be played or processed, such as: user speech captured by a microphone, navigation sounds, music, vehicle prompts, etc. The processing module can receive the audio source signal and process it into a standard format audio stream.

[0038] Step 102: Group the audio stream according to the regional audio unit to which the target speaker to which the audio stream belongs, to obtain regional audio data.

[0039] In this embodiment, each regional audio unit is responsible for its corresponding speaker; that is, the speaker is connected to the nearest regional audio unit based on its location. The processing module can analyze the audio stream, determine the channels corresponding to the audio stream, determine the target speaker corresponding to the audio stream based on the channel-speaker mapping relationship, and then determine the regional audio unit to which the target speaker belongs based on the target speaker. Based on different regional audio units, the audio stream can be grouped so that the grouped regional audio data is data specifically assigned to a certain regional audio unit for playback.

[0040] For example, the audio stream is navigation data, the target speaker is the driver's side speaker, the area audio unit corresponding to the driver's side speaker is determined, and the area audio data is converted and played through the area audio unit.

[0041] Step 103: Drive the target speaker to play according to the regional audio data and the synchronization clock signal.

[0042] In this embodiment, the synchronization clock signal is a reference clock signal provided by the processing module, used to synchronize the main clock and media clock of the regional audio unit and the processing module to ensure accurate audio playback. The regional audio unit is a control unit deployed in various physical areas within the vehicle, used to drive the speakers within its physical area.

[0043] After receiving the regional audio data and the synchronization clock signal, the regional audio unit converts the received digital audio data into an analog signal based on the synchronization information carried by the synchronization clock signal and the regional audio data, and then drives the speaker to play the audio.

[0044] In the method of this application, the processing module processes the audio source signal uniformly, groups the audio stream to obtain regional audio data, and distributes the regional audio data to the corresponding regional audio units. At the same time, the processing module acts as the master clock, synchronizing with the reference clock and media playback clock between the regional audio units through Ethernet frames, so that all speakers in the vehicle can play synchronously. The method of this application uses the existing Ethernet network of the vehicle, without the need to add a new dedicated audio wiring harness and chip, which can reduce the overall vehicle cost.

[0045] Optionally, step 103 includes: Sub-step 1031: parse the regional audio data to obtain synchronization information and target audio data; Sub-step 1032: Determine the playback sequence based on the synchronization clock signal and the synchronization information; Sub-step 1033: Drive the target speaker to play the target audio data according to the playback timing.

[0046] In this embodiment, for sub-steps 1031 to 1033, the regional audio data is the data obtained by the processing module after grouping the audio stream, and the regional audio data corresponds to the regional audio unit. The regional audio unit receives the regional audio data and synchronization clock signal from the processing module via Ethernet.

[0047] Specifically, the processing module encapsulates the regional audio data into data packets according to the audio and video transmission protocol and sends them to the regional audio unit. The regional audio unit can parse the data packets to obtain synchronization information and target audio data. The synchronization information includes an audio presentation timestamp, and the target audio data is the digitized data to be played. The regional audio unit parses the data packets according to the rules of the audio and video transmission protocol to extract the audio presentation timestamp and target audio data, determining the playback time and the audio content to be played.

[0048] The playback timing is the trigger point that drives the speaker to emit sound. The regional audio unit compares the audio presentation timestamp in the synchronization information with the current local time to determine the time difference. Based on the time difference, the playback timing is calculated to ensure the stability of the playback process.

[0049] After determining the playback sequence, the regional audio units convert the target audio data into analog audio signals according to the playback sequence. After being amplified, the analog audio signals drive the target speakers in their respective regions to emit sound. Since all regional audio units adhere to the same synchronization standard, speakers located in different positions within the vehicle can emit corresponding sounds at the same time, achieving unified sound playback throughout the vehicle.

[0050] The method of this application involves the area controller receiving area audio data, parsing it to obtain synchronization information and target audio data, and then determining the audio playback sequence to drive the corresponding speaker to emit sound. This application is based on the vehicle's Ethernet communication line, eliminating the need for additional dedicated audio lines and chips. The speaker is connected to the area audio unit nearby, and audio-related data is transmitted via Ethernet, reducing the overall vehicle cost.

[0051] Optionally, the synchronization information includes: an audio presentation timestamp, and sub-step 1023 includes: Sub-step 10231: Compare the audio presentation timestamp with the local current time of the regional audio unit to obtain the first time deviation; the local current time is determined according to the synchronization clock signal; Sub-step 10232: Determine the playback timing based on the first time deviation.

[0052] In this embodiment, for sub-steps 10231 and 10232, the audio presentation timestamp is used to indicate the playback time of the audio in the data packet. The local current time is the real-time time within the regional audio unit, and the local current time is determined based on a synchronization clock signal. The difference between the audio presentation timestamp and the local current time is the first time deviation, which is the difference between the playback time and the current time. The playback timing is used to control the playback of audio data.

[0053] Optionally, the method further includes: Step 104: Send a clock recovery format frame to the regional audio unit according to a preset period; the clock recovery format frame carries media clock reference information.

[0054] In this embodiment, the processing module can send clock recovery format frames to the regional audio unit at a preset period. A clock recovery format frame, or CRF frame, is a signal used to transmit clock information. Media clock reference information is included in the clock recovery format frame and is used to characterize the phase and frequency information of the media clock at the processing module end on the global time axis. The local media clock is the physical clock inside the regional audio unit used to drive the digital-to-analog converter and generate local playback timing.

[0055] The processing module continuously sends clock recovery format frames to the audio units in each region according to a preset cycle.

[0056] After receiving the clock recovery format frame, the regional audio unit extracts the media clock reference information and compares it with the current state of its own local media clock. If there is a discrepancy between the two, the regional audio unit can fine-tune the frequency of its local oscillator through a phase-locked loop circuit to achieve synchronization with the processing module.

[0057] Through continuous adjustment, the local media clock of the regional audio unit is kept synchronized with the media clock of the processing module to avoid sound jitter when playing audio.

[0058] Optionally, the method further includes: Step 105: Receive the clock recovery format frame through the regional audio unit and obtain media clock reference information; Step 106: Compare the media clock reference information with the current state of the local media clock of the regional audio unit to obtain the second time deviation; Step 107: Generate a control signal based on the second time deviation; Step 108: Adjust the oscillation frequency of the phase-locked loop circuit according to the control signal to synchronize the local media clock with the media clock of the audio system.

[0059] In this embodiment, the clock recovery format frame is a data packet periodically broadcast by the processing module to transmit media clock reference information. The media clock reference information describes the real-time state of the media clock within the processing module. The local audio unit continuously receives and parses the clock recovery format frames via Ethernet, extracts the media clock reference information, and calibrates the local media clock.

[0060] The local media clock refers to the clock source within the regional audio unit used to drive audio data conversion and playback. The second time deviation is obtained by comparing the media clock reference information with the current state of the local media clock. This second time deviation describes the degree of deviation of the local media clock relative to the media clock of the processing module.

[0061] The control signal is calculated in real time based on the second time deviation. This control signal is used to instruct the phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit to operate and synchronize the clock. Specifically, the PLL circuit is a mixed-signal integrated circuit that can be adjusted by the input voltage. Applying the control signal to the input of the PLL circuit changes its oscillation frequency, thus synchronizing the local media clock with the media clock of the processing module.

[0062] Optionally, before step 103, the method further includes: Step 109: Encapsulate the regional audio data into a data packet in an audio / video transmission protocol format; Step 110: Send the data packet and the synchronization clock signal to the regional audio unit.

[0063] In this embodiment, for steps 109 and 110, the processing module encapsulates the regional audio data into a data packet according to specific format requirements and transmits it to the regional audio unit. For example, the regional audio data can be processed based on the Audio Video Transport Protocol (AVTP), encapsulating the regional audio data into a data packet in the AVTP format according to the AVTP format specification. The data packet may carry an audio presentation timestamp to indicate the playback time of the audio. The encapsulated data packet and a synchronization clock signal are then sent to the regional audio unit corresponding to the target speaker.

[0064] The synchronization clock signal can be generated and distributed based on the Generalized Precise Time Protocol (gPTP). Encapsulated AVTP data packets and the synchronization clock signal maintained by the gPTP protocol are sent to the local audio unit via Ethernet. Upon receiving the synchronization clock signal and data packets, the local audio unit determines the playback time based on the audio presentation timestamp in the AVTP data packet and the synchronization clock signal. At the playback time, it decodes the audio data in the data packet and drives the speaker to emit sound. These steps ensure that the sound is played correctly.

[0065] This application enables all vehicle speakers to be connected to the area controller based on their placement location, saving overall vehicle costs. It solves the technical problem in related technologies where all vehicle audio speakers must be connected to independent amplifiers. Specifically, the in-vehicle speakers are connected to the area controller, and the area controller and audio source module are connected via Ethernet. The method includes the following steps: part of the in-vehicle audio source comes from the microphone pickup and sensor data acquisition module, and part comes from the audio source generation module. All audio information is transmitted to the audio processing module for sound effect processing. The processed audio data is transmitted to the area audio unit via Ethernet. The area audio unit performs Ethernet frame processing and amplifies and converts the audio, finally playing the audio through the speakers. The audio source generation module acts as the master clock, synchronizing the reference clock and media playback clock with the area controller via Ethernet frames, enabling all vehicle speakers to play synchronously. This application connects the in-vehicle speakers to the area controller nearby, utilizing the vehicle's existing Ethernet network, eliminating the need for additional dedicated audio wiring harnesses and chips, thus reducing overall vehicle costs.

[0066] In summary, this application discloses an audio system comprising: a processing module, at least one regional audio unit, and multiple speakers; the regional audio unit is communicatively connected to the processing module via Ethernet; each speaker is connected to a corresponding regional audio unit. In this application, all audio source signals are transmitted to the processing module for sound effect processing. The processed audio data is then transmitted to the regional audio unit via Ethernet. The regional audio unit processes the audio data and amplifies and converts the audio, finally playing the audio through the speaker corresponding to the regional audio unit. This application is based on the vehicle's Ethernet communication line, eliminating the need for additional dedicated audio lines and chips. By connecting the speakers to the regional audio unit nearby and transmitting audio-related data via Ethernet, the overall vehicle cost is reduced.

[0067] refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4This diagram illustrates a central control unit (CCU) communication architecture. Both the microphone (MIC) and the SOC (System-on-a-Chip) source are connected to the in-vehicle CCU's DSP (Digital Signal Processor) via I2S for audio effect algorithm processing. This processing includes real-time mixing of multiple audio streams, audio enhancement, and active noise reduction. After processing, the audio is encapsulated into Ethernet AVTP-AAF format (a standardized Ethernet audio / video transmission protocol—a universal audio format) according to different output channels. Different output channels correspond to the left, right, and rear speaker groups. The CCU, acting as an AVTP Talker (AVTP transmitter), sends AVTP-AAF data packets via a switch to the left, right, and rear area controllers. Each area controller acts as an AVTP Listener. Each AAF frame carries an audio presentation time, determined by the audio sampling frequency and the number of audio samples per AAF frame, used to indicate the playback time of the audio.

[0068] refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a zone controller communication architecture is shown. The left, right, and rear zone controllers all act as AVTP listeners, receiving AVTP audio stream data packets distributed by the vehicle's central control unit via an Ethernet physical layer chip (ETHPHY). Each controller's microprocessor unit (MCU) parses the AVTP encapsulation format, extracts the AVTP-AAF (Audio Video Transfer Protocol - Universal Audio Format) data, and transmits it via I2S audio. Subsequently, the zone controller's built-in audio amplifier converts the digital signal and amplifies it before driving the corresponding speakers in each zone to produce sound, achieving synchronization of audio playback across different zones.

[0069] refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 This paper illustrates a synchronization architecture diagram. To achieve synchronized audio playback from speakers in different areas of the vehicle, this application uses the gPTP (Generalized Precision Time Protocol) to synchronize the reference time between modules. The vehicle's central control unit acts as the global master clock, distributing CRF frames (clock reference frames) carrying media clock information via Ethernet at preset intervals. Each area controller acts as a slave clock, using an MCU to parse the media clock carried in the CRF frames in real time and compare it with its local audio clock. If a timestamp discrepancy is detected, it is determined that the local media clock frequency does not match the host's reference frequency. The area controller generates closed-loop control commands based on the discrepancy signal, dynamically adjusting the oscillation parameters of its internal audio phase-locked loop (PLL) to adjust the local media clock, synchronizing it with the media clock of the central control unit. Each area controller achieves synchronized driving of all the vehicle's speakers through this synchronization process.

[0070] In this application, the vehicle's existing Ethernet network is used to connect the central control unit and the left, right, and rear zone controllers. Each zone speaker is connected to its respective zone controller, saving on the costs of dedicated A2B wiring harnesses, A2B chips, and cabling. Ethernet can be used not only as a transmission medium for audio signals but also for other data signals.

[0071] In summary, this application provides an in-vehicle audio system based on the vehicle's Ethernet communication lines. It eliminates the need for additional dedicated audio lines and chips, connecting the audio amplifier to a nearby area controller (such as front, rear, left, and right area controllers). Audio-related data transmission is performed via Ethernet, using protocols including but not limited to AVB, GPTP, QAV, and QCR. Examples include TSN-gPTP for time synchronization, AVTP-CRF or AVTP-AAF for media playback clock synchronization, and AVTP-AAF for audio transmission. This eliminates the need for additional dedicated audio wiring harnesses and chips, reducing overall vehicle costs.

[0072] refer to Figure 7 An audio transmission device 20 is disclosed, the device comprising: The receiving module 201 is used to receive the sound source signal and process the sound source signal into an audio stream; Grouping module 202 is used to group the audio stream according to the regional audio unit to which the target speaker corresponding to the audio stream belongs, so as to obtain regional audio data; The driving module 203 is used to drive the target speaker to play according to the regional audio data and the synchronization clock signal.

[0073] Optionally, the driver module includes: The parsing submodule is used to parse the regional audio data to obtain synchronization information and target audio data; The determination submodule is used to determine the playback timing based on the synchronization clock signal and the synchronization information; The driver submodule is used to drive the target speaker to play the target audio data according to the playback timing.

[0074] Optionally, the synchronization information includes: an audio presentation timestamp, and a determination submodule, including: The comparison unit is used to compare the audio presentation timestamp with the local current time of the regional audio unit to obtain a first time deviation; the local current time is determined according to the synchronization clock signal. The determining unit is used to determine the playback timing based on the first time deviation.

[0075] Optionally, the device further includes: The sending module is used to send clock recovery format frames to the regional audio unit according to a preset period; the clock recovery format frames carry media clock reference information.

[0076] Optionally, the device further includes; The acquisition module is used to receive the clock recovery format frame through the regional audio unit and acquire media clock reference information; The comparison module is used to compare the media clock reference information with the current state of the local media clock of the regional audio unit to obtain the second time deviation; The generation module is used to generate a control signal based on the second time deviation; A synchronization module is used to adjust the oscillation frequency of the phase-locked loop circuit according to the control signal so as to synchronize the local media clock with the media clock of the audio system.

[0077] Optionally, the device further includes: An encapsulation module is used to encapsulate the regional audio data into data packets in an audio-video transmission protocol format; The transmission module is used to send the data packet and the synchronization clock signal to the regional audio unit.

[0078] In summary, this application discloses an audio system comprising: a processing module, at least one regional audio unit, and multiple speakers; the regional audio unit is communicatively connected to the processing module via Ethernet; each speaker is connected to a corresponding regional audio unit. In this application, all audio source signals are transmitted to the processing module for sound effect processing. The processed audio data is then transmitted to the regional audio unit via Ethernet. The regional audio unit processes the audio data and amplifies and converts the audio, finally playing the audio through the speaker corresponding to the regional audio unit. This application is based on the vehicle's Ethernet communication line, eliminating the need for additional dedicated audio lines and chips. By connecting the speakers to the regional audio unit nearby and transmitting audio-related data via Ethernet, the overall vehicle cost is reduced.

[0079] This invention also provides an electronic device, such as... Figure 8 As shown, it includes a processor 801, a communication interface 802, a memory 803, and a communication bus 804, wherein the processor 801, the communication interface 802, and the memory 803 communicate with each other through the communication bus 804.

[0080] The memory 803 is used to store computer programs.

[0081] When processor 801 executes a program stored in memory 803, it performs the following steps: Receive audio source signals and process the audio source signals into an audio stream; Based on the regional audio unit to which the target speaker of the audio stream belongs, the audio stream is grouped to obtain regional audio data; The target speaker is driven to play based on the regional audio data and the synchronization clock signal.

[0082] The processor 801 can also implement other steps in the audio transmission method, which will not be elaborated here. The communication bus mentioned in the above electronic devices can be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. This communication bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used to represent it in the diagram, but this does not indicate that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0083] The communication interface is used for communication between the aforementioned electronic devices and other devices.

[0084] The memory may include random access memory (RAM) or non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device. Optionally, the memory may also be at least one storage device located remotely from the aforementioned processor.

[0085] The processors mentioned above can be general-purpose processors, including central processing units (CPUs), network processors (NPs), etc.; they can also be digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components.

[0086] In another embodiment of the present invention, an electrical device is also provided, comprising: a battery device or a processor; and a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor or the battery device; wherein the processor or the battery device is configured to execute the instructions to implement a method for battery device pressure control. The electrical device in this application may be a vehicle, aircraft, computer, energy storage device, ferry, etc., and is not limited thereto.

[0087] In another embodiment of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, which stores computer instructions that, when executed on a processor, cause the processor to perform an audio transmission method.

[0088] In another embodiment of the present invention, a computer program product is also provided, which includes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform an audio transmission method.

[0089] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present invention are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid state disk (SSD)).

[0090] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0091] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a related manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. For embodiments of devices, electronic devices, computer-readable storage media, and computer program products containing instructions, the descriptions are relatively simple because they are basically similar to the method embodiments; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions of the method embodiments.

[0092] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An audio system, characterized in that, include: The processing module includes at least one zone audio unit and multiple speakers; The regional audio unit is connected to the processing module via Ethernet; Each speaker is connected to a corresponding area audio unit.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: At least one audio input interface; The audio input interface is connected to the processing module.

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing module and the multiple regional audio units form a star network structure via Ethernet.

4. An audio transmission method, characterized in that, Applied to the audio system as described in any one of claims 1-3, the method comprises: Receive audio source signals and process the audio source signals into an audio stream; Based on the regional audio unit to which the target speaker of the audio stream belongs, the audio stream is grouped to obtain regional audio data; The target speaker is driven to play based on the regional audio data and the synchronization clock signal.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of driving the target speaker to play based on the regional audio data and the synchronization clock signal includes: The regional audio data is analyzed to obtain synchronization information and target audio data; The playback sequence is determined based on the synchronization clock signal and the synchronization information; According to the playback sequence, drive the target speaker to play the target audio data.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The synchronization information includes: an audio presentation timestamp; determining the playback sequence based on the synchronization clock signal and the synchronization information includes: The audio presentation timestamp is compared with the local current time of the regional audio unit to obtain the first time deviation; the local current time is determined according to the synchronization clock signal. The playback sequence is determined based on the first time deviation.

7. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes; Clock recovery format frames are sent to the regional audio unit according to a preset period; The clock recovery format frame carries media clock reference information.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: The clock recovery format frame is received through the regional audio unit, and media clock reference information is obtained. The media clock reference information is compared with the current state of the local media clock of the regional audio unit to obtain the second time deviation; Based on the second time deviation, a control signal is generated; The oscillation frequency of the phase-locked loop circuit is adjusted according to the control signal to synchronize the local media clock with the media clock of the audio system.

9. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Before driving the target speaker to play based on the regional audio data and the synchronization clock signal, the method further includes: The regional audio data is encapsulated into data packets in an audio / video transmission protocol format; The data packet and the synchronization clock signal are sent to the regional audio unit.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the audio system as described in any one of claims 1-3.