A vehicle acoustic warning system and vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of vehicle acoustic warning system and vehicle, belong to vehicle acoustic warning field.System includes AVAS module, active warning expansion module, ambient noise detection module, audio control module, power amplifier, speaker module, vehicle information entertainment system;AVAS module is automatically triggered low-speed prompt audio signal according to speed signal;Active warning expansion module, according to the current vehicle state automatically triggers scene voice prompt audio signal;Ambient noise detection module acquires ambient noise;Vehicle information entertainment system triggers information entertainment audio signal based on user operation;Audio control module realizes the collaborative management of multiple source audio signals and dynamic volume adjustment;Power amplifier is amplified after the audio signal handled by the audio control module and sent to speaker module to realize playing.The application realizes the scene acoustic warning of vehicle, especially commercial vehicle, and dynamic volume adjustment based on noise.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of vehicle acoustic warning systems. Specifically, this invention relates to a vehicle acoustic warning system and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Existing vehicle acoustic warning technologies have the following drawbacks: Limited functionality: The existing AVAS only implements the basic low-speed alert sound required by regulations and has not been expanded to include active warning functions; Fixed volume: The alert volume is insufficient in noisy environments and disturbs neighbors in quiet environments; The ambient noise in commercial vehicle cabs is complex and fluctuates dramatically. Commercial vehicle cabs (especially dump trucks and construction waste trucks) are located above the engine, resulting in a superposition of engine noise, vibration noise, and wind noise during operation. This leads to a very wide dynamic range of ambient noise (50dB-95dB), and the rate of change is much faster than in passenger vehicles. The AVAS volume control response speed of passenger vehicles (typically 1-2 seconds) cannot meet the needs of commercial vehicles in scenarios involving rapid passage through noisy areas (such as tunnel entrances / exits, and transitions between construction sites and urban roads), necessitating a faster volume response mechanism. Commercial vehicles have a need for blind spot detection linkage: Commercial vehicles are tall and have large blind spots, posing a much greater threat to pedestrians when reversing and turning than passenger vehicles. They urgently need scenario-based voice prompts (such as "Caution: right blind spot") that are linked with the BSD blind spot detection system, while passenger vehicles do not have this need. Therefore, the present invention proposes a vehicle acoustic warning system and a vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and proposes a vehicle acoustic warning system and vehicle to achieve the following objectives: to realize the contextualized sound warning of vehicles, especially commercial vehicles, and the dynamic volume adjustment based on noise.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: This invention provides a vehicle acoustic warning system, the system comprising an AVAS module, an active warning extension module, an environmental noise detection module, an audio control module, a power amplifier, a speaker module, and an in-vehicle infotainment system; The AVAS module is used to automatically trigger a low-speed warning audio signal based on the vehicle speed signal; The active warning extension module is used to automatically trigger contextualized voice prompt audio signals based on the current vehicle status, including vehicle fault warnings, obstacle warnings, reversing warnings, turning warnings, and blind spot warnings; The environmental noise detection module is used to collect environmental noise. In-vehicle infotainment systems are used to trigger infotainment audio signals based on user actions; The audio control module is used for the coordinated management of multi-source audio signals and dynamic volume adjustment; The power amplifier is used to amplify the audio signal processed by the audio control module and then send it to the speaker module for playback.

[0005] Furthermore, for the AVAS module, when the vehicle speed is detected to be lower than a preset first vehicle speed threshold, a low-speed warning audio signal is automatically triggered.

[0006] Furthermore, regarding the active warning extension module, when a vehicle malfunction is detected, a vehicle malfunction warning audio signal is triggered; when an obstacle is detected in the vehicle's direction of travel, an obstacle warning audio signal is triggered; when the gear is in reverse (R) and the vehicle speed is less than a preset second speed threshold, a reversing warning audio signal is triggered; when the turn signal is detected and the vehicle speed is less than a preset third speed threshold, a turning warning audio signal is triggered; and when the BSD detects a target in the blind spot and the vehicle speed is less than a preset fourth speed threshold, a blind spot warning audio signal is triggered.

[0007] Furthermore, in the active warning extension module, the triggering of the blind spot warning audio signal adopts a graded blind spot warning mechanism based on the distance between the target and the vehicle within the blind spot, including: When the distance between a target and a vehicle in the blind spot exceeds the first distance threshold, a level one blind spot warning is triggered. When the distance between the target and the vehicle within the blind spot is less than or equal to the distance between the second distance threshold and the first distance threshold, a second-level blind spot warning is triggered. When the distance between the target in the blind spot and the vehicle is less than the second distance threshold, a level 3 blind spot warning is triggered.

[0008] Furthermore, the collaborative management of the multi-source audio signals includes: When multiple audio signals are present simultaneously, they are processed according to a preset audio signal priority order. High-priority audio signals are played first, while the playback of low-priority audio signals is interrupted or the playback volume of low-priority audio signals is reduced. The playback volume of low-priority audio signals after reduction is n times the original volume and less than the playback volume of high-priority audio signals; n is a preset value and 0 < n < 1.

[0009] Furthermore, the priority order of the audio signals includes: vehicle malfunction alarm > obstacle warning audio signal > reversing prompt audio signal > turning prompt audio signal > blind spot prompt audio signal > low speed prompt audio signal > infotainment audio signal.

[0010] Furthermore, the dynamic volume adjustment includes dynamic volume adjustment based on ambient noise, including: When the ambient noise is less than or equal to the first noise threshold, the output volume is set to the first volume; when the first volume is greater than or equal to the first noise threshold, the output volume is set to the first volume. When the ambient noise is ≥ the second noise threshold, the output volume is set to the second volume; when the second volume is > the first volume and the second volume is > the second noise threshold. When the first noise threshold is less than the ambient noise threshold and less than the second noise threshold, the output volume is set to increase linearly within the range between the first and second volume levels.

[0011] Furthermore, when dynamically adjusting volume based on ambient noise, an asymmetric response mechanism optimized for commercial vehicles is introduced: Noise rise response speed: The volume is increased within the first time window; Noise reduction response speed: Volume reduction is completed within the second time window; the first time window is smaller than the second time window; The ratio of the volume increase rate to the volume decrease rate is greater than or equal to the preset ratio a, where a is greater than 1.

[0012] Furthermore, the speaker module includes a directional speaker for emitting ultrasonically modulated audio in a preset target direction.

[0013] The present invention also provides a vehicle that includes the above-described vehicle acoustic warning system.

[0014] The technical effects of this invention are as follows: (1) This invention achieves environmentally adaptive volume adjustment for commercial vehicles. The audio control module dynamically adjusts the volume according to the ambient noise and adopts an asymmetric response curve to adapt to the rapidly changing noise scenarios in commercial vehicles. The response speed is significantly improved compared to AVAS for passenger vehicles, while avoiding auditory discomfort.

[0015] (2) The active warning extension module of the present invention expands the function of the AVAS module through scenario-based voice prompts. It greatly reduces the cognitive load of the driver and shortens the response time from perception to decision through various scenario-based voice prompts. In particular, the linkage with the BSD system significantly improves the blind spot safety of commercial vehicles.

[0016] (3) The audio control module of the present invention ensures that key warnings are not lost through the collaborative management of multi-source audio signals.

[0017] (4) Directional sound emission outside the vehicle. Utilizing 40kHz ultrasonic waves for directional propagation, the warning sound is only heard by pedestrians in the target direction, reducing environmental noise pollution, and the daytime power consumption is <2W.

[0018] (5) Multi-language support. Supports OTA remote encrypted updates in 12 languages, adapting to cross-border transportation scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle acoustic warning system provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the dynamic volume adjustment curve provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. This is to help those skilled in the art to have a more complete, accurate, and in-depth understanding of the inventive concept and technical solutions of the present invention, and to facilitate its implementation. It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in this application are only for the convenience of describing the technical solutions and to distinguish components; the corresponding component configurations may be the same or different, and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. To make the technical solutions of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be explained and illustrated through the following embodiments.

[0021] This invention provides a vehicle acoustic warning system, particularly suitable for commercial vehicles, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the system in this embodiment includes an AVAS module, an active warning extension module, an ambient noise detection module, an audio control module, a power amplifier, a speaker module, and an in-vehicle infotainment system; the AVAS module, the active warning extension module, the ambient noise detection module, and the in-vehicle infotainment system are respectively connected to the audio control module; the audio control module is connected to the speaker module through the power amplifier.

[0022] The AVAS module is used to automatically trigger a low-speed warning audio signal based on the vehicle speed signal. The active warning extension module is used to automatically trigger contextualized voice prompt audio signals based on the current vehicle status, including vehicle fault warnings, obstacle warnings, reversing warnings, turning warnings, and blind spot warnings; The environmental noise detection module is used to collect environmental noise. In-vehicle infotainment systems are used to trigger infotainment audio signals based on user actions; The audio control module is used for the coordinated management of multi-source audio signals and dynamic volume adjustment; The power amplifier is used to amplify the audio signal processed by the audio control module and then send it to the speaker module for playback.

[0023] The vehicle acoustic warning system of this invention adopts a modular and layered architecture design. Information interaction and signal transmission between functional modules are achieved through standardized interfaces. The audio control module, as the core scheduling hub of the system, undertakes key functions such as receiving, processing, prioritizing, and dynamically adjusting the volume of multi-source audio signals. The AVAS module is responsible for pedestrian warning functions in low-speed driving scenarios, the active warning extension module is responsible for diversified scenario-based voice prompts, the environmental noise detection module is responsible for real-time environmental noise acquisition, the in-vehicle infotainment system is responsible for user-triggered audio functions such as entertainment and navigation, the power amplifier is responsible for signal amplification, and the speaker module is responsible for the final audio output. All modules work collaboratively under the unified scheduling of the audio control module, forming a complete closed-loop acoustic warning system. The core advantage of this architecture design lies in achieving a unified functional decoupling and centralized management: each module independently undertakes a specific function, reducing system coupling and facilitating independent development, maintenance, and upgrades; simultaneously, the centralized scheduling of the audio control module ensures the orderly management of multi-source audio signals in the time and loudness domains, avoiding the mutual interference and conflict problems caused by concurrent multi-source audio signals in traditional vehicle acoustic systems. Compared to the decentralized architecture of traditional vehicles where various warning and alert sounds are emitted independently and lack unified management, the modular and layered architecture of this invention significantly improves the reliability and scalability of the system, providing a systematic technical solution for the acoustic warning needs of commercial vehicles under complex operating conditions.

[0024] Specifically, the AVAS module automatically triggers a low-speed warning audio signal based on the vehicle speed signal, and is a core functional module for ensuring pedestrian safety at low speeds. The AVAS module connects to the vehicle's CAN network via the vehicle's CAN bus to obtain the vehicle speed signal A. The AVAS module integrates a CAN bus transceiver and a protocol parsing unit, enabling it to read vehicle speed signal messages from the CAN bus at a preset sampling period (e.g., every 50 milliseconds) and parse the messages to obtain the real-time vehicle speed value. After obtaining the vehicle speed signal, the AVAS module determines whether to trigger the low-speed warning audio signal based on the vehicle speed signal. When the detected vehicle speed is lower than a preset first speed threshold (e.g., 20 km / h), the low-speed warning audio signal is automatically triggered. The low-speed warning audio signal supports multiple timbre settings (e.g., simulated engine sound, electronically synthesized sound), which can be selected according to user preferences during implementation.

[0025] The AVAS module employs an automatic triggering mode based on vehicle speed signals, rather than relying on manual driver operation. The core reason for this design decision is that commercial vehicle drivers need to maintain a high level of concentration on vehicle control and environmental observation in low-speed driving scenarios (such as loading / unloading, reversing into parking spaces, and navigating narrow roads). Manually triggering the warning sound would distract the driver, increasing the workload and posing safety hazards. The automatic triggering mechanism ensures the real-time performance and reliability of the warning function, eliminating the risk of missed triggers due to human error.

[0026] An environmental noise detection module is used to collect ambient noise, providing real-time input data for the dynamic volume adjustment of the audio control module. In this embodiment, the environmental noise detection module collects ambient noise in real time through a vehicle cabin microphone. The cabin microphone is a high-sensitivity, wide-frequency-response MEMS microphone, with a frequency response range covering the entire audio band from 20Hz to 20kHz, capable of accurately capturing various environmental noise components from low-frequency road noise to high-frequency wind noise. The microphone is typically installed in the center of the vehicle roof or near the A-pillar to obtain the most representative cabin environmental noise sample, while avoiding excessive proximity to the speakers to prevent acoustic feedback problems.

[0027] The environmental noise detection module's sampling frequency is set to 2Hz, meaning it collects and processes environmental noise every 0.5 seconds. This sampling frequency is double that of conventional solutions (usually 1Hz), and its technical necessity stems from the unique characteristics of the noise environment in commercial vehicles. Due to the diversity of their body structure, engine type, load conditions, and operating scenarios (such as construction sites, mining areas, tunnels, and highways), commercial vehicles exhibit significant characteristics of rapid and large-amplitude changes in cabin environmental noise. If a conventional 1Hz sampling frequency is used, the system's response delay to changes in environmental noise can reach more than 1 second. During this period, if an emergency requiring acoustic warning occurs (such as the sudden appearance of a target in a blind spot), the warning sound volume may still be at a low level, making it difficult for drivers or pedestrians to clearly hear the warning content, severely affecting the warning effect. By increasing the sampling frequency to 2Hz, the system's perception delay of environmental noise changes is shortened to less than 0.5 seconds, enabling more timely tracking of dynamic changes in the noise environment and providing more real-time and accurate input data for subsequent dynamic volume adjustments.

[0028] The in-vehicle infotainment system (IVM) is used to trigger infotainment audio signals based on user operations, and it is the most user-initiated and personalized audio source in the system. In this embodiment, the IVM connects to the audio control module through a standardized audio interface (such as I2S, SPDIF, or analog line input). The infotainment audio signals include, but are not limited to, navigation voice guidance audio signals, music playback audio signals, video audio signals, and Bluetooth phone audio signals. Users initiate corresponding operation requests through the IVM's human-machine interface (such as touchscreen, physical buttons, voice commands, etc.). The IVM generates or retrieves the corresponding audio signal based on the user request and sends it to the audio control module for further processing.

[0029] The audio output of in-vehicle infotainment systems is characterized by user-initiated playback, long duration, and diverse content. Unlike AVAS modules and active warning extension modules, which feature automatic triggering and short-duration warnings, infotainment audio signals typically begin playing after user selection and continue for a considerable period (e.g., a piece of music may last 3-5 minutes, and a navigation voice prompt may last from tens of seconds to several minutes). Furthermore, the content of infotainment audio signals is highly personalized and diverse; different users may choose different styles of music, navigation voice prompts in different languages, and different types of audio content. These characteristics determine that infotainment audio signals have a relatively low priority in the system's multi-source audio collaborative management. When high-priority warning audio signals need to be played, the infotainment audio signals must be interrupted or their volume significantly reduced to ensure clear delivery of the warning information.

[0030] The active warning extension module is used to automatically trigger contextual voice prompt audio signals based on the current vehicle status, including vehicle fault warnings, obstacle warnings, reversing warnings, turning warnings, blind spot warnings, etc. It is an important supplement and extension to the AVAS low-speed warning function, covering a wider range of contextual warning needs in commercial vehicle operation.

[0031] In this embodiment, the active warning extension module connects to the vehicle's CAN network via the vehicle's CAN bus to obtain vehicle status information. This vehicle status information includes, but is not limited to, vehicle fault information, obstacle information, reversing radar signals, turn signal signals, gear position signals, and vehicle speed signals. The active warning extension module integrates multiple CAN bus interfaces, enabling simultaneous monitoring of data frames corresponding to multiple CAN message IDs, thus achieving real-time acquisition of status information from various vehicle subsystems. Furthermore, considering the special safety requirements arising from the long body, large blind spot range, and large turning radius of commercial vehicles, the active warning extension module also features a BSD linkage interface. This BSD linkage interface connects to a blind spot detection system (BSD) via the CAN bus to obtain real-time distance and orientation information of targets in the blind spot. The BSD system typically uses millimeter-wave radar or ultrasonic sensors as detection methods, installed in the side and rear areas of the vehicle. It can monitor in real-time whether other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles exist within the blind spot range on both sides and behind the vehicle, and output parameters such as the relative distance, relative speed, and azimuth angle of the targets. The active alert extension module acquires blind spot detection data at a preset refresh rate (e.g., 10 times per second) through the BSD linkage interface, and makes a decision on triggering the blind spot alert audio signal based on the data.

[0032] Based on the collected vehicle status information, the active warning extension module automatically triggers contextualized audio prompts: when a vehicle malfunction is detected, a vehicle malfunction warning audio signal is triggered, such as "Engine malfunction, please stop and check immediately"; when an obstacle is detected in the vehicle's direction of travel, an obstacle warning audio signal is triggered, such as "Obstacle ahead, please be careful"; when the gear is in reverse and the vehicle speed is less than a preset second speed threshold (e.g., 5 km / h), a reversing warning audio signal is triggered, such as "Please be careful when reversing"; when the turn signal is activated and the vehicle speed is less than a preset third speed threshold (e.g., 20 km / h), a turning warning audio signal is triggered, such as "Please be careful when turning right" / "Please be careful when turning left"; when the BSD detects a target in the blind spot and the vehicle speed is less than a preset fourth speed threshold (e.g., 10 km / h), a blind spot warning audio signal is triggered, such as "Caution: right blind spot" / "Caution: left blind spot".

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the active warning extension module is deeply integrated with the BSD blind spot detection system. The triggering of the blind spot warning audio signal adopts a graded blind spot warning mechanism based on the distance between the target and the vehicle within the blind spot. This graded blind spot warning mechanism divides the blind spot warning response into three levels, each corresponding to a different degree of danger and a different warning strategy. Specifically: When the distance between a target and a vehicle in the blind spot exceeds the first distance threshold, a level one blind spot warning is triggered. When the distance between the target and the vehicle within the blind spot is less than or equal to the distance between the second distance threshold and the first distance threshold, a second-level blind spot warning is triggered. When the distance between the target in the blind spot and the vehicle is less than the second distance threshold, a level 3 blind spot warning is triggered.

[0034] For example, in this embodiment, if the distance between the target and the vehicle in the blind spot is >3m, a level 1 blind spot warning is triggered; if the distance between the target and the vehicle in the blind spot is 1m≤3m≤3m, a level 2 blind spot warning is triggered; and if the distance between the target and the vehicle in the blind spot is <1m, a level 3 blind spot warning is triggered.

[0035] In this embodiment, the graded blind spot warning is further linked to the vehicle speed signal. Specifically, the warning sensitivity is reduced when the vehicle speed is >10km / h (to avoid frequent false alarms), and increased when the vehicle speed is <5km / h (applicable to parking and starting scenarios). This adjustment of warning sensitivity is achieved by dynamically adjusting distance thresholds: when the vehicle speed is greater than 10km / h, the system increases both the first and second distance thresholds by a certain percentage (e.g., 20%). That is, the trigger distance for the first-level blind spot warning is adjusted from 3 meters to 3.6 meters, and the trigger distance range for the second-level blind spot warning is adjusted from 1-3 meters to 1.2-3.6 meters. The technical principle behind this adjustment mechanism is that when the vehicle is traveling at a higher speed, the relative speed of the target in the blind spot is faster. The system issuing a warning at a greater distance allows the driver more reaction time. Furthermore, since the detection accuracy and stability of the BSD sensor are relatively higher at high speeds, appropriately relaxing the trigger conditions will not significantly increase the false alarm rate. Conversely, when the vehicle speed is less than 5 km / h, the system lowers the first and second distance thresholds by a certain percentage (e.g., by 20%). This means the trigger distance for Level 1 blind spot alerts is adjusted from 3 meters to 2.4 meters, and the trigger distance range for Level 2 blind spot alerts is adjusted from 1-3 meters to 0.8-2.4 meters. The technical principle behind this adjustment mechanism is that in low-speed scenarios (such as parking, starting, and following other vehicles in congested traffic), the targets around the vehicle are dense and move slowly. The BSD sensor is prone to generating numerous false alarms due to the frequent appearance of close-range targets. Appropriately tightening the trigger conditions can effectively filter out irrelevant close-range targets, alerting only those that truly pose a threat, thereby significantly improving the accuracy of the alerts and the driver's trust.

[0036] The proactive warning extension module employs contextualized voice prompts instead of simple warning sounds. This is fundamentally due to the high complexity and diversity of commercial vehicle operating scenarios. While simple warning sounds (such as buzzers or beeps) can attract the driver's attention, they fail to convey specific hazard types and location information. Drivers require additional time and cognitive resources to determine the source and nature of the hazard after hearing the warning sound, which can lead to reaction delays in time-sensitive emergencies. Contextualized voice prompts, on the other hand, directly inform the driver of the type, location, and severity of the hazard, significantly reducing the driver's cognitive load and shortening the response time from perception to decision.

[0037] The audio control module uses a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). A DSP is a dedicated microprocessor or chip for high-speed, real-time execution of digital signal processing algorithms. It is used to receive multi-source audio signals from the AVAS module, the active warning extension module, and the in-vehicle infotainment system, as well as environmental noise information from the environmental noise detection module, and thereby process the audio signals accordingly. In this invention, the processing mainly includes two parts: collaborative management of multi-source audio signals and dynamic volume adjustment.

[0038] The collaborative management of the multi-source audio signals includes: When multiple audio signals are present simultaneously, they are processed according to a preset audio signal priority order. In this embodiment, the audio signal priority order includes: vehicle malfunction alarm > obstacle warning audio signal > reversing alert audio signal > turning alert audio signal > blind spot alert audio signal > low speed alert audio signal > infotainment audio signal. This priority order follows the basic principles of prioritizing life safety and urgency. Vehicle malfunction alarms involve the vehicle's own operational safety, such as braking system failures and steering system failures. If not handled promptly, they may lead to serious traffic accidents, therefore they are given the highest priority. Obstacle warnings involve the risk of collision between the vehicle and external obstacles (including pedestrians, vehicles, fixed obstacles, etc.), which is directly related to the life safety of road users, therefore they are given the second highest priority. Reversing alerts and turning alerts involve the surrounding safety of the vehicle during low-speed driving. Although the speed is low, the blind spots are large and pedestrian activity is dense, so the collision risk cannot be ignored. Blind spot alerts address the blind spot safety issues unique to commercial vehicles. Low speed alerts (AVAS) are a pedestrian protection function mandated by regulations. Infotainment audio signals do not involve security concerns and are only played when there are no higher-priority audio signals, therefore they are given the lowest priority.

[0039] The processing according to a preset audio signal priority order includes: playing high-priority audio signals first, while directly interrupting the playback of low-priority audio signals or reducing the playback volume of low-priority audio signals. The reduced playback volume of low-priority audio signals is n times the original volume and less than the playback volume of high-priority audio signals; n is a preset value and 0 < n < 1. In this embodiment, the value of n is set differently according to the type of different low-priority audio signals: for music audio signals, n is set to 0.3, that is, reduced to 30% of the original volume; for navigation voice audio signals, n is set to 0.5, that is, reduced to 50% of the original volume. This differentiated setting is based on the analysis of the characteristics of human hearing: music signals have strong continuity and rhythm, and even if the volume is significantly reduced, the continuity of its melody and rhythm can still be perceived, without affecting the user's auditory experience at low volumes; while navigation voice signals contain important semantic information, and if the volume is too low, key information (such as turning instructions, distance prompts, etc.) may be lost. Therefore, a relatively high volume (50%) is maintained to ensure that users can still obtain some navigation information during the warning sound playback.

[0040] If the volume reduction method is used, the specific operation is as follows: First, record the playback volume of the current low-priority audio signal. Then, within a preset time window (e.g., within 200ms), reduce its playback volume to a level significantly lower than the playback volume of the high-priority audio signal (e.g., 30% of the original volume). At this point, the high-priority and low-priority audio signals are played together, but the playback volume of the low-priority audio signal is much lower than that of the high-priority audio signal, ensuring that the high-priority audio signal dominates in human hearing, while the low-priority audio signal exists only as background noise and does not interfere with the clear transmission of the high-priority audio signal. Finally, after the high-priority audio signal finishes playing, smoothly restore the low-priority audio signal to its original volume within the preset time window.

[0041] For example, when music / navigation audio signals are playing, if the AVAS module triggers a low-speed prompt audio signal with higher priority, the following steps are taken: record the current music / navigation volume, reduce the music volume to 30% of the original volume and the navigation voice volume to 50% of the original volume within 200ms, and play the low-speed prompt audio signal at the target volume; after the low-speed prompt audio signal finishes playing, smoothly restore the music / navigation volume to the original volume within 500ms.

[0042] The multi-source audio signal collaborative management mechanism solves the interference problem caused by concurrent multi-source audio in traditional vehicle acoustic systems. In traditional vehicles, various warning sounds, alert sounds, and entertainment sounds are often independently controlled by different ECUs, lacking a unified priority arbitration and volume coordination mechanism. This leads to multiple sounds playing simultaneously in emergencies, making it impossible for the driver to distinguish which sound is more important, and they may even completely ignore all warning information due to excessive noise. This embodiment, through clear priority ranking and intelligent volume coordination strategy, ensures that only one (or a few) high-priority audio signals play at a clearly distinguishable volume at any given time, while low-priority audio signals exist or are paused in a non-interfering manner, fundamentally eliminating the risk of acoustic information overload.

[0043] For the audio control module, the dynamic volume adjustment includes dynamic volume adjustment based on ambient noise. This dynamic volume adjustment is based on ambient noise information input from the ambient noise detection module, adjusting the output volume of each audio signal in real time to ensure that warning and prompt sounds maintain sufficient clarity and intelligibility under different noise conditions. Specifically, it includes: When the ambient noise is less than or equal to the first noise threshold, the output volume is set to the first volume; when the first volume is greater than or equal to the first noise threshold, the output volume is set to the first volume. When the ambient noise is ≥ the second noise threshold, the output volume is set to the second volume; when the second volume is > the first volume and the second volume is > the second noise threshold. When the first noise threshold is less than the ambient noise threshold and less than the second noise threshold, the output volume is set to increase linearly within the range between the first and second volume levels.

[0044] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown: When the ambient noise is ≤40dB, the output volume is set to 45dB; When the ambient noise is 40-70dB, the output volume = 45 + (noise - 40) × 1.0 (linear increase); When the ambient noise is ≥70dB, the output volume should be set to 75dB.

[0045] The first noise threshold is set to 40dB, and the first volume level is set to 45dB; the second noise threshold is set to 70dB, and the second volume level is set to 75dB. That is, when the ambient noise is less than or equal to 40dB (corresponding to low-noise scenarios such as a quiet parking lot or a city road at night), the output volume is set to 45dB. This 45dB volume level is slightly higher than the ambient noise (5dB higher), ensuring the warning sound is clearly audible without causing unnecessary noise interference to the driver or the surrounding environment. When the ambient noise is greater than or equal to 70dB (corresponding to high-noise scenarios such as tunnels, construction sites, or highways), the output volume is set to 75dB. This 75dB volume level is significantly higher than high-noise environments (more than 5dB higher), ensuring that the warning sound still has sufficient sound pressure level to penetrate noise barriers and be clearly perceived by the target audience (driver or pedestrian) even in a strong noise environment. When the ambient noise level is between 40dB and 70dB, the output volume increases linearly within the range of 45dB to 75dB, with a slope set at 1.0dB / dB. The formula for calculating the output volume is: output volume = 45 + (noise level - 40) multiplied by 1.0. For example, when the ambient noise level is 55dB, the output volume equals 45 + (55 - 40) multiplied by 1.0, which is 60dB. This linear increase strategy ensures a smooth transition in volume with changes in noise, avoiding auditory discomfort caused by sudden volume changes. In practice, the output volume can be flexibly set according to the actual situation under various ambient noise conditions.

[0046] The dynamic volume adjustment mechanism in this embodiment senses environmental noise in real time and adaptively adjusts the output volume, enabling the system to maintain the clarity and intelligibility of the warning sound in all scenarios, from quiet parking lots to noisy construction sites, thus achieving the goal of intelligent volume management.

[0047] Furthermore, the audio control module in this embodiment introduces an asymmetric response mechanism optimized for commercial vehicles when dynamically adjusting volume based on ambient noise. The core feature of this asymmetric response mechanism is the asymmetric design of the volume increase response speed and the volume decrease response speed. Specifically: Noise rise response speed: The volume is increased within the first time window; for example, the volume is increased within 0.3 seconds (suitable for commercial vehicles to quickly enter high-noise areas such as tunnels and construction sites). Noise reduction response speed: The volume reduction is completed within the second time window; the first time window is smaller than the second time window; for example, the volume reduction is completed within 5 seconds (to avoid auditory discomfort caused by the volume immediately decreasing after the vehicle leaves the high-noise area); The ratio of the volume increase rate to the volume decrease rate is greater than or equal to a preset ratio a, where a is greater than 1, for example, a=10 in this embodiment.

[0048] The design principle of the asymmetric response mechanism optimized for commercial vehicles is as follows: Commercial vehicle cab noise changes rapidly (e.g., noise can change by more than 20dB within 1 second when entering or exiting a tunnel) and the range of these changes is large (30-40dB when switching between construction sites and urban roads), requiring a rapid increase in volume to ensure effective warning. Simultaneously, to avoid driver discomfort caused by frequent volume changes, the volume decrease rate is set to a slower 5 seconds, achieving the asymmetric response characteristic of rapid increase and slow decrease. Traditional passenger vehicle AVAS uses a symmetrical response (2 seconds increase / 2 seconds decrease), which has the following problems in commercial vehicle scenarios: slow volume increase (2 seconds) when entering a tunnel, resulting in insufficient warning effect; and rapid volume decrease (2 seconds) when exiting a tunnel, causing driver discomfort. However, the asymmetric response mechanism optimized for commercial vehicles used in this embodiment reduces warning response time by 70% and increases driver satisfaction by 35% in commercial vehicle scenarios.

[0049] The power amplifier is used to amplify the processed audio signal output from the audio control module so that the output power meets the rated requirements of the speaker.

[0050] The speaker module in this embodiment includes vehicle-mounted speakers and directional speakers. The vehicle-mounted speakers can reuse the vehicle's existing speakers, reducing costs. Commercial vehicles are typically equipped with multiple vehicle-mounted speakers (e.g., 4 or 6), distributed in locations such as doors, A-pillars, and the roof, for audio playback in the infotainment system. This embodiment reuses these existing speakers for the audio output of the acoustic warning system, avoiding the procurement costs, installation time, and wiring work of adding new speakers, thus minimizing the incremental hardware costs of the system. Furthermore, since the vehicle-mounted speakers have undergone acoustic optimization during the vehicle design phase, their frequency response characteristics, directivity, and installation positions have been carefully calibrated. Reusing these speakers ensures uniform distribution and good sound quality of warning and alert sounds within the cabin. In specific implementation, the audio control module outputs the processed audio signal to the vehicle-mounted speakers via a power amplifier. The vehicle-mounted speakers convert the electrical signal into an acoustic signal, radiating sound waves into the cabin, allowing the driver and passengers to clearly hear various warning and alert sounds.

[0051] A directional speaker is mounted on the right rear bumper of the vehicle and connected to a power amplifier. It emits ultrasonically modulated audio in a preset target direction to provide directional warnings. For example, when the BSD detects a target in the blind spot or the reversing radar detects a pedestrian behind, the audio control module activates the directional speaker to emit 40kHz ultrasonically modulated audio in the direction of the target in the blind spot (left or right), directing the warning sound towards the pedestrian. The effective pointing angle is ±15°, the propagation distance is 10 meters, and the warning sound is only audible to pedestrians in the target direction, reducing noise pollution to the surrounding environment. Daytime power consumption is <2W.

[0052] As an omnidirectional sound source, the vehicle's loudspeakers provide uniform acoustic output to the cabin, meeting the auditory needs of the driver and passengers. Directional loudspeakers, as directional sound sources, provide precisely focused acoustic output in specific directions outside the vehicle, meeting the need for directional warnings of specific targets outside the vehicle (such as pedestrians in blind spots). These two systems complement each other and work together to form a complete acoustic output system covering both inside and outside the vehicle, encompassing both omnidirectional and directional sound.

[0053] The system in this embodiment supports OTA remote updates of multilingual voice packs: the audio control module connects to the cloud voice pack server through TBOX, detects the current operating area (via GNSS positioning or information reported by TBOX), and automatically downloads the corresponding language pack; it supports 12 languages ​​including Mandarin Chinese, English, Russian, Arabic, Spanish, and French; the voice pack is transmitted using AES-128 encryption, and after integrity verification, it is written to the ivres partition (1024MB) of eMMC, and the update process does not affect the operation of AVAS basic functions.

[0054] This embodiment also provides a vehicle that includes a vehicle acoustic warning system according to the above description.

[0055] The present invention has been described above by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any non-substantial improvements made using the inventive concept and technical solution; or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution to other situations without modification, are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle acoustic warning system, characterized in that: The system includes an AVAS module, an active warning extension module, an environmental noise detection module, an audio control module, a power amplifier, a speaker module, and an in-vehicle infotainment system. The AVAS module is used to automatically trigger a low-speed warning audio signal based on the vehicle speed signal; The active warning extension module is used to automatically trigger contextualized voice prompt audio signals based on the current vehicle status, including vehicle fault warnings, obstacle warnings, reversing warnings, turning warnings, and blind spot warnings; The environmental noise detection module is used to collect environmental noise. In-vehicle infotainment systems are used to trigger infotainment audio signals based on user actions; The audio control module is used for the coordinated management of multi-source audio signals and dynamic volume adjustment; The power amplifier is used to amplify the audio signal processed by the audio control module and then send it to the speaker module for playback.

2. The vehicle acoustic warning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: For the AVAS module, when the vehicle speed is detected to be lower than a preset first vehicle speed threshold, a low speed warning audio signal is automatically triggered.

3. The vehicle acoustic warning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Regarding the active warning extension module, when a vehicle malfunction is detected, a vehicle malfunction warning audio signal is triggered; when an obstacle is detected in the direction of vehicle travel, an obstacle warning audio signal is triggered. When the gear is detected to be in reverse (R) and the vehicle speed is less than the preset second speed threshold, a reversing warning audio signal is triggered. When the turn signal is detected to be on and the vehicle speed is less than the preset third speed threshold, a turn prompt audio signal is triggered. When BSD detects a target in the blind spot and the vehicle speed is less than the preset fourth speed threshold, a blind spot warning audio signal is triggered.

4. A vehicle acoustic warning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the active warning extension module, the triggering of the blind spot warning audio signal adopts a graded blind spot warning mechanism based on the distance between the target and the vehicle within the blind spot, including: When the distance between a target and a vehicle in the blind spot exceeds the first distance threshold, a level one blind spot warning is triggered. When the distance between the target and the vehicle within the blind spot is less than or equal to the distance between the second distance threshold and the first distance threshold, a second-level blind spot warning is triggered. When the distance between the target in the blind spot and the vehicle is less than the second distance threshold, a level 3 blind spot warning is triggered.

5. A vehicle acoustic warning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The collaborative management of the multi-source audio signals includes: When multiple audio signals are present simultaneously, they are processed according to a preset audio signal priority order. High-priority audio signals are played first, while the playback of low-priority audio signals is interrupted or the playback volume of low-priority audio signals is reduced. The playback volume of low-priority audio signals after reduction is n times the original volume and less than the playback volume of high-priority audio signals; n is a preset value and 0 < n < 1.

6. A vehicle acoustic warning system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The priority order of the audio signals includes: vehicle fault alarm > obstacle warning audio signal > reversing prompt audio signal > turning prompt audio signal > blind spot prompt audio signal > low speed prompt audio signal > infotainment audio signal.

7. A vehicle acoustic warning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dynamic volume adjustment includes dynamic volume adjustment based on ambient noise, including: When the ambient noise is less than or equal to the first noise threshold, the output volume is set to the first volume; when the first volume is greater than or equal to the first noise threshold, the output volume is set to the first volume. When the ambient noise is ≥ the second noise threshold, the output volume is set to the second volume; when the second volume is > the first volume and the second volume is > the second noise threshold. When the first noise threshold is less than the ambient noise threshold and less than the second noise threshold, the output volume is set to increase linearly within the range between the first and second volume levels.

8. A vehicle acoustic warning system according to claim 7, characterized in that: When dynamically adjusting volume based on ambient noise, an asymmetric response mechanism optimized for commercial vehicles is also introduced: Noise rise response speed: The volume is increased within the first time window; Noise reduction response speed: Volume reduction is completed within the second time window; the first time window is smaller than the second time window; The ratio of the volume increase rate to the volume decrease rate is greater than or equal to the preset ratio a, where a is greater than 1.

9. A vehicle acoustic warning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The speaker module includes a directional speaker for emitting ultrasonic-modulated audio in a preset target direction.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that: The vehicle includes a vehicle acoustic warning system according to any one of claims 1-9.

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