Method and device for outputting, in particular for displaying, audio qualities of audio elements in a motor vehicle

Abstract

A method for outputting, in particular for displaying, audio qualities of audio elements in a motor vehicle, wherein a determination device (2) determines at least one parameter that is characteristic of the audio quality of an audio element being reproduced or being reproduced. According to the invention, an information output unit (4) takes this parameter into account and outputs at least one piece of information to a user, by means of which the audio quality in which the audio element is being reproduced and / or can be reproduced can be derived.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a device for outputting, in particular for displaying, the audio qualities of audio elements in a motor vehicle. Motor vehicles have a wide variety of devices for reproducing audio information, such as music. It is known that the quality of these audio outputs fluctuates considerably, with various causes being responsible for these fluctuations, such as the quality of the loudspeakers or amplifiers, but also the quality of the sound sources.

[0002] In general, sound in a vehicle is a very subjective experience, which often leads to users being unaware of the potential of their system or how limited its output quality is. A key factor here is the player or source for the sound system.

[0003] Platforms often have a feature that adjusts streaming quality. Bitrates are often hidden behind codec names. Ranking different players is very opaque in the current state of technology and can only be done manually or with expert knowledge.

[0004] Therefore, there is sometimes a lack of objective assessment of the audio quality of the player or sound source. If you want to verify this as a user, you have to do some research.

[0005] DE 10 2019 207 339 A1 discloses a method for playing music in a vehicle audio system. A controller may be provided in this system to determine whether metadata of the music file to be played matches metadata of a music file stored in a first storage device and having a sound quality that is better than the sound quality of the music file of a user device. Furthermore, the proposed method comprises pausing playback of the music file of the user device by the controller and playing the music file of the first storage device if the metadata of the music file to be played matches the metadata of the music file of the first storage device.

[0006] US 2003 / 0052772 A1 describes the provision of an indicator, such as a loudspeaker, which provides an audio signal to a user of an audio system in order to alert the user when the signal quality falls below a threshold of acceptability.

[0007] From US 2006 / 0136080 A1 an audio fidelity measuring device is known which has a scale for visually displaying the quality of an encoded digital audio file based on its extracted bit rate.

[0008] The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing users with improved options for assessing the sound quality of their system. This is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0009] In a method according to the invention for outputting and in particular for displaying audio qualities of audio elements in a motor vehicle, a determination device determines at least one parameter which is characteristic of an audio quality of an audio element to be reproduced or reproduced.

[0010] According to the invention, an information output unit, taking this parameter into account, outputs at least one piece of information to a user by means of which the audio quality by means of which the audio element is reproduced and / or can be reproduced can be derived.

[0011] It is therefore proposed that information about the reproduced audio quality be provided to the user in a simple and understandable manner, even without experience. An audio output of the information would also be conceivable, but a visual output or display of the information has proven more efficient.

[0012] In a preferred method, the invention or the tool described within the scope of the invention is presented as a (particularly easily understandable) quality indicator in a display device of the motor vehicle, for example, in the infotainment system and / or the HMI. The quality indicator is preferably based primarily on the audio sources used. A ranking of the sources and / or the codecs and bit rates used is preferably used.

[0013] The information output unit is preferably an (optical) display device, such as an infotainment system, which can also be configured as a central control unit (e.g., a touchscreen). Alternatively or additionally, the information could be output (to the vehicle user) via an (optical) display device, in particular an instrument cluster or a dashboard of the motor vehicle.

[0014] Without being an expert in audio technology, data rates, and audio quality, the end user can determine whether their audio source is of good quality. If it is poor, the customer can potentially use a different source, increase the data rate in their streaming service, or choose another enhancement. Such enhancements can be suggested to the user with priority.

[0015] Preferably, the user is also provided with information, for example, explaining why their source is rated poorly. Once the customer has improved their sound quality, they can fully enjoy their sound system and be more satisfied with the vehicle. Preferably, information about the audio quality can be provided again after such improvements.

[0016] In a preferred method, an audio source is determined and / or ascertained which provides the audio element and preferably the parameter is also ascertained taking this source into account.

[0017] Preferably, the audio source is selected from a group of audio sources which includes USB elements, Bluetooth audio sources or DAB (Digital Radio).

[0018] Preferably, a ranking of these sources is used, for example, assuming that certain audio sources per se have better sound quality than other audio sources.

[0019] In a further preferred method, the information is output visually by means of at least two different symbols, wherein these symbols are preferably designed in such a way that they allow the user to draw conclusions about the audio quality.

[0020] Different symbols can be used. For example, quality could be indicated by different colors (red, yellow, green), but also by different symbols such as a thumbs-up, thumbs-down, or thumbs-down, or by a different number of stars. Users can select the symbol they prefer.

[0021] As mentioned above, it would also be preferable to be able to output audio information.

[0022] Preferably, at least three different symbols are used to output the information.

[0023] In another preferred method, the information is output via a display device of the vehicle, such as an infotainment system and / or an instrument cluster, and / or a head-up display (HUD). This offers the advantage that these display devices are located in a frequently viewed field of vision of the driver while driving the vehicle, allowing the driver to quickly and regularly acquire the information.

[0024] In another preferred method, at least one transmission parameter characteristic of an audio transmission of the audio element is determined. The audio quality is preferably also influenced by several different transmission parameters.

[0025] Preferably, at least one parameter that is characteristic of the playback quality of the playback system is also taken into account, such as the frequency response of the loudspeakers, the manufacturer of the loudspeakers, or the manufacturer of the playback system. These parameters can also have a significant influence on the playback quality. For example, an individual piece of music may sound different when played back on a first audio system than when played back on a second audio system.

[0026] When displaying quality, user characteristics such as age, gender, use of a hearing aid, etc. can also be taken into account.

[0027] Particularly preferably, this transmission parameter is selected from a group of transmission parameters which includes a file format of the audio element, a streaming codec and a data rate.

[0028] Particularly preferably, several of these transmission parameters are used and particularly preferably all of the transmission parameters mentioned.

[0029] In another preferred method, the information is determined taking into account the transmission parameter. Preferably, the information is determined taking into account several of the transmission parameters, and particularly preferably taking into account all of the above-mentioned transmission parameters.

[0030] In a further advantageous method, the file format is selected from a group of file formats which includes WAV (WAVE), FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec), MP3, aptX (LL / Adaptive), LHDC LL, LDAC, aptX (HD), LC3, SBC or AAC.

[0031] In a further advantageous method, the streaming codec is selected from a group of streaming codecs which includes MQA, FLAC, ALAC, AAC, HE AAC V2 or LC AAC.

[0032] When assessing the quality of the audio source, both the file format and the streaming codec are preferably used.

[0033] Preferably, the file format is automatically detected. Preferably, the streaming codec is automatically detected.

[0034] In a preferred method, information can be provided to the user allowing them to improve the playback quality. It is possible to provide the user with a suggestion for improving the audio quality, and the user can then accept or reject this suggestion.

[0035] In another preferred method, the determined data rate is grouped into data rate range groups. These groups can be differentiated, for example, by low, medium, or high data rate. Preferably, at least two such groups are formed, particularly preferably at least three such groups.

[0036] Particularly preferably, the parameter characteristic of the sound quality is determined taking this range group into account.

[0037] For example, it would be possible for a data rate of less than 100 kbps to be classified into a first group, a data rate of 100-160 kbps as a medium data rate, a data rate of 160-320 kbps as a high data rate, and a data rate of more than 320 kbps as a very high or maximum data rate. This grouping can be configurable.

[0038] In a further preferred method, at least one element parameter characteristic of a quality of the audio element itself is determined.

[0039] This parameter is also preferably considered when assessing audio quality. For example, the age of a playback original recording can be taken into account, or whether it is a studio recording or a live recording. An audio recording format can also be considered.

[0040] For example, the user can choose which version of Beethoven's 9th Symphony he wants to hear or which live concert of a particular rock or pop group.

[0041] Preferably, this information is also displayed to the user. In addition, the user is preferably also shown which title is being played.

[0042] In a further preferred embodiment, a recognition function is provided that detects a playing title. This information can also be output to the user.

[0043] In another preferred method, at least one recommendation for improving the listening experience is given to the user, such as the recommendation to increase the bass.

[0044] The present invention is further directed to a device for outputting, preferably for displaying, audio qualities of audio elements in a motor vehicle, comprising a determination device which is suitable and intended to determine at least one parameter which is characteristic of an audio quality of an audio element to be reproduced or reproduced.

[0045] According to the invention, the device comprises an information output unit which is suitable and intended to output at least one item of information to a user, taking this parameter into account, by means of which the audio quality in which the audio element is reproduced and / or can be reproduced can be derived.

[0046] It is therefore also proposed on the device side that information about the audio quality of a title being played is or can be output to the user, which information is particularly easy to understand.

[0047] The present invention is further directed to a vehicle comprising a device for outputting audio qualities of audio elements of the type described above.

[0048] Preferably, the device is configured, suitable, and / or intended to carry out the method described above as well as all method steps already described above in connection with the method, individually or in combination with one another. Conversely, the method can be equipped with all features described in the context of the device, individually or in combination with one another.

[0049] The present invention is further directed to an arrangement comprising at least one device described above for a vehicle according to one embodiment, as well as a central computer for managing a central database according to one embodiment described above. Preferably, the device comprises a plurality of devices for different vehicles.

[0050] The present invention is further directed to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a device for a vehicle as described above, according to one embodiment. The vehicle can, in particular, be a (motorized) road vehicle.

[0051] A vehicle can be a motor vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle controlled by the driver himself (“driver only”), a semi-autonomous, autonomous (for example, autonomy level 3, 4 or 5 (of the SAE J3016 standard)) or self-driving motor vehicle. Autonomy level 5 refers to fully automated vehicles. The vehicle can also be a driverless transport system. The vehicle can be controlled by a driver or drive autonomously. In addition to a road vehicle, the vehicle can also be an air taxi, an aircraft and another means of transport or another type of vehicle, for example an aircraft, watercraft or rail vehicle.

[0052] The present invention is further directed to a computer program or computer program product comprising program means, in particular a program code, which represents or encodes at least some and preferably all of the method steps of the method according to the invention and preferably one of the described preferred embodiments, in particular the method steps which the determination device carries out, and is designed to be executed by a processor device.

[0053] The present invention is further directed to a data memory on which at least one embodiment of the computer program according to the invention or a preferred embodiment of the computer program is stored.

[0054] Further advantages and embodiments can be seen from the attached drawings: Showing: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a motor vehicle according to the invention; and Fig. 2 a schematic representation for displaying audio qualities

[0055] Fig. Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle with a device according to the invention. This device has a determination device 2 (shown schematically here) that is suitable and intended to determine at least one parameter that is characteristic of the audio quality of an audio element being reproduced or being reproduced. This parameter can, for example, be a parameter that is characteristic of an audio source.

[0056] The reference numeral 4 denotes a display device, such as an HMI, which is suitable for outputting at least one piece of information to a user by means of which the audio quality in which the audio element is reproduced and / or can be reproduced can be derived.

[0057] Fig.Figure 2 shows a diagram for determining and displaying the audio quality of reproduced information. Reference symbols A, B, C, and D refer to groups of parameters that can influence the audio quality.

[0058] Parameter group A refers to the audio source or connection. Reference symbols A1, A2, and A3 denote different audio sources, such as USB, Bluetooth, and digital radio.

[0059] Parameter group B identifies different file formats, with some of the file formats preferably being assigned to exactly one of the different audio sources.

[0060] Parameter group C identifies the streaming codec, whereby different streaming codecs are assigned to the different audio sources.

[0061] The parameter group D identifies different groups of data rates.

[0062] The audio quality is preferably evaluated taking into account at least one parameter from groups A-D, and preferably several of these parameters. The reference symbol E indicates the result of this assessment or rating. In the example shown, three different symbols E1, E2, and E3 are provided, which indicate the audio quality to the user.

[0063] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are novel, individually or in combination, over the prior art. It is further noted that the individual figures also describe features that may be advantageous in and of themselves. The skilled person will immediately recognize that a specific feature described in a figure may be advantageous even without adopting further features from that figure. Furthermore, the skilled person will recognize that advantages may also arise from a combination of several features shown in individual or different figures. List of reference symbols 1 motor vehicle 2 Investigation facility 4 Information output unit E1, E2, E3 Information E Result of the assessment, rating result A, B, C, D parameter groups A1, A2, A3 audio groups QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2019 207 339 A1

[0005] US 2003 / 0052772 A1

[0006] US 2006 / 0136080 A1

[0007]

Claims

[1] Method for outputting, in particular for displaying, audio qualities of audio elements in a motor vehicle (1), wherein a detection device (2) determines at least one parameter that is characteristic of an audio quality of an audio element to be reproduced or reproduced, characterized by , that an information output unit (4) takes into account this parameter, outputs at least one piece of information (E1, E2, E3) to a user by means of which the audio quality in which the audio element is reproduced and / or can be reproduced can be derived. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that an audio source (A1, A2, A3) is determined which provides the audio element and the parameter is also determined taking this source into account, wherein the audio source is preferably selected from a group of audio sources which includes USB elements; Bluetooth audio sources or DAB. [3] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the information is visually displayed using at least two different symbols (E1, E2, E3), these symbols (E1, E2, E3) are preferably designed in such a way that they allow the user to make a conclusion about the audio quality. [4] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the information (E1, E2, E3) is output via a display device and / or a head-up display (HUD). [5] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one transmission parameter characteristic of an audio transmission of the audio element is determined, wherein this transmission parameter is preferably selected from a group of transmission parameters which includes a file format of the audio element, a streaming codec and a data rate. [6] Procedure according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the information (E1, E2, E3) is determined taking into account the transmission parameter and / or at least one element parameter characteristic of a quality of the audio element itself is determined. [7] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims 5-6, characterized by , that the file format is selected from a group of file formats which includes WAV, FLAC, MP3, aptX (LL / Adaptive, LHDC LL, LDAC, aptX (HD), LC3, SBC or AAC and / or the streaming codec is selected from a group of streaming codecs which includes MQA, FLAC, ALAC, AAC, HE AAC V2 or LC AAC. [8] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims 5-7, characterized by , that the determined data rate is grouped into range groups of data rates and that the determination of the parameter is preferably carried out taking into account this range group. [9] Device for outputting, preferably for displaying, audio qualities of audio elements in a motor vehicle, comprising a detection device (2) which is suitable and intended to determine at least one parameter that is characteristic of an audio quality of an audio element to be reproduced or reproduced, characterized by that the device has an information output unit (4) which is suitable and intended to output at least one piece of information to a user, taking into account this parameter, by means of which the audio quality in which the audio element is reproduced and / or can be reproduced can be derived. [10] Vehicle comprising a device for outputting audio qualities of audio elements according to the preceding claim.

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