Active Acoustic Control (AAC) Apparatus, System, and Method

Abstract

For example, a controller of an active acoustic control (AAC) system may be configured to process input information, the input information including AAC configuration information corresponding to a configuration of AAC in a sound control zone, a plurality of noise inputs representing acoustic noise at a plurality of noise sensing locations, and a plurality of residual noise inputs representing acoustic residual noise at a plurality of residual noise sensing locations in the sound control zone. For example, the controller may determine a sound control pattern for controlling sound in the sound control zone based on the AAC configuration information, the plurality of noise inputs, and the plurality of residual noise inputs. For example, the controller may output the sound control pattern to a plurality of acoustic transducers.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] cross reference This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 216,123, entitled "Apparatus, System, and Method of Active Acoustic Control (AAC) in a Vehicle," filed June 29, 2021, which is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 225,891, entitled "Apparatus, System, and Method of Active Noise Control (ANC) based on Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Configuration," filed April 8, 2021, which is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 080,047, entitled "Apparatus, System, and Method of Active Noise Control (ANC) based on Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Configuration," filed October 26, 2020, which is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 080,047, entitled "Apparatus, System, and Method of Active Noise Control (ANC) based on Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Configuration," filed October 27, 2019. This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 926,510, entitled "ANC Based on Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Configuration," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The aspects described herein generally relate to active acoustic control (AAC). [Background technology]

[0003] Active noise control (ANC) is a technology that uses digitally generated noise to reduce unwanted noise. It is based on the principle of sound wave superposition. Generally, sound is a wave that travels through space. If we can create a second sound wave with the same amplitude but opposite phase as the first sound wave, we can completely cancel out the first sound wave.

[0004] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity of presentation. Furthermore, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or similar elements. The figures are as follows: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic block diagram of an active acoustic control (AAC) system, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic diagram of a deployment scheme of components of the AAC system of FIG. 1, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a controller, according to some exemplary aspects. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic block diagram of a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) prediction unit, according to some example aspects. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an implementation of components of a controller of an AAC system, according to some exemplary aspects. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a controller, according to some exemplary aspects. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle including an AAC system, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic flowchart of a method for AAC, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic block diagram of an article of manufacture, according to some exemplary aspects. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of some aspects. However, one skilled in the art will understand that some aspects may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, units and / or circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the discussion.

[0007] For example, discussions herein using terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating," "determining," "establishing," "analyzing," "checking," etc. may refer to operations and / or processes of a computer, computing platform, computing system, or other electronic computing device that manipulates and / or transforms data represented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities in the registers and / or memory of the computer into other data similarly represented as physical quantities in the registers and / or memory of the computer, or other information storage media capable of storing instructions for performing operations and / or processes.

[0008] As used herein, the terms "plurality" and "a plurality" include, for example, "multiple" or "two or more." For example, "a plurality of items" includes two or more items.

[0009] References to "one aspect," "an aspect," "exemplary aspect," "various aspects," etc. indicate that the aspect so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not all aspects necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, repeated use of the phrase "in one aspect" may, but does not necessarily, refer to the same aspect.

[0010] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the use of ordinal adjectives "first," "second," "third," etc. to describe a common object merely indicates that different instances of a similar object are being referred to and does not imply that the objects so described must be in a given order, whether temporally, spatially, ranked, or otherwise.

[0011] Some portions of the detailed descriptions which follow are presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits or binary digital signals within a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations may be techniques used by those skilled in the data processing arts to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art.

[0012] An algorithm is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of acts or operations leading to a desired result. This involves physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like. However, it should be understood that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities.

[0013] As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to, be a part of, or include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an integrated circuit, an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and / or memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinatorial logic circuit, and / or other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality. In some aspects, some functions associated with a circuit may be implemented by one or more software or firmware modules. In some aspects, a circuit may include logic that is at least partially operable in hardware.

[0014] The term "logic" may refer to, for example, computing logic embedded in the circuitry of a computing device and / or stored in memory of a computing device. For example, the logic may be accessible by a processor of the computing device to execute the computing logic to perform computing functions and / or operations. In one example, the logic may be embedded in various types of memory and / or firmware, such as, for example, various chips and / or silicon blocks of a processor. The logic may be included in and / or implemented as part of various circuits, such as, for example, radio circuits, receiver circuits, control circuits, transmitter circuits, transceiver circuits, processor circuits, etc. In one example, the logic may be embedded in volatile and / or non-volatile memory, including random access memory, read-only memory, programmable memory, magnetic memory, flash memory, persistent memory, etc. The logic may be executed by one or more processors, for example, using memory, e.g., registers, buffers, stacks, etc., coupled to the one or more processors as necessary to execute the logic.

[0015] Some example embodiments, as described below, include systems and methods that can be effectively implemented to control noise, e.g., noise in one or more frequency ranges, e.g., generally low, mid, and / or high frequencies, e.g., to reduce, reshape, and / or eliminate undesirable noise.

[0016] Some example embodiments may include active acoustic control (AAC) methods and / or systems configured to control and / or modify the acoustic energy and / or wave amplitude of one or more acoustic patterns generated by one or more acoustic sources, which may include known and / or unknown acoustic sources, for example, as described below.

[0017] In some example embodiments, the AAC system may be configured as and / or perform one or more functions of an active noise control (ANC) system and / or an active sound control (ASC) system, which may be configured to control, modify, reshape, reduce, and / or eliminate the noise energy and / or wave amplitude of one or more acoustic patterns (“primary patterns”) produced by one or more noise sources, which may include known and / or unknown noise sources, e.g., as described below.

[0018] In some example embodiments, the AAC system may be configured to generate acoustic control patterns (also referred to as "sound control patterns" or "secondary patterns") including, for example, disruptive noise patterns and / or any other sound control patterns, e.g., as described below.

[0019] In some example aspects, the AAC system may be configured to generate acoustic control patterns, e.g., based on one or more of the primary patterns, such that controlled sound zones, e.g., quiet zones, e.g., reduced noise zones, may be created by combinations of the secondary and primary patterns, e.g., as described below.

[0020] In some exemplary embodiments, the AAC system may generate a sound wave from a predefined location, area, or zone (e.g., a "sound control zone," "acoustic control zone," "noise control zone," "quiet zone," and / or "quiet bubble") without, e.g., without regard to and / or use of, a priori information regarding the primary pattern and / or one or more noise sources, e.g., as described below. TM The present invention may be configured to control, reduce, reshape, and / or eliminate noise within a signal path (also referred to as a "signal path").

[0021] For example, the AAC system may be configured to control, reduce, reshape, and / or eliminate noise within an acoustic control zone (sound control zone) independently of, regardless of, and / or without prior knowledge of, one or more of the noise sources and / or one or more attributes of the primary patterns, e.g., the number, type, location, and / or other attributes of one or more of the primary patterns and / or one or more of the noise sources, e.g., as described below.

[0022] For example, as described below, several exemplary embodiments are described herein with respect to AAC systems and / or methods configured to reshape, reduce, and / or eliminate noise energy and / or wave amplitude of one or more acoustic patterns within a quiet zone.

[0023] However, in other aspects, the AAC and / or sound control system and / or method may be configured to control in any other manner any other sound energy and / or wave amplitude of one or more sound patterns within a sound control zone (sound control zone), for example, to influence, change, and / or modify the sound energy and / or wave amplitude of one or more sound patterns within a predefined zone, for example, as described below.

[0024] In one example, an AAC system and / or method may be configured to selectively reshape, reduce, and / or eliminate the sound energy and / or wave amplitude of one or more types of sound patterns within a sound control zone (sound control zone), and / or to selectively increase and / or amplify the sound energy and / or wave amplitude of one or more other types of sound patterns within the sound control zone, and / or to selectively maintain and / or preserve the sound energy and / or wave amplitude of one or more other types of sound patterns within the sound control zone, e.g., as described below.

[0025] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC system may be configured to generate a sound control pattern, e.g., a personal sound control system ("Personal Sound Bubble (PSB)"), that may be based on at least one audio input, such that at least one personal sound zone may be created based on the at least one audio input, e.g., as described below. TM The present invention may be configured as and / or perform more of the functions of a sound control system, such as a sound control system (also referred to as a "system").

[0026] In some exemplary embodiments, the AAC system generates at least one PSB, e.g., based on speech heard by a user. TMIn one example, the PSB TM may be configured to include areas around the user's head and / or ears, for example, as described below.

[0027] In some exemplary embodiments, the AAC system may include a PSB TM The sound contrast control may be configured to control the sound contrast between one or more first sound patterns and one or more second sound patterns in the sound pattern control.

[0028] In some exemplary aspects, for example, an AAC system may be configured to control the sound contrast between one or more first sound patterns and one or more second sound patterns of speech heard by a user, e.g., as described below.

[0029] In some exemplary embodiments, for example, the AAC system may include, for example, a PSB TM Based on the audio heard in PSB TM based on acoustic signals that are reduced and / or eliminated, e.g., to selectively increase and / or amplify the sound energy and / or wave amplitude of one or more types of acoustic patterns within the PSB. TM and / or to selectively reshape, reduce, and / or eliminate sound energy and / or wave amplitude of one or more types of acoustic patterns within a PSB. TM The acoustic wave generating unit 100 may be configured to selectively maintain and / or preserve sound energy and / or wave amplitude of one or more other types of acoustic patterns within the acoustic wave generating unit 100.

[0030] In some exemplary embodiments, the AAC system may provide a PSB based on any other additional or alternative inputs or criteria. TM The device may be configured to control sounds within the device.

[0031] In some example embodiments, the AAC system may be configured to control, reshape, reduce, and / or eliminate the acoustic energy and / or wave amplitude of one or more of the primary patterns within the sound control zone.

[0032] In some example embodiments, the AAC system may be configured to control, reshape, reduce, and / or eliminate noise within a sound control zone in a selective and / or configurable manner, e.g., based on one or more predefined noise pattern attributes, such that, e.g., the noise energy, wave amplitude, phase, frequency, direction, and / or statistical characteristics of one or more first primary patterns may be affected by the secondary patterns, while the secondary patterns may have a reduced effect, or even no effect, on the noise energy, wave amplitude, phase, frequency, direction, and / or statistical characteristics of one or more second primary patterns, e.g., as described below.

[0033] In some example embodiments, the AAC system may be configured to control, reshape, reduce, and / or eliminate primary pattern acoustic energy and / or wave amplitude in a predefined envelope or enclosure surrounding and / or enclosing an acoustic control zone (sound control zone) and / or at one or more predefined locations within the acoustic control zone (sound control zone).

[0034] In one example, an acoustic control zone (sound control zone) may include a two-dimensional zone that defines an area where, for example, the acoustic energy and / or wave amplitude of one or more of the primary patterns is controlled, reshaped, reduced, and / or eliminated.

[0035] According to this example, the AAC system may be configured to control, reshape, reduce, and / or eliminate primary pattern sound energy and / or wave amplitude along a perimeter surrounding the sound control zone and / or at one or more predefined locations within the sound control zone.

[0036] In one example, an acoustic control zone (sound control zone) may include a three-dimensional zone that defines a volume within which, for example, the acoustic energy and / or wave amplitude of one or more of the primary patterns is controlled, reshaped, reduced, and / or eliminated. According to this example, the AAC system may be configured to control, reshape, reduce, and / or eliminate the acoustic energy and / or wave amplitude of the primary patterns on surfaces surrounding the three-dimensional volume.

[0037] In one example, the acoustic control zone (sound control zone) may include a spherical volume, and the AAC system may be configured to control, reshape, reduce and / or eliminate acoustic energy and / or wave amplitude of a primary pattern on the surface of the spherical volume.

[0038] In another example, the acoustic control zone (sound control zone) may include a cubic volume, and the AAC system may be configured to control, reshape, reduce and / or eliminate acoustic energy and / or wave amplitude of a primary pattern on the surface of the cubic volume.

[0039] In other aspects, the sound control zone may include any other suitable volume that may be defined, for example, based on one or more attributes of the location where the sound control zone is maintained.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 1, an AAC system 100 according to some exemplary embodiments is illustrated schematically.

[0041] 2, a deployment scheme 200 of components of an AAC system according to some example embodiments is generally illustrated. For example, the deployment scheme 200 may include a deployment of one or more elements of the AAC system 100 of FIG.

[0042] In some exemplary embodiments, the AAC system 100 may include an AAC system, an active noise canceling (ANC) system, an acoustic control system, a sound control system, a PSB system, etc., as described below. TM System, and / or Quiet Bubble TM It may include, operate as, and / or perform the functions of a system.

[0043] In some exemplary embodiments, the AAC system 100 may include a controller 102 (also referred to as an "AAC controller") configured to control sound within at least one AAC zone (also referred to as a "sound control zone" or "acoustic control zone") 110, for example, as described in more detail below.

[0044] In some example aspects, controller 102 may include or be implemented, partially or entirely, by circuitry and / or logic, such as, for example, one or more processors including circuitry and / or logic, and / or memory circuitry and / or logic. Additionally or alternatively, one or more functions of controller 102 may be implemented by logic that may be executed by a machine and / or one or more processors, for example, as described below.

[0045] In one example, the controller 102 may include at least one memory 198, for example, coupled to one or more processors, which may be configured to store, for example, at least a portion of the information processed by the one or more processors and / or circuits, for example, at least temporarily, and / or may be configured to store logic utilized by the processors and / or circuits.

[0046] In one example, at least some of the functionality of the controller 102 may be implemented by an integrated circuit, such as a chip, for example a system-on-chip (SoC).

[0047] In other aspects, the controller 102 may be implemented with any other logic and / or circuitry and / or according to any other architecture.

[0048] In some exemplary embodiments, the AAC zone 110 may include an enclosed space, for example, as described below.

[0049] In some exemplary embodiments, the enclosed space may include the cabin of a vehicle, such as, for example, an automobile, bus, and / or truck, as described below.

[0050] In some exemplary embodiments, the enclosed space may include any other cabin, such as, for example, an airplane cabin, a train cabin, a medical system cabin, a room area, or the like.

[0051] In other aspects, the enclosed space may include any other enclosed portion or area of ​​space.

[0052] In some exemplary embodiments, the sound control zone 110 may be located within a vehicle and the AAC system 100 may be deployed as part of the vehicle.

[0053] In some exemplary embodiments, the sound control zone 110 may comprise a three-dimensional (3D) zone. For example, the sound control zone 110 may comprise a spherical zone.

[0054] In another example, the sound control zone 110 may include any other 3D zone.

[0055] In some example embodiments, AAC system 100 may be configured to control sound and / or noise within zone 110 to provide an improved driving experience for the driver and / or one or more passengers of the vehicle, for example, by controlling sound and / or noise within zone 110 in a manner that provides, for example, an improved music, voice, speech, and / or sound experience in the vehicle, improved quality of telephone conversations, etc.

[0056] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 102 may include or be implemented with an input 191 that may be configured to receive input information 195, for example, as described below.

[0057] In some example embodiments, the AAC controller 102 may include a controller 193 configured to determine a sound control pattern for controlling sound within at least one sound control zone 110 within the vehicle, e.g., based on input information 195, e.g., as described below.

[0058] In some example embodiments, the input information 195 may include, for example, multiple noise inputs 104 from one or more acoustic sensors (also referred to as “primary sensors,” “noise sensors,” or “reference sensors”) 119 representing acoustic noise at multiple predefined noise sensing locations 105, e.g., as described below.

[0059] In some example embodiments, the AAC controller 102 may receive noise input 104 from one or more acoustic sensors 119, which may include one or more physical sensors, such as, for example, a microphone, an accelerometer, a tachometer, etc., located at one or more of the locations 105, and / or one or more virtual sensors configured to estimate acoustic noise at one or more of the locations 105, for example, as described below.

[0060] In some example embodiments, the noise input 104 may be based on monitoring information that may be sensed by one or more monitoring sensors, designated "M," such as, for example, a microphone, an accelerometer, a tachometer, etc., at one or more monitoring locations 103, for example, as described below.

[0061] In some example embodiments, noise inputs 104 may include noise inputs corresponding to virtual sensors at virtual sensor locations 105. For example, noise inputs corresponding to virtual sensors at virtual sensor locations 105 may be based on monitoring information sensed by one or more sensors at one or more monitoring locations 103, e.g., as described below.

[0062] In some example embodiments, the one or more monitoring locations 103 may include one or more locations that are different from the noise sensing location 105, for example, as described below.

[0063] In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2 , the monitoring locations 103 may include one or more monitoring locations 103 outside the sound control zone 110 and / or one or more monitoring locations 103 within the sound control zone 110.

[0064] In some exemplary embodiments, the input information 195 may include a plurality of residual noise inputs 106, e.g., from one or more residual noise acoustic sensors (also referred to as “error sensors,” or “secondary sensors”) 121, representing acoustic residual noise at a plurality of predefined residual noise sensing locations 107 located within the sound control zone 110, e.g., as described below.

[0065] In some example embodiments, the AAC controller 102 may receive residual noise input 106 from one or more acoustic sensors 121, which may include one or more physical sensors, such as, for example, a microphone, an accelerometer, a tachometer, etc., located at one or more of the locations 107, for example, as described below, and / or from one or more virtual sensors configured to estimate the residual noise at one or more of the locations 107.

[0066] In some example embodiments, the residual noise input 104 may include a residual noise input corresponding to a virtual sensor at a virtual sensor location 107. For example, the residual noise input corresponding to a virtual sensor at a virtual sensor location 107 may be based on monitoring information sensed by one or more sensors at one or more monitoring locations 103, e.g., as described below.

[0067] In some exemplary embodiments, the AAC system 100 may include at least one acoustic transducer 108, such as, for example, a speaker, a shaker, and / or any other actuator. For example, the AAC controller 102 may control the acoustic transducer 108 to generate acoustic sound control patterns configured to control sound within a sound control zone 110, e.g., as described in more detail below.

[0068] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one acoustic transducer 108 may include, for example, an array of one or more acoustic transducers, such as, for example, at least one suitable speaker, to generate a sound control pattern based on the sound control signal 109.

[0069] In some exemplary embodiments, at least one acoustic transducer 108 may be positioned at one or more locations that may be determined based on one or more attributes of the sound control zone 110, e.g., the size and / or shape of the zone 110, one or more expected attribute inputs 104, one or more expected attributes of one or more potential actual noise sources 202, e.g., the expected location and / or directionality of the noise source 202 relative to the sound control zone 110, the number of noise sources 202, etc.

[0070] In one example, the acoustic transducer 108 may include a speaker array or a multi-channel acoustic source including a predefined number of speakers, denoted as "M." In some exemplary embodiments, the acoustic transducer 108 may include an array of speakers implemented using suitable "miniature acoustic sources" placed in suitable locations, for example, outside the zone 110. In another example, the array of speakers may be implemented using multiple speakers distributed in space, for example, around the sound control zone 110.

[0071] In some exemplary embodiments, one or more of the locations 105 may be distributed at any combination of locations on and / or outside the spherical volume, such as, for example, one or more locations surrounding the spherical volume, as described below.

[0072] In some example embodiments, one or more locations 105 may be distributed outside of the sound control zone 110. For example, one or more of the locations 105 may be distributed on or near an envelope or enclosure surrounding the sound control zone 110.

[0073] For example, if the sound control zone 110 is defined by a spherical volume, one or more of the locations 105 may be distributed on the surface of the spherical volume and / or outside the spherical volume.

[0074] In some exemplary embodiments, the locations 107 may be distributed within the sound control zone 110, for example, near the envelope of the sound control zone 110.

[0075] For example, if the zone 110 is defined by a spherical volume, the locations 107 may be distributed on a sphere having a radius smaller than the radius of the sound control zone 110 .

[0076] In some exemplary embodiments, the AAC system 100 may include one or more first acoustic sensors (“primary sensors”) 119 for detecting acoustic noise at one or more of the plurality of noise sensing locations 105.

[0077] In some exemplary embodiments, the AAC system 100 may include one or more second acoustic sensors (“error sensors”) 121 for detecting acoustic residual noise at one or more of the plurality of residual noise sensing locations 107.

[0078] In some example embodiments, one or more of the error sensors and / or one or more of the primary sensors may be implemented using one or more "virtual sensors" ("virtual microphones"). The virtual microphones corresponding to particular microphone locations may be implemented by any suitable algorithm and / or method capable of evaluating the acoustic pattern that would have been sensed by an actual acoustic sensor located at the particular microphone location.

[0079] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to simulate and / or perform the function of a virtual microphone, for example, by estimating and / or evaluating the acoustic noise pattern at a particular location of the virtual microphone.

[0080] In some exemplary embodiments, an AAC system, such as AAC system 100 (FIG. 1), may include a first array 219 of one or more primary sensors, such as microphones, accelerometers, tachometers, etc., configured to sense a primary pattern at one or more of locations 105. For example, array 219 may include a plurality of acoustic sensors 119 (FIG. 1). For example, array 219 may include a microphone for outputting noise signal 104 (FIG. 1) including, for example, a sequence of N samples per second. For example, if the microphone operates at a sampling rate of approximately 48 KHz, N may be 48,000 samples per second. Noise signal 104 (FIG. 1) may include any other suitable signal having any other suitable sampling rate and / or any other suitable attributes.

[0081] In some exemplary embodiments, one or more of the sensors of array 219 may be implemented using one or more “virtual sensors.” For example, array 219 may be implemented by a combination of at least one microphone and at least one virtual microphone. A virtual microphone corresponding to a particular microphone location in location 105 may be implemented by any suitable algorithm and / or method capable of evaluating an acoustic pattern that would have been sensed by an acoustic sensor located at the particular microphone location, e.g., as part of controller 102 (FIG. 1) or any other element of system 100 (FIG. 1). For example, controller 102 (FIG. 1) may be configured to evaluate the acoustic pattern of the virtual microphone based on at least one actual acoustic pattern sensed by at least one microphone 119 (FIG. 1) of array 219.

[0082] In some example embodiments, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to simulate and / or perform the functions of a virtual primary sensor at the primary sensor location 105 based on monitoring information sensed by one or more monitoring sensors at one or more monitoring locations 103, for example.

[0083] In some exemplary embodiments, AAC system 100 (FIG. 1) may include a second array 221 of one or more error sensors, e.g., microphones, configured to sense acoustic residual noise at one or more of locations 107. For example, array 221 may include multiple acoustic sensors 121 (FIG. 1). For example, the error sensors may include one or more sensors for sensing acoustic residual noise patterns on a spherical surface within spherical sound control zone 110.

[0084] In some exemplary embodiments, one or more of the sensors of array 221 may be implemented using one or more “virtual sensors.” For example, array 221 may include a combination of at least one microphone and at least one virtual microphone. A virtual microphone corresponding to a particular microphone location in location 107 may be implemented, for example, as part of controller 102 (FIG. 1) or any other element of system 100 (FIG. 1), by any suitable algorithm and / or method capable of evaluating an acoustic pattern that would have been sensed by an acoustic sensor located at the particular microphone location. For example, controller 102 (FIG. 1) may be configured to evaluate the acoustic pattern of the virtual microphone based on at least one actual acoustic pattern sensed by at least one microphone 121 (FIG. 1) of array 221.

[0085] In some example embodiments, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to simulate and / or perform the function of a virtual primary sensor at the error sensor location 107 based on monitoring information sensed by one or more monitoring sensors at one or more monitoring locations 103, for example.

[0086] In some exemplary embodiments, the number, location and / or distribution of locations 103, 105 and / or 107, and / or the number, location and / or distribution of one or more acoustic sensors at one or more of locations 103, 105 and 107 may be determined based on the size of sound control zone 110 and / or the size of the envelope of sound control zone 110, the shape of sound control zone 110 or the shape of the envelope of sound control zone 110, one or more attributes of the acoustic sensors located at one or more of locations 103, 105 and / or 107, such as the sampling rate of the sensors, etc.

[0087] In one example, one or more acoustic sensors, such as microphones, accelerometers, tachometers, etc., may be deployed at locations 103, 105 and / or 107 according to the spatial sampling theorem, for example, as defined in Equation 1 below.

[0088] For example, the number of primary sensors, the distance between the primary sensors, the number of error sensors and / or the distance between the error sensors may be determined according to the spatial sampling theorem, for example, as defined in Equation 1 below.

[0089] In one example, the primary sensors and / or error sensors may be distributed, for example evenly or non-evenly, at a distance denoted as d from each other. For example, the distance d may be determined as follows:

number

[0090] For example, if the maximum frequency of interest is f max = 100[Hz], the distance d is

number

[0091] 2, the deployment scheme 200 is configured with respect to a circular or spherical sound control zone 110. For example, one or more locations 105 are distributed, e.g., substantially evenly, in a spherical or circular fashion around the sound control zone 110, and locations 107 are distributed, e.g., substantially evenly, in a spherical or circular fashion within the sound control zone 110.

[0092] However, in other embodiments, the components of AAC system 100 may be deployed according to any other deployment scheme, including, for example, any suitable distribution of locations 105 and / or 107 configured with respect to sound control zones of any other suitable form and / or shape.

[0093] In some exemplary embodiments, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine the sound control pattern to be reduced according to at least one noise parameter, such as, for example, energy, amplitude, phase, frequency, direction, and / or statistical characteristics within the sound control zone 110, as described in more detail below.

[0094] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC controller 102 may determine the sound control pattern to selectively reduce one or more predefined first noise patterns within the sound control zone 110 while not reducing one or more second noise patterns within the sound control zone 110, for example, as described below.

[0095] In some example embodiments, the sound control zone 110 may be located inside a vehicle, and the AAC controller 102 may determine a sound control pattern to selectively reduce one or more first noise patterns including, for example, a road noise pattern, a wind noise pattern, and / or an engine noise pattern, while not reducing one or more second noise patterns including, for example, an audio noise pattern of an audio device located inside the vehicle, a horn noise pattern, a siren noise pattern, a hazard noise pattern of a hazard, an alarm noise pattern of an alarm signal, a noise pattern of an announcement signal, etc.

[0096] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC controller 102 can determine the sound control pattern without information regarding, for example, the noise source attributes of one or more of the actual noise sources 202 that generate the acoustic noise at the noise sensing location 105.

[0097] For example, the noise source attributes may include the number of noise sources 202, the location of the noise sources 202, the type of noise sources 202, and / or one or more attributes of one or more noise patterns generated by one or more of the noise sources 202.

[0098] In some example embodiments, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine the sound control pattern while taking into account, for example, one or more factors, such as, for example, one or more acoustic transfer functions between elements of the AAC system 100, such as, for example, an acoustic transfer function between at least one acoustic transducer 108 and one or more residual noise sensors 121, and / or statistical characteristics of the noise to be processed by the AAC system 100, as described below.

[0099] In other aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine the sound control pattern based on any other additional or alternative factors, criteria, attributes, and / or parameters.

[0100] In some example aspects, an acoustic transfer function can represent and / or describe the acoustic medium through which sound waves pass. For example, the transfer function between a source point and a destination point can include a direct path, defined, for example, by a straight line connecting the source point and the destination point (if one exists), and / or one or more multipaths, such as indirect paths that include reflections from objects in the environment surrounding the source and destination points.

[0101] In some exemplary aspects, the statistical characteristics of the noise processed by the AAC system 100 may be based on the spectral distribution of the noise signal, e.g., how the energy of the noise signal is distributed across the relevant frequency range.

[0102] In some example embodiments, the acoustic transfer function in a vehicle environment may be sensitive to physical changes in the vehicle environment, such as, for example, the position and / or angle of the vehicle seats, the number of passengers in the vehicle, one or more opening and closing windows, and / or any other additional or alternative attributes of the vehicle environment.

[0103] In some example embodiments, the spectral distribution of noise signals in a vehicle environment may be sensitive to one or more factors including, for example, the road surface, the type of vehicle tires, the vehicle speed, the vehicle engine revolutions per minute (RPM), wind noise, the operation of the vehicle's air conditioning system, and / or one or more additional or alternative factors.

[0104] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to adapt the sound control pattern based on, for example, one or more changes in the transfer function and / or the spectral distribution of the noise, such as to adapt the operation of the AAC system 100 to new conditions.

[0105] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to adjust parameters of the AAC system 100, e.g., in real time and / or in a continuous manner, e.g., in a manner that may address one or more technical issues.

[0106] In one example, the continuous adaptation of the parameters of the AAC system 100 may be sensitive to sudden changes in the transfer function and / or the spectral distribution of the noise.

[0107] In another example, the continuous adaptation of the parameters of the AAC system 100 may be slower than the change itself, which may shorten the time for noise reduction to break down.

[0108] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 102 may include and / or be configured to perform the functions of a state machine that may receive inputs from one or more sources, such as, for example, an on-board computer, and / or from one or more detectors that may monitor one or more environmental conditions, e.g., as described below.

[0109] In one example, input from one or more sources may include information indicating, for example, vehicle seat positions, number of passengers, vehicle speed, engine speed, etc., as described below.

[0110] In another example, the input from one or more sources may include information indicating, for example, the temperature and / or pressure within the vehicle cabin.

[0111] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine the operating mode of the AAC system 100, for example, by programming the AAC system 100 with an appropriate set of parameters, for example, as described below.

[0112] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 102 can include and / or be configured to perform the functions of an AAC adapter. For example, the AAC adapter can receive a set of parameters from a state machine. For example, the AAC adapter can adapt, e.g., continuously adapt, the set of parameters based on one or more criteria to minimize residual noise measured by an array of error monitoring microphones 121, which may be positioned near the ears of the passengers on the seats or headrests, for example, as described below.

[0113] In some exemplary embodiments, for example as described below, the state machine is configured to handle changes in the acoustic transfer function, and the AAC adapter can be responsible for handling changes in the spectral distribution of the noise.

[0114] In some example aspects, the state machine can support adaptive AAC, for example, by leveraging its monitoring capabilities, e.g., an on-board computer and / or detectors of environmental conditions, to adjust the adaptive AAC, e.g., as described below.

[0115] In some example embodiments, input information 195 may include AAC information 129 (also referred to as “AAC support information,” “AAC assistance information,” or “AAC configuration information”) that may be received from one or more information sources 120, including, for example, one or more information sources in a vehicle, as described below.

[0116] In some example aspects, controller 193 may be configured to receive and process AAC information 129, eg, via input 191, eg, as described below.

[0117] In some example aspects, the controller 193 may be configured to determine the sound control signal 109 based on, for example, the AAC information 129 in addition to, for example, the noise input 104 and / or the residual noise input 106, for example, as described below.

[0118] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC information 129 may include information corresponding to the configuration of AAC within the sound control zone 110, for example, as described below.

[0119] In some example aspects, the AAC information 129 may include information on one or more parameters and / or attributes that affect the AAC configuration corresponding to the sound control zone 110, for example, as described below.

[0120] In some exemplary aspects, AAC assistance information 129 may include information that may be utilized by AAC controller 193, for example, to assist AAC controller 193 in configuring one or more AAC settings and / or AAC parameters, for example, as described below.

[0121] In some exemplary embodiments, the AAC support information 129 may include real-time input information that may be received from one or more information sources 120 in real time, for example, during operation of the AAC system 100, as described below.

[0122] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC configuration information 129 may include real-time information corresponding to the real-time acoustic configuration of the sound control zone 110, for example, as described below.

[0123] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC information 129 may include information that corresponds to, represents, and / or may affect one or more sound control parameters of the sound control settings of the sound control zone 110, for example, as described below.

[0124] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC information 129 may include sound configuration information corresponding to the sound configuration of the sound control zone 110, for example, as described below.

[0125] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC assistance information 129 may include acoustic configuration information, including, for example, information related to one or more parameters of the acoustic configuration of the sound control zone 110, for example, as described below.

[0126] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC information 129 may include acoustic configuration information, including, for example, information defining one or more parameters of the acoustic configuration of the sound control zone 110, for example, as described below.

[0127] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC information 129 may include acoustic configuration information, including, for example, information affecting one or more parameters of the acoustic configuration of the sound control zone 110, for example, as described below.

[0128] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC assistance information 129 may include acoustic configuration information, including, for example, information representing one or more parameters of the acoustic configuration of the sound control zone 110, for example, as described below.

[0129] In some example aspects, the AAC assistance information 129 may include information corresponding to AAC configurations that affect the sound control zones 110 implemented in the vehicle, for example, as described below.

[0130] In some exemplary aspects, AAC assistance information 129 may include vehicle system configuration information corresponding to the configuration of operational modes of one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle, including sound control zone 110, for example, as described below.

[0131] In some example aspects, AAC assistance information 129 may include vehicle sensor information from one or more vehicle sensors of a vehicle that includes a sound control zone, for example, as described below.

[0132] In some example aspects, the AAC assistance information 129 may include vehicle speed information corresponding to the speed of a vehicle including the sound control zone 110, for example, as described below.

[0133] In some exemplary embodiments, the AAC assistance information 129 may include engine information corresponding to the engine of the vehicle that includes the sound control zone 110, for example, as described below.

[0134] In some example embodiments, AAC assistance information 129 may include brake system information corresponding to a brake system of a vehicle that includes sound control zone 110, for example, as described below.

[0135] In some exemplary aspects, AAC assistance information 129 may include road detection information from a road detection system of a vehicle that includes sound control zone 110, for example, as described below.

[0136] In some exemplary aspects, AAC assistance information 129 may include steering information corresponding to a steering system of a vehicle that includes sound control zone 110, for example, as described below.

[0137] In some example embodiments, AAC assistance information 129 may include tire information corresponding to one or more tires of a vehicle that includes sound control zone 110, for example, as described below.

[0138] In some example aspects, AAC assistance information 129 may include seat position information corresponding to one or more seats in a vehicle that includes sound control zone 110, for example, as described below.

[0139] In some example embodiments, AAC assistance information 129 may include passenger information corresponding to one or more passengers of a vehicle that includes sound control zone 110, for example, as described below.

[0140] In some example aspects, the AAC assistance information 129 may include opening status information corresponding to the status of openings in the vehicle that include the sound control zone 110, for example, as described below.

[0141] In some exemplary aspects, AAC assistance information 129 may include audio system information corresponding to a vehicle's audio system that includes sound control zone 110, for example, as described below.

[0142] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC assistance information 129 may include climate information corresponding to at least one of the climate within the sound control zone 110 or the climate outside the sound control zone 110, for example, as described below.

[0143] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC assistance information 129 may include user position information corresponding to the position of the user's head or at least one of the ears within the sound control zone 110, for example, as described below.

[0144] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC support information 129 may include user identification information corresponding to the user's identification, for example, to control user preferences regarding the sound control zones 110, as described below.

[0145] In one example, the AAC assistance information 129 may include user identification information corresponding to the identification of a user of the sound control zone 110. For example, the AAC assistance information 129 may include user identification information corresponding to the identification of a driver of a vehicle, for example, to control user preferences related to a sound control zone 110 implemented with respect to the driver's seat of the vehicle.

[0146] In another example, AAC assistance information 129 may include user identification information corresponding to the identification of a user for controlling user preferences regarding sound control zones 110 that may be used by another user. For example, AAC assistance information 129 may include user identification information corresponding to the identification of a driver of a vehicle for controlling user preferences regarding sound control zones 110 implemented with respect to one or more passenger seats of the vehicle.

[0147] In some exemplary embodiments, the AAC support information 129 may include acoustic configuration information, including, for example, any other additional or alternative information, that may relate to the acoustic configuration of the sound control zone 110, for example, as described below.

[0148] In some example embodiments, input 191 may be configured to receive AAC information 129 via a communication bus of a vehicle that includes sound control zone 110, for example, as described below.

[0149] In some example embodiments, input 191 may be configured to receive AAC assistance information 129 via CAN bus information received via a vehicle's Controller Area Network (CAN) bus.

[0150] In some example aspects, input 191 may be configured to receive AAC assistance information 129 via A to B (A2B) bus information received via a vehicle's A2B bus.

[0151] In some example aspects, input 191 may be configured to receive AAC support information 129 via MOST bus information received via a Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) bus of the vehicle.

[0152] In some example aspects, input 191 may be configured to receive AAC assistance information 129 via wireless communication information received via a wireless communication link.

[0153] In some example aspects, input 191 may be configured to receive AAC assistance information 129 via Ethernet bus information received via the vehicle's Ethernet bus.

[0154] In other aspects, input 191 may be configured to receive AAC information 129 via any other wired link or connection, wireless link or connection, and / or any other communication mechanism, connection, link, bus, and / or interface.

[0155] In some exemplary aspects, AAC information 129 may include sensor information from one or more sensors, e.g., as described below. For example, information source 120 may include one or more sensors, e.g., as described below.

[0156] In some exemplary embodiments, AAC assistance information 129 may include sensor information from one or more acoustic sensors, e.g., as described below. For example, information source 120 may include one or more acoustic sensors, e.g., as described below.

[0157] In some example embodiments, information source 120 may include one or more acoustic sensors that may be different from and / or unrelated to monitoring sensors, noise acoustic sensor 119, and / or residual noise acoustic sensor 121 at monitoring location 103, for example, as described below.

[0158] In some example embodiments, information source 120 may include one or more acoustic sensors that may be included as part of, and / or utilize one or more functions of, monitoring sensors, noise acoustic sensor 119 and / or residual noise acoustic sensor 121, at monitoring location 103, for example, as described below.

[0159] In some example embodiments, AAC information 129 may be based in part or in whole on acoustic information from one or more of noise acoustic sensor 104 and / or residual noise acoustic sensor 121, for example, as described below.

[0160] In some exemplary embodiments, the information source 120 may include one or more environmental sensors that may be configured to sense one or more parameters and / or attributes of the environment of the sound control zone 110, for example, as described below.

[0161] In some exemplary embodiments, for example, the environmental sensors may include acoustic sensors, image sensors, optical sensors, light sensors, temperature sensors, accelerometers, pressure sensors, humidity sensors, and / or any other type of sensor.

[0162] In some example embodiments, AAC information 129 may include sensor information from one or more optical and / or image sensors, e.g., as described below. For example, information source 120 may include one or more optical and / or image sensors, e.g., cameras, e.g., as described below.

[0163] In some example embodiments, the AAC information 129 may include any other sensor information from any other additional or alternative sensors.

[0164] In some example aspects, information source 120 may include one or more state information sources that may be configured to provide AAC information 129 corresponding to the state of one or more factors and / or settings that affect the AAC configuration, for example, as described below.

[0165] In some example aspects, AAC information 129 may include vehicle system configuration information corresponding to the configuration of operation of one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle, for example, as described below.

[0166] In some example aspects, AAC information 129 may include vehicle system configuration information from one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle, e.g., as described below. For example, information source 120 may include one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle and / or a system controller of the vehicle, e.g., as described below.

[0167] In some example aspects, AAC information 129 may include vehicle sensor information, which may be received from one or more sensors of a vehicle system of the vehicle, for example, as described below.

[0168] In some example aspects, the AAC information 129 may include vehicle speed information corresponding to the speed of the vehicle, for example, as described below.

[0169] In some example aspects, the AAC information 129 may include engine information corresponding to the vehicle's engine, for example, as described below.

[0170] For example, AAC information 129 may include revolutions per minute (RPM) information corresponding to the RPM of the vehicle's engine, eg, as described below.

[0171] In some example embodiments, AAC information 129 may include brake system information corresponding to the vehicle's brake system, for example, as described below.

[0172] For example, AAC information 129 may include brake system information indicating the operating status of a main brake system, an emergency brake system, and / or an anti-lock brake system (ABS), and / or any other brake system, for example, as described below.

[0173] In some example aspects, AAC information 129 may include road detection information corresponding to a vehicle's road detection system, for example, as described below.

[0174] For example, the AAC information 129 may include road detection information indicating road type, such as smooth road, bumpy road, rough road, highway, paved road, unpaved road, gravel road, etc., as described below.

[0175] In some example aspects, the AAC information 129 may include steering information corresponding to a vehicle's steering system, for example, as described below.

[0176] For example, the AAC information 129 may include steering wheel information indicating the angle of the vehicle's steering wheel, eg, as described below.

[0177] In some example embodiments, the AAC information 129 may include tire information corresponding to the vehicle's tire system, for example, as described below.

[0178] For example, AAC information 129 may include tire pressure information indicating the air pressure of one or more tires of the vehicle, and / or tire type information indicating the type and / or size of one or more tires of the vehicle, e.g., as described below.

[0179] In some example aspects, AAC information 129 may include seat position information corresponding to one or more seat positions within a vehicle, for example, as described below.

[0180] For example, AAC information 129 may include seat position information corresponding to the location of a driver's seat and / or the location of one or more passenger seats within a vehicle, eg, as described below.

[0181] In some example aspects, AAC information 129 may include passenger information corresponding to one or more passengers in a vehicle, for example, as described below.

[0182] For example, AAC information 129 may include passenger information indicating the number, position, location, size, and / or measurements of one or more passengers in a vehicle, for example, as described below.

[0183] In some example aspects, the AAC information 129 may include opening status information corresponding to one or more openings in the vehicle, for example, as described below.

[0184] In some example aspects, the AAC information 129 may include window / roof information corresponding to the windows, doors, trunk, and / or roof of the vehicle, for example, as described below.

[0185] For example, the AAC information 129 may include window information indicating the fully open position, partially open position, how open the window is (e.g., window aperture ratio), or closed position of one or more windows, door information indicating an open or closed door, and / or roof information indicating the type of roof, e.g., metal roof or panoramic roof, the position of the roof, e.g., the open position, partially open position, how open the roof is (e.g., roof aperture ratio), or the closed position of the roof of the vehicle.

[0186] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC information 129 may include audio system information corresponding to the vehicle's audio system, for example, as described below.

[0187] For example, the AAC information 129 may include audio system information indicating one or more audio parameters of operation of the audio system, such as audio levels, audio inputs, equalizer settings, music levels, etc., as described below, for example.

[0188] In some example aspects, AAC information 129 may include climate information corresponding to the climate within the vehicle and / or the climate outside the vehicle, for example, as described below.

[0189] For example, the AAC information 129 may include temperature information corresponding to the temperature inside the vehicle and / or the temperature outside the vehicle, eg, as described below.

[0190] For example, the AAC information 129 may include humidity information corresponding to humidity inside the vehicle and / or humidity outside the vehicle, eg, as described below.

[0191] For example, AAC information 129 may include precipitation information corresponding to rain, snow, and / or ice conditions outside the vehicle, eg, as described below.

[0192] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC information 129 may include any other additional or alternative information.

[0193] In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 193 may be configured to determine a sound control pattern for controlling sound within the sound control zone 110 based on, for example, the AAC information 129, the plurality of noise inputs 104, and the plurality of residual noise inputs 106, for example, as described below.

[0194] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 102 may include an output 197 for outputting sound control patterns to a plurality of acoustic transducers. For example, the output 197 may be configured to output the sound control patterns in the form of sound control signals 109 to control the acoustic transducers 108, e.g., as described below.

[0195] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine a sound control pattern for the sound control signal 109 by determining AAC parameter settings based on the AAC configuration information 129 and applying the AAC parameter settings to at least one of the plurality of noise inputs 104 and / or the plurality of residual noise inputs 106, for example, as described below.

[0196] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to, for example, dynamically adapt, adapt offline, and / or adapt AAC parameter settings in real time, for example, based on changes in the AAC configuration information 129, for example, as described below.

[0197] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine a prediction filter setting for at least one prediction filter based on, for example, the AAC configuration information 129, and to determine a sound control pattern based on, for example, the prediction filter setting, e.g., as described below.

[0198] In some example aspects, the predictive filter settings may include a predictive filter weight vector that is applied by the predictive filter to determine, for example, a sound control pattern of the sound control signal 109 based on, for example, at least one of the plurality of noise inputs 104 and / or the plurality of residual noise inputs 106, as described below.

[0199] In some example aspects, the prediction filter settings may include an update rate parameter for updating the prediction filter weight vector, eg, as described below.

[0200] In other aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine any other additional or alternative prediction filter settings based on, for example, the AAC configuration information 129.

[0201] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine path transfer function settings for one or more path transfer functions based on, for example, the AAC configuration information 129, and to apply the path transfer function settings to determine a sound control pattern for the sound control signal 109 based on at least one of the plurality of noise inputs 104 and / or the plurality of residual noise inputs 106, e.g., as described below.

[0202] In some exemplary embodiments, the path transfer function setting may include setting a path transfer function between the acoustic transducer 108 and the noise sensing location 105, for example, as described below.

[0203] In some exemplary embodiments, the path transfer function setting may include setting a path transfer function between the acoustic transducer 108 and the residual noise sensing location 107, for example, as described below.

[0204] In some example embodiments, the path transfer function setting may include setting a path transfer function between the acoustic transducer 108 and the monitoring location 103. For example, at least one of the one or more residual noise inputs 106 may be based on a monitoring input sensed at the monitoring location 103, for example.

[0205] For example, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine the setting of a path transfer function between the acoustic transducer 108 and the monitoring location 103 of the monitoring sensor that is used to determine the residual noise input 106 .

[0206] For example, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine a sound control pattern for controlling sound within the sound control zone 110 based on, for example, a setting of a path transfer function between the acoustic transducer 108 and the monitoring location 103 of the monitoring sensor.

[0207] In one example, the monitoring location 103 of the monitoring sensor used to determine the residual noise input 106 may be within a sound control zone 110 .

[0208] In another example, the monitoring location 103 of the monitoring sensor used to determine the residual noise input 106 may be outside the sound control zone 110 .

[0209] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine the noise extraction function based on, for example, AAC configuration information, eg, as described below.

[0210] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine one or more extracted acoustic patterns, e.g., by applying a noise extraction function to at least one of the plurality of noise inputs 104 and / or the plurality of residual noise inputs 106, e.g., as described below, and to determine a sound control pattern for the sound control signal 109, e.g., based on the one or more extracted acoustic patterns.

[0211] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine a sound control profile based on the AAC configuration information 129 and to determine a sound control pattern based on the sound control profile, for example, as described below.

[0212] In some exemplary aspects, for example, as described below, the sound control profile may include settings of one or more sound control parameters, and the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine a sound control pattern for the sound control signal 109 based on, for example, the settings of the one or more sound control parameters in accordance with the sound control profile.

[0213] In some exemplary aspects, memory 198 may be configured, for example, by controller 193, to store multiple sound control profiles corresponding to multiple sound control configurations, for example, as described below.

[0214] In some exemplary aspects, the controller 193 may be configured to select and retrieve a selected sound control profile from a plurality of sound control profiles in the memory 198 based on, for example, the AAC configuration information 129, e.g., as described below.

[0215] In some example aspects, the controller 193 may be configured to determine a sound control pattern for the sound control signal 109 based on, for example, a selected sound control profile, for example, as described below.

[0216] In some example aspects, the plurality of sound control profiles may include one or more user-based profiles corresponding to one or more users, for example, as described below.

[0217] In some exemplary aspects, a user-based profile corresponding to a user may include settings for one or more sound control parameters based on the user's preferences, for example, as described below.

[0218] In some exemplary embodiments, a user-based profile may correspond to a user and control the user's preferences regarding sound control zones 110, for example, as described below.

[0219] As an example, a user-based profile may correspond to a user of a sound control zone 110. For example, a user-based profile for a vehicle driver may include settings for one or more sound control parameters based on the driver's preferences for, for example, a sound control zone 110 implemented for the driver's seat of the vehicle.

[0220] In another example, a user-based profile may correspond to a first user, which may be used by a second user, to control the user's preferences for sound control zones 110. For example, a user-based profile for a vehicle driver may include settings for one or more sound control parameters based on the driver's preferences for sound control zones 110 implemented for one or more passenger seats in the vehicle.

[0221] In some example aspects, AAC configuration information 129 may include, for example, user identification information corresponding to an identification of a user. For example, controller 193 may be configured to select and retrieve a selected sound control profile from a plurality of sound control profiles in memory 198 based on, for example, the user identification information in AAC configuration information 129.

[0222] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to selectively mute the sound control patterns of the sound control signal 109 based on, for example, the AAC configuration information 129, for example, as described below.

[0223] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to adjust the level of the sound control pattern of the sound control signal 109 based on, for example, the AAC configuration information 129, for example, as described below.

[0224] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to freeze the adaptation of the sound control pattern of the sound control signal 109 based on, for example, the AAC configuration information 129, for example, as described below.

[0225] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine a setting for at least one AAC parameter, e.g., based on the AAC information 129, and to determine a sound control pattern for the sound control signal 109, e.g., based on the AAC parameter setting, e.g., as described below.

[0226] In some exemplary embodiments, the AAC parameter settings may include predictive filter settings, path transfer function settings, adaptive AAC parameter settings, extractor settings for extracting multiple raw reference acoustic patterns (also referred to as "acoustic pattern extractor"), and / or any other parameter settings that may be utilized to determine, generate, update, configure, and / or adapt sound control patterns for controlling the acoustic transducer 108, for example, as described below.

[0227] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine a prediction filter setting for at least one prediction filter based on the AAC information 129, e.g., as described below, and to determine a sound control pattern for the sound control signal 109, e.g., based on the prediction filter setting.

[0228] In some example aspects, the predictive filter settings may include a predictive filter weight vector that is applied by the predictive filter to determine a sound control pattern based on the plurality of noise inputs 104 and the plurality of residual noise inputs 106, e.g., as described below.

[0229] In some example aspects, the prediction filter settings may include an update rate parameter for updating the prediction filter weight vector, eg, as described below.

[0230] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine path transfer function settings for one or more path transfer functions based on the AAC information 129, e.g., as described below, and to apply the path transfer function settings to determine a sound control pattern for the sound control signal 109, e.g., based on the plurality of noise inputs 104 and the plurality of residual noise inputs 106.

[0231] In some example embodiments, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine a path transfer function setting for a path transfer function between the acoustic transducer 108 and the noise sensing location 105, for example, as described below.

[0232] In some example embodiments, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine a path transfer function setting for a path transfer function between the acoustic transducer 108 and the residual noise sensing location 107, for example, as described below.

[0233] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to extract a plurality of statistically independent original reference acoustic patterns from a plurality of noise inputs 104 and / or to extract a plurality of statistically independent original residual noise acoustic patterns from a residual noise input 106.

[0234] For example, the controller 193 may include an extractor (also called an "acoustic pattern extractor" or "feature extractor") for extracting a plurality of original reference acoustic patterns and / or a plurality of original residual noise acoustic patterns.

[0235] As used herein, the phrase "raw acoustic patterns" may refer to multiple acoustic patterns that are independent with respect to at least one feature and / or attribute, such as energy, amplitude, phase, frequency, direction, one or more statistical signal characteristics, etc.

[0236] In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 193 may extract multiple raw reference acoustic patterns by applying a predefined reference noise extraction function to multiple reference noise inputs 104 .

[0237] In some example aspects, elemental acoustic pattern extraction may be used to model the primary pattern of the input 104 as a combination of, for example, a predefined number of elemental acoustic patterns corresponding to a respective number of elemental modeled acoustic sources.

[0238] In one example, one or more expected noise patterns expected to affect sound control zone 110 may be expected to be generated by one or more of road noise, wind noise, engine noise, etc. Accordingly, controller 193 may be configured to select one or more reference sound patterns based on one or more attributes of the road noise pattern, the wind noise pattern, the engine noise pattern, and / or any other noise pattern.

[0239] In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 193 may extract multiple raw residual noise acoustic patterns by applying a predefined residual noise extraction function to the multiple residual noise inputs 106 .

[0240] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine acoustic pattern extractor settings for the acoustic pattern extractor based on the AAC information 129, e.g., as described below, and to determine a sound control pattern for the sound control signal 109, e.g., based on the acoustic pattern extractor settings.

[0241] In some example aspects, the acoustic pattern extractor settings may include one or more acoustic pattern extractor coefficients that are applied by the acoustic pattern extractor to determine a plurality of elemental reference acoustic patterns and / or a plurality of elemental residual noise acoustic patterns, e.g., as described below.

[0242] In some example aspects, the acoustic pattern extractor settings may include an update rate parameter for updating one or more coefficients of the acoustic pattern extractor, for example, as described below.

[0243] In some exemplary aspects, the controller 193 may be configured to determine, update, and / or adjust, e.g., in real time, the setting of at least one acoustic pattern extractor parameter based on the AAC information 129, e.g., as described below, and to determine a sound control pattern for the sound control signal 109 based on, e.g., the acoustic pattern extractor parameter setting.

[0244] In some example aspects, the acoustic pattern extractor parameter settings may include settings for one or more coefficients, one or more weighting parameters, one or more update rate parameters, one or more adaptation parameters, and / or any other parameters that may be utilized by the acoustic pattern extractor in extracting the plurality of raw reference acoustic patterns and / or the plurality of raw residual noise acoustic patterns.

[0245] In some example embodiments, the AAC information 129 may include passenger tracking information to indicate the position of the passenger's head and / or ears.

[0246] For example, the information source 120 may include a camera, an image sensor, an optical sensor, and / or any other sensor that may be configured to track the position of the passenger's head and / or ears. For example, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine and / or adapt one or more AAC parameters, such as, for example, prediction filter settings, path transfer function settings, AAC adaptation parameter settings, and / or acoustic pattern extractor settings, based on, for example, the passenger tracking information.

[0247] In one example, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to set and / or dynamically adapt one or more AAC parameters, such as, for example, predictive filter settings, path transfer function settings, AAC adaptation parameter settings, and / or acoustic pattern extractor settings, e.g., in real time, based on changes in the position of the passenger's head and / or ears within the sound control zone 110.

[0248] In one example, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to set and / or dynamically adapt, e.g., in real time, a path transfer function setting of the path transfer between the acoustic transducer 108 and one or more residual noise sensing locations 107 based on changes in the position of the passenger's head and / or ear within the sound control zone 110.

[0249] In some example aspects, AAC information 129 may include seat position information corresponding to the location of one or more seats within a vehicle. For example, AAC information 129 may include seat position information corresponding to the location of a driver's seat and / or the location of one or more passenger seats within a vehicle.

[0250] In one example, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to set and / or dynamically adapt one or more AAC parameters, such as, for example, prediction filter settings, path transfer function settings, AAC adaptation parameter settings, and / or acoustic pattern extractor settings, e.g., in real time, based on, for example, seat position information.

[0251] In one example, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to set and / or dynamically adapt, e.g., in real time, a path transfer function setting of a path transfer between the acoustic transducer 108 and one or more residual noise sensing locations 107 based on, e.g., changes in the seat position of the driver and / or passengers.

[0252] In some example aspects, AAC information 129 may include passenger information corresponding to one or more passengers in the vehicle. For example, AAC information 129 may include passenger information indicating the number, position, location, size, and / or measurements of one or more passengers in the vehicle.

[0253] In one example, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to set and / or dynamically adapt one or more AAC parameters, such as, for example, a prediction filter setting, a path transfer function setting, an AAC adaptation parameter setting, and / or an acoustic pattern extractor setting, e.g., in real time, based on, for example, passenger information.

[0254] In one example, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to set and / or dynamically adapt, e.g., in real time, path transfer function settings for path transfers between the acoustic transducer 108 and one or more residual noise sensing locations 107, path transfer function settings for path transfers between the acoustic transducer 108 and one or more noise sensing locations 105, acoustic pattern extractor settings, and / or predictive filter settings based on, e.g., the number, position, location, size, and / or measurements of one or more passengers in the vehicle.

[0255] In some example aspects, the AAC information 129 may include climate information corresponding to the climate within the vehicle.

[0256] In one example, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to set and / or dynamically adapt one or more AAC parameters, such as, for example, predictive filter settings, path transfer function settings, AAC adaptation parameter settings, and / or acoustic pattern extractor settings, e.g., in real time, based on, for example, changes in the climate within the vehicle.

[0257] In one example, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to set and / or dynamically adapt, e.g., in real time, path transfer function settings of the path transfer between the acoustic transducer 108 and one or more residual noise sensing locations 107, path transfer function settings of the path transfer between the acoustic transducer 108 and one or more noise sensing locations 105, acoustic pattern extractor settings, and / or predictive filter settings, e.g., based on detected changes in temperature and / or humidity levels within the vehicle, as indicated by the AAC information 129.

[0258] In some example aspects, for example, as described below, the AAC information 129 may include vehicle system information corresponding to a noise-generating vehicle system of the vehicle, and the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine a sound control pattern for the sound control signal 109 based on, for example, the vehicle system information.

[0259] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine a sound control pattern for the sound control signal 109, e.g., based on vehicle system information, such that the sound control pattern controls, reshapes, reduces, or eliminates noise from noise-generating vehicle systems within the sound control zone 110, e.g., as described below.

[0260] In some exemplary aspects, the noise-generating vehicle system may include, for example, a vehicle engine, a vehicle tire, a vehicle braking system, a vehicle steering system, a vehicle air conditioning system, and / or any other system of a vehicle.

[0261] In some example aspects, AAC information 129 may include vehicle system setting information that describes the settings of a vehicle system of a vehicle, for example, as described below.

[0262] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine a sound control pattern for the sound control signal 109 based on, for example, vehicle system configuration information, for example, as described below.

[0263] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine a first sound control pattern for the sound control signal 109 based on AAC information 129 including, for example, first vehicle system setting information representing a first setting of the vehicle system, e.g., as described below.

[0264] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine a second sound control pattern of the sound control signal 109 that is different from the first sound control pattern based on the AAC information 129 that includes, for example, second vehicle system setting information representing a second setting of the vehicle system that is different from the first setting of the vehicle system, e.g., as described below.

[0265] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to dynamically update the sound control pattern of the sound control signal 109 based on, for example, changes in vehicle system setting information representing changes in the settings of the vehicle system, e.g., as described below.

[0266] In some example aspects, AAC information 129 may include operational mode information that indicates an operational mode of a vehicle system of a vehicle, for example, as described below.

[0267] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine a sound control pattern for the sound control signal 109 based on, for example, operational mode information, eg, as described below.

[0268] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine a first sound control pattern for the sound control signal 109 based on, for example, the AAC information 129 including first operating mode information representing a first operating mode of the vehicle system, e.g., as described below.

[0269] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine a second sound control pattern, different from the first sound control pattern, of the sound control signal 109 based on the AAC information 129 including, for example, second operating mode information representing a second operating mode of the vehicle system that is different from the first operating mode of the vehicle system, e.g., as described below.

[0270] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to dynamically update the sound control pattern of the sound control signal 109 based on, for example, a change in operational mode information representing a change in the operational mode of the vehicle system, e.g., as described below.

[0271] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine a sound control profile based on the AAC information 129, e.g., as described below, and to determine a sound control pattern for the sound control signal 109, e.g., based on the sound control profile.

[0272] In some exemplary aspects, for example, as described below, the sound control profile may include settings of one or more sound control parameters, and the AAC controller 102 may be configured to determine a sound control pattern for the sound control signal 109 based on, for example, the settings of the one or more sound control parameters.

[0273] In some example aspects, the memory 198 may be configured to store a plurality of sound control profiles (AAC profiles) 199, each corresponding to a plurality of sound control configurations, for example as described below.

[0274] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC profile 199 corresponding to a particular sound control configuration may include, for example, settings of one or more AAC parameters, such as, for example, prediction filter settings, path transfer function settings, AAC adaptation parameter settings, and / or acoustic pattern extractor settings, corresponding to the particular sound control configuration, for example, as described below.

[0275] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 102 may be configured to select a selected sound control profile from the plurality of sound control profiles 198 based on the AAC information 129, for example, as described below, and to determine a sound control pattern based on the selected sound control profile.

[0276] In some exemplary aspects, the controller 193 may be configured to determine a sound control pattern for the sound control signal 109, e.g., based on the AAC information 129, such that the sound control pattern controls, reshapes, reduces, or eliminates noise from one or more noise sources in at least one sound control zone 110, e.g., as described below.

[0277] In one example, the AAC information 129 may include RPM information for the vehicle's engine.

[0278] In one example, the controller 193 may be configured to determine the sound control pattern of the sound control signal 109 based on, for example, RPM information, such that the sound control pattern controls, reshapes, reduces, or eliminates noise from the engine and / or modifies the sound control pattern to improve the reduction of other noise sources within at least one sound control zone 110.

[0279] In another example, the controller 193 may be configured to determine and / or modify the sound control pattern of the sound control signal 109 based on any other additional or alternative criteria, e.g., based on RPM information, to support the control and / or reduction of one or more other sound patterns, such as to support the reduction and / or elimination of noise from one or more other noise sources.

[0280] In another example, controller 193 may be configured to selectively and / or dynamically turn on / off, mute, and / or slow down and / or stop (freeze) the adaptation of one or more AAC features, e.g., based on RPM information and / or any other type of information in AAC information 129, e.g., as described below.

[0281] In another example, the AAC information 129 may include window / roof information indicating the open / closed state of the vehicle's windows and / or roof and / or the roof type of the roof, e.g., a metal roof or a panoramic roof. For example, the controller 193 may be configured to determine a sound control pattern for the sound control signal 109, e.g., based on the window / roof information, such that the sound control pattern controls, reshapes, reduces, or eliminates external noise, e.g., wind noise, road noise, etc., from the vehicle's environment within at least one sound control zone 110.

[0282] In another example, the AAC information 129 may include road detection information corresponding to a road detection system of the vehicle. For example, the controller 193 may be configured to determine a sound control pattern for the sound control signal 109 based on, e.g., the road detection information, such that the sound control pattern controls, reshapes, reduces, or eliminates external noise from the vehicle's environment within at least one sound control zone 110 based on, e.g., a road type indicated by the road detection information.

[0283] In another example, the AAC information 129 may include tire information corresponding to a tire system of the vehicle. For example, the controller 193 may be configured to determine a sound control pattern of the sound control signal 109, e.g., based on RPM, such that the sound control pattern controls, reshapes, reduces, or eliminates noise from tires in at least one sound control zone 110, e.g., based on the pressure of one or more tires of the vehicle and / or the type and / or size of one or more tires of the vehicle.

[0284] In another example, the AAC information 129 may include weather information corresponding to the weather outside the vehicle. For example, the controller 193 may be configured to determine a sound control pattern for the sound control signal 109, e.g., based on the weather information, such that the sound control pattern controls, reshapes, reduces, or eliminates external noise, e.g., rain noise, wind noise, road noise, and / or any other noise, from the vehicle's environment within at least one sound control zone 110.

[0285] In another example, the AAC information 129 may include steering information corresponding to a steering system of the vehicle. For example, the controller 193 may be configured to determine a sound control pattern of the sound control signal 109 based on, for example, the steering information to control, reshape, reduce, or eliminate external noise from the vehicle's environment within at least one sound control zone 110 based on, for example, an angle of the vehicle's steering wheel, such as a left / right steering angle.

[0286] In another example, AAC information 129 may include brake system information indicating the operational status of the vehicle's main brake system, emergency brake system, anti-lock brake system (ABS), and / or any other brake system. For example, controller 193 may be configured to determine a sound control pattern for sound control signal 109 based on, e.g., the brake system information, such that the sound control pattern controls, reshapes, reduces, or eliminates external noise from the vehicle's environment within at least one sound control zone 110 based on, e.g., the operational status of the brake system.

[0287] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to dynamically generate, control, modify, update, and / or adjust, e.g., in real time, sound control patterns to be provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, based on, e.g., the AAC information 129, e.g., as described below.

[0288] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to dynamically generate, control, modify, update, and / or adjust, e.g., in real time, sound control patterns to be provided to the acoustic transducers 108, e.g., via the sound control signals 109, e.g., by selectively generating the sound control signals 109 and / or selectively providing the sound control signals 109 to the acoustic transducers 108, e.g., as described below.

[0289] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to dynamically generate, control, modify, update, and / or adjust, e.g., in real time, the sound control patterns to be provided to the acoustic transducer 108 via the sound control signal 109, e.g., by selecting whether to provide the sound control signal 109 to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., as described below.

[0290] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to dynamically generate, control, modify, update, and / or adjust, e.g., in real time, the sound control pattern to be provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, e.g., by selecting whether to adapt one or more AAC parameters for generating the sound control signal 109, e.g., as described below.

[0291] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to dynamically mute, e.g., in real time, a sound control pattern to be provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, based on, e.g., the AAC information 129, and / or to dynamically reduce, e.g., in real time, a level of a sound control pattern to be provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, based on, e.g., the AAC information 129, as described below.

[0292] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to dynamically identify, e.g., in real time based on the AAC information 129, one or more predefined situations (“mute situations”) in which a sound control pattern to be provided to the acoustic transducer 108 via, e.g., sound control signal 109, should be muted or set to a reduced level, e.g., as described below.

[0293] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute or reduce the level of the sound control pattern to be provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, based on, e.g., the identification of a predefined mute condition, e.g., as described below.

[0294] In some example embodiments, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute the sound control pattern to be provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, e.g., by setting a predictive filter (PF) to zero, e.g., as described below.

[0295] In some example embodiments, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute the sound control pattern to be provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, e.g., by setting the input from the reference sensor 104 to zero, e.g., as described below.

[0296] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute the sound control pattern to be provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, e.g., by setting the sound control signal 109 to zero, e.g., as described below.

[0297] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute the sound control pattern to be provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, e.g., by selecting not to invoke an AAC function for generating the sound control pattern, e.g., as described below.

[0298] In some example embodiments, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute the sound control pattern to be provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, e.g., by selectively zeroing some or all of the inputs / outputs of the acoustic pattern extractor, e.g., as described below.

[0299] In some exemplary embodiments, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute the sound control pattern to be provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, based on, e.g., any other additional or alternative settings and / or mechanisms.

[0300] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to dynamically slow down and / or stop (“freeze”) the adaptation of one or more AAC parameters for generating the sound control signal 109, e.g., in real time, based on the AAC information 129, e.g., as described below.

[0301] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to dynamically identify, e.g., in real time, based on the AAC information 129, one or more predefined conditions (“adaptation slowdown / freeze conditions”) that slow down or stop the adaptation of one or more AAC parameters to generate the sound control signal 109, e.g., as described below.

[0302] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to slow down and / or stop the adaptation of one or more AAC parameters for generating the sound control signal 109, e.g., based on the identification of a predefined adaptive freeze condition, e.g., as described below.

[0303] In some example embodiments, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to stop adapting one or more AAC parameters to generate the sound control signal 109, for example, by setting the input from the residual noise sensor 106 to zero, as described below.

[0304] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to stop adapting one or more AAC parameters to generate the sound control signal 109, for example, by setting one or more speaker transfer functions (STFs) to zero, e.g., as described below.

[0305] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to stop adapting one or more AAC parameters to generate the sound control signal 109, for example, by setting the PF step size to zero, as described below.

[0306] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to slow down the adaptation of one or more AAC parameters to generate the sound control signal 109, e.g., by increasing one or more update rate parameters μ km , e.g., by increasing the PF step size, e.g., as described below.

[0307] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to stop adapting one or more AAC parameters to generate the sound control signal 109, for example, by selecting not to invoke an adaptive AAC function that may be used to adapt one or more parameters to generate the sound control pattern, e.g., as described below.

[0308] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to slow down and / or stop the adaptation of one or more AAC parameters to generate the sound control signal 109, for example, based on any other additional or alternative settings and / or mechanisms.

[0309] In some example aspects, AAC information 192 may include speech detection information to indicate detected speech of one or more passengers in the vehicle.

[0310] In some example aspects, the information source 120 may include a speech detector for generating speech detection information.

[0311] In one example, the speech detector is configured to generate speech detection information based on acoustic information from, for example, the reference acoustic sensor 104 .

[0312] In another example, the speech detector may be configured to generate speech detection information based on acoustic information from, for example, one or more other acoustic sensors, such as, for example, a dedicated speech detection sensor and / or any other dedicated or non-dedicated sensor.

[0313] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to slow down and / or stop the adaptation of one or more AAC parameters for generating the sound control signal 109, for example, based on identifying that the AAC information 192 indicates the detection of speech.

[0314] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute a sound control pattern to be provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, based on, for example, identifying that the AAC information 192 indicates the detection of speech.

[0315] In some example aspects, the AAC information 192 may include audio information corresponding to audio heard within the vehicle.

[0316] In some example embodiments, information source 120 may include an audio source or audio controller for providing and / or controlling the audio heard within the vehicle.

[0317] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to selectively slow down and / or stop the adaptation of one or more AAC parameters to generate the sound control signal 109, for example, based on audio information.

[0318] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to selectively slow down and / or stop the adaptation of one or more AAC parameters for generating the sound control signal 109 based, for example, on the audio level and / or equalization level of the sound heard in the vehicle.

[0319] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute the sound control pattern provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, based on, e.g., the level of the output of the acoustic transducer 108. For example, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute the sound control pattern provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, based on, e.g., detecting that the output level of the acoustic transducer 108 is greater than a predefined threshold (a "maximum speaker threshold") and / or based on detecting that the output level of the acoustic transducer 108 is less than a predefined threshold (a "minimum speaker threshold").

[0320] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to slow down and / or stop adapting one or more AAC parameters for generating the sound control signal 109, e.g., based on the output level of the acoustic transducer 108. For example, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to slow down and / or stop adapting one or more AAC parameters for generating the sound control signal 109, e.g., based on detecting that the output level of the acoustic transducer 108 is greater than a maximum speaker threshold and / or based on detecting that the output level of the acoustic transducer 108 is less than a minimum speaker threshold.

[0321] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute the sound control pattern provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, based on, e.g., the level of the noise input 104. For example, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute the sound control pattern provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, based on, e.g., detecting that the level of the noise input 104 is greater than a predefined threshold (a "maximum reference threshold") and / or based on detecting that the level of the noise input 104 is less than a predefined threshold (a "minimum reference threshold").

[0322] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to slow down and / or stop adapting one or more AAC parameters for generating the sound control signal 109, e.g., based on the level of the noise input 104. For example, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to slow down and / or stop adapting one or more AAC parameters for generating the sound control signal 109, e.g., based on detecting that the level of the noise input 104 is greater than a maximum reference threshold and / or based on detecting that the level of the noise input 104 is less than a minimum reference threshold.

[0323] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute the sound control pattern provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, based on, e.g., the level of the residual noise input 106. For example, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute the sound control pattern provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, based on, e.g., detecting that the level of the residual noise input 106 is greater than a predefined threshold (a "maximum residual threshold") and / or based on detecting that the level of the residual noise input 106 is less than a predefined threshold (a "minimum residual threshold").

[0324] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to slow down and / or stop adapting one or more AAC parameters for generating the sound control signal 109, e.g., based on the residual noise input 106. For example, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to slow down and / or stop adapting one or more AAC parameters for generating the sound control signal 109, e.g., based on detecting that the residual noise input 106 is greater than a maximum residual threshold and / or based on detecting that the residual noise input 106 is less than a minimum residual threshold.

[0325] In some example embodiments, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute the sound control pattern provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, and / or slow down and / or stop the adaptation of one or more AAC parameters to generate the sound control signal 109, based on a determination that one or more acoustic sensors have failed and / or are malfunctioning.

[0326] In some example embodiments, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to detect, based on the AAC information 129, for example, that one or more acoustic sensors have failed and / or are malfunctioning.

[0327] In some example embodiments, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute the sound control pattern provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, and / or slow down and / or stop the adaptation of one or more AAC parameters to generate the sound control signal 109, based on a determination that one or more reference acoustic sensors 119 have failed and / or are malfunctioning.

[0328] In some example embodiments, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to detect one or more reference acoustic sensors 119 that are faulty and / or malfunctioning, for example, based on the noise input 104 and / or based on any other information in the AAC information 129.

[0329] In some example embodiments, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute the sound control pattern provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, and / or slow down and / or stop the adaptation of one or more AAC parameters to generate the sound control signal 109, based on a determination that one or more residual noise acoustic sensors 121 have failed and / or are malfunctioning.

[0330] In some example embodiments, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to detect one or more residual noise acoustic sensors 121 that are faulty and / or malfunctioning, for example, based on the residual noise input 106 and / or based on any other information in the AAC information 129.

[0331] In some example embodiments, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute the sound control pattern provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, and / or slow down and / or stop the adaptation of one or more AAC parameters for generating the sound control signal 109, based on speed information corresponding to the speed of the vehicle.

[0332] In one example, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute the sound control pattern provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, and / or slow down and / or stop adapting one or more AAC parameters to generate the sound control signal 109, based on detecting that the speed information indicates that the speed of the vehicle exceeds a predefined vehicle speed threshold and / or is outside a predefined vehicle speed range.

[0333] In some example embodiments, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute the sound control pattern provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, and / or slow down and / or stop the adaptation of one or more AAC parameters for generating the sound control signal 109, based on opening state information corresponding to one or more openings in the vehicle.

[0334] In one example, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute the sound control pattern provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, and / or slow down and / or stop adapting one or more AAC parameters to generate the sound control signal 109, based on detecting that the opening status information indicates that a door of the vehicle is open, e.g., a window is open beyond a predefined opening rate, e.g., the trunk of the vehicle is open, and / or the roof of the vehicle is open beyond a predefined opening rate.

[0335] In some example embodiments, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute the sound control pattern provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, and / or slow down and / or stop the adaptation of one or more AAC parameters for generating the sound control signal 109, based on tire information corresponding to the tire system of the vehicle.

[0336] In one example, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute the sound control pattern provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, and / or slow down and / or stop adapting one or more AAC parameters to generate the sound control signal 109, based on detecting that the tire information indicates that the tire pressure of one or more tires is not within a predefined tire pressure range.

[0337] In some example embodiments, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute the sound control pattern provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, and / or slow down and / or stop the adaptation of one or more AAC parameters for generating the sound control signal 109, based on climate information corresponding to the climate within the vehicle.

[0338] In one example, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute the sound control pattern provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, and / or slow down and / or stop adapting one or more AAC parameters to generate the sound control signal 109, based on detecting that the climate information indicates that the temperature within the vehicle is not within a predefined temperature range and / or that the humidity level within the vehicle is not within a predefined humidity level range.

[0339] In some example embodiments, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute the sound control pattern provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, and / or slow down and / or stop the adaptation of one or more AAC parameters for generating the sound control signal 109, based on weather information corresponding to the weather outside the vehicle.

[0340] In one example, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute the sound control pattern provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, and / or slow down and / or stop adapting one or more AAC parameters to generate the sound control signal 109, based on detecting that the climate information indicates that the temperature outside the vehicle is not within a predefined temperature range and / or that the humidity level outside the vehicle is not within a predefined humidity level range.

[0341] In some example aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute the sound control pattern provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, and / or slow down and / or stop the adaptation of one or more AAC parameters to generate the sound control signal 109, based on vehicle system information corresponding to a vehicle system of the vehicle.

[0342] In one example, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute the sound control pattern provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, and / or slow down and / or stop adapting one or more AAC parameters to generate the sound control signal 109, based on detecting that the vehicle system information indicates that the vehicle system's operating condition is not within a predefined range of operating conditions.

[0343] In one example, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute the sound control pattern provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, and / or slow down and / or stop adapting one or more AAC parameters to generate the sound control signal 109, based on detecting that the vehicle system information indicates that the engine RPM is not within a predefined RPM range.

[0344] In one example, the AAC controller 193 may be configured to mute the sound control pattern provided to the acoustic transducer 108, e.g., via the sound control signal 109, and / or slow down and / or stop adapting one or more AAC parameters to generate the sound control signal 109, based on detecting that the vehicle system information indicates that the operating conditions of the vehicle's air conditioning system are not within a predefined range of operating conditions and / or that the blower speed of the vehicle's air conditioning system is not within a predefined blower operating range.

[0345] In some example aspects, the controller 193 may be configured to dynamically update the sound control pattern of the sound control signal 109 based on, for example, detected changes in the AAC information 129 that represent changes in the acoustic configuration of the operation of the AAC system, e.g., as described below.

[0346] For example, the controller 193 may be configured to dynamically monitor the AAC input 129 to detect changes in the AAC information 129, eg, in real time.

[0347] For example, the controller 193 may be configured to dynamically update, eg, in real time, the sound control pattern of the sound control signal 109 based on detected changes in the AAC information 129 .

[0348] In some exemplary aspects, the controller 193 may be configured to determine settings of one or more sound control parameters based on the AAC information 129, and to determine a sound control pattern based on the settings of the one or more sound control parameters, e.g., as described below.

[0349] In other aspects, the controller 193 may be configured to determine the setting of one or more sound control parameters based on any other additional or alternative criteria related to the AAC information 129 .

[0350] In some example aspects, the controller 193 may be configured to determine the AAC profile based on the AAC information 129, for example, as described below.

[0351] In some example aspects, the controller 193 may be configured to determine the sound control pattern of the sound control signal 109 based on an AAC profile, for example, as described below.

[0352] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC profile may include settings for one or more sound control parameters that may be utilized in determining a sound control pattern for the sound control signal 109, for example, as described below.

[0353] In some example aspects, the controller 193 may be configured to determine a sound control pattern for the sound control signal 109 based on, for example, settings of one or more sound control parameters, for example, as described below.

[0354] In some example aspects, memory 198 may be configured to store multiple AAC profiles 199, for example, as described below.

[0355] In some example aspects, the AAC profile 199 may include settings for one or more sound control parameters that correspond to an AAC operational configuration of the AAC system 100, for example, as described below.

[0356] In one example, the first AAC profile 199 may correspond to a first AAC operating configuration of the AAC system 100. According to this example, the first AAC profile 199 corresponding to the first AAC operating configuration of the AAC system 100 may include, for example, first settings of one or more sound control parameters. For example, the first settings of the one or more sound control parameters may be configured such that sound control is applied when the AAC system 100 is operating in a first operating state.

[0357] In another example, the second AAC profile 199 may correspond to a second AAC operating configuration of the AAC system 100. According to this example, the second AAC profile 199 corresponding to the second AAC operating configuration of the AAC system 100 may include, for example, a second setting of one or more sound control parameters that is different from the first setting. For example, the second setting of the one or more sound control parameters may be configured such that sound control is applied when the AAC system 100 is operating in a second operating state that is different from, for example, the first operating state.

[0358] In some example aspects, the controller 193 may be configured to select a selected AAC profile from the plurality of AAC profiles 199, e.g., based on the AAC information 129, and to determine a sound control pattern for the sound control signal 109, e.g., based on the selected AAC profile, e.g., as described below.

[0359] In some example aspects, AAC profile 199 may include a user-based profile corresponding to one or more users, for example, as described below.

[0360] In some exemplary aspects, a user-based profile corresponding to a user may include settings for one or more sound control parameters based on the user's preferences, for example, as described below.

[0361] In some exemplary embodiments, for example, as described above, a user-based profile may correspond to a user and control the user's preferences regarding sound control zones 110 .

[0362] As an example, a user-based profile may correspond to a user of a sound control zone 110. For example, a user-based profile for a vehicle driver may include settings for one or more sound control parameters based on the driver's preferences for, for example, a sound control zone 110 implemented for the driver's seat of the vehicle.

[0363] In another example, a user-based profile may correspond to a first user, which may be used by a second user, to control the user's preferences for sound control zones 110. For example, a user-based profile for a vehicle driver may include settings for one or more sound control parameters based on the driver's preferences for sound control zones 110 implemented for one or more passenger seats in the vehicle.

[0364] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC information 129 may include user identification information corresponding to the identification of a user, and the controller 193 may select a selected user-based profile from the plurality of AAC profiles 199 based on the user identification information.

[0365] In one example, AAC profiles 199 may include a user-based profile corresponding to a driver of the vehicle. For example, controller 193 may be configured to identify an identity corresponding to a driver of the vehicle, e.g., based on AAC information 129, e.g., received from a system of the vehicle. For example, controller 193 may select a selected user-based profile corresponding to the driver from multiple AAC profiles 199, e.g., based on the user identity corresponding to the driver.

[0366] For example, a user-based profile corresponding to a driver may include information for defining settings for one or more sound control parameters of a sound control zone 110 based on the driver's preferences.

[0367] In one example, a user-based profile corresponding to a driver may include information for defining settings for one or more sound control parameters of a driver sound control zone 110 corresponding to the driver's seat. In another example, a user-based profile corresponding to a driver may include information for defining settings for one or more sound control parameters of a passenger sound control zone 110 corresponding to a passenger seat of the vehicle.

[0368] In some example embodiments, the controller 193 may be configured to determine a sound control pattern of the sound control signal 109 corresponding to the sound control zone 110 based on, for example, a setting of one or more sound control parameters of the sound control zone 110, for example, according to a user-based profile corresponding to, for example, the driver.

[0369] In some exemplary embodiments, the settings of the one or more sound control parameters may include a predictive filter (PF) setting for determining a sound control pattern based on a plurality of noise inputs 104 and a plurality of residual noise inputs 106, for example, as described below.

[0370] In some example aspects, the setting of one or more sound control parameters may include a predictive filter weight vector that is applied to determine a sound control pattern based on a plurality of noise inputs 104 and a plurality of residual noise inputs 106, for example, as described below.

[0371] In some example aspects, the settings of the one or more sound control parameters may include an update rate parameter for updating a prediction filter weight vector, for example, as described below.

[0372] In some example embodiments, the setting of the one or more sound control parameters may include one or more path transfer functions, including, for example, one or more speaker transfer functions (STFs), that are applied to determine a sound control pattern based on the plurality of noise inputs 104 and the plurality of residual noise inputs 106, for example, as described below.

[0373] In some exemplary embodiments, the setting of one or more sound control parameters may include setting the level of noise cancellation, noise control, and / or sound insulation applied to the sound control zone 110.

[0374] In one example, an AAC profile 199 corresponding to a sound control zone 110, such as a driver sound control zone, may define a level of sound insulation between the driver sound control zone and one or more other sound control zones, such as a passenger sound control zone. For example, the level of sound insulation between the driver sound control zone and the other sound control zones may represent the level at which sound from the driver sound control zone may be heard in the other sound control zones and / or the level at which sound from the other sound control zones may be heard in the driver sound control zone.

[0375] In another example, an AAC profile 199 corresponding to a sound control zone 110, such as a driver sound control zone, may define a level of sound insulation between the driver sound control zone and an environment, such as an environment outside the vehicle. For example, the level of sound insulation between the driver sound control zone and the environment may represent the level at which sounds from the environment may be heard in the driver sound control zone.

[0376] In some exemplary embodiments, the setting of one or more sound control parameters may include setting the level of sound heard in the sound control zone 110 .

[0377] In other aspects, the setting of the one or more sound control parameters may include setting one or more additional or alternative parameters, weights, coefficients, and / or functions that are applied to determine the sound control pattern based on the plurality of noise inputs 104 and the plurality of residual noise inputs 106.

[0378] In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 193 may determine the sound control signal 109, for example, by applying an estimation or prediction function to the noise input 104 and / or the residual noise input 106, for example, as described below.

[0379] In some example aspects, the controller 193 may include an estimator (also referred to as a “prediction unit”) configured to apply an estimation or prediction function to the noise input 104 and / or the residual noise input 106, e.g., as described below.

[0380] In some example aspects, the controller 193 may be configured to cause the estimator or prediction unit to utilize one or more prediction parameters, for example, for an estimation function, based on, for example, the AAC information 129, for example, as described below.

[0381] In one example, the controller 193 may be configured to determine a first set of prediction parameters for a first AAC configuration of the AAC system 100, for example, based on the first AAC information 129.

[0382] In another example, the controller 193 may be configured to determine a second set of prediction parameters for a second AAC configuration of the AAC system 100, for example, based on the second AAC information 129.

[0383] In some example aspects, the controller 193 may determine one or more prediction parameters for the AAC configuration, eg, based on a look-up table (LUT), eg, as described below.

[0384] In some example aspects, the LUT may be configured to map multiple AAC configurations and multiple settings of prediction parameters.

[0385] In one example, the LUT may be configured to match between a first prediction parameter and a first AAC configuration, and / or the LUT may match between a second prediction parameter, e.g., different from the first prediction parameter, and a second AAC configuration, e.g., different from the first HVAACAC configuration.

[0386] In some example aspects, the controller 193 may determine one or more predictive parameters for the AAC configuration based on, for example, any other additional or alternative algorithms, methods, functions, and / or procedures.

[0387] In some example aspects, the prediction parameters may include weights, coefficients, functions, and / or any other additional or alternative parameters utilized to determine the sound control pattern, for example, as described below.

[0388] In some example aspects, the prediction parameters may include one or more path transfer function parameters of an estimated or predictive function, for example, as described below. In one example, the prediction parameters may include one or more STFs applied by the controller 193 to determine the sound control pattern. In one example, the STFs may include a representation of the acoustic path from one or more of the acoustic transducers 108 to one or more of the noise sensing locations 105.

[0389] In some example aspects, the prediction parameters may include one or more update rate parameters corresponding to an update rate for the weights of the estimation or prediction function, eg, as described below.

[0390] In other aspects, the prediction parameters may include any other additional or alternative parameters.

[0391] In some example aspects, controller 193 may be configured to determine, set, adapt, and / or update one or more of the STFs based on changes in the AAC configuration indicated by AAC information 129, for example, as described below.

[0392] In some exemplary aspects, the controller 193 may be configured to determine, set, adapt, and / or update one or more of the prediction parameters based on changes in the AAC configuration indicated by the AAC information 129, for example, as described below.

[0393] In some exemplary aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured according to a non-hybrid scheme, for example, as described below.

[0394] In some example aspects, the non-hybrid scheme may include a noise prediction filter that may be applied to a prediction filter input that is based on the noise input 104, for example, as described below.

[0395] 3, a controller 300 is illustrated schematically according to some exemplary embodiments. In some embodiments, AAC controller 102 (FIG. 1) and / or controller 193 (FIG. 1) may perform one or more functions and / or operations of controller 300, for example.

[0396] In some exemplary aspects, controller 300 may receive AAC information 329, including, for example, AAC information 129 (FIG. 1).

[0397] In some exemplary embodiments, controller 300 may receive multiple inputs 304, including, for example, input 104 (FIG. 1), representing acoustic noise at multiple predefined noise-sensing locations, such as, for example, location 105 (FIG. 2). Controller 300 may generate a sound control signal 312 to control at least one acoustic transducer 314, such as, for example, acoustic transducer 108 (FIG. 1).

[0398] In some exemplary aspects, the controller 300 may include an estimator (“prediction unit”) 310 for estimating a signal 312 by applying an estimation function to an input 308 corresponding to the input 304 .

[0399] In some example aspects, the estimator 310 may estimate the signal 312 based on, for example, the AAC information 329, eg, as described below.

[0400] 3, the controller 300 may include an extractor 306 for extracting a plurality of raw reference acoustic patterns from the input 304. According to these embodiments, the input 308 may include a plurality of raw reference acoustic patterns.

[0401] In some example embodiments, the controller 300 may generate a signal 312 configured to control, reshape, reduce, and / or eliminate noise generated by one or more noise sources, for example, as described above.

[0402] In some example embodiments, the controller 300 may generate a sound control signal 312 configured to control, reshape, reduce, and / or eliminate the noise energy and / or wave amplitude of one or more sound patterns within the sound control zone, while the noise energy and / or wave amplitude of one or more other sound patterns within the sound control zone may be unaffected.

[0403] In some example aspects, the sound control signal 312 may be configured to control, reshape, reduce, and / or eliminate noise generated by one or more vehicle systems, for example, as described above.

[0404] In some example aspects, the feature extractor 306 may be configured to determine, update, and / or adjust, e.g., in real time, the setting of at least one acoustic pattern extractor parameter based on the AAC information 329, and to determine a plurality of raw reference acoustic patterns for the input 308, e.g., based on the acoustic pattern extractor parameter setting.

[0405] In other embodiments, the controller 300 may not include the extractor 306. Thus, the input 308 may include the input 304 and / or any other input based on the input 304.

[0406] In some example aspects, the estimator 310 may apply any suitable linear and / or non-linear estimation function to the input 308. In one example, the estimation function may include a non-linear estimation function such as, for example, a radial basis function.

[0407] In some exemplary embodiments, the estimator 310 can adapt one or more parameters of the estimation function based on a plurality of residual noise inputs 316 representing acoustic residual noise at a plurality of predefined residual noise sensing locations located within the noise control zone. For example, the inputs 316 can include inputs 106 (FIG. 1) representing acoustic residual noise at residual noise sensing locations 107 (FIG. 2) located within the noise control zone 110 (FIG. 2).

[0408] In some exemplary embodiments, one or more of the inputs 316 may include at least one virtual microphone input corresponding to residual noise (“noise error”) sensed by at least one virtual error sensor at at least one particular residual noise sensor location among the locations 107 ( FIG. 2 ). For example, the controller 300 may estimate the noise error at a particular residual noise sensor location based on the inputs 308 and the predicted noise signal 312, e.g., as described below.

[0409] In some example aspects, the estimator 310 may be configured to determine AAC parameter settings based on the AAC information 329 and determine a sound control pattern for the sound control signal 312, for example, by applying the AAC parameter settings to the noise input 302 and / or the residual noise input 316.

[0410] In some example aspects, the estimator 310 may be configured to adapt the AAC parameter settings based on, for example, changes in the AAC information 329 .

[0411] In some example aspects, the estimator 310 may be configured to determine a prediction filter setting for at least one prediction filter, e.g., based on the AAC information 329, and to determine a sound control pattern for the sound control signal 312, e.g., based on the prediction filter setting.

[0412] In some example aspects, the estimator 310 may be configured to determine a prediction filter setting including a prediction filter weight vector to be applied by the prediction filter to determine a sound control pattern based on the noise input 302 and / or the residual noise input 316.

[0413] In some example aspects, the estimator 310 may be configured to determine prediction filter settings including an update rate parameter for updating the prediction filter weight vector.

[0414] In some example aspects, the estimator 310 may be configured to determine path transfer function settings for one or more path transfer functions, e.g., based on the AAC information 329, and apply the path transfer function settings to determine a sound control pattern for the sound control signal 312, e.g., based on the noise input 302 and / or the residual noise input 316.

[0415] In some exemplary embodiments, the estimator 310 may generate, for example, y1(n)...y2 to drive a plurality of M respective acoustic transducers based on, for example, the input 308. M The signal processing unit may include a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) prediction unit configured to generate a plurality of sound control patterns corresponding to the nth sample, including M control patterns denoted as (n).

[0416] 4, a MIMO prediction unit 400 according to some example aspects is illustrated. In some example aspects, the estimator 310 (FIG. 3) may include the MIMO prediction unit 400 and / or perform one or more functions and / or operations of the MIMO prediction unit 400.

[0417] As shown in FIG. 4, prediction unit 400 may be configured to receive AAC information 429, including, for example, AAC configuration information 129 (FIG. 1).

[0418] As shown in FIG. 4, a prediction unit 400 receives the vector ∂ ...

number

[0419] For example, the prediction unit 400 may generate M sound control patterns y1(n)...y1(n) for driving a plurality of M respective acoustic transducers, such as the acoustic transducer 108 (FIG. 2), based on, for example, the input 412, the plurality of residual noise inputs 404, including, for example, the plurality of residual noise inputs 316 (FIG. 3), and / or the AAC information 429. M (n) may generate a controller output 401 including:

[0420] In some example aspects, the prediction unit 400 may be configured to determine AAC parameter settings based on the AAC information 429, e.g., as described below, and to determine the controller output 401, e.g., by applying the AAC parameter settings to the noise input 412 and / or the residual noise input 404.

[0421] In some example aspects, the prediction unit 400 may be configured to adapt AAC parameter settings based on, for example, changes in the AAC information 429, eg, as described below.

[0422] In some example aspects, the prediction unit 400 may be configured to determine prediction filter settings for at least one prediction filter, e.g., based on the AAC information 449, and to determine the controller output 401, e.g., based on the prediction filter settings, e.g., as described below.

[0423] In some example aspects, the prediction unit 400 may be configured to determine a prediction filter setting including a prediction filter weight vector to be applied by the prediction filter to determine a sound control pattern based on the noise input 412 and / or the residual noise input 404, e.g., as described below.

[0424] In some example aspects, prediction unit 400 may be configured to determine prediction filter settings including update rate parameters for updating a prediction filter weight vector, eg, as described below.

[0425] In some example aspects, the prediction unit 400 may be configured to determine path transfer function settings for one or more path transfer functions, e.g., based on the AAC information 429, and apply the path transfer function settings to determine the controller output 401, e.g., based on the noise input 412 and / or the residual noise input 404, e.g., as described below.

[0426] In some exemplary embodiments, interference (crosstalk) between two or more of the M acoustic transducers of the array 402 can occur, for example, when two or more, e.g., all of the M acoustic transducers, generate a controlled noise pattern, e.g., simultaneously.

[0427] In some example aspects, prediction unit 400 may generate output 401 configured to control array 402 to generate a substantially optimal sound control pattern, e.g., while simultaneously optimizing the input signals to each speaker of array 402. For example, prediction unit 400 may control multi-channel speakers of array 402, e.g., while canceling interference between the speakers.

[0428] In one example, the prediction unit 400 may utilize a linear function with memory. For example, the prediction unit 400 may calculate the y corresponding to the m-th speaker of the array 402 for the n-th sample of the primary pattern. m A sound control pattern represented as [n] can be determined, for example, as follows:

number

[0429] In another example, the prediction unit 400 may implement any other suitable prediction algorithm, e.g., linear or non-linear, with or without memory, to determine the output 401.

[0430] In some example aspects, the prediction unit 400 includes, for example, a plurality of residual noise inputs 404, e1[n], e2[n], . . . , e L Based on [n], the prediction filter coefficients W km For example, the prediction unit 400 may optimize the prediction filter coefficients W to achieve maximum destructive interference at the residual error sensing locations 107 (FIG. 2). km For example, the location 107 includes L locations, and the input 404 is e1[n], e2[n], . . . , e L It may contain L residual noise components, denoted as [n].

[0431] In some example aspects, the prediction unit 400 may calculate the prediction filter coefficients W based on, for example, a minimum mean square error (MMSE) criterion or any other suitable criterion. km One or more of the [i] can be optimized, e.g., some or all of them. For example, the prediction filter coefficients W km A cost function, denoted as J, for optimizing one or more of the noise components e1[n], e2[n], . . . , e at locations 107 (FIG. 2) can be used to optimize one or more of the noise components e1[n], e2[n], . . . , e L It can be defined as the total energy of [n], for example:

number

[0432] In some exemplary embodiments, e at the lth location l The residual noise pattern, denoted as [n], can be expressed, for example, as follows:

number

[0433] In some example aspects, the prediction unit 400 may adjust the adaptive weight vector W based on, for example, the AAC information 429, e.g., to reach an optimum point, e.g., maximum noise reduction. km For example, the prediction unit 400 may optimize one or more elements, such as some or all elements of [n], at each step by optimizing the weight vector W km A gradient-based adaptive method can be implemented when [n] is updated in the negative direction of the gradient of the cost function J.

number

[0434] Referring back to FIG. 1, in some example aspects, controller 193 may be configured to update one or more parameters of Equation 3, Equation 4, and / or Equation 5, for example, based on AAC information 129, as described below.

[0435] In other aspects, the controller 193 (FIG. 1) may be configured to update one or more other additional or alternative parameters of the prediction unit 400 (FIG. 4) and / or the estimator 310 (FIG. 3).

[0436] In some exemplary aspects, controller 193 may be configured to update one or more parameters of Equation 3, Equation 4, and / or Equation 5, e.g., based on AAC information 129, to generate controller output 401 (FIG. 4), which may be configured based on AAC information 129.

[0437] In some example embodiments, the controller 193 may determine one or more path transfer functions stf of Equation 4 and / or Equation 5, for example, based on the AAC information 129. lm [j] can be updated.

[0438] In some exemplary aspects, the controller 193 may adjust the update rate parameter μ in Equation 5 based on, for example, the AAC information 129. km One or more of the following can be updated:

[0439] In one example, the controller 193 may adjust one or more update rate parameters μ km , e.g., the update rate parameter μ km For example, the update rate parameter μ km The set of may be determined or preset based on the AAC information 129, for example as described above.

[0440] 5, an implementation of a controller 500 in an AAC system is illustrated, according to some example aspects. For example, controller 193 (FIG. 1), controller 300 (FIG. 3), and / or prediction unit 400 (FIG. 4) may include one or more elements of controller 500 (FIG. 5) and / or perform one or more operations and / or functions of controller 500.

[0441] In some exemplary aspects, controller 500 may be configured to receive input 512 including noise input from multiple microphones (RMICs) and generate output signals 501 for driving speaker array 502 including M acoustic transducers, such as three speakers, or any other number of speakers. For example, input 512 may include input 104 (FIG. 1), input 304 (FIG. 3), and / or input 412 (FIG. 4).

[0442] In some example aspects, the controller 500 may be configured to configure, determine, update, and / or set one or more parameters of a prediction filter, denoted PF, based on, for example, the AAC information 129 (FIG. 1), e.g., as described above.

[0443] Referring back to FIG. 1, in some exemplary aspects, the AAC controller 193 may be configured according to a hybrid scheme, for example, as described below.

[0444] In some example aspects, the hybrid scheme may be configured to apply at least one noise prediction filter and at least one residual noise prediction filter, eg, as described below.

[0445] In some example aspects, a noise prediction filter may be configured to be applied to a prediction filter input that may be based on the noise input 104, for example, as described below.

[0446] In some example aspects, a residual noise prediction filter may be configured to be applied to a prediction filter input that may be based on the residual noise input 106, for example, as described below.

[0447] In some exemplary aspects, the hybrid scheme may include an adaptive hybrid scheme, for example, as described below.

[0448] In some example aspects, the adaptive hybrid scheme may be configured to adaptively update at least one of the noise prediction filter and / or the residual noise prediction filter, eg, as described below.

[0449] For example, the controller 193 may be configured to update one or more prediction parameters of at least one of the noise prediction filter and / or the residual noise prediction filter, eg, based on the AAC information 129.

[0450] In some example embodiments, the controller 193 may be configured to update one or more prediction parameters of at least one of the noise prediction filter and / or the residual noise prediction filter, e.g., by updating weights, coefficients, functions, and / or any other additional or alternative parameters utilized to determine the sound control pattern 109, e.g., as described below.

[0451] 6, a controller 600 is illustrated schematically in accordance with some exemplary embodiments. For example, controller 193 (FIG. 1) may include one or more elements of controller 600 and / or perform one or more operations and / or functions of controller 600.

[0452] In some exemplary aspects, the controller 600 may be configured according to a hybrid scheme.

[0453] In some exemplary aspects, as shown in FIG. 6, controller 600 may include a prediction filter 610 and a prediction filter 620, eg, as described below.

[0454] In some example aspects, prediction filter 610 and / or prediction filter 620 may be implemented by a finite impulse response (FIR) filter.

[0455] In other aspects, the predictive filter 610 and / or the predictive filter 620 may be implemented by an infinite impulse response (IIR) filter. In one example, the predictive filter 610 and / or the predictive filter 620 may be implemented by multiple cascaded serial second-order digital IIR filters.

[0456] In other aspects, other prediction filters may be used.

[0457] 6, the predictive filter 610 may include a noise prediction filter applied to a predictive filter input 612, which may be based, for example, on a noise input 616 from one or more noise sensors 618 (“reference microphones”). For example, the predictive filter input 612 may be based on the noise input 104 (FIG. 1).

[0458] In some exemplary aspects, the predictive filter 620 may include a residual noise predictive filter applied to a predictive filter input 622, which may be based on, for example, a residual noise input 626 from one or more residual noise sensors 628 (“error microphones”). For example, the predictive filter input 622 may be based on the residual noise input 106 (FIG. 1).

[0459] In some exemplary embodiments, input 626 may include at least one virtual microphone input corresponding to residual noise (“noise error”) sensed by at least one virtual error sensor at the virtual sensing location, e.g., based on a monitored input sensed at monitoring location 103 (FIG. 2). For example, controller 600 may estimate the noise error at the virtual sensing location based on input 626 and predicted noise signal 629.

[0460] In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the controller 600 can generate a sound control signal 629 based on the output of the prediction unit 610 and the output of the prediction unit 620 and output the sound control signal 629 to the acoustic transducer 608.

[0461] In some example embodiments, the controller 600 may generate a sound control signal 629 configured to control, reshape, reduce, and / or eliminate the noise energy and / or wave amplitude of one or more sound patterns within the sound control zone, for example, as described below, while the noise energy and / or wave amplitude of one or more other sound patterns within the sound control zone may be unaffected.

[0462] 6, the controller 600 may include an extractor 614 for extracting a plurality of raw reference acoustic patterns from the input 616. According to these embodiments, the predictive filter input 612 may include a plurality of raw reference acoustic patterns. In other embodiments, the extractor 614 may be omitted, and the predictive filter input 612 may be generated directly or indirectly based on the input 616, for example, according to any other algorithm and / or calculation.

[0463] 6, the controller 600 may include an extractor 624 for extracting a plurality of raw residual noise acoustic patterns from the input 626. According to these embodiments, the predictive filter input 622 may include a plurality of raw residual noise acoustic patterns. In other embodiments, the extractor 624 may be omitted, and the predictive filter input 622 may be generated directly or indirectly based on the input 626, e.g., according to any other algorithm and / or calculation.

[0464] In some example embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6 , the controller 600 may include an echo processing component (“echo canceller”) 615 configured to partially or fully reduce, remove, and / or cancel a portion of the signal generated by the speaker 608 from the output signal of the reference microphone 618.

[0465] In some example embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6 , the controller 600 may include an echo processing component (“echo canceller”) 625 configured to partially or fully reduce, remove, and / or cancel a portion of the signal generated by the speaker 608 from the output signal of the residual noise microphone 628.

[0466] In some exemplary aspects, the controller 600 may be configured according to an adaptive hybrid scheme, for example, as described below.

[0467] In some example aspects, as shown in FIG. 6, controller 600 may be configured to update one or more parameters of predictive filter 610 and / or predictive filter 620 based on, for example, residual noise input 626 .

[0468] 6, the controller 600 can identify the AAC configuration 630, for example, based on the AAC information 632. For example, the AAC information 632 can include the AAC information 129 (FIG. 1).

[0469] In some example aspects, controller 600 may be configured to determine AAC parameter settings based on AAC information 632 and determine sound control signal 629, e.g., by applying the AAC parameter settings to noise input 616 and / or residual noise input 626, e.g., as described below.

[0470] In some example aspects, controller 600 may be configured to adapt AAC parameter settings based on, for example, changes in AAC information 632, eg, as described below.

[0471] In some example aspects, the controller 600 may be configured to determine prediction filter settings for the prediction unit 610 and / or the prediction unit 620, e.g., based on the AAC information 449, and to determine the sound control signal 629, e.g., based on the prediction filter settings, e.g., as described below.

[0472] In some example aspects, the controller 600 may be configured to determine a prediction filter setting including a prediction filter weight vector to be applied by a prediction filter to determine a sound control signal 629 based on the noise input 616 and / or the residual noise input 626, e.g., as described below.

[0473] In some example aspects, the controller 600 may be configured to determine prediction filter settings including update rate parameters for updating the prediction filter weight vector, eg, as described below.

[0474] In some example embodiments, controller 600 may be configured to determine path transfer function settings for one or more path transfer functions, e.g., based on AAC information 632, and apply the path transfer function settings to determine sound control signal 629, e.g., based on noise input 616 and / or residual noise input 626, e.g., as described below.

[0475] In some example aspects, the controller 600 may be configured to update one or more parameters of the prediction filter 610 based on, for example, the AAC information 632 .

[0476] In some example aspects, the controller 600 may be configured to update one or more parameters of the prediction filter 620 based on, for example, the AAC information 632 .

[0477] In some example aspects, controller 600 may apply any suitable linear and / or non-linear function to prediction filter input 612 and / or prediction filter input 622. For example, prediction filter 620 and / or prediction filter 622 may be configured according to a linear estimation function, or a non-linear estimation function, such as a radial basis function.

[0478] In some exemplary aspects, controller 600 may be configured to determine, update, and / or adjust, e.g., in real time, a setting of at least one acoustic pattern extractor parameter of extractor 614 and / or extractor 624, e.g., based on AAC information 632. For example, extractor 614 may be configured to determine a plurality of raw reference acoustic patterns for input 612, e.g., based on the acoustic pattern extractor parameter setting that is based on AAC information 632. For example, extractor 624 may be configured to determine a plurality of raw residual noise acoustic patterns for input 622, e.g., based on the acoustic pattern extractor parameter setting that is based on AAC information 632.

[0479] Referring to FIG. 7, a vehicle 700 including an AAC system is shown schematically, according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0480] In one example, vehicle 740 may include one or more elements and / or components of AAC system 100 (FIG. 1), for example, to control sound within one or more sound control zones within vehicle 700.

[0481] In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, a vehicle 700 may include multiple speakers 708, multiple residual noise sensors (“monitoring microphones”) 712, and multiple reference sensors (“environmental microphones”) 710.

[0482] In some example embodiments, vehicle 700 may include an AAC controller 102 (FIG. 1) configured to control a plurality of speakers 708 to provide a first sound control zone 730 to the driver of vehicle 700, such as at the driver's seat headrest.

[0483] In some example embodiments, the AAC controller 102 (FIG. 1) may be configured to control multiple speakers 708 to provide a second sound control zone 726 for a passenger, for example, in a front seat near the driver's seat, such as at the headrest of the passenger seat.

[0484] In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, multiple monitoring microphones 712 may be positioned within first and / or second sound control zones 730 and 726.

[0485] In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, multiple environmental microphones 710 may be placed in the environment outside of sound control zones 730 and 726.

[0486] In other aspects, the vehicle 700 may include any other number of speakers 708, monitoring microphones 712, and / or environmental microphones 710, any other arrangement, position, and / or location of the speakers 708, monitoring microphones 712, and / or environmental microphones 710, and / or any other additional or alternative components.

[0487] Referring to Figure 8, a method for AAC is shown. For example, one or more of the operations in Figure 8 may be performed by one or more components of AAC system 100 (Figure 1), controller 102 (Figure 1), controller 193 (Figure 1), controller 300 (Figure 3), prediction unit 400 (Figure 4), controller 500 (Figure 5), and / or controller 600 (Figure 6).

[0488] In some example aspects, as indicated at block 802, the method may include processing input information including, for example, AAC configuration information corresponding to a configuration of AAC in the sound control zone, a plurality of noise inputs representing acoustic noise at a plurality of noise sensing locations, and a plurality of residual noise inputs representing acoustic residual noise at a plurality of residual noise sensing locations within the sound control zone. For example, controller 193 (FIG. 1) may be configured to process input information 195 (FIG. 1) including noise input 104 (FIG. 1), residual noise input 106 (FIG. 1), and / or AAC information 129 (FIG. 1), e.g., as described above.

[0489] In some example aspects, the method may include determining a sound control pattern for controlling sound within the sound control zone, e.g., based on the AAC configuration information, the plurality of noise inputs, and the plurality of residual noise inputs, as indicated at block 804. For example, controller 193 (FIG. 1) may be configured to determine the sound control pattern based on input information 195 (FIG. 1) including noise input 104 (FIG. 1), residual noise input 106 (FIG. 1), and / or AAC information 129 (FIG. 1), e.g., as described above.

[0490] In some example embodiments, the method may include outputting a sound control pattern to a plurality of acoustic transducers, as indicated at block 806. For example, controller 193 (FIG. 1) may be configured to output sound control signal 109 (FIG. 1) to control acoustic transducers 108 (FIG. 1) to generate the sound control pattern, e.g., as described above.

[0491] 9, a product of manufacture 900 is illustrated schematically, according to some example embodiments. Product 900 may include one or more tangible, computer-readable ("machine-readable"), non-transitory storage media 902 that, when executed by at least one processor, such as a computer processor, causes the at least one processor to perform one or more operations and / or functions, such as AAC system 100 (FIG. 1), controller 102 (FIG. 1), controller 193 (FIG. 1), controller 300 (FIG. 3), prediction unit 400 (FIG. 4), controller 500 (FIG. 5), and / or controller 600 (FIG. 6). 193 (FIG. 1 ), controller 300 (FIG. 3 ), prediction unit 400 (FIG. 4 ), controller 500 (FIG. 5 ), and / or controller 600 (FIG. 6 ) to perform one or more operations and / or functions, execute one or more operations, and / or perform, trigger, and / or implement one or more operations and / or functions described above with reference to FIGS. 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and / or 8 , and / or one or more operations described herein. The phrases “non-transitory machine-readable medium” and “computer-readable non-transitory storage medium” are intended to include all computer-readable media, with the sole exception of transitory, propagating signals.

[0492] In some exemplary aspects, product 900 and / or storage medium 902 may include one or more types of computer-readable storage media capable of storing data, including volatile memory, non-volatile memory, removable or non-removable memory, erasable or non-erasable memory, writable or rewritable memory, etc. For example, storage medium 902 may include RAM, DRAM, Double-Data-Rate DRAM (DDR-DRAM), SDRAM, static RAM (SRAM), ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory (e.g., NOR or NAND flash memory), content addressable memory (CAM), polymer memory, phase change memory, ferroelectric memory, silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon (SONOS) memory, a disk, a hard drive, an optical disk, etc. The computer-readable storage medium may include any suitable medium involved in downloading or transferring a computer program from a remote computer to a requesting computer, carried by a data signal embodied in a carrier wave or other propagation medium via a communications link such as a modem, wireless, or network connection.

[0493] In some example aspects, logic 904 may include instructions, data, and / or code that, when executed by a machine, may cause the machine to perform the methods, processes, and / or operations described herein. The machine may include, for example, any suitable processing platform, computing platform, computing device, processing device, computing system, processing system, computer, processor, etc., and may be implemented using any suitable combination of hardware, software, firmware, etc.

[0494] In some example aspects, logic 904 may include or be implemented as software, a software module, an application, a program, a subroutine, an instruction, an instruction set, computing code, words, values, symbols, etc. The instructions may include any suitable type of code, such as source code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, etc. The instructions may be implemented according to a predefined computer language, manner, or syntax for instructing a processor to perform a particular function. [Example]

[0495] The following examples relate to further aspects.

[0496] Example 1 includes an apparatus comprising: an input unit for receiving input information, the input information including active acoustic control (AAC) configuration information corresponding to a configuration of AAC in a sound control zone, a plurality of noise inputs representing acoustic noise at a plurality of noise sensing locations, and a plurality of residual noise inputs representing acoustic residual noise at a plurality of residual noise sensing locations in the sound control zone; a controller including logic and circuitry configured to determine a sound control pattern for controlling sound in the sound control zone, the controller configured to determine the sound control pattern based on the AAC configuration information, the plurality of noise inputs, and the plurality of residual noise inputs; and an output unit for outputting the sound control pattern to a plurality of acoustic transducers.

[0497] Example 2 includes the subject matter of Example 1, and optionally, the controller is configured to determine AAC parameter settings based on the AAC configuration information, and determine the sound control pattern by applying the AAC parameter settings to at least one of the plurality of noise inputs or the plurality of residual noise inputs.

[0498] Example 3 includes the subject matter of example 2, and optionally, the controller is configured to adapt the AAC parameter settings based on changes in the AAC configuration information.

[0499] Example 4 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 3, and optionally, the controller is configured to determine a prediction filter setting of the at least one prediction filter based on the AAC configuration information, and determine a sound control pattern based on the prediction filter setting.

[0500] Example 5 includes the subject matter of example 4, and optionally, the predictive filter settings include a predictive filter weight vector applied by the predictive filter to determine the sound control pattern based on at least one of the plurality of noise inputs or the plurality of residual noise inputs.

[0501] Example 6 includes the subject matter of example 5, optionally wherein the prediction filter settings include an update rate parameter for updating the prediction filter weight vector.

[0502] Example 7 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-6, and optionally, the controller is configured to determine path transfer function settings for the one or more path transfer functions based on the AAC configuration information, and apply the path transfer function settings to determine the sound control pattern based on at least one of a plurality of noise inputs or a plurality of residual noise inputs.

[0503] Example 8 includes the subject matter of example 7, optionally wherein the path transfer function setting includes setting a path transfer function between the acoustic transducer and the noise sensing location.

[0504] Example 9 includes the subject matter of example 7 or 8, optionally wherein the path transfer function setting includes setting a path transfer function between the acoustic transducer and the residual noise sensing location.

[0505] Example 10 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 7-9, and optionally, the path transfer function setting includes setting a path transfer function between the acoustic transducer and the monitoring location, and at least one of the one or more residual noise inputs is based on a monitoring input sensed at the monitoring location.

[0506] Example 11 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-10, and optionally, the controller is configured to determine a noise extraction function based on the AAC configuration information, determine one or more extracted acoustic patterns by applying the noise extraction function to at least one of the plurality of noise inputs or the plurality of residual noise inputs, and determine a sound control pattern based on the one or more extracted acoustic patterns.

[0507] Example 12 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 11, and optionally, the controller is configured to determine a sound control profile based on the AAC configuration information, and determine a sound control pattern based on the sound control profile.

[0508] Example 13 includes the subject matter of example 12, and optionally, the sound control profile includes settings of one or more sound control parameters, and the controller is configured to determine the sound control pattern based on the settings of the one or more sound control parameters.

[0509] Example 14 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 13, and optionally includes a memory that stores a plurality of sound control profiles corresponding to a plurality of sound control configurations, wherein the controller is configured to select a selected sound control profile from the plurality of sound control profiles based on the AAC configuration information, and determine a sound control pattern based on the selected sound control profile.

[0510] Example 15 includes the subject matter of Example 14, and optionally, the plurality of sound control profiles includes a user-based profile corresponding to a user, the user-based profile including settings for one or more sound control parameters based on user preferences, and the AAC configuration information includes user identification information corresponding to an identification of the user.

[0511] Example 16 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 15, and optionally, the controller is configured to selectively mute the sound control pattern, adjust a level of the sound control pattern, or freeze adaptation of the sound control pattern based on the AAC configuration information.

[0512] Example 17 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-16, and optionally, the AAC configuration information includes real-time information corresponding to a real-time acoustic configuration of the sound control zone.

[0513] Example 18 includes the subject matter of any one of examples 1-17, optionally, wherein the AAC configuration information includes vehicle speed information corresponding to a speed of a vehicle including the sound control zone.

[0514] Example 19 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-18, optionally, wherein the AAC configuration information includes engine information corresponding to an engine of a vehicle that includes the sound control zone.

[0515] Example 20 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-19, and optionally, the AAC configuration information includes brake system information corresponding to a brake system of the vehicle that includes a sound control zone.

[0516] Example 21 includes the subject matter of any one of examples 1-20, optionally, the AAC configuration information includes road detection information from a road detection system of a vehicle that includes a sound control zone.

[0517] Example 22 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-21, and optionally, the AAC configuration information includes steering information corresponding to a steering system of the vehicle that includes a sound control zone.

[0518] Example 23 includes the subject matter of any one of examples 1-22, optionally, the AAC configuration information includes tire information corresponding to one or more tires of the vehicle that include the sound control zone.

[0519] Example 24 includes the subject matter of any one of examples 1-23, and optionally, the AAC configuration information includes seat position information corresponding to one or more seats in the vehicle that include a sound control zone.

[0520] Example 25 includes the subject matter of any one of examples 1-24, and optionally, the AAC configuration information includes passenger information corresponding to one or more passengers of a vehicle that includes the sound control zone.

[0521] Example 26 includes the subject matter of any one of examples 1-25, optionally wherein the AAC configuration information includes aperture state information corresponding to a state of an aperture in the vehicle that includes the sound control zone.

[0522] Example 27 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-26, and optionally, the AAC configuration information includes audio system information corresponding to an audio system of the vehicle that includes a sound control zone.

[0523] Example 28 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-27, and optionally, the AAC configuration information includes climate information corresponding to at least one of a climate within the sound control zone or a climate outside the sound control zone.

[0524] Example 29 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-28, and optionally, the AAC configuration information includes user position information corresponding to a position of at least one of the user's head or ear in the sound control zone.

[0525] Example 30 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-29, and optionally, the AAC configuration information includes user identification information corresponding to an identification of a user for controlling user preferences regarding sound control zones.

[0526] Example 31 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-30, and optionally, the AAC configuration information includes vehicle system configuration information corresponding to a configuration of an operational mode of one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle including the sound control zone.

[0527] Example 32 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-31, and optionally, the AAC configuration information includes vehicle sensor information from one or more vehicle sensors of a vehicle that includes a sound control zone.

[0528] Example 33 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 32, and optionally, the input unit is configured to receive the AAC configuration information via a system bus of a vehicle including the sound control zone.

[0529] Example 34 includes the subject matter of example 33, and optionally, the input is configured to receive the AAC configuration information via at least one of Controller Area Network (CAN) bus information received via a CAN bus of the vehicle, A2B bus information received via an A2B bus of the vehicle, Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) bus information received via a MOST bus of the vehicle, wireless communication information received via a wireless communication link, or Ethernet bus information received via an Ethernet bus of the vehicle.

[0530] Example 35 includes a product that includes one or more tangible computer-readable non-transitory storage media including instructions operable, when executed by at least one processor, to enable the at least one processor to cause a sound control system to control sound within a sound control zone, the instructions, when executed, causing the sound control system to process input information, the input information including system bus information received via a system bus of the vehicle, active acoustic control (AAC) configuration information corresponding to a configuration of AAC in the sound control zone, a plurality of noise inputs representing acoustic noise at a plurality of noise sensing locations, and a plurality of residual noise inputs representing acoustic residual noise at a plurality of residual noise sensing locations within the sound control zone; determine a sound control pattern for controlling sound within the sound control zone based on the AAC configuration information, the plurality of noise inputs, and the plurality of residual noise inputs; and output the sound control pattern to a plurality of acoustic transducers.

[0531] Example 36 includes the subject matter of Example 35, and optionally, the processor is configured to cause the sound control system to perform one or more operations according to any of Examples 1-34.

[0532] Example 37 includes a vehicle comprising a plurality of seats; and a sound control system configured to control sound within a sound control zone for the seats, the sound control system comprising a plurality of acoustic transducers, a plurality of noise sensors for generating a plurality of noise inputs representative of acoustic noise at a plurality of noise sensing locations, a plurality of residual noise sensors for generating a plurality of residual noise inputs representative of acoustic residual noise at a plurality of residual noise sensing locations within the sound control zone, and a controller including logic and circuitry configured to determine a sound control pattern for controlling sound within the sound control zone and output the sound control pattern to the plurality of acoustic transducers, wherein the controller is configured to determine the sound control pattern based on the plurality of noise inputs, the plurality of residual noise inputs, and AAC configuration information corresponding to a configuration of active acoustic control (AAC) in the sound control zone.

[0533] Example 38 includes the subject matter of Example 37, optionally comprising a device according to any of Examples 1-34.

[0534] Example 39 includes a sound control system including the device of any one of Examples 1 to 34.

[0535] Example 40 comprises an apparatus comprising means for performing any of the described operations of examples 1-34.

[0536] Example 41 includes an apparatus including a memory interface and a processing circuit configured to perform any of the described operations of examples 1-34.

[0537] Example 42 includes a method that includes any of the described operations of examples 1-34.

[0538] Any features, operations, components and / or features described herein with reference to one or more embodiments may be combined or utilized in combination with one or more other features, operations, components and / or features described herein with reference to one or more other embodiments, or vice versa.

[0539] While certain features have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art, and it is therefore to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

A method of active acoustic control (AAC), the method comprising: Receiving input information, the input information comprising: AAC configuration information corresponding to the configuration of AAC in a sound control zone; A plurality of noise inputs representing acoustic noise at a plurality of noise sensing locations; A plurality of residual noise inputs representing acoustic residual noise at a plurality of residual noise sensing locations within the sound control zone; Determining a sound control pattern for controlling sound within the sound control zone based on the AAC configuration information, the plurality of noise inputs, and the plurality of residual noise inputs; Outputting the sound control pattern to a plurality of acoustic transducers. A method, comprising: Determining an AAC parameter setting based on the AAC configuration information, and applying the AAC parameter setting to at least one of the plurality of noise inputs and / or the plurality of residual noise inputs to determine the sound control pattern, according to the method of claim 1. The method according to claim 2, further comprising adapting the AAC parameter setting based on a change in the AAC configuration information. The method according to claim 1, further comprising determining a prediction filter setting of at least one prediction filter based on the AAC configuration information, and determining the sound control pattern based on the prediction filter setting. The prediction filter setting comprises a prediction filter weight vector applied by the prediction filter to determine the sound control pattern based on at least one of the plurality of noise inputs and / or the plurality of residual noise inputs, and / or an update rate parameter for updating the prediction filter weight vector, according to the method of claim 4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising determining a path transfer function setting of one or more path transfer functions based on the AAC configuration information, and applying the path transfer function setting to determine the sound control pattern based on at least one of the plurality of noise inputs and / or the plurality of residual noise inputs. ​ ​ ​ The method according to claim 6, wherein the path transfer function setting includes at least one setting of a path transfer function between the acoustic transducer and the noise sensing location, a path transfer function between the acoustic transducer and the residual noise sensing location, and / or a path transfer function between the acoustic transducer and the monitoring location, and at least one of the one or more residual noise inputs is based on a monitoring input sensed at the monitoring location.

8. Determining a noise extraction function based on the AAC configuration information, determining one or more extracted acoustic patterns by applying the noise extraction function to at least one of the plurality of noise inputs and / or the plurality of residual noise inputs, and determining the sound control pattern based on the one or more extracted acoustic patterns. The method according to claim 1.

9. The method according to claim 1, comprising determining a sound control profile based on the AAC configuration information, and determining the sound control pattern based on the sound control profile, wherein the sound control profile includes settings of one or more sound control parameters, and the method further comprises determining the sound control pattern based on the settings of the one or more sound control parameters.

10. The method according to claim 1, comprising selecting a sound control profile selected from a plurality of sound control profiles based on the AAC configuration information, and determining a sound control pattern based on the selected sound control profile, wherein the plurality of sound control profiles respectively correspond to a plurality of sound control configurations.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of sound control profiles include a user-based profile corresponding to a user, the user-based profile includes settings of one or more sound control parameters based on the user's preferences, and the AAC configuration information includes user identification information corresponding to the identification of the user. **Claim 12**: The method according to claim 1, further comprising selectively muting the sound control pattern based on the AAC configuration information. **Claim 13**: The method according to claim 1, further comprising adjusting the level of the sound control pattern based on the AAC configuration information. **Claim 14**: The method according to claim 1, further comprising freezing the adaptation of the sound control pattern based on the AAC configuration information. **Claim 15** The method according to claim 1, wherein the AAC configuration information includes vehicle speed information corresponding to the speed of a vehicle having the sound control zone. **Claim 16** The method according to claim 1, wherein the AAC configuration information includes engine information corresponding to the engine of a vehicle having the sound control zone. **Claim 17** **Claim 18**: The method according to claim 1, wherein the AAC configuration information includes at least one of braking system information corresponding to the braking system of a vehicle having the sound control zone, road detection information from a road detection system of the vehicle, steering information corresponding to the steering system of the vehicle, tire information corresponding to one or more tires of the vehicle, seat position information corresponding to one or more seats of the vehicle, and / or opening state information corresponding to the state of at least one opening of the vehicle. **Claim 19** **Claim 20**: The method according to claim 1, wherein the AAC configuration information includes passenger information corresponding to one or more passengers of a vehicle having the sound control zone. **Claim 21** **Claim 22**: The method according to claim 1, wherein the AAC configuration information includes audio system information corresponding to the audio system of a vehicle having the sound control zone. **Claim 23** **Claim 24**: The method according to claim 1, wherein the AAC configuration information includes climate information corresponding to at least one of the climate within the sound control zone or the climate outside the sound control zone. **Claim 25** **Claim 26**: The method according to claim 1, wherein the AAC configuration information includes user position information corresponding to the position of at least one of the user's head or ears within the sound control zone. **Claim 27** **Claim 28**: The method according to claim 1, wherein the AAC configuration information includes user identification information corresponding to the identification of the user for controlling the user's preferences regarding the sound control zone. **Claim 29** The method according to claim 1, wherein the AAC configuration information comprises vehicle system configuration information corresponding to the configuration of the operating mode of one or more vehicle systems of a vehicle having the sound control zone, and / or vehicle sensor information from one or more vehicle sensors of the vehicle.

24. The method according to claim 1, wherein the AAC configuration information comprises information received via a system bus of a vehicle having the sound control zone.

25. An apparatus comprising a controller configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 24.

26. A vehicle comprising the apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the vehicle comprises a plurality of seats, and a sound control system configured to control sound within the sound control zone for a seat among the plurality of seats, the sound control system comprising the plurality of acoustic transducers, a plurality of noise sensors for generating the plurality of noise inputs, a plurality of residual noise sensors for generating the plurality of residual noise inputs, the controller, and a sound control system comprising, and a vehicle comprising.

27. A product comprising one or more tangible computer-readable non-transitory storage media comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, are operable to enable the at least one processor to cause a sound control system to control sound within a sound control zone, the instructions, when executed, causing the sound control system to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 24.

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