Sheet exciter software protection

JP2026145043APending Publication Date: 2026-09-09ハーマン ベッカー オートモーティブ システムズ インコーポレイテッド
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
JP2026030597
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2025-02-28
Filing Date
2026-02-27
Publication Date
2026-09-09

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

【0006】 先行技術と比較した開示されたアプローチの少なくとも1つの技術的利点は、開示された技術により、オーディオシステムまたはエキサイタ構成要素自体へのハードウェア構成の変更を必要とせずに、エキサイタが保護されることである。ハードウェアに保護を実装すると、通常、エキサイタの装置のコスト、物理的サイズ、及び取り付けの複雑さが増加し、これは、多くの場合、エキサイタが設置される場所で利用可能な空間が限られていることを考えると、懸念事項である。さらに、開示されたアプローチは、エキサイタの上流のハードウェア構成要素を再構成することなく、変化する動作パラメータを有する様々な製造業者からの様々なタイプのエキサイタに適応することができる。これらの技術的利点は、従来技術のアプローチに対して1つ以上の技術的進歩を提供する。 本発明は、例えば、以下の項目を提供する。 (項目1) マルチメディアシステムにおけるエキサイタ保護のためのコンピュータ実装方法であって、 オーディオ入力信号に関連付けられたオーディオ出力信号を受信することと、 エキサイタに関連付けられたエキサイタ仕様を決定することであって、前記エキサイタ仕様が1つ以上の動作パラメータを指定する、前記決定することと、 前記エキサイタ仕様に基づいてエキサイタ出力信号を生成することと、 を含む、前記コンピュータ実装方法。 (項目2) 前記エキサイタ仕様は、前記エキサイタの動作周波数範囲を指定し、前記エキサイタ出力信号が前記動作周波数範囲内で生成される、上記項目に記載のコンピュータ実装方法。 (項目3) 前記エキサイタ出力信号を生成することは、前記エキサイタの前記動作周波数範囲に基づいて、前記エキサイタ出力信号に対する少なくとも1つの遮断周波数を指定することを含む、上記項目のいずれか一項に記載のコンピュータ実装方法。 (項目4) 前記エキサイタ出力信号を生成することは、前記動作周波数範囲が前記エキサイタ出力信号の可能な周波数範囲よりも大きいと決定したことに応答して、前記動作周波数範囲を無視することを含む、上記項目のいずれか一項に記載のコンピュータ実装方法。 (項目5) 前記エキサイタ仕様は、前記エキサイタの動作電圧パラメータを指定する、上記項目のいずれか一項に記載のコンピュータ実装方法。 (項目6) 前記エキサイタ出力信号を生成することは、前記エキサイタの前記動作電圧パラメータに基づいて、前記エキサイタ出力信号に対するピーク電圧を指定することを含む、上記項目のいずれか一項に記載のコンピュータ実装方法。 (項目7) 前記エキサイタ出力信号を生成することは、前記エキサイタの最大ピーク電圧が前記エキサイタ出力信号の可能な最大ピーク電圧未満であると決定したことに応答して、前記動作電圧パラメータを無視することを含む、上記項目のいずれか一項に記載のコンピュータ実装方法。 (項目8) 前記エキサイタ仕様は、前記エキサイタの少なくとも1つの時間窓パラメータを指定する、上記項目のいずれか一項に記載のコンピュータ実装方法。 (項目9) 前記エキサイタ出力信号を生成することは、時間窓電力リミッタ(TWPL)を介して、前記エキサイタが指定された期間にわたって前記少なくとも1つの時間窓パラメータを超えたと決定したことに応答して、信号利得を制限することを含む、上記項目のいずれか一項に記載のコンピュータ実装方法。 (項目10) 前記エキサイタ出力信号を生成することは、時間窓電力リミッタ(TWPL)を介して、前記エキサイタが指定された期間にわたって前記少なくとも1つの時間窓パラメータを超えたと決定したことに応答して、前記エキサイタ出力信号をミュートすることを含む、上記項目のいずれか一項に記載のコンピュータ実装方法。 (項目11) 前記エキサイタが前記少なくとも1つの時間窓パラメータを超えたと決定することは、 前記エキサイタ出力信号の電圧レベルを検出することと、 遅延窓内の履歴電力を計数することと、 合算された窓値を所定の閾値と比較することと、 を含む、上記項目のいずれか一項に記載のコンピュータ実装方法。 (項目12) 動的利得制限を無効にする第1のソフトウェア保護構成を使用して、第1のタイプのエキサイタを駆動することと、 時間窓電力制限を無効にする第2のソフトウェア保護構成を使用して、第2のタイプのエキサイタを駆動することと、 をさらに含む、上記項目のいずれか一項に記載のコンピュータ実装方法。 (項目13) 命令を格納する1つ以上の非一時的コンピュータ可読媒体であって、 前記命令が、1つ以上のプロセッサにより実行されると、前記1つ以上のプロセッサに、 オーディオ入力信号に関連付けられたオーディオ出力信号を受信することと、 エキサイタに関連付けられたエキサイタ仕様を決定することであって、前記エキサイタ仕様は1つ以上の動作パラメータを指定する、前記決定することと、 前記エキサイタ仕様に基づいてエキサイタ出力信号を生成することと、 のステップを実行することによって、マルチメディアシステム内のエキサイタ保護を実施させる、前記非一時的コンピュータ可読媒体。 (項目14) 前記エキサイタ仕様が、前記エキサイタの動作周波数範囲を指定し、前記エキサイタ出力信号が前記動作周波数範囲内で生成される、上記項目のいずれか一項に記載の1つ以上の非一時的コンピュータ可読媒体。 (項目15) 前記エキサイタ出力信号を生成することは、前記エキサイタの前記動作周波数範囲に基づいて、前記エキサイタ出力信号に対する少なくとも1つの遮断周波数を指定することを含む、上記項目のいずれか一項に記載の1つ以上の非一時的コンピュータ可読媒体。 (項目16) 前記エキサイタ仕様は、前記エキサイタの動作電圧パラメータを指定する、上記項目のいずれか一項に記載の1つ以上の非一時的コンピュータ可読媒体。 (項目17) 前記エキサイタ出力信号を生成することは、前記エキサイタの前記動作電圧パラメータに基づいて、前記エキサイタ出力信号に対するピーク電圧を指定することを含む、上記項目のいずれか一項に記載の1つ以上の非一時的コンピュータ可読媒体。 (項目18) 前記エキサイタ仕様は、前記エキサイタの少なくとも1つの時間窓パラメータを指定する、上記項目のいずれか一項に記載の1つ以上の非一時的コンピュータ可読媒体。 (項目19) 前記エキサイタ出力信号を生成することは、時間窓電力リミッタ(TWPL)を介して、前記エキサイタが指定された期間にわたって前記少なくとも1つの時間窓パラメータを超えたと決定したことに応答して、信号利得を制限することを含む、上記項目のいずれか一項に記載の1つ以上の非一時的コンピュータ可読媒体。 (項目20) システムであって、 少なくとも1つのエキサイタと、 命令を記憶するメモリと、 1つ以上のプロセッサであって、前記命令を実行すると、 オーディオ入力信号に関連付けられたオーディオ出力信号を受信することと、 エキサイタに関連付けられたエキサイタ仕様を決定することであって、前記エキサイタ仕様が1つ以上の動作パラメータを指定する、前記決定することと、 前記エキサイタ仕様に基づいてエキサイタ出力信号を生成することと、 のステップを実施することによって、マルチメディアシステム内のエキサイタ保護を実施するように構成されている、前記1つ以上のプロセッサと、を含む、前記システム。 (摘要) 様々な実施形態は、オーディオ入力信号に関連付けられたオーディオ出力信号を受信することと、エキサイタに関連付けられたエキサイタ仕様を決定することであって、エキサイタ仕様が1つ以上の動作パラメータを指定する、決定することと、エキサイタ仕様に基づいてエキサイタ出力信号を生成することと、を含む、マルチメディアシステムにおけるエキサイタ保護のためのコンピュータ実装方法を開示する。

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 2026145043000001_ABST
    Figure 2026145043000001_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

This invention provides a computer implementation method, system, and storage medium for exciter protection in multimedia systems. [Solution] In the computing device 110, the exciter protection application 120 receives an audio output signal generated by an audio processing element in the multimedia system 100 and generates an exciter output signal for each of one or more exciters 152. The exciter protection application 120 also implements a protection technique that generates the exciter output signal based on an exciter specification 122 that specifies the operating parameters and operating range of the exciters 152.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[[BACKGROUND ART]]

[0001] Embodiments contemplated generally relate to protection techniques for sheet exciters and speakers, and more specifically to software protection for sheet exciters. Details of Related Art

[0002] Current audio systems, such as those implemented in vehicles or theaters, process audio input such as music played from a remote or local source and generate an output that is transmitted to various output devices such as one or more speakers. In some implementations, an exciter is another type of output device through which output is provided. Exciters are also referred to as seat shakers or shakers. Exciters are often installed on one or more seats in a vehicle or theater, and generate mechanical vibration or shaking of the seat for a range of frequency ranges. This shaking output improves the user experience with respect to reproduction of audio input. Speaker protection techniques are often used to limit or prevent damage to speakers used in audio systems. Speaker protection techniques are typically implemented by a digital signal processor that processes audio input before an output signal is generated and transmitted to a speaker.

[0003] One drawback of speaker protection technologies is that they are not well-suited for exciters due to the significant signal processing resources they require. Furthermore, exciters operate on a different mechanical principle than speakers. Speakers are implemented using one or more cones or diaphragms driven back and forth by a driver, which create pressure waves that produce sound. Sheet exciters are implemented using one or more vibrators that vibrate in response to an input signal. Therefore, there is a risk of damage to the exciter that is not adequately addressed using conventional speaker protection algorithms, either through prolonged operation or by operating the exciter outside its designed operating range. For example, the exciter coil may overheat, or the exciter may suffer other mechanical or electrical damage. Repairing or replacing a damaged exciter is usually not practical because the exciter is located in a seat or furniture, behind an interior panel, under the floor, or in other locations that are generally inaccessible to the user. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] Various embodiments disclose a computer implementation method for exciter protection in a multimedia system, which includes receiving an audio output signal associated with an audio input signal, determining an exciter specification associated with an exciter, wherein the exciter specification specifies one or more operating parameters, and generating an exciter output signal based on the exciter specification.

[0005] Further embodiments provide, among other things, one or more non-temporary computer-readable media and systems configured to implement the above-described method.

[0006] At least one technical advantage of the disclosed approach compared to prior art is that the disclosed approach protects the exciter without requiring any hardware configuration changes to the audio system or the exciter components themselves. Implementing protection in hardware typically increases the cost, physical size, and installation complexity of the exciter device, which is a concern given that the available space at the location where the exciter is installed is often limited. Furthermore, the disclosed approach can be adapted to various types of exciters from various manufacturers with varying operating parameters without reconfiguring the hardware components upstream of the exciter. These technical advantages represent one or more technological advancements over the prior art approach. The present invention provides, for example, the following items: (Item 1) A computer implementation method for exciter protection in a multimedia system, Receiving an audio output signal associated with an audio input signal, Determining an exciter specification associated with an exciter, wherein the exciter specification specifies one or more operating parameters, The exciter output signal is generated based on the exciter specifications, The computer implementation method, including the above. (Item 2) The computer implementation method described above, wherein the exciter specification specifies the operating frequency range of the exciter, and the exciter output signal is generated within the operating frequency range. (Item 3) The computer implementation method according to any one of the above items, wherein generating the exciter output signal includes specifying at least one cutoff frequency for the exciter output signal based on the operating frequency range of the exciter. (Item 4) A computer implementation method according to any one of the above items, wherein generating the exciter output signal includes ignoring the operating frequency range in response to determining that the operating frequency range is greater than the possible frequency range of the exciter output signal. (Item 5) The exciter specification is a computer implementation method according to any one of the above items, which specifies the operating voltage parameters of the exciter. (Item 6) The computer implementation method according to any one of the above items, wherein generating the exciter output signal includes specifying a peak voltage for the exciter output signal based on the operating voltage parameter of the exciter. (Item 7) A computer implementation method according to any one of the above items, comprising ignoring the operating voltage parameter in response to determining that the maximum peak voltage of the exciter is less than the maximum possible peak voltage of the exciter output signal. (Item 8) The computer implementation method according to any one of the above items, wherein the exciter specification specifies at least one time window parameter of the exciter. (Item 9) A computer implementation method according to any one of the above items, wherein generating the exciter output signal includes limiting the signal gain via a time window power limiter (TWPL) in response to determining that the exciter has exceeded the at least one time window parameter over a specified period of time. (Item 10) A computer implementation method according to any one of the above items, wherein generating the exciter output signal includes muting the exciter output signal via a time window power limiter (TWPL) in response to determining that the exciter has exceeded the at least one time window parameter over a specified period of time. (Item 11) Determining that the exciter has exceeded the at least one time window parameter means that To detect the voltage level of the exciter output signal, Counting the historical power within the delay window, The summed window values ​​are compared to a predetermined threshold, A computer implementation method described in any one of the above items, including the above items. (Item 12) Driving a first type of exciter using a first software protection configuration that disables dynamic gain limiting, Driving a second type of exciter using a second software protection configuration that disables the time window power limit, A computer implementation method as described in any one of the above items, further including the above items. (Item 13) One or more non-temporary computer-readable media for storing instructions, When the instruction is executed by one or more processors, the one or more processors will: Receiving an audio output signal associated with an audio input signal, Determining an exciter specification associated with an exciter, wherein the exciter specification specifies one or more operating parameters, The exciter output signal is generated based on the exciter specifications, The non-temporary computer-readable medium enables exciter protection within a multimedia system by performing the steps described above. (Item 14) One or more non-temporary computer-readable media as described in any one of the above items, wherein the exciter specification specifies the operating frequency range of the exciter, and the exciter output signal is generated within the operating frequency range. (Item 15) One or more non-transient computer-readable media according to any one of the above items, wherein generating the exciter output signal includes specifying at least one cutoff frequency for the exciter output signal based on the operating frequency range of the exciter. (Item 16) The exciter specification is one or more non-temporary computer-readable media as described in any one of the above items, specifying the operating voltage parameters of the exciter. (Item 17) Generating the exciter output signal includes specifying a peak voltage for the exciter output signal based on the operating voltage parameter of the exciter, in one or more non-temporary computer-readable media as described in any one of the above items. (Item 18) The exciter specification is one or more non-temporary computer-readable media as described in any one of the above items, specifying at least one time window parameter of the exciter. (Item 19) One or more non-transient computer-readable media as described in any one of the above items, wherein generating the exciter output signal includes limiting the signal gain via a time window power limiter (TWPL) in response to determining that the exciter has exceeded the at least one time window parameter over a specified period of time. (Item 20) It is a system, At least one exciter, Memory for storing instructions, One or more processors, when executing the instruction, Receiving an audio output signal associated with an audio input signal, Determining an exciter specification associated with an exciter, wherein the exciter specification specifies one or more operating parameters, The exciter output signal is generated based on the exciter specifications, the one or more processors configured to perform exciter protection in a multimedia system by performing the step of . (Abstract) Various embodiments disclose a computer-implemented method for exciter protection in a multimedia system, comprising: receiving an audio output signal associated with an audio input signal; determining an exciter specification associated with an exciter, the exciter specification specifying one or more operating parameters; and generating an exciter output signal based on the exciter specification.

[0007] In order to enable a detailed understanding of the above-listed features of various embodiments, a more specific description of the inventive concept briefly summarized above may be made with reference to various embodiments, some of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the accompanying drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the inventive concept, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope in any way, and other equally effective embodiments exist. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of an audio system configured to implement one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0009] [Figure 2] 2 provides a high-level conceptual diagram illustrating the functional interaction between an exciter protection application, exciter specifications, one or more exciters, and one or more input sources.

[0010] [Figure 3] 3 provides an exploded view of an architecture of one or more input sources, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] [Figure 4]This is a flowchart of method steps for implementing protection technology for one or more exciters in various embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The following description includes numerous specific details to provide a more complete understanding of the various embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the concept of the present invention can be implemented without one or more of these specific details.

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a multimedia system 100 in various embodiments. As shown, the multimedia system 100 includes, but is not limited to, a computing device 110, one or more exciters 152, one or more input sources 150, and one or more output devices 160. The computing device 110 includes, but is not limited to, a processing unit 112 and memory 114. The memory 114 stores, but is not limited to, an exciter protection application 120 and an exciter specification 122.

[0014] The computing device 110 includes, but is not limited to, any technically feasible device or component capable of receiving input signals from one or more input sources 150 being played by the multimedia system 100. For example, the input sources 150 may include a media player accessing terrestrial or satellite radio, a streaming service accessed via a network connection, a local media stream (e.g., from a cellular or smartphone), or a storage device containing music, movie soundtracks, spoken language content, or other audio files. In some embodiments, the computing device 110 can adapt or switch audio content based on user preferences, sensor inputs, system configuration, and / or similar factors. The computing device 110 processes the audio signals from one or more input sources 150 and drives one or more exciters 152 and / or one or more output devices 160. In some embodiments, the computing device 110 is integrated into a head unit, amplifier, audio processor, or other type of device in a vehicle, aircraft, or fixed environment.

[0015] In many environments, such as vehicle cabins or theaters, one or more exciters 152, also called seat shakers, tactile transducers, or panel-based transducers, which excite flat surfaces such as glass panels, are used to enhance the viewing or listening experience of audio or multimedia content. An exciter 152 represents one or more devices or components configured to convert an electrically driven signal into mechanical vibrations that can be perceived by one or more listeners. For example, an exciter 152 includes a seat-mounted actuator, a voice coil shaker, a moving magnet exciter, a linear resonant actuator, a piezoelectric bender, and / or the like. Each of the one or more exciters 152 may be mounted on, embedded within, or mechanically coupled to a support surface such as a seat base, seat back, headrest, armrest, floor panel, game chair platform, and / or the like, which are located in a passenger compartment, home theater environment, wearable assembly, and / or the like. The electrically driven signal is supplied by the computing device 110, generated based on one or more input sources 150, and derived from an audio signal processed by the exciter protection application 120. The exciter 152 can generate vibrations associated with any audio signal, including bass-heavy music, cinematic audio effects, bass frequencies, or other audio signal-based vibrations that can enhance an immersive user experience.

[0016] The computing device 110 generates one or more output signals used to drive one or more exciters 152 and one or more output devices 160, such as speakers, in a listening or viewing environment. Furthermore, the multimedia system 100 generates exciter output signals provided to one or more exciters 152 in order to drive one or more exciters 152 within the system. Different exciters having different specifications, including different operating parameters and operating ranges, are used in various environments. For example, a first type of exciter having specific operating parameters and operating ranges can be used in the front seats of a vehicle. A second type of exciter having different operating parameters and operating ranges can be used in the rear seats of a vehicle.

[0017] The processing unit 112 may be a combination of several different processing units, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), and / or any other type of processing unit, or a CPU configured to work with a GPU and / or DSP. In general, the processing unit 112 may be any technically feasible hardware device capable of processing data and / or executing software applications.

[0018] Memory 114 may include a random-access memory (RAM) module, a flash memory device, or any other type of memory device, or a combination thereof. The processing unit 112 is configured to read data from and write data to memory 114. In various embodiments, memory 114 includes non-volatile memory such as an optical drive, magnetic drive, flash drive, or other storage. In some embodiments, a separate data store, such as an external data store ("cloud storage") contained in a network, may supplement memory 114. An exciter protection application 120 in memory 114 may be executed by the processing unit 112 and implement the overall functionality of the computing device 110, thereby coordinating the operation of the entire multimedia system 100. The exciter specification 122 includes operating parameters, operating limits, and other parameters, and based on these, the exciter protection application 120 can generate an exciter output signal that matches the exciter specification 122 of each exciter 152. In various embodiments, an interconnection bus (not shown) connects the processing unit 112, memory 114, one or more input sources 150, exciter 152, one or more output devices 160, and any other components of the multimedia system 100.

[0019] In one implementation, the exciter protection application 120 receives an audio output signal generated by an audio processing element in the multimedia system 100 and generates an exciter output signal for each of the one or more exciters 152 in the environment. To generate the exciter output signal, the exciter protection application 120 implements a protection technique that generates the exciter output signal based on an exciter specification 122 that specifies the operating parameters and operating range of a given exciter 152. Thus, the exciter protection application 120 also generates an exciter output signal that limits or prevents damage to one or more exciters 152 based on their respective operating parameters or operating ranges. For example, the exciter protection application 120 may limit the gain of the exciter output signal, or mute the exciter output signal provided to the exciters 152 to limit the opportunity for damage to the exciters 152 based on the operating parameters of one or more exciters 152. The exciter protection application 120 consists of the operating parameters and acceptable operating range of a particular exciter 152.

[0020] The exciter protection application 120 operates within the memory 114 of the computing device 110 and implements a multi-stage software protection module to prevent damage to the sheet shaker. The application functions by receiving an audio output signal and processing it through a set of configurable submodules tailored to the hardware datasheet of a particular exciter. The first stage of the application includes a frequency band control (FBC) module, which ensures that the signal remains within the mechanical operating range of the exciter 152. The operating range is defined by the respective exciter specification 122 of the exciter 152. Based on the exciter specification, the exciter protection application 120 implements cutoff frequencies to filter out potentially damaging low or high frequencies. If the exciter protection application 120 determines that the possible range of the input signal is already safe within the operating frequency range of the exciter 152, the exciter protection application 120 may ignore or bypass the FBC to maintain signal integrity.

[0021] Following frequency filtering, the exciter protection application 120 applies a dynamic gain limiter to provide peak voltage protection. By referencing the operating voltage parameters of the exciter specification 122, the exciter specification 122 limits the peak voltage of the output signal to prevent the exciter coil from overheating or being electrically damaged. Similar to the FBC module, the exciter protection application 120 can disable gain protection in real time if, based on an analysis of the exciter specification 122 corresponding to the exciter 152, it determines that the highest possible peak voltage of the source signal is below the maximum operating voltage of the exciter 152. The exciter protection application 120 also incorporates a Time Window Power Limiter (TWPL) module. The TWPL module monitors the signal using a voltage level sensing mechanism and counts the historical power levels supplied to the exciter 152 within a specific delay window, such as a one-second interval. The exciter protection application 120 sums these window values ​​to create an aggregated window value and compares the aggregated window value to a predetermined threshold derived from the exciter test data. If the aggregate exceeds a percentage-based K value threshold, such as a 90% threshold for gain reduction or a 98% threshold for muting, the exciter protection application 120 automatically adjusts the signal gain or mutes the output to comply with the on / off ratio and the continuous operation specifications of each exciter 152.

[0022] In one embodiment, a user or developer can configure an exciter protection application 120 based on the exciter specifications 122 of one or more exciters 152 used in the environment. The developer workflow for configuring the exciter protection application 120 includes translating the exciter specifications 122 into functional software parameters for configuring the exciter protection application 120 for a given implementation. The developer workflow begins by collecting the target exciter specifications 122 from the manufacturer's datasheet or hardware endurance test data. These exciter specifications 122 typically include the maximum frequency range, normal operating voltage range, continuous maximum voltage time, and the on / off ratio required for cooling for each of the one or more exciters 152.

[0023] The user can configure the exciter protection application 120 by enabling only the specific submodules required for a particular exciter 152. In some examples, the exciter protection application 120 may automatically configure various modules based on an automated analysis of the exciter specification 122. For example, if the physical mounting or design of one or more exciters 152 already ensures that the exciters 152 do not exceed a certain voltage limit, the dynamic gain limiter may be disabled while the FBC module remains active to manage mechanical vibration limits.

[0024] The exciter protection application 120 translates the exciter specification 122 into a software configuration parameter such as a “K value.” This translation includes translating physical units such as voltage and minutes into software-readable thresholds for a time window power limiter (TWPL). For example, a hardware requirement of “10 minutes off after 40 minutes of work” is translated into a specific delay window size and a corresponding K value that triggers a gain reduction or mute when the combined power window reaches 90% or 98% of the hardware endurance threshold. In some embodiments, the exciter protection application 120 is configured within a multimedia system 100 and undergoes unit and system-level verification. The test phase verifies that the exciter protection application 120 correctly interprets the combined window values ​​and applies appropriate gain level determinations to protect one or more exciters 152 from damage or overheating.

[0025] One or more output devices 160 may be any technically feasible type of audio or video output device. One or more output devices 160 may include speakers that output sound based on audio input provided by the computing device 110. One or more output devices 160 may also include one or more displays that render still images or videos based on input from the computing device 110.

[0026] Referring next to Figure 2, a block diagram is shown illustrating an exemplary signal flow according to one or more embodiments. Figure 2 provides a high-level conceptual diagram illustrating the functional interaction between the exciter protection application 120, the exciter specification 122, one or more exciters 152, and one or more input sources 150. Figure 2 illustrates how one or more input sources 150 act as gatekeepers between the input signals from the one or more input sources 150 and one or more exciters 152 of the multimedia system 100 to prevent damage to one or more input sources 150 by ensuring that the output signals from the multimedia system 100 are within the operating parameters of one or more exciters 152 of the multimedia system 100.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, one or more input sources 150 provide input signals to one or more input sources 150. The input signals from one or more input sources 150 correspond to audio signals for playback by the multimedia system 100. Rather than directly driving one or more exciters 152 with the input signals, an exciter protection application 120 receives the input signals and processes them to outputs based on an analysis of the exciter specifications 122 corresponding to each exciter 152. In one embodiment, the exciter protection application 120 can refer to the exciter specifications 122 corresponding to the exciters 152 in real time. In another embodiment, the exciter protection application 120 may consist of operating parameters for driving the exciters 152 when the multimedia system 100 is configured and when one or more exciters 152 are integrated into the multimedia system 100. As described above, the exciter specifications 122 include one or more mechanical and electrical tolerances of the exciters 152. These exciter specifications 122 include parameters such as rated voltage, maximum frequency range, duty cycle parameters that define the time the exciter 152 can operate within a specified period, and other test data or parameters derived from manufacturer data.

[0028] By processing one or more input sources 150 based on a specific exciter specification 122, in some embodiments, the exciter protection application 120 is capable of dynamically modifying the input signals in real time. In other embodiments, the exciter protection application 120 is pre-configured based on the exciter specification 122 so that the exciter protection application 120 generates output signals provided to one or more exciters 152 based on the respective operating parameters associated with each exciter 152. In some embodiments, the computing device 110 runs multiple instances of the exciter protection application 120, configured to provide output signals to different exciters 152 which may have potentially different exciter specifications 122 specifying different operating parameters. In this way, the multimedia system 100 can assist in installations including heterogeneous sets of exciters 152. Thus, by configuring the exciter protection application 120 based on one or more exciter specifications 122, the examples of the present disclosure ensure that the outputs supplied to the exciters 152 are adjusted to remain within safe operating boundaries. This configuration prevents the exciter from being driven in a way that could lead to overheating, mechanical fatigue, or permanent failure.

[0029] Figure 3 provides exploded views of the architecture of one or more input sources 150 in various embodiments. The depiction shown in Figure 3 represents an extension of the higher-level system components and operational relationships previously introduced in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 3 shows an example of an internal signal processing pipeline and logic module employed to convert input signals 302, which can correspond to audio input signals from one or more input sources 150, into regulated and protected output signals 320 suitable for one or more exciters 152. In one implementation, the exciter protection application 120 is constructed as a sequential, multi-stage digital signal processing chain including three submodules configured to mitigate separate categories of mechanical, electrical, and thermal hardware risks.

[0030] In the depicted example, the input signal 302 is provided to the frequency band control module 303, an early stage in the internal processing chain of one or more input sources 150, and the frequency band control module 303 receives the input signal 302. In one example, the input signal 302 is received directly from one or more input sources 150. In another embodiment, the input signal 302 represents a processed input signal corresponding to an exciter signal generated by an upstream component in the multimedia system 100. As established in the system-level overview of Figure 2, a typical audio content source may frequently provide a signal that exceeds the physical and mechanical capabilities of a dedicated sheet exciter. The frequency band control module 303 is associated with the exciter 152 and the exciter protection application 120 applies frequency-based constraints specified by the exciter specification 122, which constitutes the frequency band control module 303. The frequency band control module 303 applies specific high-pass or low-pass cutoff frequencies so that the output signal provided to the exciter 152 remains within the mechanical operating range defined in the exciter specification 122. The frequency band control module 303 may be enabled or disabled based on whether it is already guaranteed that the source signal is within the correct range for specific hardware. In one embodiment, the exciter protection application 120 provides a control signal to the frequency band control module 303 that instructs whether to apply filtering to the input signal 302 or to pass the input signal 302 through without modification.

[0031] Once the input signal 302 is appropriately frequency-tuned by the frequency band control module 303, the input signal 302 is sent to the dynamic gain limiter module 304. The dynamic gain limiter module 304 is responsible for providing real-time peak voltage protection by monitoring the amplitude or voltage level of the input signal 302 against a predefined operating voltage parameter specified by the exciter protection application 120, which comprises one or more input sources 150. By dynamically limiting the peak voltage, this module prevents the exciter coil of the exciter 152 from overheating or suffering electrical damage, which is important for components such as the exciter 152, which is often installed in locations inaccessible to users and where repair is difficult or practically impossible. The developer workflow allows the dynamic gain limiter module 304 to be configured or bypassed via one or more control signals, depending on the maximum peak operating voltage of the exciter relative to the potential signal strength. The signal is output from the dynamic gain limiter module 304 to the TWPL module 305.

[0032] The TWPL module 305 controls the long-term durability and thermal safety of the exciter 152 by monitoring its cumulative usage over the long term. The dynamic gain limiter module 304 receives the output from the dynamic gain limiter module 304 and continuously monitors the signal level associated with the signal. The first submodule associated with the TWPL module 305 is the voltage sensing block 307, which receives the output signal from the dynamic gain limiter module 304 as its primary input. The voltage sensing block 307 outputs continuous real-time voltage level data, which is used to monitor ongoing electrical stress on the exciter hardware. The voltage data is then fed into a delay window 308, which acts as a temporal buffer. The delay window 308 receives a continuous voltage input and outputs a windowed dataset corresponding to a specific duration, such as a 1-second interval, which defines a temporal range for power calculations.

[0033] Both the windowed data from the delay window 308 and the raw data from the delay window 308 are provided as inputs to the time window history module 310. The time window history module 310 counts the power usage history of the exciter 152 over a certain period by summing the windowed voltage values. The output of the time window history module 310 is a summed window value representing the total cumulative power supplied to the exciter 152 over a specified delay window. The summed window value is then sent as input to the gain determination block 312. The gain determination block 312 also utilizes internal configuration inputs generated and derived from the exciter specification 122, such as a gain reduction K value or a mute start K value, which represent a threshold percentage of the exciter 152's maximum power capacity. By comparing the summed window value with the K value threshold, the gain determination block 312 outputs a control command, such as a gain reduction command or a mute command, to the GM block 306.

[0034] The GM block 306, also called the gain / mute stage, receives two inputs: an audio signal stream passing through the TWPL module 305 and logic-based control commands from the gain determination block 312. The GM block 306 acts as a control point, using the control command inputs to determine the physical state of the signal path. If the summed window value reaches a high percentage of the endurance threshold associated with the exciter 152, and the gain determination block 312 provides a gain down command, the GM block 306 reduces the signal gain. If the endurance threshold is exceeded, the GM block 306 can mute the input signal. The output of the GM block 306 is a protected exciter output signal 302, which is sent to the exciter 152 to provide the vibration experience within the safe endurance limits of the exciter 152. The gain determination block 312 acts as the final arbiter of the signal state, comparing the summed history value against a specific endurance threshold or K value converted from the exciter specification 122. Based on these calculations, the gain determination block 312 sends a command to the GM block 306, which applies gain reduction or muting to the signal path to generate a regulated and protected output signal 320 that is provided to the exciter 152.

[0035] Figure 4 is a flowchart of method steps for implementing protection technology for one or more exciters 152 according to various embodiments. The method steps in the flowchart shown in Figure 4 are described in conjunction with embodiments in Figures 1 to 3, but those skilled in the art will understand that in some embodiments any system can be configured to perform the method steps in the flowchart of Figure 4 in any order. In some embodiments, the method steps in Figure 4 can be implemented in hardware, software, and / or firmware.

[0036] Method 400 begins in step 402, where the exciter protection application 120 receives an input signal, which is typically an audio output signal from one or more input sources 150 of a multimedia system 100. The input signal may include music or multimedia content. In some embodiments, the input signal to the exciter protection application 120 may represent a pre-processed signal specifying a desired vibration or shaking effect intended for the user's seat or another surface in the vehicle, such as a glass plate or another surface that can be excited by the exciter 152.

[0037] In step 404, the exciter protection application 120 obtains an exciter specification 122 associated with one or more exciters 152 in the multimedia system 100. As described above, the exciter specification 122 includes operating parameters, operating limits, and other parameters that enable the exciter protection application 120 to generate an exciter output signal that matches the exciter specification 122 of each exciter 152. For example, the exciter specification 122 may specify the operating frequency range of the exciter 152, the peak voltage that the exciter 152 can accept, and duty cycle data that specifies the time the exciter 152 can operate within a given period. The exciter specification 122 may vary considerably depending on the manufacturer of the exciter 152 or the specific seat location in a vehicle or theater. The exciter specification 122 may be derived from a supplier's datasheet and may define operating parameters such as the mechanical frequency range, ratings and maximum voltages, as well as test data such as the on / off ratio required for cooling.

[0038] In step 406, the exciter protection application 120 comprises various modules, such as the frequency band control module 303, the dynamic gain limiter module 304, and the TWPL module 305. In one embodiment, a user or developer can configure the exciter protection application 120 based on the exciter specifications 122 of one or more exciters 152 used in the environment. The developer workflow for configuring the exciter protection application 120 includes translating the exciter specifications 122 into functional software parameters for configuring the exciter protection application 120 for a given implementation. The developer workflow begins by collecting the target exciter specifications 122 from the manufacturer's datasheet or hardware endurance test data. These exciter specifications 122 typically include the maximum frequency range, normal operating voltage range, continuous maximum voltage time, and the on / off ratio required for cooling of one or more exciters 152. In this configuration, the exciter protection application 120 determines which of the modules, such as the frequency band control module 303, the dynamic gain limiter module 304, and the TWPL module 305, should be activated to generate the regulated and protected output signal 320. For example, if the exciter protection application 120 determines that it is already guaranteed that the incoming source signal is within the safe boundary of a particular exciter 152, it may decide to ignore the operating frequency range or disable peak voltage protection. Furthermore, the exciter protection application 120 may convert the raw hardware test data in the exciter specification 122 into setting parameters for the frequency band control module 303, the dynamic gain limiter module 304, and the TWPL module 305, such as the mathematical K value used by the TWPL module to determine when to initiate gain reduction or mute operation.

[0039] Method 400 proceeds to step 408, in which the exciter protection application 120 inputs a signal 302 using the configured frequency band control module 303, dynamic gain limiting module 304, and TWPL module 305 to generate a regulated and protected output signal 320. The regulated and protected output signal 320 is generated by applying gain folding, frequency filtering, and temporal power limiting to the input signal 302. By regulating the input signal 302 in this way, the exciter protection application 120 prevents or limits overheating of the exciter 152 and avoids mechanical damage that would otherwise occur if the device were operating outside the designed operating range. Since the exciter 152 is often installed in inaccessible locations such as inside furniture or behind interior panels, the exciter protection application 120 can maintain the long-term system durability of the exciter 152 without requiring manual intervention or hardware replacement.

[0040] In summary, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a software-based exciter protection module designed to protect exciters such as sheet shakers from mechanical, electrical, and thermal failures by dynamically adjusting the audio signal according to specific hardware tolerances. Unlike conventional speaker protection techniques, which are often resource-intensive or unsuitable for the mechanical principles of diaphragms, the disclosed technique implements a configurable multi-stage processing pipeline. The pipeline includes a frequency band control (FBC) for enforcing mechanical cutoff limits, a dynamic gain limiter for adjusting peak voltages, and a time-windowed power limiter (TWPL) for tracking cumulative thermal stress by summing voltage window values ​​against a percentage-based K threshold.

[0041] At least one technical advantage of the disclosed approach compared to prior art is that the disclosed approach protects the exciter without requiring any hardware configuration changes to the audio system or the exciter components themselves. Implementing protection in hardware typically increases the cost, physical size, and installation complexity of the exciter device, which is a concern given that the available space at the location where the exciter is installed is often limited. Furthermore, the disclosed approach can be adapted to various types of exciters from various manufacturers with different operating parameters without reconfiguring the hardware components upstream of the exciter. These technical advantages represent one or more technical advancements over the prior art approach.

[0042] 1. A computer implementation method for exciter protection in a multimedia system, comprising: receiving an audio output signal associated with an audio input signal; determining an exciter specification associated with an exciter, wherein the exciter specification specifies or determines one or more operating parameters; and generating an exciter output signal based on the exciter specification.

[0043] 2. The computer implementation method according to claim 1, wherein the exciter specification specifies the operating frequency range of the exciter, and the exciter output signal is generated within the operating frequency range.

[0044] 3. The computer implementation method according to claim 2, wherein generating the exciter output signal includes specifying at least one cutoff frequency for the exciter output signal based on the operating frequency range of the exciter.

[0045] 4. The computer implementation method according to claim 2, wherein generating the exciter output signal includes ignoring the operating frequency range in response to determining that the operating frequency range is greater than the possible frequency range of the exciter output signal.

[0046] 5. The computer implementation method according to claim 1, wherein the exciter specification specifies the operating voltage parameter of the exciter.

[0047] 6. The computer implementation method according to claim 5, wherein generating the exciter output signal includes specifying a peak voltage for the exciter output signal based on the operating voltage parameter of the exciter.

[0048] 7. The computer implementation method according to claim 5, wherein generating the exciter output signal includes ignoring the operating voltage parameter in response to determining that the maximum peak voltage of the exciter is less than the maximum possible peak voltage of the exciter output signal.

[0049] 8. The computer implementation method according to claim 1, wherein the exciter specification specifies at least one time window parameter of the exciter.

[0050] 9. The computer implementation method according to claim 8, wherein generating the exciter output signal includes limiting the signal gain via a time window power limiter (TWPL) in response to determining that the exciter has exceeded the at least one time window parameter over a specified period of time.

[0051] 10. The computer implementation method according to claim 8, wherein generating the exciter output signal includes muting the exciter output signal via a time window power limiter (TWPL) in response to determining that the exciter has exceeded the at least one time window parameter over a specified period of time.

[0052] 11. The computer implementation method according to claim 8, wherein determining that the exciter has exceeded the at least one time window parameter includes detecting the voltage level of the exciter output signal, counting the historical power within the delay window, and comparing the summed window values ​​with a predetermined threshold.

[0053] 12. The computer implementation method according to claim 1, further comprising driving a first type of exciter using a first software protection configuration that disables dynamic gain limiting, and driving a second type of exciter using a second software protection configuration that disables time window power limiting.

[0054] 13. One or more non-temporary computer-readable media for storing instructions, wherein when an instruction is executed by one or more processors, the non-temporary computer-readable media causes the one or more processors to perform the steps of: receiving an audio output signal associated with an audio input signal; determining an exciter specification associated with an exciter, wherein the exciter specification specifies one or more operating parameters; and generating an exciter output signal based on the exciter specification.

[0055] 14. One or more non-temporary computer-readable media according to claim 13, wherein the exciter specification specifies the operating frequency range of the exciter, and the exciter output signal is generated within the operating frequency range.

[0056] 15. One or more non-transient computer-readable media according to claim 14, wherein generating the exciter output signal comprises specifying at least one cutoff frequency for the exciter output signal based on the operating frequency range of the exciter.

[0057] 16. The exciter specification specifies the operating voltage parameters of the exciter, one or more non-transient computer-readable media according to claim 13.

[0058] 17. One or more non-transient computer-readable media according to claim 16, wherein generating the exciter output signal includes specifying a peak voltage for the exciter output signal based on the operating voltage parameter of the exciter.

[0059] 18. The exciter specification specifies at least one time window parameter of the exciter, one or more non-temporary computer-readable media according to claim 13.

[0060] 19. One or more non-transient computer-readable media according to claim 18, wherein generating the exciter output signal includes limiting the signal gain via a time window power limiter (TWPL) in response to determining that the exciter has exceeded the at least one time window parameter over a specified period of time.

[0061] 20. A system comprising at least one exciter, a memory for storing instructions, and one or more processors, which, upon executing the instruction, perform the steps of: receiving an audio output signal associated with an audio input signal; determining an exciter specification associated with the exciter, wherein the exciter specification specifies one or more operating parameters; and generating an exciter output signal based on the exciter specification.

[0062] Any claim element enumerated in any claim, and / or any combination of any element described in this application, in any manner, and all combinations thereof, are included within the scope of the invention and the protection intended.

[0063] The descriptions of various embodiments are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be exhaustive or limitful to the embodiments disclosed. Many variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the embodiments described.

[0064] Aspects of this embodiment may be embodied as a system, method, or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of this disclosure may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware embodiments, all of which may be generally referred to herein as “modules,” “systems,” or “computers.” Furthermore, any hardware and / or software technology, process, function, component, engine, module, or system described herein may be implemented as a circuit or set of circuits. Furthermore, aspects of this disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable media containing computer-readable program code.

[0065] Any combination of one or more computer-readable media may be used. A computer-readable media may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium may be, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any preferred combination thereof. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable storage media may include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any preferred combination thereof. In the context of this document, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain or store programs for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0066] Aspects of the present disclosure are described above with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be understood that each block in a flowchart and / or block diagram, and combinations of blocks in a flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, or other programmable data processing unit to generate a machine. The instructions, when executed via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing unit, enable the implementation of specific functions / operations of one or more blocks in a flowchart and / or block diagram. Such processors may be, but are not limited to, general-purpose processors, dedicated processors, application-specific processors, or field-programmable gate arrays.

[0067] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of the systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a defined logical function(s). Note that in some alternative implementations, the functions described in a block may occur in an order other than that shown in the figure. For example, two consecutively shown blocks may actually be executed almost simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order depending on the functions involved. Note that each block in a block diagram and / or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in a block diagram and / or flowchart, may be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions that performs a particular function or operation.

[0068] While the foregoing applies to embodiments of the present disclosure, other embodiments and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from their basic scope, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A computer implementation method for exciter protection in a multimedia system, Receiving an audio output signal associated with an audio input signal, Determining the exciter specifications associated with the exciter, wherein the exciter specifications specify one or more operating parameters, The exciter output signal is generated based on the exciter specifications, The computer implementation method, including the above.

2. The computer implementation method according to claim 1, wherein the exciter specification specifies the operating frequency range of the exciter, and the exciter output signal is generated within the operating frequency range.

3. The computer implementation method according to claim 2, wherein generating the exciter output signal includes specifying at least one cutoff frequency for the exciter output signal based on the operating frequency range of the exciter.

4. The computer implementation method according to claim 2, wherein generating the exciter output signal includes ignoring the operating frequency range in response to determining that the operating frequency range is greater than the possible frequency range of the exciter output signal.

5. The computer implementation method according to claim 1, wherein the exciter specification specifies the operating voltage parameter of the exciter.

6. The computer implementation method according to claim 5, wherein generating the exciter output signal includes specifying a peak voltage for the exciter output signal based on the operating voltage parameter of the exciter.

7. The computer implementation method according to claim 5, wherein generating the exciter output signal includes ignoring the operating voltage parameter in response to determining that the maximum peak voltage of the exciter is less than the maximum possible peak voltage of the exciter output signal.

8. The computer implementation method according to claim 1, wherein the exciter specification specifies at least one time window parameter of the exciter.

9. The computer implementation method according to claim 8, wherein generating the exciter output signal includes limiting the signal gain via a time window power limiter (TWPL) in response to determining that the exciter has exceeded the at least one time window parameter over a specified period of time.

10. The computer implementation method according to claim 8, wherein generating the exciter output signal includes muting the exciter output signal via a time window power limiter (TWPL) in response to determining that the exciter has exceeded the at least one time window parameter over a specified period of time.

11. Determining that the exciter has exceeded the at least one time window parameter means that To detect the voltage level of the exciter output signal, Counting the historical power within the delay window, The summed window values ​​are compared to a predetermined threshold, The computer implementation method according to claim 8, including the method described in claim 8.

12. Driving a first type of exciter using a first software protection configuration that disables dynamic gain limiting, Driving a second type of exciter using a second software protection configuration that disables the time window power limit, The computer implementation method according to claim 1, further comprising:

13. One or more non-temporary computer-readable media for storing instructions, When the instruction is executed by one or more processors, the one or more processors will: Receiving an audio output signal associated with an audio input signal, Determining the exciter specifications associated with the exciter, wherein the exciter specifications specify one or more operating parameters, The exciter output signal is generated based on the exciter specifications, The non-temporary computer-readable medium enables exciter protection within a multimedia system by performing the steps described above.

14. The one or more non-temporary computer-readable media according to claim 13, wherein the exciter specification specifies the operating frequency range of the exciter, and the exciter output signal is generated within the operating frequency range.

15. One or more non-transient computer-readable media according to claim 14, wherein generating the exciter output signal includes specifying at least one cutoff frequency for the exciter output signal based on the operating frequency range of the exciter.

16. The exciter specification specifies the operating voltage parameters of the exciter, one or more non-temporary computer-readable media according to claim 13.

17. The generation of the exciter output signal comprises specifying a peak voltage for the exciter output signal based on the operating voltage parameter of the exciter, for one or more non-temporary computer-readable media according to claim 16.

18. The exciter specification specifies at least one time window parameter of the exciter, one or more non-temporary computer-readable media according to claim 13.

19. One or more non-transient computer-readable media according to claim 18, wherein generating the exciter output signal includes limiting the signal gain via a time window power limiter (TWPL) in response to determining that the exciter has exceeded the at least one time window parameter over a specified period of time.

20. It is a system, At least one exciter, Memory for storing instructions, One or more processors, which, when executing the instruction, Receiving an audio output signal associated with an audio input signal, Determining the exciter specifications associated with the exciter, wherein the exciter specifications specify one or more operating parameters, The exciter output signal is generated based on the exciter specifications, The system includes one or more processors configured to perform exciter protection within a multimedia system by performing the steps of the above.