3D Audio Interaction for Vehicles Using Spatial Sound Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infotainment systems in vehicles fail to provide relevant and useful information to occupants while they are on the move, such as nearby attractions or emergency warnings, due to their focus on audio or video entertainment rather than intuitive and non-intrusive information delivery.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for three-dimensional (3D) audio interaction in vehicles, utilizing sensors and audio output devices to generate and output 3D audio objects based on the vehicle's location and relative position to nearby entities, allowing for the intuitive and non-intrusive delivery of information such as promotional notifications, emergency warnings, or media content from other vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional infotainment systems provide audio or video entertainment to vehicle occupants, then entertainment quality is improved, but relevant information delivery (such as emergency warnings or nearby attractions) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The audio output system is segmented into multiple independent audio output devices distributed throughout the vehicle interior. Each device can independently output audio signals, allowing the system to create directional and spatially differentiated audio content. This segmentation enables simultaneous delivery of entertainment content and relevant information (such as emergency warnings or nearby attractions) through different spatial channels, resolving the contradiction between entertainment quality and information delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from conventional two-dimensional audio output (left/right stereo) to three-dimensional spatial audio by distributing multiple audio output devices throughout the vehicle interior. This dimensional expansion allows information to be delivered not only through content differentiation but also through spatial positioning, enabling occupants to intuitively understand the direction and origin of information sources while maintaining entertainment quality.
2Loss of information
If information is delivered to vehicle occupants during travel, then information availability is improved, but intrusiveness and disruption to the riding experience worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the vehicle interior are assigned different audio output characteristics based on local requirements. Audio output devices positioned at different locations emit sound with specific directional properties, allowing relevant information to be delivered to specific zones without uniformly disrupting the entire vehicle interior. This local differentiation reduces intrusiveness by directing information precisely where needed while preserving the overall riding experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses spatial audio positioning and directional sound propagation as intermediaries between the information source and the occupant. Rather than directly presenting information through conventional speakers, the system employs multiple distributed audio devices to create virtual sound sources that naturally guide occupant attention through spatial cues, reducing the perceived intrusiveness while maintaining information availability.
3Loss of information
If multiple audio output devices are used for 3D audio interaction, then information delivery capability is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple audio output devices serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide entertainment audio output, deliver relevant information (emergency warnings, nearby attractions), create spatial audio effects for 3D interaction, and enable directional sound propagation. This multi-functionality justifies the increased device count by consolidating what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated architecture, thereby managing complexity through functional consolidation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system in a first vehicle includes a plurality of sensors, a plurality of audio output devices and circuitry. The circuitry receives a plurality of signals from the plurality of sensors. The circuitry determines a relative position between a first device and the first vehicle based on the received plurality of signals or a geo-location of the first vehicle. The circuitry receives first information from the first device based on the determined relative position between the first device and the first vehicle, and at least one selection criterion. The circuitry generates a first three-dimensional (3D) audio object corresponding to the received first information. The circuitry controls, based on the determined relative position, a first set of audio output devices of the plurality of audio output devices to output the generated first 3D audio object, in a 3D space of the first vehicle at a first time instant.