Adaptive Warning Signal Generation in Audio Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle driver assistance systems generate warning signals that are often annoying for drivers and passengers, especially when music is playing, as they do not adapt to the current audio context.
Innovation Solution
A method and arrangement that analyze the audio signal to adjust at least one parameter of a warning signal to correspond with the parameters of a musical piece, such as beat, volume, or frequency, to ensure the warning signal is less intrusive while still being clearly perceivable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional warning signals are generated without adapting to audio context, then the warning signal is clearly perceivable, but the warning signal becomes annoying to drivers and passengers
Solution Approach 1:
The warning signal dynamically adapts its parameters (volume, frequency, timing) based on the currently playing music's characteristics. The system continuously monitors the audio context and adjusts the warning signal in real-time to match the musical piece's tempo, volume level, and frequency spectrum, making the signal less intrusive while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple parameters of the warning signal including volume level, frequency content, temporal spacing, and amplitude modulation depth to correspond with the musical piece parameters. This multi-parameter adaptation allows the warning signal to blend harmoniously with the audio context while remaining perceptible.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the warning signal parameters are adjusted to match the musical piece, then the warning signal becomes less intrusive, but the complexity of the warning signal generation system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The audio system's existing music analysis capabilities are repurposed to extract parameters for warning signal generation. The same audio processing unit that analyzes musical pieces for entertainment is also used to determine tempo, volume, and frequency characteristics for adapting warning signals, eliminating the need for separate dedicated analysis hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own audio processing infrastructure to generate the adaptation parameters. The audio system automatically analyzes the currently playing music and provides the necessary parameter information to the warning signal generation unit, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external input devices or additional complex processing units.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the warning signal fully matches the musical piece parameters, then the warning signal is smoothly integrated into the audio context, but the warning signal may become indistinguishable from the music
Solution Approach 1:
The warning signal matches only certain local characteristics of the music (tempo, volume envelope, frequency distribution) while maintaining distinctiveness in other aspects. The signal uses the music's rhythm and volume patterns but employs unique frequency content and temporal spacing to remain distinguishable from the musical piece itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial matching of musical parameters rather than complete replication. It adapts volume and timing to blend with the music but deliberately maintains differences in frequency spectrum and signal pattern to ensure distinguishability. This partial action approach achieves smooth integration without sacrificing warning signal identification.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method comprises receiving an audio signal (100) representing speech or a musical piece (110) currently reproduced by an audio system (130), analyzing the audio signal (100), and, if the audio signal (100) represents a musical piece (110), determining at least one parameter of the musical piece (110), and, upon occurrence of a triggering event, generating a warning signal (104), wherein at least one but not all parameters of the warning signal (104) are adjusted to correspond to the respective parameter of the musical piece (110).