AI Engine Tone Control via Sound Quality Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for enhancing driving performance in vehicles, such as sound generators, are costly and fail to provide a natural engine tone, reducing driving pleasure and limiting dynamic sound evolution, as they rely on physical and mechanical approaches and are not adaptable to various driving modes.

Innovation Solution

A system and method using artificial intelligence to control engine tone based on sound quality indices, incorporating a signal processing controller, tone control operation unit, and sound output devices, which receive vehicle driving information and interior noise measurements to optimize and reinforce engine sound, utilizing deep learning for accurate and quick target tone adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If conventional sound generators are used to generate engine sound through speakers, then engine tone can be produced, but the sound is artificial and reduces driving pleasure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveartificial sound qualityVSAvoiddriving pleasure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical sound generation systems with an artificial intelligence-based system that uses machine learning models to generate natural engine sounds. The AI system processes vehicle operating parameters and generates authentic engine tone patterns, substituting the mechanical speaker-based approach with an intelligent software-driven solution that captures the complexity and variability of real engine acoustics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts sound generation parameters based on real-time vehicle operating conditions including engine speed, load, and acceleration. The AI system continuously modifies tone characteristics such as frequency, amplitude, and spectral content to match the actual engine state, creating a natural and evolving sound profile that responds authentically to driving conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If high displacement engines are used with orchestra collaboration to create attractive engine sound, then driving pleasure is enhanced, but manufacturing cost becomes excessively high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving pleasureVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates accurate acoustic copies of natural engine sounds through AI-generated models. Instead of physically modifying engines or using expensive orchestral compositions, the system digitally replicates the complex acoustic characteristics of high-displacement engines. The AI learns from recorded engine sounds and generates realistic reproductions that capture the essence of premium engine acoustics without requiring the actual physical components or artistic collaborations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Power

If sound generators amplify output sound pressure in proportion to engine speed, then engine tone is enhanced, but the sound becomes loud noise that drivers feel as disturbance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound outputVSAvoidnoise disturbance
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different sound enhancement strategies to different frequency ranges and operating conditions. The AI system selectively amplifies beneficial engine tone frequencies while suppressing harmful noise components. By analyzing the spectral content of engine sounds in real-time, the system enhances desirable low-frequency rumble and mid-range tones while filtering out high-frequency harshness and unwanted noise, creating a balanced auditory experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic sound control that adapts to changing driving conditions and driver preferences. The AI system continuously monitors engine parameters and adjusts sound output characteristics in real-time, creating a living, evolving audio experience. The system can transition between different sound modes (e.g., sport, comfort, eco) and adjusts tone generation dynamically based on acceleration rate, engine load, and vehicle speed, ensuring the sound remains pleasant across all operating ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3667659B1System and method for controlling engine tone by artificial intelligence based on sound index of vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.10.20 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3667659B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3667659B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3667659B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system for controlling an engine tone by an artificial intelligence based on a sound quality index of a vehicle may include a sound output device for generating a reinforcing sound to reinforce an engine sound of the vehicle; an engine characteristic measurement sensor for measuring sound source characteristics of the engine sound; an interior noise measurement sensor for detecting interior noise of the vehicle; a signal processing controller that receives signals from the engine characteristic measurement sensor in real time and controls the sound output device such that the engine sound reaches a target tone; and a tone control operation unit connected to the signal processing controller to optimize the sound quality index such that the engine sound reaches the target tone through the artificial intelligence.