In-Vehicle Audio Router Using Optical Network Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-vehicle audio systems with ring-type networks require all devices to operate as slaves, leading to complexity, increased control loads, and prolonged system restoration times, especially with high-output devices.
Innovation Solution
An audio system utilizing a multi-channel router connected to an in-vehicle optical network, where speakers are connected through optical fibers, allowing them to receive and selectively output multi-channel audio signals without needing network functions, using an optical splitter and delimiters to manage audio signal transmission and selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a ring type network is used to transmit signals in an in-vehicle audio system, then signal transmission is achieved, but all devices must operate as slaves increasing system complexity and requiring extra software
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a multi-channel router as an intermediary device between the optical network and speakers. The router receives multi-channel audio signals from the optical network and distributes them to multiple speakers, allowing speakers to function as simple receivers rather than network slaves. This mediator approach eliminates the need for speakers to have network functionality while maintaining signal transmission capability.
2Reliability
If devices are connected through a ring type network, then signal transmission is established, but controlling loads increase and system restoration time increases when problems arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio system into distinct functional components: the multi-channel router handles network communication and signal distribution, while speakers function as independent audio output devices. This segmentation isolates the complexity of network control to the router, allowing speakers to operate independently and reducing the overall system restoration time when problems occur, as speakers do not need to be reconfigured after network issues.
3Device complexity
If speakers operate as network devices in a ring type network, then signal transmission is achieved, but extra software is required increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-channel router serves as an intermediary that handles all network-related functions, including receiving signals from the optical network and distributing them to speakers. This eliminates the need for speakers to have network software or functionality, simplifying speaker operation while maintaining full network connectivity for audio signal transmission.
4Ease of operation
If a multi-channel router is introduced to simplify speaker operation, then speakers can operate independently, but the system architecture becomes more complex with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-channel router is designed as a universal device that performs multiple functions: it connects to the optical network, receives multi-channel audio signals, distributes them to multiple speakers, and manages signal routing. By consolidating these functions into a single router device, the system achieves speaker independence without requiring multiple separate components for each function, thus managing architectural complexity while improving ease of operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables speakers to operate independently of the network, reduces system complexity, and enhances noise resistance, allowing users to individually control speakers and improve audio signal management.
Implementation Method 1
The multi-channel router and the plurality of speakers may be connected with each other through optical fibers
Data Source
AI summary
An audio system based on an in-vehicle optical network and a broadcasting method thereof are provided. The audio system according to an exemplary embodiment includes: a multi-channel router which is connected to an in-vehicle optical network to receive a multi-channel audio signal from audio signals received from the optical network; and a plurality of speakers which are connected to the multi-channel router to receive the multi-channel audio signal through the multi-channel router. Accordingly, the speakers can operate by interworking with a network even when they have no function as network devices.