Audio System Dynamic Channel Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audio systems in vehicles are limited in their ability to simultaneously process and output multiple audio signals at high quality, often degrading foreground audio signals when mixed with background sources due to inadequate equalization settings and limited channel capacity, failing to meet the increasing demand for diverse audio sources and passenger entertainment.
Innovation Solution
An audio system with a signal processor and audio controller unit that dynamically assigns audio sources to processing channels based on signal identity, allowing for real-time reconfiguration of processing settings to optimize each audio signal's quality, supporting a greater number of audio sources and channels than traditional systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single equalisation setting is used to process mixed audio signals, then the background source audio quality is optimised, but the foreground source audio quality is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audio signal processing into separate processing paths for background sources and foreground sources. Each path has its own equalisation settings, allowing independent optimization. The background audio signal and foreground audio signal are processed separately through different equalisation circuits before being mixed, preventing the foreground signal from being degraded by background-optimized filtering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different equalisation characteristics to different parts of the audio signal processing system. Background sources receive equalisation settings optimized for music entertainment, while foreground sources receive different settings optimized for information delivery. This local differentiation of processing quality ensures each signal type maintains its intended characteristics.
2Productivity
If the number of processing channels is limited, then the device complexity is reduced, but the number of simultaneously output audio signals is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates processing channels that can dynamically serve multiple functions. Each processing channel is configured based on the type of audio source being processed, allowing the same physical channel infrastructure to handle different signal types (background music, foreground information, navigation, telephone) through reconfigurable equalisation settings. This multi-functionality increases the effective number of simultaneous audio signals without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If background source equalisation is applied to combined audio signals, then the background audio is enhanced, but the foreground audio becomes inaudible or degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the foreground audio signal from the mixed signal path and processes it through a separate equalisation circuit before combining with the background audio. By taking the foreground signal out of the background-optimized processing path, it prevents the foreground information from being filtered or attenuated by equalisation settings designed for music entertainment, ensuring reliable audibility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple audio sources are supported, then the system versatility is improved, but the ability to maintain high quality for all signals is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the equalisation parameters based on the type of audio source being processed. When a foreground information source is detected, the system switches to information-optimized equalisation settings; when background music is detected, it uses music-optimized settings. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain high quality for diverse audio sources by matching processing characteristics to source type.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3E
AI summary
An audio system for reproducing audio signals comprising a signal processor, the signal processor having at least two processing channels and thereby the signal processor being configured to receive at least two separate audio signals and the signal processor configured to automatically select, in dependence upon the identity of each of the at least two audio signals assigned to the at least two processing channels, processing settings appropriate for each of the at least two audio signals assigned to the at least two processing channels that are for use by the signal processor in independently processing each of the at least two audio signals in each of the processing channels prior to combining said at least two audio signals and the audio system being configured to change the processing settings for a processing channel in response to a change in the identity of the audio signal assigned to that processing channel.