Automotive Audio Processing Module With Split Buses for New Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive audio systems often lack the necessary processing and memory resources to implement newly developed features due to the limitations of existing technologies, which are finalized years before the vehicle's manufacturing, leading to hardware constraints that prevent the implementation of new audio features.
Innovation Solution
An audio processing module with additional processors and memory, coupled via communication buses, is integrated into the vehicular audio system to enhance processing and memory capabilities, splitting the audio and control networks to handle increased traffic without reducing bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If audio processing capabilities are finalized during vehicle model development cycle, then manufacturing cost and design stability are improved, but the system cannot implement new audio features developed later
Solution Approach 1:
The audio processing system is divided into two separate modules: an audio processing module handling signal processing tasks and a control module handling system control tasks. This segmentation allows each module to be independently configured and upgraded, enabling new audio features to be added to the audio processing module without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a separate communication bus dimension for the audio processing module, independent from the existing control network. This additional dimensional space allows the audio module to communicate without interfering with control signals, enabling enhanced audio capabilities while maintaining system stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional processing resources are added to implement new audio features, then audio capability is improved, but bandwidth limitations of existing networks are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The communication network is segmented into separate buses: the existing control network remains unchanged while a dedicated audio communication bus is added. This segmentation allows high-bandwidth audio data transmission without congesting the control network, enabling additional processing resources to be utilized effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated audio communication bus acts as an intermediary channel between the audio processing module and other system components. This intermediary infrastructure provides the necessary bandwidth capacity for enhanced audio processing without modifying or overloading the existing control network.
3Adaptability or versatility
If audio processing module is added to enhance capabilities, then new audio features are enabled, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independent modules with clearly defined interfaces. The audio processing module is a self-contained unit that can be manufactured and tested separately before integration, reducing manufacturing complexity despite enhanced capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio processing module is designed with universal communication interfaces that can integrate with various vehicle models and existing audio systems. This multi-functionality allows the same module design to be applied across different platforms, simplifying manufacturing despite enhanced capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments disclose an audio processing module for a vehicular audio system, comprising: a housing; a first processor that performs additional audio signal processing for at least one of an electronic control unit of the vehicular audio system or an amplifier of the vehicular audio system and is disposed within the housing; a second processor that performs additional control signal processing for at least one of the electronic control unit of the vehicular audio system or the amplifier of the vehicular audio system and is disposed within the housing; a first communication bus that is disposed within the housing and is communicatively coupled to the first processor and a first communication network of the vehicular audio system; and a second communication bus that is disposed within the housing and is communicatively coupled to the second processor and a bus of a second communication network of the vehicular audio system.