Vehicle Ceiling Vibration Audio for Independent Seat Sound Zones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sound control systems in vehicles, particularly those using voice coil type speakers, face challenges in forming independent sound spaces for each seat, leading to suboptimal sound quality due to difficulty in real-time sound control adaptation to changing in-vehicle situations.

Innovation Solution

A sound control system comprising sound generating devices disposed at vehicle ceilings corresponding to seat regions, with a sound processing circuit providing vibration driving signals to create independent sound spaces, enhancing sound quality and minimizing noise interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a voice coil type speaker is used in vehicles, then sound output can be generated, but it is difficult to form an independent sound space in each seat of the vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeaker installationVSAvoidindependent sound space formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the vehicle interior into multiple independent sound spaces by positioning sound generating devices at different ceiling locations corresponding to different seat regions. Each sound generating device creates a localized sound field, effectively segmenting the acoustic environment into separate zones for different passengers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by directing sound from each sound generating device to a specific seat region, creating customized sound characteristics for each location. The sound processing circuit provides tailored vibration driving signals to each device, enabling different sound qualities and characteristics in different vehicle seats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If a sound focusing algorithm storing predetermined values in memory is used, then sound control can be implemented for different modes, but it is difficult to control sound in real time based on changing in-vehicle situations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound control for different modesVSAvoidreal-time sound control response

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static predetermined sound control to dynamic real-time control. The sound processing circuit receives vibration driving signals that can be continuously adjusted based on real-time conditions, allowing the system to adapt to changing in-vehicle situations such as passenger actions, noise levels, and environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements real-time sound control by processing vibration driving signals dynamically, enabling the system to respond to feedback from sensors and changing conditions. This allows continuous optimization of sound output based on actual in-vehicle situations rather than relying solely on pre-stored values.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sound generating devices are disposed at different sound spaces, then independent sound spaces can be formed, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent sound space formationVSAvoidsound control system configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using identical sound generating devices with the same basic structure across different sound spaces. Each device performs the same fundamental function of generating sound in its localized region, simplifying the overall system design while achieving multiple independent sound spaces through replication of a standardized component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The system effectively forms independent sound spaces and provides enhanced sound quality by real-time sound optimization, adapting to in-vehicle situations and minimizing noise, resulting in improved audio experience for vehicle passengers.

Implementation Method 1

a sound generating device disposed at a vehicle ceiling corresponding to a seat region of the vehicle and disposed at a sound space formed within the vehicle to correspond to the seat region, and a sound processing circuit configured to provide a vibration driving signal to the sound generating device, the sound generating device is configured to vibrate based on the vibration driving signal to vibrate a vibration region of the vehicle ceiling corresponding to the sound space to provide a sound to the sound space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS11856380B2Sound control system, vehicle including the same, and sound control method

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 LG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A sound control system comprises a sound generating device disposed at a vehicle ceiling corresponding to a seat region of the vehicle and disposed at a sound space formed within the vehicle to correspond to the seat region, and a sound processing circuit for providing a vibration driving signal to the sound generating device, the sound generating device vibrates based on the vibration driving signal to vibrate a vibration region of the vehicle ceiling corresponding to the sound space to provide a sound to the sound space.