Virtual Engine Sound Control for EV Acceleration and Deceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles lack the emotional driving experience and dynamic realism provided by the sounds of internal combustion engine vehicles, such as after-burn sounds, which are important for driver engagement and enjoyment.
Innovation Solution
A virtual sound provision method and apparatus that collects driving information from electric vehicles, determines the characteristics of a target sound based on driver input and actual driving sounds, and generates a virtual driving sound to simulate engine sounds, differentiated by acceleration and deceleration patterns, using a controller and sound device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If electric vehicles use a motor-driven system instead of internal combustion engine, then energy efficiency and smooth drivability are improved, but driving sensation and dynamic realism are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent generates virtual engine sounds by copying and synthesizing the acoustic characteristics of internal combustion engine sounds. The sound generation unit creates artificial sounds that mimic the dynamic realism, after-burn sounds, and acceleration/deceleration noise patterns of conventional engines, allowing EVs to replicate the emotional driving experience without actual mechanical engines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sound as an intermediary element between the driver and the electric powertrain. By generating virtual engine sounds through speakers and audio systems, the invention mediates the connection between the silent motor operation and the driver's sensory experience, creating psychological engagement without requiring mechanical noise.
2Ease of operation
If electric vehicles omit launch mechanisms like torque converters or clutches, then drivability smoothness is improved, but dynamic driving effects are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent synthesizes virtual sounds that copy the characteristic noise patterns of launch mechanisms and acceleration events. By generating artificial sounds that mimic the dynamic effects previously provided by mechanical components, the system restores driving excitement without requiring physical launch mechanisms or clutch systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If electric vehicles lack engine sounds and after-burn sounds, then environmental friendliness and noise reduction are improved, but driver engagement and emotional experience are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies sound generation locally within the vehicle cabin through strategically positioned speakers and audio zones. Different sound characteristics are delivered to different seating positions, creating personalized driving experiences for each occupant while containing all noise generation within the vehicle interior, thus not contributing to external noise pollution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system generates virtual sounds that copy the emotional and psychological effects of engine sounds and after-burn effects. By synthesizing these acoustic patterns through electronic means rather than mechanical combustion, the patent delivers driver engagement and emotional experience without the harmful external noise pollution associated with actual engine operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual sound provision apparatus for an electric vehicle includes a driving information detector configured to detect vehicle driving information for outputting a virtual driving sound, a microphone configured to detect an actual driving sound generated from the electric vehicle, a controller configured to determine a characteristic of a target sound based on an acceleration and deceleration driving pattern of a driver from an accelerator pedal input value and a brake pedal input value of the driver, and generating and outputting a sound control signal for outputting the virtual driving sound having the characteristic of the target sound based on the determined characteristic information of the target sound and characteristic information of the actual driving sound, and a sound device configured to output a virtual engine sound that simulates an engine sound from the electric vehicle at the time of acceleration and deceleration according to the sound control signal.