Headrest Audio and Voice HMI for Private In-Vehicle Listening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle audio systems lack the ability to provide truly individualized and private listening experiences, and voice recognition systems struggle with distinguishing between speakers, leading to inefficient control and interaction.
Innovation Solution
An integrated sound and voice interaction system with speakers in the seat headrest and microphones in close proximity to the occupant, creating a private localized sound bubble and a sophisticated voice Human-Machine Interface (HMI) that recognizes and responds to individual voices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If speakers are placed in the headrest to create a private localized sound bubble, then audio privacy and personalization are improved, but sound leakage into the broader environment may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing speakers specifically in the headrest area where audio is delivered directly to the individual occupant. This localized speaker placement creates a focused sound field that provides personalized audio experience while minimizing sound propagation to other areas of the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic shielding as an intermediary element between the speakers and the broader vehicle environment. This acoustic shielding acts as a mediator that allows the sound bubble to be contained, preventing sound leakage while maintaining the private audio experience for the occupant.
2Ease of operation
If voice recognition systems are used to distinguish between speakers, then HMI responsiveness and personalization are improved, but speaker identification accuracy may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the voice recognition process into distinct components: voice capture through microphones, voice identification to distinguish between different speakers, and voice-responsive HMI to deliver tailored responses. This segmented approach allows each component to be optimized independently, improving overall speaker identification accuracy and HMI responsiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a sophisticated voice HMI system is implemented, then personalized interaction is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a voice HMI system that can perform multiple functions: capturing voice through microphones, identifying speakers, processing voice commands, and delivering personalized responses through the audio system. This multi-functional approach allows a single integrated system to provide personalized interaction across various vehicle functions, reducing the need for separate specialized systems.
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 personalized media consumption and interaction with vehicle systems, maintaining privacy and improving safety by reducing distractions through tailored audio experiences and accurate voice recognition.
Implementation Method 1
speakers embedded within the seat headrest to generate a private localized sound bubble, a space where audio is delivered directly to the seat occupant without significant leakage into the broader environment
Implementation Method 2
One or more microphones are provided in close proximity to the seat occupant
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated sound and voice interaction system for a seat occupant is provided. The system includes speakers associated with the seat headrest. One or more microphones are provided in close proximity to the seat occupant. The speakers and associated microphones work in conjunction to generate a private localized sound bubble, a space where audio is delivered directly to the individual without leakage into the broader environment. This localized sound bubble allows for personalized media consumption and interaction with the vehicle's systems without interference by other passengers. The system includes a sophisticated voice human machine interface which recognizes and distinguishes between occupants' voices within the local area, allowing the system to deliver tailored responses and actions through the headrest's speakers. This personalized HMI response caters to the individual's commands or queries while maintaining privacy. Each occupant can interact with the vehicle's HMI to access personalized content, navigation assistance, or communication services.