Headrest Wing Position Detection for Dynamic Audio Signal Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current audio output systems in vehicles fail to optimize sound distribution based on the position of audio devices, leading to suboptimal audio experience for passengers, particularly in headrests where speakers are placed.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that detect the position of a headrest wing using sensors like potentiometers, encoders, or proximity sensors, adjust the audio signal based on this position, and output the adjusted signal to speakers placed within the headrest, incorporating noise cancellation and dynamic equalization to enhance sound quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If speakers are placed in headrests, then audio output is provided to passengers, but sound distribution is not optimized based on speaker position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio output provisionVSAvoidsound distribution optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts audio signal parameters based on the detected headrest wing position. The controller modifies audio output in real-time as the headrest position changes, transforming a static speaker installation into a dynamic audio delivery system that adapts to varying listener positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A position sensor detects the headrest wing position and provides feedback to the controller. This feedback loop enables the system to continuously monitor and adjust audio output based on the actual physical state of the headrest, optimizing sound distribution according to the detected position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If headrest wing position is detected using sensors, then audio signal adjustment is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio signal adjustmentVSAvoidsensor integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The position sensor serves multiple functions: it detects headrest wing position for audio adjustment, and can potentially be used for other vehicle seat adjustment systems. By selecting a sensor with multi-functionality, the patent reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary that processes sensor data and translates it into audio signal adjustments. This mediator component simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the logic for position-based audio adjustment, rather than requiring complex direct coupling between sensor and speaker systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If audio signal is adjusted based on headrest position, then sound quality is improved, but processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound qualityVSAvoidprocessing requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system adjusts audio output by modifying signal parameters such as volume, frequency response, or phase based on detected headrest position. These parameter changes are computationally efficient operations that improve sound quality without requiring intensive processing power or complex algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10618443B2Method and apparatus that adjust audio output according to head restraint position
Publication Date: 2020.04.14 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • US10618443B2 patent drawing
  • US10618443B2 patent drawing
  • US10618443B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and apparatus that adjust audio output are provided. The method includes detecting a position of a wing of a headrest, adjusting an audio signal based on the detected position of the wing of the headrest, and outputting the adjusted audio signal.