Hybrid Vehicle Audio I/O Control Using Engine-Off Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid electric vehicles, powertrain noise interferes with voice command recognition and audio guidance, reducing the effectiveness of voice input/output systems and increasing driver distraction.
Innovation Solution
The hybrid electric vehicle determines conditions for audio input/output and interior noise levels, and based on these conditions and the current drive mode, it performs noise reduction control by inducing an engine-off state, thereby reducing powertrain noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the engine is operated as a driving power source in HEV mode, then the vehicle can maintain driving performance and torque requirements, but the engine noise leaks into the cabin and interferes with voice command recognition and audio guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the EV/HEV mode transition torque threshold based on vehicle speed and audio system state. When audio input/output functions are active, the threshold is raised to favor EV mode operation, thereby reducing engine noise interference while maintaining adequate driving performance through electric motor power
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by modifying the torque threshold for mode transition. The threshold torque value is increased when voice commands or audio guidance are active, which suppresses engine operation and reduces noise. This parameter adjustment allows the system to prioritize noise reduction during audio-critical operations while maintaining performance during normal driving
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the vehicle operates in EV mode to reduce noise, then voice command recognition and audio guidance are improved, but the vehicle cannot meet high torque requirements during acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic threshold adjustment based on real-time vehicle conditions. The mode transition torque threshold is not fixed but varies with vehicle speed and audio system activity. During acceleration requiring high torque, the threshold allows HEV mode engagement. During steady-state cruising with audio functions active, the elevated threshold maintains EV mode for noise reduction
3Ease of operation
If voice commands are used for vehicle control, then driver distraction from physical buttons is reduced, but the recognition rate decreases due to powertrain noise interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary action by proactively adjusting the mode transition torque threshold when audio input/output functions are detected as active. This prevents noise interference from degrading voice recognition accuracy. The control unit receives audio system state information and preemptively modifies powertrain control parameters to create a quieter acoustic environment for voice commands
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by monitoring the state of audio input/output functions and using this information to adjust powertrain control. The voice recognition system's operational state feeds back to the hybrid control unit, which then adjusts the EV/HEV transition threshold accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to audio-critical operations
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a hybrid electric vehicle in which powertrain noise may be controlled to improve the voice command recognition performance of the vehicle control system and also improve the driver's experience with the audio guidance system, and a method for supporting audio input/output function for the same. A method of supporting audio input/output for a hybrid electric vehicle may include: determining a first condition for audio input/output function and a second condition for inside noise level; and performing a noise reduction control by inducing an engine-off state based on a current drive mode and further based on the first and the second conditions being satisfied.