Hybrid Vehicle Audio I/O Control for Powertrain Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The noise generated by the powertrain and surrounding environments in hybrid electric vehicles interferes with the recognition of voice commands and voice guidance, reducing the effectiveness of voice input/output systems.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid electric vehicle system that determines specific conditions for audio input/output functions and interior noise levels to control noise reduction by transitioning to an engine-off state or adjusting torque thresholds, thereby improving voice command recognition and guidance clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engine is operated as a driving power source, then the vehicle can maintain driving performance, but the engine noise leaks into the cabin and interferes with voice command recognition and voice guidance clarity
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the drive mode between EV mode and HEV mode based on real-time conditions. When voice input/output functions are detected, the system transitions to EV mode to eliminate engine noise, while maintaining the capability to switch back to HEV mode when driving performance requirements demand higher power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit changes the operating parameters by adjusting the drive mode selection between EV and HEV modes. This parameter change allows the system to optimize for either low noise (EV mode during voice operations) or high performance (HEV mode when needed), resolving the contradiction between driving performance and interior noise level.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the vehicle operates in EV mode, then the noise level is low and voice recognition is improved, but the driving power is limited compared to HEV mode
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic mode switching between EV and HEV based on detected conditions. When voice commands or guidance are active, the system operates in EV mode to minimize noise. When driving power requirements exceed EV capabilities, the system dynamically transitions to HEV mode, ensuring both noise reduction during voice operations and adequate power when needed.
3Ease of operation
If voice commands are used for controlling the vehicle, then the driver's hands are freed from physical buttons, but the recurring powertrain noise reduces the voice command recognition rate
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects when voice input/output functions are about to operate and proactively transitions to EV mode before voice commands are given. This preliminary action eliminates the engine noise that would otherwise interfere with voice recognition, ensuring high recognition rates while maintaining the hands-free operation benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives feedback from the voice recognition system about when voice input/output operations are occurring. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts the drive mode to EV when voice operations are detected, creating a closed-loop control that optimizes noise levels according to actual voice command usage patterns.
4Reliability
If the driver needs to repeatedly input voice commands due to low recognition rate, then the distraction problem is worsened, but reducing engine operation to lower noise may reduce driving performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically balances noise reduction and driving performance through real-time mode switching. When voice operations are detected, it prioritizes EV mode for high recognition rates. When driving performance needs are high, it allows HEV mode operation. This dynamic adjustment ensures optimal voice recognition during communication tasks while maintaining adequate driving performance when required.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention 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.