Phantom Center Image Control in Automobile Audio Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automobile audio systems lack user controls to modify aspects of the audio output such as center image placement, stereo image width, and presentation of uncorrelated content, which can hinder the user experience.
Innovation Solution
A method and audio system that allow users to detect and adjust the perceived location of the phantom center image through user interface commands, by modifying filter weights on speakers to adjust the azimuth, distance, and elevation of the phantom center image across a range of pre-defined angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional automobile audio systems use fixed speaker configurations with basic fade and balance controls, then the system design is simple and manufacturing is easier, but the user cannot customize center image placement, stereo image width, or presentation of uncorrelated content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of audio parameters by allowing users to adjust the phantom center image position independently from the balance control. This creates a dynamic system where the perceived audio output can be repositioned in three-dimensional space (azimuth, elevation, distance) rather than being fixed to physical speaker locations, enabling customization of center image placement, stereo image width, and uncorrelated content presentation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the audio control functions into distinct independent controls: balance control for left-right distribution, and separate phantom center image position control for localization. This segmentation allows users to independently adjust each parameter without the controls being coupled, providing fine-grained control over audio spatial characteristics that was not available in conventional systems
2Reliability
If the audio system applies highly individualized processing based on electrical and acoustic response of each speaker and vehicle cabin characteristics, then the audio quality is optimized for the specific vehicle, but the system requires complex calibration and cannot be easily adjusted by users
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically measuring the electrical and acoustic response of each speaker and the vehicle cabin characteristics during initialization. This self-service calibration process eliminates the need for manual professional setup while maintaining optimized audio quality for the specific vehicle configuration, and the calibrated parameters are stored for ongoing use
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the audio output is continuously monitored and adjusted based on the measured electrical and acoustic response of speakers and cabin characteristics. This feedback loop ensures that the highly individualized processing remains accurate over time and compensates for variations in speaker performance and cabin acoustics
3Ease of operation
If the system sends the same stereo signal to both front and rear speakers with basic fade control, then the system configuration is simple, but the user experience is limited and cannot provide personalized spatial audio customization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control architecture where the phantom center image position control can be applied across different seating positions and vehicle configurations. The same control mechanism works for front and rear passengers, allowing each user to personalize their audio experience independently while maintaining a simple underlying system configuration that sends processed signals through the existing speaker network
Data Source
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AI summary
Various implementations include computer- implemented methods and related systems for controlling the phantom center image of an audio output in an automobile. In one implementation, a method includes: receiving at least one user interface command to modify a phantom center image of audio output from the audio system in the automobile, wherein the phantom center image of the audio output includes a designated position of sound produced by a set of speakers in the audio system other than physical locations of the set of speakers in the audio system; and adjusting a perceived location of the phantom center image of the audio output from the audio system based upon the at least one user interface command to modify the phantom center image of the audio output.