Predicted Engine Sound Synchronization via Accelerator Pedal Input
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sound systems fail to enhance engine sound in real-time with predicted engine speed and torque, leading to delayed sound perception for drivers, which can detract from the driving experience.
Innovation Solution
An engine sound enhancement system that includes an engine control module (ECM) predicting engine speed and torque based on accelerator pedal position and an audio control module generating engine sounds via speakers, synchronizing sound output with predicted engine parameters to match driver expectations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional sound systems use measured engine speed and torque for sound generation, then the system structure is simple, but the sound output is delayed and does not match driver expectations
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates predicted engine speed and torque values in advance based on accelerator pedal position, before the actual engine response occurs. This preliminary calculation allows the sound system to generate audio output that synchronizes with the driver's expected perception of engine response, eliminating the delay inherent in using measured values alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces predicted engine speed and torque as intermediary variables between the accelerator pedal input and the sound output. These predicted values act as a mediator that bridges the gap between driver input and actual engine response, allowing the sound system to anticipate and match driver expectations without requiring direct real-time measurement of engine parameters.
2Reliability
If the system uses predicted engine speed and torque values, then sound synchronization with driver expectations is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional control modules
Solution Approach 1:
The engine control module performs multiple functions: it not only controls engine actuators based on predicted engine speed and torque, but also calculates and transmits these predicted values to the audio control module. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated prediction modules, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while achieving improved sound synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the audio control module with the existing vehicle network bus infrastructure, integrating sound control functions into the broader vehicle control architecture. By utilizing existing communication pathways and control structures, the system achieves enhanced sound perception accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If real-time predicted values are used for sound generation, then driving experience is enhanced, but computational requirements and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates predicted engine speed and torque values with sufficient accuracy for sound generation purposes, rather than performing exhaustive computational analysis. This partial action approach provides enough predictive information to enhance driving experience through synchronized sound output, while avoiding the excessive computational energy consumption that would result from more detailed prediction models.
Data Source
AI summary
An engine control module (ECM): based on an accelerator pedal position measured using an accelerator pedal position sensor, determines at least one of a predicted engine speed and a predicted torque output of an engine; and transmits the at least one of the predicted engine speed and the predicted engine to a network bus. An audio control module: is separate from the ECM; obtains the at least one of the predicted engine speed and the predicted torque output from the network bus; based on the at least one of the predicted engine speed and the predicted torque output, sets at least one of a frequency at which to output a predetermined engine sound and a magnitude for outputting the predetermined engine sound at the frequency; and applies power to at least one speaker of the vehicle to output the predetermined engine sound at the frequency and the magnitude.