Vehicle Seat Speaker Control for Adjustable Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle audio systems provide inconsistent and subjective tactile feedback through low frequency speakers, which can be annoying to some listeners and enhance the audio experience for others, lacking an adjustable control mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a controller to adjust the amount of tactile feedback by controlling the input signals of speakers facing in different directions, allowing for customizable tactile feedback based on listener preference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If low frequency speakers are used to provide tactile feedback, then the audio experience is enhanced, but some listeners find it annoying
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the tactile feedback by independently controlling the amplitude and phase of speakers facing different directions. The controller modifies the input signals to speakers in real-time, allowing the tactile feedback intensity to be varied from maximum to completely cancelled, resolving the contradiction between enhancing audio experience and avoiding annoying vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters of the input signals (amplitude, phase) to the low frequency speakers to control the tactile feedback. By adjusting these parameters independently for speakers facing different directions, the system can optimize the audio experience while eliminating annoying vibrations for different listeners.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple speakers face different directions to enable tactile feedback control, then adjustable tactile feedback is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker system is segmented into multiple groups based on their facing directions. Each group of speakers facing a particular direction is controlled independently by the controller, allowing simplified management of the complex multi-speaker system while achieving adjustable tactile feedback through directional control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables adjustable tactile feedback that enhances the listening experience by allowing users to tailor the intensity of tactile sensations independently of audio volume, providing a more engaging system.
Implementation Method 1
Vibrations caused by the speaker are transmitted into the vehicle structure. A listener may obtain tactile feedback by being in touch with the vehicle structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an in-vehicle speaker system comprising at least one first low frequency speaker arranged to face in a first direction; and at least one second low frequency speaker arranged to face in a second direction, wherein the first and second speakers are mechanically coupled to a vehicle seat to generate tactile feedback to a user in the seat, and wherein the first and second directions are different from one another, in particular opposite to one another, the in-vehicle speaker system further comprising a controller to control input voltages of the first and second speakers relative to one another, thereby to adjust the amount of the tactile feedback. The disclosure further relates to a method of providing tactile feedback in a vehicle seat.