Vehicle Touch Panel Three-Dimensional Audio Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch panel technologies cannot generate three-dimensional audio images due to the use of audible band drive signals, limiting their ability to provide immersive sound experiences.
Innovation Solution
A touch input device is designed with a control unit that drives actuators to vibrate in response to touch operations and within the audible band, featuring multiple touch input parts strategically positioned on a vehicle to enhance sound directivity and output three-dimensional audio images by phase-shifting sound signals for localized sound synthesis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the actuator is driven with an audible band signal to produce sound, then sound output is achieved, but the ability to generate three-dimensional audio images is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the audio output function by using multiple actuators distributed across different positions on the touch panel. Each actuator can be independently controlled to emit sound waves with specific phases and amplitudes, enabling the synthesis of three-dimensional audio images through coordinated operation of multiple segmented sound sources
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of the drive signals (phase, amplitude, frequency) for each actuator based on the desired audio image position. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system can steer the perceived sound source location in three-dimensional space while maintaining audible band output
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple touch input parts are arranged across the center line to enhance directivity, then three-dimensional audio image generation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touch input parts serve multiple functions: they act as both touch-sensitive input surfaces and as sound-emitting actuators. This multi-functionality allows the same components to provide both user interface capabilities and audio output, reducing the need for separate speaker systems and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The touch input parts are arranged asymmetrically across the center line with different directivity orientations. This asymmetric arrangement enables enhanced three-dimensional audio image generation by creating directional sound patterns that can be steered to different spatial locations, while the symmetry breaking is minimal and confined to the actuator orientation rather than overall device structure
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
The device effectively generates three-dimensional audio images by optimizing sound directivity and phase-shifting sound signals, providing an immersive audio experience without the need for additional speakers, thus reducing size and cost.
Implementation Method 1
piezoelectric vibration elements are housed in recesses provided on a bonding surface of the resin substrate
Implementation Method 2
driving the actuator such that the panel vibrates at an audible band
Implementation Method 3
vibration is transmitted as a surface acoustic wave to the surface of the protective panel
Implementation Method 4
control of properties of sound output from each panel so that a three-dimensional audio image produced by sounds output from the panels is maintained
Implementation Method 5
a three-dimensional audio image produced by sounds output from the panels
Data Source
AI summary
A touch input device includes a touch input part that is installed on a vehicle and includes a tabular panel to be touch-operated and an actuator causing a vibration of the panel; and a control unit that performs at least one of a first control and a second control, the first control driving the actuator such that the panel vibrates in response to touch operations, and the second control driving the actuator such that the panel vibrates at an audible band. The touch input device is positioned such that a directivity of a sound emitted from the panel is increased toward an ear of an occupant of the vehicle.