Vehicle Audio Signal Variation for Authentic After-Fire Sound
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle manufacturers face challenges in creating authentic after-fire sounds that mimic the actual exhaust system sounds of higher-end sports cars, as existing solutions often result in repetitive or detectable patterns that may not convincingly replicate the real experience.
Innovation Solution
A method that modifies initial audio signals representing after-fire sounds based on current vehicle operating conditions, such as engine RPM, load, and gear position, using a random or lookup table-based modification process to create variable sound properties like level, duration, pitch, and delay, ensuring the modified sounds are distinct and less likely to be recognized as artificial.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed audio signal is used to represent after-fire sound, then the sound reproduction is simple and consistent, but the sound becomes repetitive and easily detectable as artificial
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming a static audio signal into a dynamic one through random modification processes. The audio signal properties (level, pitch, duration, timing) are continuously varied based on random processes triggered by vehicle operating conditions, making the sound adaptive and less repetitive while maintaining authenticity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies multiple parameters of the audio signal including level, pitch, duration, and timing intervals. These parameter changes are applied through random processes that vary the signal characteristics dynamically, preventing repetitive patterns while preserving the essential characteristics of authentic after-fire sounds.
2Reliability
If random modification process is applied to audio signal properties, then the sound becomes more natural and less detectable as artificial, but the complexity of the audio processing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a base audio signal that copies or represents the essential characteristics of authentic after-fire sounds. This base signal is then modified through random processes to create variations, allowing the system to replicate natural sound patterns without requiring complex physical exhaust system modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical exhaust system modifications with electronic audio signal processing. Instead of physically modifying the exhaust system to create authentic after-fire sounds, the system uses electro-acoustic transducers and digital signal modification to achieve the desired acoustic effect.
3Reliability
If multiple signal properties are modified to create variety, then the after-fire sound becomes more convincing, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the optimal modifications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the audio modification process automatically adjusts signal properties based on random processes and vehicle operating conditions. The system self-regulates the level, pitch, duration, and timing modifications without requiring external intervention or complex optimization algorithms, simplifying the control mechanism while maintaining sound quality.
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 method effectively generates a variety of after-fire sounds that closely mimic actual exhaust system sounds, reducing the likelihood of detection as artificial, thereby enhancing the auditory experience by creating a more natural and convincing simulation.
Implementation Method 1
an audio system comprising at least one electro-acoustic transducer that creates sound from audio signals
Data Source
AI summary
A method for modifying sound in a motor vehicle that has an audio system. The audio system has at least one electro-acoustic transducer that creates sound from audio signals. An initial audio signal that represents a particular vehicle sound is provided, where the initial audio signal has a plurality of signal properties. A modified audio signal is then provided to the audio system, based on at least one current motor vehicle operating condition. The modified audio signal includes at least one modified signal property that differs from that of the initial audio signal. The at least one signal property is modified by a modification process that relates to a vehicle operating condition.