Vehicle Audio Control for Changing Cabin Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle audio systems fail to effectively adjust audio settings in response to physical changes in vehicle configuration, such as opening sunroofs or removing panels, which alter the internal volume and affect audio perception.

Innovation Solution

An audio control system comprising a processor, non-volatile memory, and sensors (including microphones and cameras) that detect changes in vehicle configuration and adjust audio components like infotainment and warning systems to optimize audio output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If vehicle panels or sunroofs are opened or removed to change internal volume, then passenger compartment ventilation and lighting are improved, but audio perception quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassenger compartment configuration flexibilityVSAvoidaudio perception quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The audio control system dynamically adjusts audio parameters in real-time based on detected changes in vehicle configuration. Sensors detect when panels or sunroofs are opened/removed, and the processor automatically modifies audio output characteristics to maintain optimal audio perception despite changes in internal volume and acoustic environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes audio output parameters (such as gain, equalization, balance) in response to detected configuration changes. The processor modifies these parameters based on sensor input to compensate for the altered acoustic conditions caused by open panels or sunroofs, thereby maintaining audio quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If audio controls are adjusted manually to compensate for configuration changes, then audio perception quality can be maintained, but system complexity and user operation burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio perception qualityVSAvoidaudio control operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The audio control system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting configuration changes through sensors and autonomously modifying audio parameters. The processor executes pre-programmed adjustments without requiring user intervention, allowing the system to maintain optimal audio quality while reducing operational complexity for the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where sensors continuously monitor vehicle configuration and provide input to the processor. Based on this feedback, the processor automatically adjusts audio controls to compensate for detected changes, creating a closed-loop system that maintains audio quality without manual user adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11588459B1Vehicle audio control based on sensed physical changes in vehicle configuration

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

An audio control system for a vehicle includes a processor, a non-volatile memory module having stored therein instructions for controlling one or more vehicle audio components, a sensor operable to detect a change in vehicle configuration, and a control module operable to adjust a vehicle audio component based on the change in vehicle configuration according to instructions stored in the non-volatile memory module.