Vehicle Audio System with Central Speaker Array for Seat-Centered Soundstage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle audio systems struggle to provide an immersive, seat-centered soundstage that precisely localizes sounds and creates a coherent soundstage for passengers at individual seating positions.
Innovation Solution
An audio system featuring a central speaker array with at least two central speakers positioned between vehicle seats, paired with seat speakers arranged to direct sound signals directly to the head regions of occupants, and a signal processing unit that generates and controls audio signals to create a virtual soundstage by shifting the zero point of the radiation characteristic towards the head regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple speakers are placed throughout the vehicle interior to deliver sound, then the sound coverage is improved, but the ability to precisely localize sounds and create a coherent seat-centered soundstage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The audio system is segmented into multiple independent speaker channels (central speakers, door speakers, dashboard speakers) that can be controlled individually. Each speaker group targets specific listening zones, allowing precise sound localization while maintaining comprehensive coverage through coordinated operation of separate segments
Solution Approach 2:
Different speaker groups provide different sound characteristics tailored to their specific listening zones. Central speakers create a focused soundstage in the center console area, while door speakers provide ambient sound for side passengers. Each speaker location is optimized for its specific spatial zone, creating locally optimized sound quality that collectively provides both coverage and precision
2Adaptability or versatility
If speakers are positioned to cover multiple seating positions, then the versatility for different listeners is improved, but the ability to create an immersive soundstage centered at individual seating positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts speaker output and signal processing based on the selected listening mode (driver, passenger, or both). The signal processing unit applies different audio routing and processing algorithms depending on which seating position is active, enabling the same physical speaker array to create immersive soundstages centered at different locations through dynamic reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The central speaker array serves multiple functions: it can create immersive soundstages for the driver alone, passenger alone, or both simultaneously. The same physical speakers are used across different operating modes, with the signal processing unit adapting the audio output to maintain immersive soundstage quality regardless of which seating position is active
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 system achieves a more immersive and precise sound experience by centering the virtual soundstage in front of each occupant's head region, providing a spatial sound envelopment that enhances the perceived sound quality and localization.
Implementation Method 1
the signal processing unit generates and controls audio signals to create a virtual soundstage by shifting the zero point of the radiation characteristic towards the head regions
Implementation Method 2
The audio system includes a speaker array comprising at least a first and a second central speaker... paired with seat speakers arranged to direct sound signals directly to the head regions of occupants
Data Source
AI summary
An audio system and a corresponding method for generating a virtual soundstage in a vehicle interior are described. A speaker array with at least a first and second central speaker is used, which is arranged centrally between two vehicle seats. In addition, pairs of seat speakers are located near the head regions of the occupants. A signal processing unit receives an input signal and controls the speakers. The central speakers are controlled with inverted and time-shifted signals in order to generate zero points in the radiation characteristics. These are directed at the ear regions of the head regions and thus center the perception of the virtual soundstage. The seat speakers create spatial sound envelopes around the head regions. By combining the central speaker array with targeted control and side seat speakers, an optimized seat-position-centered sound reproduction with an immersive sound impression is achieved.