Vehicle Audio Channel Separation for Turn Indicator Sound Consistency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sound systems often present Turn Indicator and Hazard Warning Light (TI/HWL) sounds intermittently alongside other warning sounds, leading to user annoyance and a degraded experience due to the higher priority of polyphonic chimes, which results in inconsistent volume and tone mixing.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a unique audio source channel for TI/HWL sounds separate from other warning and media sounds, using distinct sound generators for each category, allowing for independent volume control and directionality, particularly utilizing the Automotive Audio Bus (A2B) technology to manage these sounds on separate channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If TI/HWL sounds are presented on the same channel as other warning sounds, then the system structure is simple, but the TI/HWL sounds are presented intermittently and mixed with other tones, degrading user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audio output system into separate channels: a first channel dedicated to TI/HWL sounds and a second channel for other warning sounds and media. This segmentation allows independent control of each sound type, preventing intermittent presentation and tone mixing while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular channel management.
2Ease of operation
If TI/HWL sounds are mixed with other warning sounds on the same channel, then the system is easier to operate, but the volume and tone mixing causes user annoyance
Solution Approach 1:
By separating TI/HWL sounds onto a dedicated first channel with independent volume control, the system eliminates harmful tone mixing and intermittent presentation that cause user annoyance. The segmented channel structure maintains ease of operation through automated channel management while preventing the harmful mixing effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving the first channel (TI/HWL) distinct properties from the second channel (other sounds), including separate volume control and speaker routing. This allows TI/HWL sounds to maintain consistent volume and tone characteristics without being affected by other warning sounds or media playback.
3Device complexity
If a single sound generator is used for all warning sounds, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sound directionality and priority management are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sound generation function into a first sound generator for TI/HWL sounds and a second sound generator for other warning sounds and media. This segmentation enables independent configuration of each generator, allowing the first sound generator to maintain consistent volume and routing for TI/HWL while the second handles variable warning sounds, thereby achieving both manageable complexity and enhanced adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sound generator is given specialized local qualities: the first sound generator is optimized for TI/HWL with fixed volume and specific speaker routing, while the second sound generator handles other sounds with flexible volume and routing. This specialization enables precise directionality control and priority management without requiring a single complex generator.
Data Source
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AI summary
Generating sounds in a vehicle, including generating turn indicator/hazard warning lights (TI/HWL) sounds via a first channel, and generating additional sounds via a second channel, where the second channel is different than the first channel.