Vehicle Audio DSP Tuning via Mobile Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle audio systems offer limited customization options, restricting users to basic adjustments like bass, treble, balance, and fade, and do not allow for advanced settings such as surround sound or filtering, which can enhance the audio experience.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle audio customization system that includes a computing device with a display and processor to receive user input for adjusting digital signal processing (DSP) settings via a mobile device, allowing for more advanced audio adjustments, such as notch filtering and surround sound settings, and storing these settings for future use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If users are provided with only basic audio adjustments (bass, treble, balance, fade), then the audio system is easy to operate and manufacture, but the customization capability and user personalization options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio customization capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the user and the audio amplifier. The mobile device displays a user interface that allows users to adjust DSP parameters, which are then transmitted wirelessly to the amplifier. This mediator enables complex customization capabilities while keeping the amplifier itself relatively simple and the user interface accessible on a familiar device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical control interfaces (physical knobs, buttons, and switches on the amplifier) with a digital interface on a mobile device. Users interact with virtual controls on a touchscreen display, and adjustments are transmitted electronically to the amplifier's DSP, eliminating the need for complex mechanical control systems in the amplifier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If advanced DSP settings (surround sound, filtering) are made accessible to users, then the audio experience and sound quality are enhanced, but the ease of operation is reduced due to the complexity of numerous parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound qualityVSAvoiduser interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the audio adjustment parameters into different categories (e.g., bass, treble, balance, fade, surround sound, filtering) and presents them as separate adjustable controls on the mobile device interface. This segmentation allows users to access and adjust only the specific parameters they are interested in, rather than being overwhelmed by a single complex set of all parameters at once.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The user interface on the mobile device dynamically adapts to user interactions. The interface can display different sets of parameters based on user selection, and adjustments are transmitted in real-time to the amplifier. This dynamic presentation allows users to explore advanced settings at their own pace without being initially confronted with all complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If comprehensive DSP parameter adjustments are allowed, then the personalization and audio experience are improved, but the device complexity and programming requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepersonalization optionVSAvoidprogramming complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the mobile device's existing universal capabilities (touchscreen display, wireless communication, processor) to provide the audio adjustment functionality. Rather than designing and manufacturing a dedicated complex control system, the invention leverages the universal features of a common mobile device to achieve comprehensive DSP parameter control, reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device's operating system and application software handle the user interface management, parameter validation, and communication protocols. The system leverages the self-service capabilities of the mobile device (its existing OS, display drivers, wireless stack) to provide complex functionality without requiring additional programming or manufacturing effort for those specific functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3136749B1Customization of a vehicle audio system
Publication Date: 2020.02.26 HARMAN INT IND INC
  • EP3136749B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3136749B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3136749B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments are provided for customizing an audio system of a vehicle. An example computing device for customization of an audio system of a vehicle includes a display configured to present a user interface, a processor, and a storage device storing instructions executable by the processor to generate the user interface for presentation via the display, and receive user input to the user interface requesting one or more adjustments to an audio system, the one or more adjustments including instructions to tune an amplifier of the vehicle by adjusting digital signal processing (DSP) settings of the amplifier. The instructions are further executable to transmit the one or more requested adjustments to a communication interface of the amplifier of the vehicle, the adjusted DSP settings being stored in the amplifier and retrievable by the computing device.