Vehicle Audio Signal Processing for Seat-Based Time Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In vehicle sound systems, changes in seat position or angle can disrupt the time alignment of sound signals, leading to sound interference and a loss of sound quality.

Innovation Solution

A signal processing apparatus that acquires sound source signals and seat information, determines parameters for sound reproduction based on the seat state, and generates sound signals for output from multiple vehicle speakers to maintain optimal sound quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the sound system adjusts time alignment based on a fixed seat position, then sound quality is optimized for that specific position, but sound quality deteriorates when the seat position changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime alignment precisionVSAvoidadaptability to seat position changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of time alignment parameters based on real-time seat position detection. The system continuously monitors seat position via sensors and automatically recalibrates the time alignment of sound signals from multiple speakers to maintain optimal sound quality regardless of seat position changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where seat position information is continuously acquired by sensors and fed back to the sound processing unit. This feedback loop enables the system to detect seat position changes and automatically adjust time alignment parameters to maintain sound quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the sound system uses fixed sound parameters for all seat positions, then the system is simple to operate, but sound quality is compromised when users are not at the ideal listening point

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of sound parameter adjustmentVSAvoidsound quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-adjustment of sound parameters by automatically detecting seat position and recalibrating time alignment without requiring user intervention. The sound processing unit autonomously modifies audio output based on sensor data, eliminating the need for manual parameter adjustment while maintaining high sound quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If the system continuously adjusts sound parameters based on seat position, then sound quality is maintained across different positions, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound quality consistencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electronic sensing and digital signal processing. Instead of physically adjusting speaker positions or connections, the system uses sensors to detect seat position and electronically adjusts time alignment parameters through digital signal processing, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250168559A1Signal processing apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 DENSO TEN LTD

AI summary

A signal processing apparatus including a controller configured to: (i) acquire a sound source signal for reproducing sound in a vehicle; (ii) acquire seat information indicating a state of a seat in the vehicle; (iii) determine parameters for reproduction based on the seat information; and (iv) generate sound signals for outputting the sound from a plurality of speakers provided in the vehicle based on the sound source signal and the parameters.