Vehicle Audio System Surround Modes for Seating Zone Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle surround audio systems fail to provide optimal sound quality and perceived loudness across multiple seating locations, as they do not effectively account for varying audio program interests and seating positions, leading to unwanted sound intrusion in certain areas.
Innovation Solution
The audio system incorporates multiple operating modes that adjust equalization and balance patterns based on seating location weightings, allowing for customized sound experiences by prioritizing specific seating areas, such as the driver or rear seats, and using front/rear fade systems to manage sound radiation accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional vehicle surround audio systems use uniform sound distribution across all seating locations, then all passengers receive audio coverage, but sound quality and perceived loudness are not optimized for any specific seating location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vehicle interior into multiple distinct seating zones (front seat, rear seat, center console) and creates separate audio optimization patterns for each zone. The system divides the audio system into multiple operating modes, each tailored to a specific seating location, allowing independent optimization of equalization and balance patterns for each segment without compromising overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operating modes based on detected seating conditions. The audio system transitions from a static uniform distribution mode to a dynamic mode where equalization and balance patterns are adjusted in real-time according to which seating location is occupied, optimizing sound quality adaptively for the active seating zone.
2Measurement precision
If the audio system optimizes for one seating location, then sound quality at that location is improved, but other seating locations experience reduced sound quality or unwanted sound intrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct equalization and balance patterns tailored to each specific seating location. Each operating mode optimizes acoustic parameters (frequency response, sound pressure level) locally for its designated zone while using spatial audio techniques to contain the optimized sound within that local area, preventing sound intrusion into other zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a seating detection mechanism as an intermediary to determine which seating location is occupied and automatically selects the appropriate operating mode. This intermediary component enables the system to switch between different sound optimization patterns, ensuring that sound is directed and optimized for the correct seating zone while preventing unwanted sound intrusion into other areas.
3Measurement precision
If the audio system uses multiple operating modes with different weightings, then sound quality is optimized for specific seating locations, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single audio system that performs multiple functions through different operating modes. The same physical audio hardware and processing infrastructure are reused across all seating locations, with the system universally capable of optimizing for any occupied seat. This multi-functionality approach avoids the need for separate dedicated systems for each seating location, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
4Measurement precision
If the system weights frequency response measurements heavily for one seating location, then equalization is optimized for that location, but balance across other locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the weighting and composition of equalization and balance patterns based on the active operating mode. When optimizing for a specific seating location, the system dynamically reconfigures which measurements are weighted heavily, accepting temporary changes in overall balance consistency as the system adapts to serve the primary listening position for the currently occupied seat.
Data Source
AI summary
A surround audio system for a vehicle with a plurality of operating modes. The vehicle includes seating locations. The audio system includes a plurality of input channels including surround channels. The audio system further includes a plurality of operating modes. A first operating mode is characterized by substantially equal perceived loudnesses at each of said seating locations, an equalization pattern developed by weighting frequency responses at each of said seating locations substantially equally, and a balance pattern developed by weighting sound pressure level measurements at each of said seating locations substantially equally. A second operating mode is characterized by greater perceived loudness at one of said seating locations than at the other seating locations, an equalization pattern developed by weighting the frequency response at said one of said seating locations more heavily than the frequency responses at said other seating locations, and a balance pattern developed by weighting sound pressure level measurements at said one seating location more heavily than the weightings as said other seating locations.