Augmented Ultrasonic Vehicle Audio for Passenger-Zone Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle audio systems struggle to provide distinct audio content to different passengers while maintaining an open path to the environment, leading to issues like sound leakage and potential negative physiological effects from ultrasonic signals.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing ultrasonic transducers and midrange speakers, controlled by a controller, to modulate audio signals with upper and midrange content, directing binaural acoustic signals to specific listening zones with minimal leakage, and employing array configurations to enhance isolation and bass content magnitude in each zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If ultrasonic transducers are used to deliver audio content to passengers, then audio delivery to specific passengers is improved, but sound leakage to other passengers and environmental awareness is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the audio delivery into separate frequency bands (ultrasonic carrier frequency above 20kHz for content delivery, and audible frequency below 20kHz for environmental awareness). Each frequency band serves a distinct function, with the ultrasonic band carrying modulated audio content to specific passengers while the audible band maintains environmental sound awareness, thereby preventing sound leakage to unintended recipients.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses audible frequency sound as an intermediary carrier that is modulated by ultrasonic frequency content. The audible sound serves as the medium that can be directed to specific listening zones while the ultrasonic modulation encodes the actual audio content, allowing selective delivery without direct ultrasonic propagation that would cause leakage.
2Loss of information
If ultrasonic signals are used for audio delivery, then audio content delivery is improved, but negative physiological effects are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs audible frequency sound as an intermediary carrier wave that is modulated by ultrasonic content. The audible carrier frequency (below 20kHz) is used to transmit the information, while the ultrasonic frequency (above 20kHz) serves as the modulation signal. This approach delivers the desired audio content while minimizing direct exposure to high-intensity ultrasonic waves that cause physiological discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameters of the audio signal by modulating ultrasonic content onto an audible carrier frequency. The audio content is encoded in the modulation of the audible sound wave, allowing delivery of full audio content while using frequencies that are less likely to cause physiological effects compared to direct ultrasonic delivery.
3Power
If midrange speakers are added to augment bass response, then bass response is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines ultrasonic transducers and midrange speakers into an integrated audio delivery system. The ultrasonic transducers handle high-frequency content delivery while the midrange speakers (positioned in headrests or seatbacks) handle bass and midrange frequencies. This merging of components creates a unified system that delivers full-spectrum audio content with enhanced bass response without requiring completely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent places midrange speakers at specific locations (headrests or seatbacks) close to the passenger's ears to provide localized bass enhancement. This local placement ensures that the bass response is enhanced only in the intended listening zone without requiring complex omnidirectional bass distribution systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving the desired effect.
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
Enables separate audio content delivery to passengers with minimal sound leakage, maintaining environmental awareness, reducing negative physiological effects, and enhancing bass response through directional and spatialized audio delivery.
Implementation Method 1
driving the first ultrasonic transducer with a first upper range content of a first content signal such that the first ultrasonic acoustic signal is modulated with the first upper range content
Implementation Method 2
a first ultrasonic transducer arranged to direct a first ultrasonic acoustic signal to a first listening zone within a cabin of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing augmented ultrasonic audio in a vehicle, including a first ultrasonic transducer arranged to direct a first ultrasonic acoustic signal to a first listening zone within a cabin of the vehicle, wherein the first listening zone is disposed at a first seating location; a first plurality of midrange speakers arranged to direct a first binaural midrange acoustic signal to the first listening zone, wherein the first plurality of midrange speakers are each near-field speakers; and a controller configured to drive the first ultrasonic transducer with a first upper range content of a first content signal, such that the first ultrasonic acoustic signal is modulated with the first upper range content, and to drive the first plurality of midrange speakers with a first midrange content of the first content signal such that the first binaural midrange acoustic signal includes the first midrange content.