Vehicle Cabin Audio Processing for Automatic Karaoke Voice Suppression

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio systems in vehicles require manual interaction for controlling operational modes like 'Karaoke'-mode, which can be distracting and time-consuming, especially for drivers in traffic.

Innovation Solution

An audio system that automatically controls suppression of audio signal components containing human voice or musical instruments based on acoustic signals received from the vehicle cabin, allowing for hands-free operation of special modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual interaction is required for controlling operational modes, then the apparatus can be controlled with simple control elements, but the ease of operation deteriorates and time is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus automatically detects when a person is singing by analyzing acoustic signals from the vehicle cabin and autonomously activates the Karaoke-mode without requiring manual control. The control device monitors acoustic parameters and automatically switches operational modes based on detected singing activity, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the vehicle cabin for acoustic signals and uses this feedback to automatically control the audio processing device. When singing is detected through acoustic analysis, the system automatically adjusts audio signal components to suppress vocals and enable Karaoke-mode, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to user needs without manual input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If manual interaction is required for controlling operational modes, then the device complexity remains low, but the productivity deteriorates due to time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus automatically detects when a person is singing by analyzing acoustic signals from the vehicle cabin and autonomously activates the Karaoke-mode without requiring manual control. The control device monitors acoustic parameters and automatically switches operational modes based on detected singing activity, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control (buttons, switches) with an automated acoustic detection and control system. The control device uses acoustic signal analysis to automatically determine when Karaoke-mode should be activated, substituting mechanical user interaction with an automated electronic system that monitors and responds to acoustic conditions in the vehicle cabin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If manual interaction is required for controlling operational modes, then the ease of manufacture remains high, but the ease of operation worsens for drivers in traffic conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddistracting from driving

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus automatically detects when a person is singing by analyzing acoustic signals from the vehicle cabin and autonomously activates the Karaoke-mode without requiring manual control. The control device monitors acoustic parameters and automatically switches operational modes based on detected singing activity, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control (buttons, switches) with an automated acoustic detection and control system. The control device uses acoustic signal analysis to automatically determine when Karaoke-mode should be activated, substituting mechanical user interaction with an automated electronic system that monitors and responds to acoustic conditions in the vehicle cabin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4055588B1Apparatus for outputting an audio signal in a vehicle cabin

Publication Date: 2025.09.03 ASK IND GMBH

AI summary

Apparatus (2) for outputting an audio signal in a vehicle cabin (4), the apparatus (2) comprising: - at least one audio outputting device (6) configured to output an audio signal (3) comprising at least one audio signal component containing a human voice, particularly a singer's voice, and/or a musical instrument in a vehicle cabin (4); - at least one audio processing device (8) configured to process at least one audio signal (3) outputtable or output by the at least one audio outputting device (6), the at least one audio signal (3) comprising at least one audio signal component containing a human voice, particularly a singer's voice, and/or a musical instrument, so as to suppress the at least one audio signal component containing a human voice, particularly a singer's voice, and/or a musical instrument in the at least one audio signal (3) in a suppression mode; - at least one audio receiving device (9) configured to receive at least one acoustic human signal, particularly an acoustic human voice signal, of at least one person located in the or a vehicle cabin (4) whilst the at least one audio outputting device (6) outputs the audio signal (3) in the or a vehicle cabin (4); and - at least one control device (12) configured to control operation of the at least one audio processing device (8) based on at least one acoustic human signal (10) received by the at least one audio receiving device (9).