Vehicle Interior Noise Control via Conversation Intent Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio devices in vehicles fail to automatically adjust playback volume to accommodate impending conversations, requiring manual intervention from occupants, especially the driver, which can be distracting and inconvenient, especially when multiple noise sources are present.
Innovation Solution
A system that detects the intention of a vehicle occupant to converse by monitoring activities such as window operation, head orientation, and vehicle movement, using sensors and image recognition, to automatically reduce noise levels from sources like car radios, air conditioning, and mobile phones before a conversation begins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If manual volume adjustment is required to accommodate conversations, then conversation clarity is improved, but driver safety and convenience deteriorate due to distracting manual interventions
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects conversation situations and adjusts noise source volumes without requiring driver intervention. The control device monitors sensor data, identifies conversation contexts, and autonomously controls audio output devices to maintain clear communication while keeping the driver focused on driving tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors sensor data including window lifter status, gaze direction, and vehicle position to detect conversation situations. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustment of noise source volumes based on detected conversation contexts, ensuring clear audio communication while adapting to driver needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple noise sources are present in the vehicle interior, then entertainment and comfort functions are improved, but conversation intelligibility deteriorates due to increased background noise
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different volume adjustment strategies to different noise sources based on their contribution to background noise during conversation situations. Audio output devices are selectively controlled to reduce volume only when and where conversation intelligibility is compromised, while maintaining entertainment and comfort functions during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the volume of multiple noise sources based on real-time detection of conversation situations. The control device modifies audio output levels adaptively, reducing volumes of devices like car radios and navigation systems during detected conversations while maintaining their full functionality during non-conversation periods.
3Loss of information
If noise sources are reduced during detected conversation situations, then conversation intelligibility is improved, but entertainment and comfort functions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system periodically monitors sensor data to detect conversation situations and applies volume adjustments only during these specific periods. During non-conversation periods, noise sources operate at normal levels to provide full entertainment and comfort functions. This periodic on-demand adjustment ensures clear conversation intelligibility when needed while preserving entertainment quality during normal use.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The method involves detecting conversational situation inside a vehicle (11). A device for reducing generated noise (7-10) is controlled in an inner side of the vehicle. Presence or imminence of recorded activities of a vehicle occupant (45, 48) is recognized and evaluated. Opening of a vehicle window (47) is detected during operation of a window lifter. An alignment head (46) of the vehicle occupant is recorded from a glance or head alignment towards side of the vehicle window. Detection activities of the vehicle occupant are performed using image recognition of the vehicle. An independent claim is also included for a control device for automatically controlling volume of noise in an interior of a vehicle.