Vehicle Loudspeaker Array Beam Forming Audio Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a growing need for devices and methods in vehicles to convey information in an easily understandable manner to reduce driver distraction, as the amount of information to be conveyed increases, and existing methods often fail to effectively differentiate between multiple audio sources, particularly in complex scenarios like telephone conferences.
Innovation Solution
A loudspeaker array is positioned strategically in vehicles, utilizing beam forming technology to create virtual sound sources that allow audio outputs to be directed from specific locations, enabling easy discrimination between different menu items or speakers in a vehicle, thereby reducing cognitive load and improving information processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple audio sources are output through conventional loudspeakers, then information can be conveyed to occupants, but the sources cannot be easily differentiated causing driver distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The audio output is segmented into multiple spatial channels, with each menu item or speaker assigned to a specific directional channel. The loudspeaker array divides the audio information into distinct spatial streams, allowing occupants to differentiate between multiple sources based on their apparent direction of origin.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the spatial dimension to audio output by creating virtual sound sources at different apparent directions. Instead of merely varying volume or frequency, the system uses directional audio positioning in the spatial domain to differentiate between multiple audio sources, transforming a 1D audio problem into a 3D spatial audio solution.
2Loss of information
If beam forming is used to create virtual sound sources, then audio information can be directionalized for better discrimination, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loudspeaker array serves multiple functions: it can output directional audio for menu items, provide spatial positioning for telephone conference speakers, and convey various types of vehicle information. This multi-functional design justifies the complexity by providing comprehensive spatial audio capabilities across different usage scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual copies of sound sources that appear to originate from specific directions without requiring physical loudspeakers at those locations. The beam forming technology generates acoustic illusions of sound sources positioned in space, allowing multiple virtual sources to be created from a single physical loudspeaker array.
3Loss of information
If more information is conveyed to the driver, then completeness of information increases, but cognitive load and distraction increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different types of information are assigned to different spatial locations around the occupant. Navigation instructions may come from directional speakers indicating the turn direction, while menu items are positioned in specific arcs, and conference speakers are localized in three-dimensional space. This spatial organization allows the brain to process information more efficiently by using spatial attention mechanisms.
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
This solution enhances the ability to convey information effectively by allowing drivers to easily discern between multiple audio sources, reducing distractions and improving the processing of information, especially in scenarios like navigation and telephone conferences, by using a strategically placed loudspeaker array with beam forming technology to create directional sound sources.
Implementation Method 1
In some of these cases, so-called beam forming is used to reproduce a sound which apparently comes from a specific direction, i.e. from a so-called virtual sound source.
Data Source
AI summary
Various methods and devices for vehicles are provided, wherein directional output of sound is used. In some embodiments, speech signals assigned to different speakers in a telephone conference are reproduced with different directional characteristics. In other embodiments, menu items of a menu are reproduced using different directions. In some embodiments, a loudspeaker arrangement may be provided at a dashboard or in a backrest of a seat of the vehicle.