Vehicle Map Audio Synchronization for Road Feature Highlighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle navigation systems lack engaging and informative ways to highlight road features, relying solely on visual cues which may not effectively convey spatial information.

Innovation Solution

Integrate audio data with vehicle navigation systems to highlight road features through color and intensity changes based on sound wave amplitudes and tracks, associating different road classes with distinct audio elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If only visual cues are used to highlight road features, then the navigation system remains simple, but spatial information is not effectively conveyed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial information conveyanceVSAvoidnavigation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional visual map display to a three-dimensional auditory experience by mapping road features onto sound wave amplitudes and frequencies. Audio cues add a new dimension of spatial information representation, allowing drivers to perceive road geometry and features through sound intensity and directionality, thereby resolving the limitation of visual-only navigation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The navigation system segments audio information by road class, assigning distinct audio characteristics to different road types (highways, residential streets, rural roads). This segmentation allows drivers to distinguish between various road features through differentiated sound patterns, improving spatial information conveyance without requiring a complete system overhaul.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If audio data is integrated with visual map display, then spatial awareness is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial awarenessVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal audio processing framework that handles multiple road classes and feature types through a single integrated system. The audio processing module universally processes GPS coordinates, map data, and road classification information to generate appropriate sound wave amplitudes, eliminating the need for separate processing chains for different road features and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary audio processing module that bridges the gap between visual map data and the driver's spatial perception. This intermediary component translates static map coordinates and road classifications into dynamic audio cues, mediating between the navigation system's data structures and the driver's sensory experience without requiring direct modification of either the map display or audio hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If different road classes are associated with distinct audio elements, then engagement is improved, but processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroad feature differentiationVSAvoidaudio processing energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning specific audio characteristics to specific road classes based on their unique features. Each road type (highway, residential, rural) receives tailored audio parameters such as amplitude ranges, frequency profiles, and playback intensities that match its characteristic driving experience. This localized audio customization improves road feature differentiation while avoiding the energy waste of applying uniform high-fidelity audio processing to all road types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes audio parameters (amplitude, frequency, duration) based on the detected road class and vehicle speed. By adjusting these parameters in real-time according to contextual factors, the system achieves versatile road feature differentiation without maintaining separate audio files or processing pipelines for each road type, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12524200B2Music processing for vehicle maps
Publication Date: 2026.01.13 TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA INC
  • US12524200B2 patent drawing
  • US12524200B2 patent drawing
  • US12524200B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems, apparatuses, and methods provide for musical processing for vehicle mapping systems. audio data to be played is obtained. A plurality of features are identified in a map currently presented on a display of a vehicle. The audio data is played. A display is changed of at least one of the plurality of features in the map based on the play of the audio data.