Vehicle Personal Sound Zone Audio Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio systems in vehicles fail to provide individual, dedicated sound environments for occupants while allowing for easy setup and control, and existing isolation technologies are often bulky, uncomfortable, or unsafe for vehicle operators.
Innovation Solution
An audio system with multiple personal sound zones, each comprising microphones, an audio controller, and speakers, which can receive and process noise and media signals to create a dedicated audio environment, allowing for individual control and interlinking of sound zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If audio isolation technologies are used to provide dedicated sound environments, then individual audio control is improved, but device complexity and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical acoustic isolation mechanisms (bulkhead partitions, noise-canceling headphones) with an electronic signal processing system. The audio controller receives audio signals, generates anti-noise signals through digital processing, and combines them with original audio signals to create personalized sound zones without physical barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the acoustic parameters of different zones by dynamically adjusting audio signal characteristics. The audio controller modifies signal frequency, amplitude, and phase parameters to create distinct acoustic environments for each occupant based on their position and preferences, rather than using fixed physical structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complete audio isolation is provided, then dedicated sound environment is improved, but safety and communication capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different acoustic qualities to different spatial zones within the vehicle. Each seat position receives a customized audio treatment tailored to that specific location, allowing the driver to maintain awareness of the environment while passengers enjoy isolated audio experiences. This localized approach ensures safety-critical areas remain acoustically connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts audio isolation levels based on real-time conditions. The audio controller continuously monitors occupant positions, vehicle speed, and environmental factors to adaptively modify the degree of audio separation, ensuring that isolation is applied only when safe and appropriate rather than being statically enforced.
3Adaptability or versatility
If physical acoustic isolation structures are used, then sound separation is improved, but ease of operation and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical acoustic isolation structures (physical partitions, barriers) with an electronic signal processing system. The audio controller uses digital signal manipulation to achieve sound separation without any moving parts or physical adjustments, eliminating the complexity of mechanical isolation mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated audio environments are created, then individual control is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal audio controller that serves multiple functions: it processes audio signals for all occupants, generates anti-noise signals, combines signals, and manages multiple personal sound zones simultaneously. This single multi-functional device replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate isolation systems for each occupant.
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 each vehicle occupant to have a separate, customizable audio environment without interfering with others, while maintaining safety and ease of use, allowing for seamless communication and sharing of audio content.
Implementation Method 1
the audio controller is configured to receive a media electronic signal and the noise electronic signal, convert the noise electronic signal into an anti-noise electronic signal, and produce an output electronic signal by combining the media electronic signal and the anti-noise electronic signal
Data Source
AI summary
An audio system for a vehicle including a plurality of personal sound zones, each personal sound zone comprising a plurality of microphones, an audio controller, and a plurality of speakers. The system is configured to allow the occupants of a vehicle to experience their own dedicated sound environment without the sound from one dedicated sound environment interfering with the sound from another dedicated sound environment. The system includes features for controlling the audio of each dedicated sound environment, including passing audio from one dedicated sound environment to another dedicated sound environment.