Vehicle Sound Controller for Synthetic Engine Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
With reduced engine noise due to stricter noise regulations, drivers experience a strange feeling when they do not hear a sufficient engine sound, particularly during deceleration or when the accelerator is not being operated, as conventional vehicles output no engine sound in these situations.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle equipped with a sound controller that generates and outputs an engine sound from a speaker, even when the accelerator is not being operated, by setting the sound volume to a value greater than zero based on vehicle status data, such as throttle valve opening, engine speed, or blipping, to simulate engine activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If engine noise is reduced to meet noise regulations, then environmental compliance is improved, but driver perception of engine sound is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a synthetic copy of engine sound through audio processing. The sound controller generates artificial engine sound signals that replicate the characteristics of actual engine noise, allowing drivers to perceive engine activity without exposing them to harmful actual engine noise. This copying approach resolves the contradiction by providing the desired sound information while maintaining reduced noise levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The sound controller acts as an intermediary between the engine and the driver's perception. It processes engine sound signals, adjusts their characteristics based on vehicle operating conditions, and outputs modified sounds through speakers. This intermediary function allows the system to maintain reduced engine noise while still providing drivers with appropriate sound feedback.
2Use of energy by moving object
If engine sound volume is set to zero when accelerator operation is zero, then energy consumption is reduced, but driver experience is worsened during deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of engine sound volume based on real-time detection of accelerator operation and vehicle status. The sound controller continuously monitors these parameters and adjusts the output volume accordingly, increasing sound during deceleration when needed and reducing it during normal operation to save energy. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by adapting sound output to actual driving conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of sound volume based on detected vehicle status and accelerator operation. When the vehicle is decelerating or the accelerator is released, the system increases the sound volume parameter to provide appropriate feedback. This parameter change allows the system to maintain good driver experience during critical moments while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation.
3Device complexity
If engine sound is output only during accelerator operation, then device complexity is reduced, but driver feedback is insufficient during vehicle status changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sound controller detects vehicle status and accelerator operation, processes this information, and adjusts engine sound output accordingly. The system provides sound feedback during deceleration and other vehicle status changes, ensuring drivers receive appropriate information about engine activity. This feedback approach maintains relatively simple device complexity while significantly improving the quality and timing of sound feedback.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes an accelerator sensor that detects an amount of operation of an accelerator; a vehicle status sensor that detects a vehicle status; an engine controller that controls an internal combustion engine based on a signal from the accelerator sensor and a signal from the vehicle status sensor; a sound controller that generates an engine sound based on the amount of operation of the accelerator and the vehicle status; and a speaker that is communicably connected to the sound controller and outputs the engine sound. The sound controller includes an engine sound controller that sets a volume of the engine sound to a value that is greater than zero when the amount of operation of the accelerator is zero and the vehicle status is a predetermined status.