Vehicle Sound Output Directional Localization via Road Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle sound systems do not effectively direct the driver's attention to caution-needed directions based on external vehicle states, leading to potential neglect of critical alerts.
Innovation Solution
A sound output apparatus incorporating a sound input device, sound signal generation section, road-information acquisition section, and specified-direction determination section, which collects and processes external sounds and road information to localize sound output directionally, ensuring the driver focuses on critical areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If peripheral sounds are reproduced using speakers inside the vehicle without considering road information, then the system structure remains simple, but the driver cannot effectively pay attention to the essential caution-needed directions
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the peripheral sound field into multiple directional channels using multiple microphones positioned at different locations around the vehicle. Each microphone captures sounds from specific directions, allowing the system to process and reproduce sounds from different spatial zones independently, thereby directing driver attention to specific caution-needed directions effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces road information (from GPS and map data) as an intermediary element that mediates between the raw peripheral sounds and the reproduced audio output. This intermediary information helps determine which directions require driver attention, enabling the system to selectively emphasize sounds from relevant directions while filtering out unnecessary audio information
2Loss of information
If sounds from all peripheral directions are reproduced equally, then the system remains simple to operate, but the driver cannot distinguish which directions require essential attention
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different processing qualities to sounds from different directions based on local road conditions. Sounds from directions identified as caution-needed (determined by road information and vehicle state) are reproduced with higher emphasis and clarity, while sounds from less critical directions are reproduced with lower priority, allowing the driver to easily distinguish essential attention directions without complex manual operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes audio reproduction parameters (such as volume, pan position, and emphasis) based on road information and vehicle state. When the vehicle approaches intersections, curves, or areas with pedestrians, the system automatically adjusts the audio parameters to emphasize sounds from those specific directions, enabling the driver to intuitively understand which directions require attention without manual intervention
Data Source
AI summary
A sound output apparatus for a vehicle includes a sound input device, a sound signal generation section, a sound output device, a road-information acquisition section, and a specified-direction determination section. The sound input device collects sounds outside of the vehicle. The sound signal generation section generates an output signal based on the sounds outside of the vehicle collected. The sound output device outputs a sound to a vehicle interior of the vehicle based on the output signal generated. The road-information acquisition section acquires road information in proximity of the vehicle. The specified-direction determination section determines a specified direction which is previously associated with the road information. The sound signal generation section generates the output signal such that a direction of sound-image localization of a sound outputted by the sound output device accords with the specified direction determined by the specified-direction determination section.