Vehicle Sound System Engine Sound Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles equipped with audio devices struggle to effectively allow drivers to hear engine sounds while also enjoying audio entertainment, as existing systems do not adequately distinguish and enhance engine sounds during varying driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A sound system that includes an engine sound localizer and a traveling state detector, which adjusts the localization of engine sounds to specific positions within the vehicle cabin based on driving conditions, allowing drivers to clearly recognize engine sounds and distinguish them from audio entertainment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the audio device operates to provide audio entertainment, then the driver can enjoy audio sound, but the driver cannot clearly recognize engine sound
Solution Approach 1:
The sound system segments the audio output into two distinct spatial channels: audio sound is localized to a first position while engine sound is localized to a second position. This spatial segmentation allows the driver to simultaneously enjoy audio entertainment while clearly recognizing engine sound, resolving the contradiction between these two functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by creating different acoustic characteristics at different positions within the cabin. The audio sound and engine sound are directed to different localized positions with distinct acoustic properties, enabling the driver to experience both functions with optimal quality for each purpose.
2Measurement precision
If the engine sound is localized to enhance driver recognition, then the driver can recognize vehicle state clearly, but the audio sound quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system resolves the contradiction by adding a spatial dimension to the sound output. Instead of competing for the same acoustic space, audio sound and engine sound are separated in three-dimensional space within the cabin, allowing both to maintain high quality simultaneously through spatial frequency division.
3Device complexity
If a fixed localization position is used for engine sound, then the system structure is simple, but the driver cannot adapt to different driving conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The sound localization position for engine sound is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system automatically adjusts the localization position based on detected driving conditions, such as changing from a first position during normal driving to a second position during sports driving. This dynamic adaptation enhances versatility while maintaining relatively simple system structure through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that detect driving conditions and automatically adjust the engine sound localization position accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to different driving scenarios without requiring complex manual configuration, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A sound system for a vehicle including an engine and an audio device for an internal space of a cabin as sound sources disposed at given positions of the vehicle is provided which includes an engine sound localizer configured to localize a first sound generated by the engine to cause a vehicle driver inside the cabin to hear the first sound from a first position, and change the first position, and a traveling state detector configured to detect a traveling state of the vehicle. The engine sound localizer normally sets the first position at a default position and, when a given traveling state is detected by the traveling state detector, changes the first position to a specific position at which the vehicle driver is able to recognize the engine sound more clearly than at the default position.