Vehicle Sound Gain Control for User-Tuned Cabin Sound Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sound controllers in vehicles lack the ability for users to set the sound pressure of sound effects, limiting the reflection of user-adjusted design concepts.
Innovation Solution
A sound controller that includes a signal generation unit, acquisition unit, gain determination unit, and output unit, which adjust the gain of sound signals based on user input, increasing or decreasing the gain differently depending on the difference from a reference value to enhance user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the gain is increased to enhance user experience and provide a sense of exaltation, then the sound effect volume becomes louder, but the volume may become excessively high and uncomfortable for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the gain parameter based on operation values. The gain determination unit calculates different gain values according to the operation value input by the user, transforming the sound signal with the calculated gain to achieve appropriate volume levels that prevent excessive loudness while maintaining user experience
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the gain determination unit that continuously monitors operation values and adjusts gain accordingly. The system receives user input via the acquisition unit, processes it to determine appropriate gain levels, and applies this feedback to the sound signal output, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents volume from becoming too high
2Reliability
If the gain is decreased to prevent volume from becoming too low, then the sound effect remains audible, but the sense of exaltation and acceleration may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the gain parameter based on operation values. The gain determination unit calculates different gain values according to the operation value input by the user, transforming the sound signal with the calculated gain to achieve appropriate volume levels that prevent excessive loudness while maintaining user experience
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the gain value variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts gain based on real-time operation values from the acquisition unit, allowing the sound output to adapt to user preferences and operational conditions, thereby maintaining both audibility and user experience quality
3Device complexity
If a linear gain adjustment is used for simplicity, then the control mechanism is straightforward, but the non-linear perception of sound pressure by users is not adequately addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by implementing a non-linear gain calculation function that transforms operation values into gain values according to a specific function. This non-linear transformation accounts for human perception characteristics, ensuring that the relationship between user input and actual sound pressure change aligns with how users perceive volume differences
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces a simple linear mechanical control system with a computational system that uses mathematical functions to determine gain. The gain determination unit employs non-linear functions to calculate gain values, substituting straightforward mechanical adjustment with intelligent computational control that better matches human perception
Data Source
AI summary
A sound controller is a sound controller that causes a speaker to output sound into a cabin of a vehicle, and has a signal generation unit that generates a sound signal causing the speaker to output sound, an acquisition unit that acquires an operation value according to an operation by a user, a gain determination unit that determines a gain of the sound signal according to the operation value, and an output unit that outputs to the speaker the sound signal corrected to the gain. The gain determination unit determines, when the operation value is smaller than a predetermined reference value, the gain to be smaller as the difference between the reference value and the operation value increases, and determines, when the operation value is larger than the reference value, the gain to be larger as the difference between the reference value and the operation value increases.