In-Vehicle Sound Zone Control Using Headrest and Seatback Speakers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current in-vehicle audio systems fail to effectively create independent sound zones, particularly in the middle and high frequency bands, resulting in a poor acoustic experience for passengers with different sound quality preferences.
Innovation Solution
An in-vehicle independent sound zone control method and system that presets control and non-control areas, using a speaker array behind the front seat and a headrest speaker to generate specific acoustic responses, with a virtual target speaker to optimize sound quality through audio algorithm processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If headrest anti-phase sound source cancellation or original in-vehicle speakers are used for partition, then sound zone separation is achieved to some extent, but the separation between various sound zones is not enough, especially in the middle and high frequency bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vehicle interior into multiple independent sound zones by strategically positioning speakers at different locations (front seats, rear seats, headrests) and using independent audio processing for each zone. This segmentation allows different passengers to have personalized audio experiences without interfering with each other, effectively resolving the insufficient sound zone separation problem in the prior art.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating customized audio characteristics for each sound zone. Each zone can have different sound quality parameters (equalization, volume, audio content) tailored to the passenger's preferences and position. This ensures that each passenger receives optimized audio quality specifically for their location, improving overall acoustic experience while maintaining clear zone separation.
2Manufacturing precision
If speaker directional control is used for partition, then sound directionality is improved, but there is a poor performance in sound quality, resulting in a poor actual acoustic experience for passengers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges speaker directional control capabilities with advanced audio processing algorithms (equalization, acoustic response adjustment, virtual surround sound) to simultaneously achieve both good directionality and high sound quality. By combining multiple audio processing techniques rather than relying on directional control alone, the system maintains excellent acoustic performance while providing clear sound zone separation and directionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the acoustic response in each sound zone and dynamically adjusting audio parameters to maintain optimal sound quality. The system measures the actual acoustic conditions and modifies the audio output accordingly, ensuring that sound quality remains high even when using directional control for zone separation.
3Device complexity
If a single speaker system is used for entire vehicle interior, then the system structure is simple, but no good partition effect can be achieved and passengers cannot have personalized sound experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio system into multiple independent zones with dedicated speakers and audio processing channels. Each zone can be independently controlled to provide personalized audio content and settings for different passengers. This segmentation transforms a single-zone system into a multi-zone system capable of delivering customized audio experiences while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal audio system that can simultaneously serve multiple functions: providing personalized audio for individual passengers, enabling group listening modes, supporting various audio formats, and adapting to different driving conditions. The system's multi-functionality allows it to handle diverse audio requirements across different zones while maintaining a unified control interface and processing architecture.
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
This approach effectively isolates sound zones and optimizes sound quality within the control area, providing a better acoustic experience for passengers by maximizing differences in acoustic responses and optimizing sound field and image.
Implementation Method 1
arranging a speaker array behind a front seat of the vehicle for generating a first acoustic response, and arranging a headrest speaker at a headrest on a rear seat of the vehicle for generating a second acoustic response
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses an in-vehicle independent sound zone control method, a system and a related device, applied to a vehicle. The method includes the following steps: presetting a control area and a non-control area; arranging a speaker array behind a front seat of the vehicle for generating a first acoustic response, and arranging a headrest speaker at a headrest on a rear seat of the vehicle for generating a second acoustic response; fitting a virtual target speaker, wherein the virtual target speaker is configured to generate a target acoustic response within the control area; and controlling a sound quality of the in-vehicle independent sound zone through an audio algorithm processing on the target acoustic response, the first acoustic response and the second acoustic response.