Virtual Engine Sound Positioning From Wheel Torque Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric and hybrid vehicles generate minimal sound, lacking the audible feedback that traditional internal combustion engines provide, making it difficult for drivers to gauge vehicle behavior and control.
Innovation Solution
A method using spatial audio technology to deliver artificially generated vehicle noise, determining a primary sound location based on wheel torque distribution to simulate engine feedback, allowing drivers to perceive sounds originating from specific locations within the vehicle cabin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If electric motors are used to drive wheels, then energy efficiency and emissions are improved, but audible feedback about vehicle behavior is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (spatial audio system with multiple speakers) that mediates between the electric motor's operation and the driver's perception. The system processes wheel torque data and generates artificial sounds that simulate traditional engine noise characteristics, providing the missing audible feedback without compromising the electric motor's efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates artificial copies of traditional engine sounds by analyzing wheel torque distribution and generating corresponding audio signals. The spatial audio system reproduces the characteristic sounds of internal combustion engines, allowing drivers to perceive vehicle behavior through familiar auditory cues while maintaining the benefits of electric propulsion.
2Loss of information
If artificial sound is generated to replicate engine noise, then audible feedback is restored, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it monitors wheel torque from the electric motor control, determines torque distribution patterns, selects appropriate sound characteristics, and outputs control signals to the spatial audio system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing system complexity while providing comprehensive audible feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical acoustic field generation of traditional engines with an electronic audio synthesis system. Instead of relying on physical engine components to generate sound, the system uses electronic processing of torque data and digital-to-analog conversion through speakers, substituting mechanical sound generation with electronic means.
3Loss of information
If spatial audio system delivers sound from virtual sources, then driver awareness of wheel grip is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific sound characteristics to different spatial locations corresponding to different wheels. The system determines torque distribution for individual wheels and generates sounds with specific directional properties that originate from virtual sources positioned near the affected wheels, providing localized auditory information about grip conditions at each wheel location.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for delivering audible feedback to a driver within a cabin of a road vehicle, the vehicle comprising a plurality of wheels and an electric motor coupled to at least one of the plurality of wheels and configured to drive the at least one of the plurality of wheels, the cabin housing a sound space comprising a network of sound locations, the method comprising determining the torque delivered to at least two wheels of the plurality of wheels; determining a wheel torque distribution for the vehicle based on the determined torques; determining a primary sound location in the sound space in accordance with the wheel torque distribution; and inputting the primary sound location to a spatial audio system, the spatial audio system being configured to deliver the audible feedback to the vehicle cabin such that the audible feedback is perceived by the driver to be originating from a virtual audio source located at the primary sound location.