WO2023143694A1

WO2023143694A1 - Method of outputting at least one audio signal in at least one defined listening zone within a passenger cabin of a vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2023143694A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/051597
Authority: WO
Inventors: Denis Perechnev
Original assignee: Ask Industries Gmbh
Priority date: 2022-01-25
Filing date: 2022-01-25
Publication date: 2023-08-03

Abstract

A method of outputting at least one audio signal (1) in at least one defined listening zone (2.1 –2.n) within a passenger cabin (3) of a vehicle (4), wherein each defined listening zone (2.1 – 2.n) is assigned to at least one seat (8.1 – 8.n) within the passenger cabin (3), the method comprising: determining a seat state indicative of an orientation and/or position of at least one seat (8.1 – 8.n) and/or at least one seat element (8.1.n – 8.n.n) within the passenger cabin (3); generating at least one seat state information indicative of the determined state of the at least one seat (8.1 – 8.n) and/or seat element (8.1.n – 8.n.n) within the passenger cabin (3); selecting at least one audio output parameter of the at least one audio signal (1) to be output into at least one defined listening zone (2.1 – 2.n) within the passenger cabin (3) based on the seat state information; applying the at least one selected audio output parameter to the at least one audio signal (1) to be output into the at least one defined listening zone (2.1 – 2.n) within the passenger cabin (3); and outputting the at least one audio signal (1) into the at least one defined listening zone (2.1 – 2.n) within the passenger cabin (3).

Description

Method of outputting at least one audio signal in at least one defined listening zone within a passenger cabin of a vehicle

The invention relates to a method of outputting at least one audio signal in at least one defined listening zone within a passenger cabin of a vehicle, wherein each defined listening zone is assigned to at least one seat within the passenger cabin.

Respective methods of outputting at least one audio signal in at least one defined listening zone within a passenger cabin of a vehicle, wherein each defined listening zone is assigned to at least one seat within the passenger cabin, are generally known from prior art.

In this context, it is known that the acoustic interaction between respective listening zones, i.e. defined multi-dimensional sound zones which can be acoustically separated from other multidimensional sound zones in a passenger cabin of a vehicle without the use of physical separation means, can be challenging. In other words, reliably limiting an audio signal designated to be output into one or more defined listening zones to the respective one or more defined listening zones and cancelling or reducing so-called cross-talk of the respective one or more defined listening zones, e.g. due to acoustic interferences, with one or more other listening zones within the passenger cabin can be difficult.

While numerous concepts of generating respective listening zones in a passenger cabin of a vehicle and particularly, concepts of cancelling or reducing cross-talk between respective listening zones have been suggested, there still exists a need to further improve respective concepts.

This particularly, applies for situations in which respective defined listening zones change, e.g. due to changes of the orientation and/or position of a seat, because any change of a listening zone can negatively affect other listening zones at least in so far as a desired cancellation or reduction of cross-talk between respective listening zones is typically assured only for a specific orientation and/or position of the seats or seat elements in the passenger cabin. As such, changes of a respective listening zone can negatively affect other listening zones because a desired cancellation or reduction of cross-talk can be compromised.

It is the objective of the present invention to provide an improved method of outputting at least one audio signal in at least one defined listening zone within a passenger cabin of a vehicle. This object is at least achieved by a method of outputting at least one audio signal into at least one defined listening zone within a passenger cabin of a vehicle according to claim 1. The claims depending on claim 1 refer to possible embodiments of the method according to claim 1.

A first aspect of the invention relates to method of outputting or reproducing at least one audio signal, which can be a mono- or a stereo-signal including e.g. music, speech, audio information, etc., in at least one defined listening zone within a passenger cabin of a vehicle, such as a car, truck, lorry, etc. The method thus, generally enables outputting or reproducing at least one audio signal into a passenger cabin of a vehicle. The passenger cabin typically, defines a multidimensional acoustically coherent sound space.

The method is typically, implemented by an apparatus for outputting at least one audio signal into at least one defined listening zone within a passenger cabin of a vehicle. A respective apparatus can form part of a vehicle audio system. A respective apparatus can comprise at least one audio signal source (audio signal input) and a plurality of audio output devices, i.e. particularly loudspeakers, each assigned to at least one defined listening zone.

Respective audio output devices may be arranged at or in diverse constructive and/or functional elements provided with the respective vehicle at or in the respective passenger cabin, such as doors, seats, wall elements, etc. or adjacent to doors, seats, wall elements, etc. Particularly, respective audio output devices may be arranged at or in at least one seat element of at least one seat, such as a seating surface, a backrest, a headrest, etc., or adjacent to at least one seat element of at least one seat, such as a seating surface, a backrest, a headrest, etc.

The plurality of audio output devices is typically, arranged in a specific spatial arrangement relative to each other in a passenger cabin of a vehicle. The arrangement of the plurality of audio output devices enables generating one or more defined listening zones within the passenger cabin. Each respective defined listening zone typically, establishes a defined multi-dimensional sound sub-space of the overall multi-dimensional sound space defined by the passenger cabin. Each respective defined listening zone can be deemed or denoted a binaural listening zone.

The generation of multiple defined listening zones can enable that different audio content, e.g. a first audio signal including music and a second audio signal including audio information from a navigation system, a voice call, etc., can be assigned to different defined listening zones. As such, each respective defined listening zone can be assigned to one or more specific audio signals such that different audio signals can be output into different defined listening zones. Alternatively or additionally, the generation of multiple defined listening zones can enable that different audio output settings, e.g. gain setting, bass settings, middle settings, treble settings, etc. of the same audio signal, for different listeners can be assigned to at least two different listening zones. As such, each respective defined listening zone can be assigned to one or more specific audio output settings such that the same audio signal can be output with different audio output settings into different defined listening zones.

Each respective defined listening zone can be assigned to one or more seats within the passenger cabin. As an example, a first defined listening zone can be assigned to a first seat in the front of the passenger cabin, such as driver’s seat, a second defined listening zone can be assigned to a second seat in the front of the passenger cabin, such as a co-driver’s seat, a third defined listening zone can be assigned to a first seat in the back of the passenger cabin, a fourth defined listening zone can be assigned to a second seat in the back of the passenger cabin, etc. As another example, a first defined listening zone can be assigned to at least two seats in the front of the passenger cabin, such as the driver’s seat and the co-driver’s seat, and a second defined listening zone can be assigned to at least two seats in the back of the passenger cabin. Diverse combinations of respective examples and defined listening zones within the passenger cabin are conceivable.

As such, the arrangement of the plurality of audio output devices enables that at least one defined listening zone for at least one audio signal for at least one seat within the passenger cabin and a specific non-listening zone of the respective audio signal for other seats within the passenger cabin can be generated. A respective listening zone and an associated non-listening zone typically, represent complementary sound sub-zones within the overall multi-dimensional sound space defined by the passenger cabin of the respective vehicle.

As is clear from above, respective defined listening zones are typically, assigned to at least one seat within the passenger cabin. One or more seats can be moveable with respect to their orientation and/or position in at least one degree of freedom of motion, which can comprise a translational degree of freedom of motion, e.g. along a longitudinal and/or transverse vehicle axis, and/or a rotational degree of freedom of motion, e.g. along a vertical vehicle axis, relative to at least one other seat within the passenger cabin. Alternatively or additionally, one or more seat elements, such as seating surfaces and/or backrests and/or headrests, etc., can be moveable with respect to their orientation and/or position in at least one degree of freedom of motion, which can comprise a translational degree of freedom of motion, e.g. along a longitudinal and/or transverse vehicle axis, and/or a rotational degree of freedom of motion, e.g. along a vertical vehicle axis, relative to at least one other seat element. A seat state indicative of an orientation and/or position of a seat or a seat element can thus, refer to at least one of: a seat position in a longitudinal direction relative to the driving direction of the vehicle, a seat position in a transverse direction relative to the driving direction of the respective vehicle, a height position of a seat in a vertical direction, a rotational position of a seat relative to a vertical rotational axis, an inclination orientation of a backrest, a height position of a headrest, etc.

Any change of the orientation and/or position of at least one seat and/or at least one seat element will typically, affect or change the at least one defined listening zone assigned to the respective seat or seat element. Further, as indicated in the introductory part, respective changes of a defined listening zone can negatively affect other defined listening zones at least in so far as a desired cancellation or reduction of cross-talk can be compromised.

The method therefore, comprises steps which enable a desired cancellation or reduction of crosstalk even when at least one defined listening zone changes due to a current and/or future change of the orientation and/or position of at least one seat or seat element, respectively.

In a first step of the method, a current and/or future seat state specifying an orientation and/or position of at least one seat or at least one seat element within the passenger cabin is determined. Determining the orientation and/or position of at least one seat or at least one seat element can thus, comprise determining the orientation and/or position of the entire seat and/or of one or more seat elements, such as a seating surface and/or a backrest and/or a head rest, for example. Determining of a respective current and/or future seat state can be implemented via one or more hardware- and/or software-embodied seat state determination devices. A respective determination device can output signals indicative of a current and/or future orientation and/or position of at least one seat or seat element, respectively. A respective seat state determination device can be directly or indirectly assigned to at least one respective seat and/or seat element. A respective seat state determination device can be internal and/or external to a respective seat and/or seat element. A respective seat state determination device can comprise one or more sensor devices, such as electrical sensor devices, mechanical sensor devices, magnetic sensor devices, optical sensor devices, for instance. A respective seat state determination device can be assigned to a drive means, such as an electric motor, enabling respective motions of the seat or seat element in respective degrees of freedom of motion to change the orientation and/or position.

In a second step of the method, at least one seat state information indicative of the determined seat state of the at least one seat or seat element is generated. A respective seat state information can comprise information on seat states indicative of the current and/or future orientation and/or position of one, more, or all seats and/or seat elements within the passenger cabin. Generating a respective seat state information can be implemented via one or more hardware- and/or software- embodied seat state information generation devices. A respective seat state information generation device can be communicatively connected with one or more respective seat state determination devices to process the signals output from the respective seat state determination devices to generate a respective seat state information.

In a third step of the method, at least one audio output parameter of the at least one audio signal to be output into the at least one defined listening zone within the passenger cabin is selected based on the generated seat state information. Selecting the at least one audio output parameter for the at least one audio signal to be output into the at least one defined listening zone based on the seat state information can be implemented via one or more hardware- and/or software- embodied audio output parameter selection devices. As will be more apparent from below, a respective audio output parameter selection device can be communicatively connected with at least one database storing a plurality of predefined audio output parameters correlated with predetermined reference seat states which can be applied to at least one audio signal which is to be output into at least one defined listening zone within the passenger cabin.

In a fourth step of the method, the at least one selected audio output parameter is applied to the at least one audio signal to be output into the at least one defined listening zone within the passenger cabin. Applying the at least one selected audio output parameter to the to the at least one audio signal to be output into the at least one defined listening zone within the passenger cabin can be implemented via one or more hardware- and/or software-embodied audio output parameter application devices. A respective audio output parameter application device can be communicatively connected with at least one audio output device assigned to the at least one defined listening zone within the passenger cabin.

In a fifth step of the method, the at least one audio signal, i.e. the audio signal to which the at least one respective previously selected audio output parameter has been applied, is output into the at least one defined listening zone within the passenger cabin. Outputting the at least one audio signal into the at least one defined listening zone within the passenger cabin can be implemented via one or more audio output devices assigned to the at least one respective defined listening zone within the passenger cabin.

The aforementioned hardware- and/or software embodied devices, i.e. the at least one seat state determination device, the at least one seat state information generation device, the at least one audio output parameter application device, and/or the at least one audio output parameter application device can form part of or be communicatively connected with a superordinate hardware- and/or software embodied control device of a hardware- and/or software-embodied apparatus for outputting at least one audio signal into at least one defined listening zone within a passenger cabin of a vehicle.

Hence, the method enables considering current and/or future seat states of at least one seat and/or seat element when outputting audio signals into one or more defined listening zones within a passenger cabin of a vehicle. Thus, current and/or future seat states of at least one seat and/or seat element within a passenger cabin can be taken into account when outputting audio signals into one or more defined listening zones within the passenger cabin which means that changes of the orientation and/or position of seats and/or seat elements which could negatively affect the cancellation or reduction of undesired cross-talk between defined listening zones within the passenger cabin can be avoided because audio output parameters which have been selected on basis of the determined current and/or future position of at least one seat and/or seat element can be applied to the respective audio signal which results in that respective changes of the defined listening zones due to changes of the orientation and/or position of seats and/or seat elements will not or less negatively affect the cancellation or reduction of undesired cross-talk between the defined listening zones.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one audio signal is output into at least one defined listening zone within the passenger cabin to which the seat or seat element for which the seat state has been determined is assigned to. This exemplary embodiment can provide for an accurate adjusting of a respective audio signal to be output into the respective listening zone assigned to the respective seat based on respective selected audio output parameters.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the at least one audio signal is output into at least one other defined listening zone within the passenger cabin to which another seat or seat element for which no seat state has been determined is assigned to. A respective other defined listening zone can be a listening zone directly or indirectly adjacent to the defined listening zone to which the seat or seat element for which the seat state has been determined is assigned to. This exemplary embodiment can provide for accurate adjusting of a respective audio signal to be output into a respective listening zone assigned to at least one other seat based on respective selected audio output parameters. Hence, there can be a high degree of flexibility with respect to the adjustment of a respective audio signal to be output into one or more defined listening zones assigned to one or more seats which can be useful to avoid undesired acoustic interferences of audio signals or audio signal components to be output into one or more different defined listening zones.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, selecting the at least one audio output parameter of the at least one audio signal to be output into at least one defined listening zone within the passenger cabin based on the seat state information can comprise comparing a determined seat state or seat state information with at least one predetermined reference seat state or reference seat state information, respectively stored in a database. A respective database can comprise a plurality of predetermined reference seat states or predetermined reference seat state information each correlated with at least one predefined audio output parameter for an audio signal to be output into at least one defined listening zone within the passenger cabin. Hence, the database may comprise one or more data couples, e.g. organized in a look-up table, each including at least one reference seat state or at least one reference seat state information specifying a predefined orientation and/or position of at least one seat or seat element and at least one assigned audio output parameter. A respective assigned audio output parameter will typically, result in a cancellation or reduction of undesired cross-talk for the respective orientation and/or position of at least one seat or seat element as specified by the reference seat state or a reference seat state information.

As indicated above, a respective data couple can include a reference seat state or a reference seat state information specifying a predefined orientation and/or position of a specific seat or a specific seat element and at least one assigned audio output parameter. Yet, it is also conceivable that a respective data couple can include a include a reference seat state or a reference seat state information specifying a predefined orientation and/or position of multiple or all seats or multiple or all seat elements and at least one assigned audio output parameter. In the latter case, a respective data couple can include a highly comprehensive relation between the respective orientations and/or positions of seats and/or seat elements and at least one assigned audio output parameter.

The correlation of respective predetermined reference seat state or reference seat state information with respective predefined audio output parameters can be implemented under consideration of at least one target criterion. A respective target criterion can be a specific degree of cancelling or reducing undesired cross-talk between listening zones within a respective passenger cabin. The correlation of respective predetermined reference seat state or reference seat state information with respective predefined audio output parameters can be determined in a tuning process in which audio parameters, such as the impulse response of the passenger cabin for the respective reference seat state, are determined and in which suitable audio output parameters, which may include audio output parameter groups and/or audio output parameter matrices, such as filter matrices, are defined for diverse orientations and/or positions of seats or seat elements assigned to one or more listening zones within a specific passenger cabin of a specific vehicle in which the method shall be implemented.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, selecting the at least one audio output parameter for the at least one audio signal to be output into the at least one defined listening zone within the passenger cabin based on the determined seat state information can comprise selecting a plurality of audio output parameters for the at least one audio signal to be output into the at least one defined listening zone within the passenger cabin based on the seat state information. Hence, not only a single audio output parameter, but a plurality of audio output parameters can be selected. Selecting a plurality of audio output parameters can increase the accuracy of the adjustment of the audio signal to be output into the respective defined listening zone with respect to cancelling or reducing undesired cross-talk for the respective orientation and/or position of the respective seat or seat element.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, selecting the plurality of audio output parameters for the at least one audio signal to be output into the at least one defined listening zone within the passenger cabin based on the seat state information can comprise selecting an audio output parameter matrix to be applied to the at least one audio signal to be output into the at least one defined listening zone within the passenger cabin based on the seat state information. Selecting an audio output parameter matrix, which typically includes a plurality of audio output parameters (interrelated in one or more factors, can further increase the accuracy of the adjustment of the audio signal to be output into the respective listening zone with respect to cancelling or reducing undesired cross-talk for the respective orientation and/or position of the respective seat or seat element.

Selecting the at least one audio output parameter for the at least one audio signal to be output into the at least one defined listening zone within the passenger cabin based on the seat state information can comprise selecting at least one of: at least one filter, e.g. a Fl R-filter or 11 R-Filter, or a filter parameter defining the properties of at least one filter, and/or at least one gain or a gain parameter defining the properties of at least one gain, and/or at least one delay or a delay parameter defining the properties of at least one delay, to be applied to the at least one audio signal to be output into the at least one defined listening zone within the passenger cabin based on the seat state information.

Determining a respective seat state can also comprise estimating the seat state specifying an orientation and/or position of the at least one seat and/or seat element by a hardware- and/or software-embodied estimation unit. Hence, instead of actually determining respective seat states based on e.g. sensor data, respective seat state can also be estimated, particularly under consideration of external parameters possibly influencing the seat state, such as passenger- related parameters, e.g. seat occupancy, or vehicle-related parameters, e.g. driving state of the vehicle.

Applying the at least one selected audio output parameter to the at least one audio signal to be output into the at least one defined listening zone within the passenger cabin can comprise applying the at least one selected audio output parameter to at least one hardware- and/or software-embodied cross-talk cancellation device which is configured to combine the at least one selected audio output parameter with the at least one audio signal or at least one audio signal component of the respective audio signal which is to be output into the at least one defined listening zone. Combining the at least one selected audio output parameter with the at least one audio signal or at least one audio signal component of the respective audio signal which is to be output into the at least one defined listening zone can be accomplished by applying the at least one selected audio output parameter to one or more cross-talk cancellation filters of a respective cross-talk cancellation device which can result in an adjustment of respective cross-talk cancellation filters or at least temporarily replacing respective cross-talk cancellation filters of a respective cross-talk cancellation device with the at least one selected audio output parameter which, as indicated above, can also comprise filters. As such, the at least one audio output parameter can also be a cross-talk cancellation parameter, particularly a cross-talk cancellation filter, of a respective cross-talk cancellation device or applicable to a reps cross-talk cancellation device. A respective cross-talk cancellation device can form part of a listening zone generating device which can form part of a respective apparatus for outputting at least one audio signal into at least one defined listening zone within a passenger cabin of a vehicle.

A second aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus for outputting at least one audio signal into at least one defined listening zone within a vehicle cabin. The apparatus comprises: a hardware- and/or software-embodied seat state determination device configured to determine a seat state indicative of an orientation and/or position of at least one seat and/or at least one seat element seat within a passenger cabin of a vehicle; a hardware- and/or software-embodied seat state information generation device configured to generate at least one seat state information indicative of the determined state of the at least one seat or seat element within the or a respective passenger cabin of a vehicle; a hardware- and/or software-embodied audio output parameter selection device configured to select at least one audio output parameter of the at least one audio signal to be output into the at least one defined listening zone based on the generated seat state information; a hardware- and/or software-embodied audio output parameter application device configured to apply the at least one selected audio output parameter to the at least one audio signal to be output into the at least one defined listening zone within the passenger cabin; and an output device configured to output the at least one audio signal into at least one defined listening zone within the passenger cabin.

One or more of the aforementioned devices of the apparatus, i.e. the seat state determination device and/or the seat state information generation device and/or the audio output parameter selection device and/or the audio output parameter application device and/or the output device, can form part of a computer-implemented control device of the apparatus.

The apparatus is particularly, configured to implement the method according to the first aspect of the invention such that all remarks regarding the method according to the first aspect of the invention apply to apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle, comprising an apparatus for outputting at least one audio signal into at least one defined listening zone within the passenger cabin of the vehicle.

A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a machine-readable medium, particularly a data carrier, comprising machine-readable instructions that, when executed by a processor of an apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention, particularly of a processor of a control device of a respective apparatus, cause the apparatus to implement the method according to the first aspect of the invention.

All aspects related to the method according to the first aspect of the invention also apply to the apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention, the vehicle according to the third aspect of the invention, and the machine-readable medium according to the fourth aspect of the invention in analogous manner.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the Fig., whereby: Fig. 1 shows a flow diagram of a method of outputting at least one audio signal into at least one defined listening zone within a passenger cabin of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment; and

Fig. 2 shows a principle drawing of an apparatus for outputting at least one audio signal into at least one defined listening zone within a passenger cabin of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment; and

Fig. 1 shows a flow diagram of a method of outputting at least one audio signal 1 into at least one defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n within a passenger cabin 3 of a vehicle 4 according to an exemplary embodiment.

The method enables outputting or reproducing at least one audio signal 1 , which can be a mono- or a stereo-signal including e.g. music, speech, audio information, etc., in at least one defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n within a passenger cabin 3 of a vehicle 4, such as a car, truck, lorry, etc. The passenger cabin 3 typically, defines a multi-dimensional acoustically coherent sound space.

The method is typically, implemented by an apparatus 5 for outputting at least one audio signal 1 into at least one defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n within a passenger cabin 3 of a vehicle 4 as shown in the principle drawing of Fig. 2. The apparatus 5 can form part of a vehicle audio system (not shown). The apparatus 5 can comprise at least one audio signal source 6.1 - 6.n (audio signal input) and a plurality of audio output devices 7.1 - 7.n, i.e. particularly loudspeakers, each assigned to at least one defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n.

Respective audio output devices 7.1 - 7.n may be arranged at or in diverse constructive and/or functional elements provided with the respective vehicle 4 at or in the respective passenger cabin 3, such as doors, seats, wall elements, etc. or adjacent to doors, seats, wall elements, etc. Particularly, respective audio output devices 7.1 - 7.n may be arranged at or in at least one seat element 8.1.n - 8.n.n of at least one seat 8.1 - 8.n, such as a seating surface, a backrest, a headrest, etc., or adjacent to at least one seat element 8.1.n - 8.n.n of at least one seat 8.1 - 8.n, such as a seating surface, a backrest, a headrest, etc.

As is schematically shown in Fig. 2, the plurality of audio output devices 7.1 - 7.n is typically, arranged in a specific spatial arrangement relative to each other in the passenger cabin 3 of the vehicle 4. The arrangement of the plurality of audio output devices 7.1 - 7.n enables generating the defined listening zones 2.1 - 2.n within the passenger cabin 3. Each respective defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n typically, establishes a defined multi-dimensional sound sub-space of the overall multi-dimensional sound space defined by the passenger cabin 3. Each respective defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n can be deemed or denoted a binaural listening zone.

The generation of multiple defined listening zones 2.1 - 2.n can enable that different audio content, e.g. a first audio signal including music and a second audio signal including audio information from a navigation system, a voice call, etc., can be assigned to different defined listening zones 2.1 - 2.n. As such, each respective defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n can be assigned to one or more specific audio signals such that different audio signals can be output into different defined listening zones 2.1 - 2.n. Alternatively or additionally, the generation of multiple defined listening zones 2.1 - 2.n can enable that different audio output settings, e.g. gain setting, bass settings, middle settings, treble settings, etc. of the same audio signal, for different listeners can be assigned to at least two different listening zones 2.1 - 2.n. As such, each respective defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n can be assigned to one or more specific audio output settings such that the same audio signal can be output with different audio output settings into different defined listening zones 2.1 - 2.n.

Each respective defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n can be assigned to one or more seats 8.1 - 8.n within the passenger cabin 3. As an example, a first defined listening zone 2.1 can be assigned to a first seat 8.1 in the front of the passenger cabin 3, such as driver’s seat, a second defined listening zone 2.2 can be assigned to a second seat 8.2 in the front of the passenger cabin 3, such as a co-driver’s seat, a third defined listening zone 2.3 can be assigned to a first seat 8.3 in the back of the passenger cabin 3, a fourth defined listening zone 2.4 can be assigned to a second seat 8.4 in the back of the passenger cabin 3, etc. As another example, a first defined listening zone 2.1 can be assigned to at least two seats 8.1 , 8.2 in the front of the passenger cabin 3, such as the driver’s seat and the co-driver’s seat, and a second defined listening zone 2.2 can be assigned to at least two seats 8.3, 8.4 in the back of the passenger cabin 3. Diverse combinations of respective examples and defined listening zones 2.1 - 2.n within the passenger cabin 3 are conceivable.

As such, the arrangement of the plurality of audio output devices 7.1 - 7.n enables that at least one defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n for at least one audio signal 1 for at least one seat 8.1 - 8.n within the passenger cabin 3 and a specific non-listening zone (not shown) of the respective audio signal for other seats 8.1 - 8.n within the passenger cabin 3 can be generated. A respective listening zone 2.1 - 2.n and an associated non-listening zone typically, represent complementary sound sub-zones within the overall multi-dimensional sound space defined by the passenger cabin 3.

Each seat 8.1 - 8. n can be moveable with respect to its orientation and/or position in at least one degree of freedom of motion, which can comprise a translational degree of freedom of motion, e.g. along a longitudinal and/or transverse vehicle axis, and/or a rotational degree of freedom of motion, e.g. along a vertical vehicle axis, relative to at least one other seat within the passenger cabin. Alternatively or additionally, one or more seat elements 8.1.n - 8.n.n, such as seating surfaces and/or backrests and/or headrests, etc., can be moveable with respect to their orientation and/or position in at least one degree of freedom of motion, which can comprise a translational degree of freedom of motion, e.g. along a longitudinal and/or transverse vehicle axis, and/or a rotational degree of freedom of motion, e.g. along a vertical vehicle axis, relative to at least one other seat element. A seat state indicative of an orientation and/or position of a seat 8.1 - 8.n or a seat element 8.1.n - 8.n.n can thus, refer to at least one of: a seat position in a longitudinal direction relative to the driving direction of the vehicle, a seat position in a transverse direction relative to the driving direction of the respective vehicle, a height position of a seat 8.1 - 8.n in a vertical direction, a rotational position of a seat 8.1 - 8.n relative to a vertical rotational axis, an inclination orientation of a backrest, a height position of a headrest, etc.

Any change of the orientation and/or position of at least one seat 8.1 - 8.n and/or at least one seat element 8.1.n - 8.n.n will typically, affect or change the at least one defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n assigned to the respective seat 8.1 - 8.n or seat element 8.1.n - 8.n.n. Further, as indicated in the introductory part, respective changes of a defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n can negatively affect other defined listening zones 2.1 - 2.n at least in so far as a desired cancellation or reduction of cross-talk between the respective defined listening zones 2.1 - 2.n can be compromised.

As will be explained in context with the flow diagram of Fig. 1 , the method therefore, comprises steps which enable a desired cancellation or reduction of cross-talk between the respective defined listening zones 2.1 - 2.n even when at least one defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n changes due to a current and/or future change of the orientation and/or position of at least one seat 8.1 - 8.n or seat element 8.1 .n - 8.n.n, respectively.

In a first step of the method (see step S1), a current and/or future seat state specifying an orientation and/or position of at least one seat 8.1 - 8.n or at least one seat element 8.1 .n - 8.n.n within the passenger cabin 3 is determined. Determining the orientation and/or position of at least one seat 8.1 - 8.n or at least one seat element seat 8.1.n - 8.n.n can thus, comprise determining the orientation and/or position of an entire seat 8.1 - 8.n and/or of one or more seat elements 8.1.n - 8.n.n, such as a seating surface and/or a backrest and/or a head rest, for example. Determining of a respective current and/or future seat state can be implemented via one or more hardware- and/or software-embodied seat state determination devices 9.1 - 9.n. A respective determination device 9.1 - 9.n can output signals indicative of a current and/or future orientation and/or position of at least one seat 8.1 - 8.n or seat element 8.1.n - 8.n.n, respectively. A respective seat state determination device 9.1 - 9.n can be directly or indirectly assigned to at least one respective 8.1 - 8.n and/or seat element 8.1.n - 8.n.n. A respective seat state determination device 9.1 - 9.n can be internal and/or external to a respective seat 8.1 - 8.n and/or seat element 8.1.n - 8.n.n. A respective seat state determination device 9.1 - 9.n can comprise one or more sensor devices, such as electrical sensor devices, mechanical sensor devices, magnetic sensor devices, optical sensor devices, for instance. A respective seat state determination device 9.1 - 9.n can be assigned to a drive means (not shown), such as an electric motor, enabling respective motions of the respective seat 8.1 - 8.n and/or seat element 8.1.n - 8.n.n in respective degrees of freedom of motion to change the orientation and/or position.

Determining a respective seat state can also comprise estimating the seat state specifying an orientation and/or position of the at least one seat 8.1 - 8.n and/or seat element 8.1.n - 8.n.n by a hardware- and/or software-embodied estimation unit (not shown). Hence, instead of actually determining respective seat states based on e.g. sensor data, respective seat state can also be estimated, particularly under consideration of external parameters possibly influencing the seat state, such as passenger-related parameters, e.g. seat occupancy, or vehicle-related parameters, e.g. driving state of the vehicle 1 .

In a second step of the method (see step S2), at least one seat state information indicative of the determined seat state of the at least one seat 8.1 - 8.n or seat element 8.1. n - 8.n.n is generated. A respective seat state information can comprise information on seat states indicative of the current and/or future orientation and/or position of one, more, or all seats 8.1 - 8.n and/or seat elements 8.1.n - 8.n.n within the passenger cabin 3. Generating a respective seat state information can be implemented via one or more hardware- and/or software-embodied seat state information generation devices 10. A respective seat state information generation device 10 can be communicatively connected with one or more respective seat state determination devices 9.1 - 9.n to process the signals output from the respective seat state determination devices 9.1 - 9.n to generate a respective seat state information. In a third step of the method (see step S3), at least one audio output parameter of the at least one audio signal 1 to be output into the listening zones 2.1 - 2.n within the passenger cabin 3 is selected based on the generated seat state information. Selecting the at least one audio output parameter for the at least one audio signal 1 to be output into the defined listening zones 2.1 - 2.n based on the seat state information can be implemented via one or more hardware- and/or software-embodied audio output parameter selection devices 11 . As will be more apparent from below, a respective audio output parameter selection device 11 can be communicatively connected with at least one database 12 storing a plurality of predefined audio output parameters correlated with predetermined reference seat states which can be applied to at least one audio signal 1 which is to be output into a respective defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n within the passenger cabin 3.

Selecting the at least one audio output parameter for the at least one audio signal 1 to be output into the at least one defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n based on the seat state information can comprise selecting at least one of: at least one filter, e.g. a FIR-filter or IIR-Filter, or a filter parameter defining the properties of at least one filter, and/or at least one gain or a gain parameter defining the properties of at least one gain, and/or at least one delay or a delay parameter defining the properties of at least one delay, to be applied to the at least one audio signal to be output into the at least one defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n based on the seat state information.

In a fourth step of the method (see step S4), the at least one selected audio output parameter is applied to the at least one audio signal 1 to be output into the respective defined listening zone

2.1 - 2.n within the passenger cabin 3. Applying the at least one selected audio output parameter to the to the at least one audio signal 1 to be output into the respective defined listening zone 2.1 - 2. within the passenger cabin 3 can be implemented via one or more hardware- and/or software- embodied audio output parameter application devices 13. A respective audio output parameter application device 13 can be communicatively connected with respective audio output devices

7.1 - 7.n assigned to the respective defined listening zone 2.1 - 2. within the passenger cabin 3.

As will be clear in the following, a respective audio output parameter application device 13 can be implemented as a cross-talk cancellation device.

Applying the at least one selected audio output parameter to the at least one audio signal 1 to be output into the at least one defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n can comprise applying the at least one selected audio output parameter to at least one hardware- and/or software-embodied crosstalk cancellation device which is configured to combine the at least one selected audio output parameter with the at least one audio signal 1 or at least one audio signal component of the respective audio signal 1 which is to be output into the at least one defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n. Combining the at least one selected audio output parameter with the at least one audio signal 1 or at least one audio signal component of the respective audio signal 1 which is to be output into the at least one defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n can be accomplished by applying the at least one selected audio output parameter to one or more cross-talk cancellation filters of a respective cross-talk cancellation device 13 which can result in an adjustment of respective cross-talk cancellation filters or at least temporarily replacing respective cross-talk cancellation filters of a respective cross-talk cancellation device 13 with the at least one selected audio output parameter which, as will be explained below, can also comprise filters. As such, the at least one audio output parameter can also be a cross-talk cancellation parameter, particularly a cross-talk cancellation filter, of a respective cross-talk cancellation device 13 or applicable to a respective cross-talk cancellation device 13. As is clear from Fig. 2, a respective cross-talk cancellation device 13 can form part of a listening zone generating device 13 which can form part of a respective apparatus 5.

In a fifth step of the method (see step S5), the at least one audio signal 1 , i.e. the audio signal 1 to which the at least one respective previously selected audio output parameter has been applied, is output into at least one defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n within the passenger cabin 3. Outputting the at least one audio signal 1 into the at least one defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n within the passenger cabin 3 can be implemented via respective audio output devices 7.1 - 7.n assigned to the at least one respective defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n within the passenger cabin 3.

The aforementioned hardware- and/or software embodied devices, i.e. the at least one seat state determination device 9.1 - 9.n, the at least one seat state information generation device 10, the at least one audio output parameter application device 11 , and/or the at least one audio output parameter application device 13 can form part of or be communicatively connected with a superordinate hardware- and/or software embodied control device 14 of the apparatus 5.

Hence, the method enables considering current and/or future seat states of at least one seat 8.1 - 8.n and/or seat element 8.1.n - 8.n.n when outputting audio signals into one or more defined listening zones 2.1 - 2.n within a passenger cabin 3 of a vehicle 4. Thus, current and/or future seat states of at least one seat 8.1 - 8.n and/or seat element 8.1.n - 8.n.n element within a passenger cabin 3 can be taken into account when outputting audio signals 1 into one or more defined listening zones 2.1 - 2.n within the passenger cabin 3 which means that changes of the orientation and/or position of seats 8.1 - 8.n and/or seat elements 8.1.n - 8.n.n which could negatively affect the cancellation or reduction of undesired cross-talk between defined listening zones 2.1 - 2.n within a passenger cabin 3 can be avoided because audio output parameters which have been selected on basis of the determined current and/or future position of at least one seat 8.1 - 8.n and/or seat element 8.1.n - 8.n.n can be applied to the respective audio signal 1 which results in that respective changes of defined listening zones 2.1 - 2.n due to changes of the orientation and/or position of seats 8.1 - 8. n and/or seat elements 8.1.n - 8.n.n will not or less negatively affect the cancellation or reduction of undesired cross-talk between defined listening zones 2.1 - 2-n.

The at least one audio signal 1 can be output into at least one defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n to which the respective seat 8.1 - 8.n or seat element 8.1.n - 8.n.n for which the seat state has been determined is assigned to. This embodiment can provide for an accurate adjusting of a respective audio signal 1 to be output into the respective listening zone 2.1 - 2.n assigned to the respective seat 8.1 - 8.n based on respective selected audio output parameters.

The at least one audio signal 1 can also be output into at least one other defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n to which another seat 8.1 - 8. n or seat element 8.1.n - 8.n.n for which no seat state has been determined is assigned to. A respective other defined listening zone 2.1 - 2. n can be a listening zone 2.1 - 2.n directly or indirectly adjacent to the defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n to which the seat 8.1 - 8.n or seat element 8.1 .n - 8.n.n for which the seat state has been determined is assigned to. This embodiment can provide for accurate adjusting of a respective audio signal 1 to be output into a respective defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n assigned to at least one other seat 8.1 - 8. n based on respective selected audio output parameters. Hence, there can be a high degree of flexibility with respect to the adjustment of a respective audio signal 1 to be output into one or more defined listening zones 2.1 - 2.n assigned to one or more seats 87.1 - 8.n which can be useful to avoid undesired acoustic interferences of audio signals 1 or audio signal components to be output into one or more different defined listening zones 2.1 - 2.n.

Selecting the at least one audio output parameter of the at least one audio signal to be output into the at least one defined listening zone within the passenger cabin 3 based on the seat state information can comprise comparing a determined seat state or seat state information with at least one predetermined reference seat state or reference seat state information, respectively stored in a database 12. A respective database 12 can comprise a plurality of predetermined reference seat states or predetermined reference seat state information each correlated with at least one predefined audio output parameter for an audio signal 1 to be output into at least one defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n within the passenger cabin 3. Hence, the database 12 may comprise one or more data couples, e.g. organized in a look-up table, each including at least one reference seat state or at least one reference seat state information specifying a predefined orientation and/or position of at least one seat 8.1 - 8.n or seat element 8.1 .n - 8.n.n and at least one assigned audio output parameter.

An example of a respective look-up table is given below for an exemplary configuration of a first seat 8.1 and a second seat 8.2 and a related combination of respective seat states exemplarily indicated by the terms “middle”, “forward”, and “backward” of the first seat 8.1 with respective seat states of the second seat 8.2 and the associated audio output parameter indicated by P1 - P9.

Each respective audio output parameter indicated by P1 - P9 can also refer to multiple audio output parameters, e.g. combined in a audio output parameter matrix, such as a filter matrix, for example. As such, selecting a plurality of audio output parameters for the at least one audio signal 1 to be output into the respective defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n within the passenger cabin 3 based on the seat state information can comprise selecting an audio output parameter matrix to be applied to the at least one audio signal 1 to be output into the at least one defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n within the passenger cabin 3 based on the seat state information.

A respective assigned audio output parameter will typically, result in a cancellation or reduction of undesired cross-talk for the respective orientation and/or position of at least one seat 8.1 - 8.n or seat element 8.1.n - 8.n.n as specified by the reference seat state or a reference seat state information.

As indicated above, a respective data couple can include a reference seat state or a reference seat state information specifying a predefined orientation and/or position of a specific seat 8.1 - 8.n or a specific seat element 8.1.n - 8.n.n and at least one assigned audio output parameter. Yet, it is also conceivable that a respective data couple can include a include a reference seat state or a reference seat state information specifying a predefined orientation and/or position of multiple or all seats 8.1 - 8.n or multiple or all seat elements 8.1.n - 8.n.n and at least one assigned audio output parameter. In the latter case, a respective data couple can include a highly comprehensive relation between the respective orientations and/or positions of seats 8.1 - 8.n and/or seat elements 8.1 .n - 8.n.n and at least one assigned audio output parameter.

The correlation of respective predetermined reference seat state or reference seat state information with respective predefined audio output parameters can be implemented under consideration of at least one target criterion. A respective target criterion can be a specific degree of cancelling or reducing undesired cross-talk between listening zones 2.1 - 2.n within the passenger cabin 3.

The correlation of respective predetermined reference seat state or reference seat state information with respective predefined audio output parameters can be determined in a tuning process in which audio parameters, such as the impulse response of the passenger cabin 3 for the respective reference seat state, are determined and in which suitable audio output parameters, which may include audio output parameter groups and/or audio output parameter matrices, such as filter matrices, are defined for diverse orientations and/or positions of seats 8.1 - 8.n or seat elements 8.1.n - 8.1.1 assigned to one or more listening zones 2.1 - 2.n within a specific passenger cabin 3 of a specific vehicle 4 in which the method shall be carried out.

As indicated above in context with the table, selecting the at least one audio output parameter for the at least one audio signal to be output into the at least one defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n within the passenger cabin 3 based on the determined seat state information can comprise selecting a plurality of audio output parameters for the at least one audio signal 1 to be output into the at least one defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n within the passenger cabin 3 based on the seat state information. Hence, not only a single audio output parameter, but a plurality of audio output parameters can be selected. Selecting a plurality of audio output parameters, which can be combined in an audio output parameter matrix, can increase the accuracy of the adjustment of the audio signal 1 to be output into the respective defined listening zone 2.1 - 2.n with respect to cancelling or reducing undesired cross-talk for the respective orientation and/or position of the respective seat 8.1 - 8.n or seat element 8.1.n - 8.n.n. For the sake of completion, it has to be added that Fig. 1 also shows an optional hardware- and/or software-embodied mixing device 15 assigned to the audio output parameter application device 13 and cross-talk cancellation device, respectively. A machine-readable medium, particularly a data carrier, comprising machine-readable instructions that, when executed by a processor of the apparatus, particularly of a processor of a control device 14 of the apparatus 5, cause the apparatus to implement the method of Fig. 1 can be assigned to the apparatus 5.

Claims

C LA I M S

1 . A method of outputting at least one audio signal (1) in at least one defined listening zone (2.1 - 2.n) within a passenger cabin (3) of a vehicle (4), wherein each defined listening zone (2.1

- 2.n) is assigned to at least one seat (8.1 - 8.n) within the passenger cabin (3), the method comprising: determining a seat state indicative of an orientation and/or position of at least one seat (8.1 - 8.n) and/or at least one seat element (8.1 .n - 8.n.n) within the passenger cabin (3); generating at least one seat state information indicative of the determined state of the at least one seat (8.1 - 8.n) and/or seat element (8.1.n - 8.n.n) within the passenger cabin (3); selecting at least one audio output parameter of the at least one audio signal (1) to be output into at least one defined listening zone (2.1 - 2.n) within the passenger cabin (3) based on the seat state information; applying the at least one selected audio output parameter to the at least one audio signal (1) to be output into the at least one defined listening zone (2.1 - 2.n) within the passenger cabin (3); and outputting the at least one audio signal (1) into the at least one defined listening zone (2.1 - 2.n) within the passenger cabin (3).

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one selected audio output parameter is applied to the at least one audio signal (1) to be output into the at least one defined listening zone (2.1 -

2.n) within the passenger cabin (3) which comprises the at least one seat (8.1 - 8.n) for which the seat state information has been determined.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein selecting the at least one audio output parameter of the at least one audio signal (1) to be output into at least one defined listening zone (2.1 - 2.n) within the passenger cabin (3) based on the seat state information comprises comparing a determined seat state information with at least one predetermined reference seat state information stored in a database (12), wherein the database (12) comprises a plurality of predetermined reference seat state information correlated with at least one predefined audio output parameter for an audio signal (1) to be output into at least one defined listening zone (2.1

- 2.n) within the passenger cabin (3).

4. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein selecting the at least one audio output parameter of the at least one audio signal (1) to be output into the at least one defined listening zone (2.1 - 2.n) within the passenger cabin (3) based on the seat state information comprises selecting a plurality of audio output parameters of the at least one audio signal (1) to be output into the at least one defined listening zone (1.1 - 2.n) within the passenger (3) cabin based on the seat state information.

5. Method according to claim 4, wherein selecting the plurality of audio output parameters of the at least one audio signal (1) to be output into at least one defined listening zone (2.1 - 2.n) within the passenger cabin (3) based on the seat state information comprises selecting an audio output parameter matrix to be applied to the at least one audio signal (1) to be output into at least one defined listening zone (2.1 - 2.n) within the passenger cabin (3) based on the seat state information.

6. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein selecting the at least one audio output parameter of the at least one audio signal (1) to be output into at least one defined listening zone (2.1 - 2.n) within the passenger cabin (3) based on the seat state information comprises selecting at least one filter, e.g. a Fl R-filter or 11 R-Filter, and/or at least one gain, and/or at least one delay to be applied to the at least one audio signal (1).

7. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein determining a seat state specifying an orientation and/or position of at least one seat (8.1 - 8.n) and/or seat element (8.1.n - 8.n.n) within the passenger cabin (3) includes detecting the seat state specifying an orientation and/or position of the at least one seat (8.1 - 8.n) and/or seat element (8.1.n - 8.n.n) by a hardware- and/or software-embodied seat state determination device (9.1 - 9.n) and/or estimating the seat state specifying an orientation and/or position of the seat (8.1 - 8.n) and/or seat element (8.1.n -

8.n.n) by a hardware- and/or software-embodied estimation device.

8. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein applying the at least one selected output parameter to the at least one audio signal (1) to be output into the at least one defined listening zone (2.1 - 2.n) within the passenger cabin (3) comprises applying the at least one selected audio output parameter to at least one cross-talk cancellation device (13) which combines the at least one selected output parameter with at least one audio signal (1 ) to be output into the at least one defined listening zone (2.1 - 2.n).

9. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein determining the orientation and/or position of the at least one seat (8.1 - 8.n) and/or seat element (8.1.n - 8.n.n) within the passenger cabin (3) comprises determining the orientation and/or position of the entire seat (8.1 - 8.n) and/or seat element (8.1.n - 8.n.n), wherein the seat (8.1.1 - 8.1.n) element includes a seating surface and/or a backrest and/or a head rest of the seat (8.1 - 8.n).

10. Apparatus (5) for outputting at least one audio signal (1) into at least one defined listening zone (2.1 - 2.n) within a passenger cabin (3) of a vehicle (4), wherein the apparatus comprises

- a seat state determination device (9.1 - 9.n) configured to determine a seat state indicative of an orientation and/or position of at least one seat (8.1 - 8.n) and/or seat element (8.1.n - 8.n.n) within a passenger cabin (3) of a vehicle (4);

- a seat state information generation device (10) configured to generate at least one seat state information indicative of the determined state of the at least one seat (8.1 - 8.n) and/or seat element (8.1.n - 8.n.n) within the passenger cabin (3);

- a audio output parameter selection device (11) configured to select at least one audio output parameter of the at least one audio signal (1) to be output into at least one defined listening zone (2.1 - 2.n) within the passenger cabin (3) based on the seat state information;

- an audio output parameter application device (13) configured to apply the at least one selected audio output parameter to the at least one audio signal (1) to be output into the at least one defined listening zone (2.1 - 2.n) within the passenger cabin (3); and

- an audio output device (7.1 - 7.n) configured to output the at least one audio signal (1) into the at least one defined listening zone (2.1 - 2.n) within the passenger cabin (3).

11. A vehicle (4), comprising an apparatus (5) for outputting at least one audio signal (1) into at least one defined listening zone (2.1 - 2.n) within a passenger cabin (3) of the vehicle (4).

12. Machine-readable medium, particularly data carrier, comprising machine-readable instructions that, when executed by a processor of an apparatus (5) according to claim 10, particularly of a processor of a control device (14) of the apparatus (5), cause the apparatus (5) of claim 10 to implement the method of any of claims 1 - 9.