EP2003933A2 - Device and method for adjusting a sound position of an audio system in the interior of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (23) has an audio system (21) arranged in the interior of a motor vehicle (1). A display (27) is coupled to a controller (25) with a graphical representation provided on the display device. A controller is provided having a control plate (35) and the control unit (25). A parameter is provided for position values (37) of the plate (35) and arranged automatically into a setting for other parameters to change the values on another position (43) and which are ascertainable. An independent claim is included for a method.

Description

The invention relates to a device and a method for adjusting a sound location of an audio system in an interior of a motor vehicle. The device comprises a display device, a control unit coupled to the display device, which controls a graphical representation on the display device, and an operating device, coupled to the control unit, for detecting user inputs by means of which two parameters for determining the sound location are adjustable, preferably during adjustment by means of the control unit on a display surface, the display device of the sound location is displayed graphically.

In order to allow the occupants of a motor vehicle when using an audio system as pleasant as possible sound perception, it is common to regulate the radiated from the individual speakers volume so that, for example, an optimal stereo effect at different locations in the interior of the vehicle can be achieved. In order to make comfortable an adjustment of the parameters, which allow this definition of a sound location, the graphical representation of the sound location is used. The two parameters that define the sound location indicate, on the one hand, a volume distribution in the direction of travel, which is referred to as the fader value, and, on the other hand, a volume distribution transverse to the direction of travel, i. left right, which is called Balance.

From the prior art it is known to set a balance value and a fader value separately. If the setting takes place via the same operating element, then it is necessary in the embodiments according to the prior art to additionally make a separate selection in order to determine the parameter which is currently set via the operating element.

From the DE 103 54 492 A1 For example, a method and a device for adjusting a loudspeaker system in a vehicle with an operating device for adjusting the volume of the loudspeaker system as a function of the location in the vehicle are known. The device comprises a display device for graphically representing the location at which the volume is to be set with the operating device, wherein the operating device is moved by moving a Point on the display device a predetermined volume setting at the location that represents the point is adjustable. For a setting of the parameters balance and fader, there are either two setting keys for each parameter value or a control element which can be controlled in two axes and is for example joystick-like.

In the prior art, therefore, a large number of operating elements or technically complicated operating elements are required in order to set a sound location via two parameters.

The invention has for its object to provide a method and an apparatus with which an adjustment of a sound location in an interior of a vehicle is optimized both in terms of an operation and a use of technically simple control devices is possible.

The object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of claim 6. Advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

The aim of the invention is, in a device of the type mentioned above an operating device sequentially and separately to detect the two parameters for determining the sound location, with a switching between the input modes for the two parameters is performed automatically. One advantage is that a simple value reader, which indicates a parameter value in response to an operation by a user, can be used to detect both parameters. As a result, either a control element can be saved or a simpler operating element can be used which can only generate one parameter value. In particular, it is therefore provided for an aforementioned device that the operating device is a value counter, in particular a turntable or slider, and the control device is designed, after detecting a setting of the one parameter in a setting mode for the one of the parameters via an value position of the value adjuster to automatically switch to a setting mode for the other of the parameters, which can be detected by a further value position of the value adjuster. In a trained as a turntable value controller thus one parameter is detected via a rotational position of the turntable and automatically changed after detecting the first parameter in a setting mode for the other parameter, which is detected by a further rotational position of the turntable. This makes it possible for a user to easily and reliably set a sound location supported by the graphical representation of the sound location on the display surface with only a single control device. An additional choice, after It is no longer necessary to select a setting for the other parameter when setting one parameter. As a result, a speedier operation and adjustment of the sound location with only one control device is possible.

The value counter may generate a value depending on an absolute position or a value depending on a relative position change.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the control unit comprises a time determination unit, which determines a rest period in which no change in the value position of the value adjuster has taken place, and the control unit is configured, an value position as setting of one of the parameters or the other of the parameters when the idle time period determined in the setting mode for the corresponding one of the parameters has reached or exceeded a predetermined detection period. This means that a user only has to bring the value counter into the desired position and, after the predetermined acquisition period, the value position set by the value counter is detected and assigned to the corresponding parameter. An extra input confirmation action can be saved in such an embodiment.

Other embodiments may provide that the value counter is arranged to be able to detect an input confirmation action, and the control unit is configured to detect the value position of the operating device as setting of one of the parameters or the other of the parameters when in the setting mode for the corresponding parameter by the Wertestellers an exercised input operation action is detected. For trained as a turntable value counter means, for example, that the turntable is designed so that an actuating action perpendicular to a plane of rotation, in which the rotational position of the turntable is adjustable, can be detected. The control unit is then configured such that the rotational position of the operating device is detected as the setting of one of the parameters or the other of the parameters, if in the setting mode for the corresponding one of the parameters by means of the turntable, an actuation action perpendicular to the plane of rotation is detected.

In order to eliminate the need for additional operations after a setting of the sound location, it is provided in one embodiment of the invention that the control unit is designed to switch to a menu mode after a detection and the other of the parameters. From the menu mode you can switch to the setting mode of different parameters. In some embodiments it is provided that the setting mode for the one parameter and the setting mode for the other parameter can each be individually selected from the menu, the device then automatically switching to the setting mode of the one or the other parameter after the detection of one or the other parameter. In other embodiments, it may be provided that only the selection of a sound location setting mode from the menu mode is possible, thereby switching to the setting mode for the one parameter, which is automatically switched to the setting mode for the other parameter after the detection of the one parameter.

In one embodiment, the sound location may be the location of maximum volume, the location indicating a volume distribution in the room, and in another embodiment the location of optimal stereo listening. Except in a middle of the interior, i. in a middle between the speakers, these two dots fall apart. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that a user may have a switch option as to whether a tone location setting should set the point of greatest volume or the point of optimal stereo hearing.

In a preferred embodiment, the one and the other parameters are a balance value and a fader value.

The features of the method according to the invention have the same advantages as the corresponding features of the device according to the invention.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines Kraftfahrzeugs mit einer Vorrichtung zum Einstellen eines Klangortes eines Audiosystems;

Fig. 2a-2f

Ansichten eines eine frei programmierbare Anzeigefläche umfassenden Kombigeräts zur Veranschaulichung einer Einstellung eines Klangortes; und

Fig. 3

ein schematisches Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zum Einstellen des Klangortes.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to a preferred embodiment with reference to a drawing. Hereby show:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a motor vehicle with a device for adjusting a sound location of an audio system;

Fig. 2a-2f

Views of a combination device comprising a freely programmable display area for illustrating a setting of a sound location; and

Fig. 3

a schematic flow diagram of a method for adjusting the sound location.

In Fig. 1 a motor vehicle 1 is shown schematically. In an interior 3 of the motor vehicle 1, seats 5-11 are shown schematically as squares. In the corners of the interior 3 Loudspeakers 13-19 are arranged. A sound radiation of the speakers 13-19 is controlled by an audio system 21. The individual volumes of the speakers 13-19 determine a sound location 31 in the interior. To set the sound location, a device 23 for adjusting the sound location of the audio system 21 is provided. The device 23 comprises a control unit 25 and a display device 27 connected thereto. The control unit 25 controls a graphical representation on a display surface 29 of the display device 27. On the display surface 29, the interior space 3 is shown graphically. Furthermore, the sound location 31 'is shown. In order to make this easier for the user to recognize, in a preferred embodiment, a crosshair 33 is associated with the representation of the sound location 31 '.

In order to allow adjustment of the sound location 31, the device 23 has a value counter 35, which is preferably designed as a turntable. This is coupled to the control unit 25. If the device 23 is in a setting mode for one of the two parameters that define the sound location 31, for example a balance value and a fader value, then one of the two parameters can be changed by means of the value adjuster 35. In a preferred embodiment, the graphical representation is adjusted in a timely manner during the setting of the parameters. As a fixed value position, for example, a value indicated by a bar 37 is set, which defines a balance value 41 (or in another embodiment a location of optimal stereo hearing with regard to a left-right orientation). By means of a time determination unit 39, a rest period is determined, which indicates how long no change in the rotational position of the value adjuster 35 designed as a rotary actuator has taken place. If the rest period exceeds a predetermined acquisition time period, the value position is recorded as a balance value 41. The device then automatically changes to a setting mode for the other parameter, here a fader value. The turntable is now rotated to a further value position 43 and detected as a fader value 45 after a new rest period, which is greater than the detection period. This defines a new sound location 47. In a preferred embodiment, after both parameters have been detected, the device changes to a menu mode.

In another embodiment, it may be provided that the value adjuster may additionally detect an input actuation action, for example as a rotary press or rotary puller. Instead of determining a rest period, capture may be triggered by an input actuation action.

In Fig. 2a to 2e are various representations of a combination instrument, as they result in a setting sequence of a Tonorteinstellung represented. The combination instrument 51 comprises in addition to a speed indicator 53 a speed indicator 55, which are preferably designed as graphical representations on a freely programmable graphical display surface. However, the speed indicator 53 and the speed indicator 55 may be designed as mechanical pointer instruments, in which advantageously further displays, which may be partially freely programmable, are integrated. In a center 57 of the instrument cluster 51 is a freely programmable display area 59. In Fig. 2a On the display surface 59 different menu entries 61, 63, 64 for sound adjustment of an audio system are shown. In particular, a menu item "balance setting" 61 and a menu item "fader setting" 63 as well as further menu items 64 can be selected from menu 65. If the menu item "Balance adjustment" 61 is selected, then one gets to the view Fig. 2b , On the display surface 59, an interior 67 of the motor vehicle is now shown schematically. Furthermore, the current sound location 69 is shown by means of a circular ring. The center of the annulus indicates the intersection of a crosshair 71, which allows a user a simpler orientation.

If a value position of the value counter is changed, for example a balance shifted to the left, then one arrives at the view Fig. 2c , After either an input actuation action has been detected or a change in the value position for a rest period greater than a detection period has elapsed, the apparatus enters a spring adjustment mode. This is in Fig. 2d shown. Then the value counter is adjusted again to change the fader setting. After a new input operation action or a renewal of a rest period, which is greater than a detection period, the value position of the value adjuster is detected as a new fader value, so that the new sound location is fixed. Then the device switches back to a menu mode as shown in Fig. 2a is shown.

In Fig. 3 a flowchart of a method for setting a sound location is shown schematically. First, a selection menu is displayed 92 on a display device. Subsequently, a menu selection balance adjustment is detected 93. Thereafter, the device changes to a setting mode "balance" 97. When switching to the setting mode balance, a rest period is set equal to zero 99. Subsequently, the value position 101 of a value validator. In a query 103 it is checked whether the value position, ie a manipulated value of the value value, has changed. If this is the case, then the representation on the display area is adapted 105 and the procedure continues with setting the rest period equal to zero 99. If the value position has not changed, the rest period is increased 107. A query 109 determines whether the rest period is greater than is a detection period. If this is not the case, the method step of recording the value position 101 is continued. If the rest period is greater than the detection period, the value position is detected as the balance value 111. Thereafter, the device automatically changes to the fader setting mode 113. First, the rest period is set equal to zero again 115. Thereafter, the value position is detected 117 and in A query 119 determines whether the value has changed. If the value position has changed, the representation of the sound location on the display area is adjusted accordingly 121 and then continued with the method step set the rest period equal to zero 115. On the other hand, if the value position has not changed, the idle time period is increased 123. In a query 125, it is determined whether the idle time period is greater than a detection period. If this is not the case, the method step 117 continues to record the value. If, however, the rest period is greater than the detection period, the value position is detected as a fader value 127. Thereafter, the device automatically changes to a menu mode 129.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the method steps associated with determining the idle time period may be omitted if an input actuation action is detected to terminate an input. The query as to whether the idle time period is greater than a detection period can then be replaced by a query in which it is checked whether an input operation action exists. Still other embodiments may combine the embodiments just described so that automatic switching between one set mode and the other set mode may be resolved via both an input action action and a timing.

In other embodiments, the representation of the interior can alternatively or additionally take place on a display device which is arranged in a center console. This offers the advantage that an operation by a passenger is facilitated.

In embodiments in which a display device embodied as a touchscreen is present, the value adjuster can be designed as a virtual operating element. Optionally, a representation of the interior can also be done on this display device. It is also possible to use in such cases, another display device, for example, which represents the instrument cluster, for a display of the interior and the Klangortdarstellung and form the virtual value counter on the example arranged in the center console, designed as a touch screen display device.

The described embodiments are merely exemplary. Other embodiments may use the described features in different combinations.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

motor vehicle

3

inner space

5-11

seats

13-19

speaker

21

sound system

23

Device for setting a sound location

25

control unit

27

display device

29

display area

31, 31 '

original sound location

33

crosshairs

35

values plate

37

first valuation

39

Time determination unit

41

balance value

43

further valuation

45

fader value

47, 47 '

new sound location

51

instrument cluster

53

Tachometer

55

Speedometer

57

center

59

freely programmable display area

61

Menu item Balance setting

63

Menu entry Fader setting

64

further menu entries

65

menu

67

inner space

69

Klangort

71

crosshairs

91

Method for setting a sound location

93-129

steps

Claims (10)

Device (23) for setting a sound location (31, 47) of an audio system (21) in an interior of a motor vehicle (1)
a display device (27),
a control unit (25) coupled to the display device (27), which controls a graphical representation on the display device (27), and an operating device, coupled to the control unit (25), for detecting user inputs by means of which two parameters for determining the sound location can be set wherein, preferably, during adjustment by means of the control unit (25) on a display surface (29) of the display device (27) the sound location (31 ', 47') is shown graphically,
characterized in that
the control device is a value counter (35) and the control unit (25) is adapted to automatically detect a setting of one of the parameters in a setting mode for the one of the parameters via a value position (37) of the value adjuster (35) in a setting mode for to change the other of the parameters, which can be detected via a further value position (43) of the value counter (35). Device (23) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (25) comprises a time determination unit (39) which determines a rest period in which no change in the value position (37; 43) of the value adjuster (35) has taken place, and the control unit (25) is arranged to detect a value position (37; 43) as setting of one of the parameters or the other of the parameters when the idle time period determined in the setting mode for the corresponding one of the parameters reaches a predetermined detection period or exceeded. Device (23) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the value counter (35) is formed so that an actuating action perpendicular to a value plane in which the value position (37; 43) of the value adjuster (35) is adjustable, can be detected and the control unit (25) is arranged to detect the value position (37; 43) of the operating device as setting of one of the parameters or the other of the parameters, if in the setting mode for the corresponding one of the parameters by means of the value adjuster (35) one perpendicular is recorded to the value level applied actuation action. Device (23) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (25) is designed to switch to a menu mode after detection of the one and the other of the parameters. Device (23) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one and the other of the parameters are a balance value (41) and a fader value (45). Method (91) for setting a sound location (31, 47) of an audio system (21) in an interior (3) of a motor vehicle (1), in which
a graphical representation of a display device (27) is controlled by means of a control unit (25) and two parameters are detected by means of an operating device when setting the sound location (31, 47) for determining the sound location (31, 47), wherein preferably during the setting of Sound location (31 ', 47') is graphically displayed on a display surface (29) of the display device (27),
characterized in that
the operating device is a value counter (35) and, in a setting mode for setting one of the parameters, a value position (37) of the value counter (35) is detected and automatically changed to a setting mode for the other one of the parameters, in which a further value position (43 ) of the value adjuster (35) is detected to set the other one of the parameters. Method (91) according to claim 6, characterized in that a rest time period is determined by means of a time determination unit (39), in which no change in the value position (37; 43) of the value counter (35) has taken place, and the value position (37; 43) is detected as the setting of one of the parameters or the other of the parameters when the idle period determined in the setting mode for the corresponding one of the parameters has reached or exceeded a predetermined detection period. Method (91) according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the value position (37; 43) of the operating device is detected as the setting of one of the parameters or the other of the parameters, if in the setting mode for the corresponding one of the parameters Value adjuster (35) is detected perpendicular to a value plane in which the value position (37; 43) of the value adjuster (35) is adjustable, actuated actuation action. Method (91) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that after detecting the one and the other of the parameters in a menu mode is switched. Method (91) according to one of Claims 6 to 9, characterized in that a balance value (41) and a fader value (45) are set by means of the one and the other of the parameters.

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