EP4078578A1

EP4078578A1 - Apparatus for outputting an audio signal in a vehicle cabin

Info

Publication number: EP4078578A1
Application number: EP19824305.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: James Rex
Original assignee: Ask Industries GmbH
Current assignee: Ask Industries GmbH
Priority date: 2019-12-17
Filing date: 2019-12-17
Publication date: 2022-10-26
Also published as: WO2021121563A1

Abstract

Apparatus (1) for outputting an audio signal in a vehicle cabin (3), the apparatus (1) comprising: - at least one audio sensing device (8) configured to sense at least one acoustic signal (9), particularly a musical piece related acoustic signal (9), generated by at least one person (P) in a vehicle cabin (3), particularly while outputting an accompanying musical piece audio signal (2) in the vehicle cabin (3); - at least one processing device (11) configured to process the at least one acoustic signal (9) sensed by the at least one audio sensing device (8) so as to generate at least one acoustic rating signal (12) indicating a rating of the at least one acoustic signal (9) with respect to at least one with at least one quality rating criterion; - at least one audio outputting device (6) configured to output the at least one acoustic rating signal (12) in the vehicle cabin (3).

Description

Apparatus for outputting an audio signal in a vehicle cabin

The invention relates to an apparatus for outputting audio signals in a vehicle cabin, such as a cabin of a bus, a car, a truck, a van, etc.

Apparatuses for outputting an audio signal, which audio signal typically comprises at least one audio signal component containing a human voice, particularly a singer’s voice, and/or a musical instrument in a vehicle cabin, are generally known from prior art.

Respective apparatus may be configured to implement a so-called “Karaoke”- mode in which the output of audio signal components containing a human voice, particularly a singer’s voice, of an audio signal containing respective audio signal components is temporarily suppressed enabling that a person in the vehicle cabin can sing along or in accompaniment with the respective audio signal.

In this context, it would be beneficial to a person singing along or in accompaniment with a respective audio signal to receive a current quality rating feedback during their performance. Specifically, it would be beneficial to a person singing along or in accompaniment with a respective audio signal to receive a current quality rating feedback during their performance which does not distract the person, who can be the driver of the respective vehicle, from a current driving situation.

However, such a feedback is not feasible with known apparatuses. In other words, it is a drawback of known apparatuses that they do not allow for a quality rating of the performance of the person singing along or in accompaniment with the respective audio signal. Specifically, respective known apparatuses do not allow for an automatic real-time quality rating of the performance of the person singing along or in accompaniment with the respective audio signal.

It is the object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for outputting an audio signal in a vehicle cabin allowing for a quality rating of the performance of the person singing along or in accompaniment with the respective audio signal.

This object is achieved by an apparatus for outputting an audio signal in a vehicle cabin according to Claim 1. The Claims depending on Claim 1 refer to possible embodiments of the apparatus.

A first aspect of the invention refers to an apparatus (hereinafter “the apparatus”) for outputting an audio signal, e.g. an audio signal representing a recorded musical piece including vocals and/or musical instruments, such as a recorded musical piece performed by one or more persons singing and/or speaking and/or playing at least one musical instrument, e.g. a pop song, a rock song, a jazz song, a hip-hop song, a classical song, etc., in a vehicle cabin of a vehicle. The apparatus can be implemented as a vehicle audio system or form part of a vehicle audio system. The term “outputting” can generally, be understood as reproducing as sound or playing back an audio signal.

The apparatus is generally, configured to output and/or reproduce an audio signal, e.g. an audio signal representing a musical piece including vocals and/or musical instruments and thus, comprising at least one audio signal component containing a (recorded) human voice, particularly a singer’s voice, and/or a (recorded) musical instrument, particularly an acoustic musical instrument and/or an electronic musical instrument, in a vehicle cabin.

A respective audio signal may be provided from any audio signal source. A respective audio signal source can be embodied as or comprise a data carrier device, e.g. from a CD, tape, USB-stick, etc., a radio device, such as a FM radio, a network device, such as a network application, a mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, notebook, etc. The apparatus may thus, be connectable or connected with at least one audio signal source, e.g. at least one of the aforementioned audio signal sources.

The apparatus comprises at least one audio outputting device configured to output and/or reproduce at least one audio signal (input audio signal) in a vehicle cabin. A respective audio signal can comprise at least one audio signal component containing a (recorded) human voice, particularly a singer’s voice, and/or at least one (recorded) musical instrument, particularly an acoustic musical instrument and/or an electronic musical instrument. The at least one audio outputting device typically comprises one or more audio outputting elements, such as loudspeakers. Each audio outputting element may be assigned to a specific location or space, i.e. particularly to a specific seat, in the or a vehicle cabin of a vehicle being equipped with the apparatus. The one or more audio outputting elements are thus, arrangeable or arranged so as to output a respective audio signal in the or a vehicle cabin. As an example, the one or more audio outputting elements may be arrangeable or arranged at and/or in structural elements, e.g. instrument panels, pillars, doors, ceiling, etc., of a vehicle being equipped with the apparatus. Notably, the one or more audio outputting elements and the at least one audio outputting device, respectively can be standard components of a vehicle audio system implemented by the apparatus. Hence, at least from a structural point of view, the at least one audio outputting device of the apparatus can be a standard audio outputting device of a vehicle audio system.

The apparatus further comprises at least one audio sensing device configured to sense at least one acoustic signal generated by at least one person in the respective vehicle cabin, e.g. while outputting an accompanying or corresponding musical piece audio signal in the respective vehicle cabin. The at least one audio sensing device, thus allows for live or real-time sensing or receiving of acoustic signals generated by at least one person in the respective vehicle cabin. Respective acoustic signals generated by at least one person in the respective vehicle cabin can be acoustic voice signals generated by singing, humming, speaking, etc., and/or acoustic rhythmic or percussive signals generated by drumming, tapping, snapping, stomping, etc., and/or acoustic instrument signals generated by at least one instrument played by at least one person, for instance. All respective acoustic signals generated by at least one person in the respective vehicle cabin can be sensed or received while outputting an accompanying musical piece audio signal in the respective vehicle cabin via the at least one audio outputting device. The sensing of respective acoustic signals generated by at least one person in the respective vehicle cabin via the at least one audio sensing device may thus, take place simultaneously with outputting an accompanying musical piece audio signal in the vehicle cabin via the at least one audio outputting device.

The term “acoustic signal” generally refers to any acoustic articulation, particularly to any musical acoustic articulation and/or performance of a person in the respective vehicle cabin. A respective acoustic signal can relate to a musical piece which is outputtable or output in the respective vehicle cabin. Thus, the term “audio signal” can refer to any acoustic articulation and/or performance of a person in the respective vehicle cabin along or in accompaniment with a musical piece audio signal which is output in the respective vehicle cabin whilst the respective musical piece audio signal is output in the respective vehicle cabin. In other words, there can be a musical relation, e.g. a harmonic and/or rhythmic relation, between an acoustic signal generated by at least one person in a respective vehicle cabin and a musical piece audio signal which is outputtable or output in the respective vehicle cabin. Hence, a respective acoustic signal generated by at least one person in the respective vehicle cabin can relate to a specific musical piece, e.g. a song, a musical composition or form, such as a suite, symphony, etc., or a part of specific musical piece, e.g. a chorus of a song, a movement of a musical composition or form, a solo part of a musical composition or form, etc. Such an acoustic signal can be deemed or denoted as musical piece related audio signal. As such, a respective audio signal can be dependent from a musical piece.

However, it is also conceivable that a respective audio signal generated by at least one person in the respective vehicle cabin does not relate to a specific musical piece. Thus, the term “audio signal” can refer to any acoustic articulation and/or performance of a person in the respective vehicle cabin not along or in accompaniment with a musical piece audio signal because no respective musical piece audio signal is output in the vehicle cabin. In other words, there does not have to be a musical relation, e.g. a harmonic and/or rhythmic relation, between an acoustic signal generated by at least one person in a respective vehicle cabin and a musical piece audio signal. Hence, a respective acoustic signal generated by at least one person in the respective vehicle cabin does not have to relate to a specific musical piece, e.g. a song, a musical composition or form, such as a suite, symphony, etc., or a part of specific musical piece, e.g. a chorus of a song, a movement of a musical composition or form, a solo part of a musical composition or form, etc. Such an acoustic signal can be deemed or denoted as musical piece unrelated audio signal. As such, a respective audio signal can be independent from a musical piece.

The term “person” generally refers to any person in a respective vehicle cabin, such as a driver or co-driver, for instance

The at least one audio sensing device typically comprises one or more audio sensing elements, such as microphones. Each audio sensing element may be assigned to a specific location or space, i.e. particularly to at least one specific seat, in the or a vehicle cabin of a vehicle being equipped with the apparatus. As an example, the one or more audio sensing elements may be arrangeable or arranged at and/or in structural elements, e.g. instrument panels, pillars, doors, ceiling, etc., of a vehicle being equipped with the apparatus so as to sense an acoustic signal generated by at least one person located in the respective vehicle cabin, particularly whilst the at least one audio outputting device outputs an accompanying musical piece audio signal in the respective vehicle cabin. Notably, the one or more audio sensing elements and the at least one audio sensing device, respectively can be standard components of a vehicle audio system implemented by the apparatus. Hence, at least from a structural point of view, the at least one audio sensing device of the apparatus can be a standard audio sensing device of a vehicle audio system.

The apparatus further comprises at least one hardware- and/or software embodied processing device configured to process the at least one respective acoustic signal sensed by the at least one audio sensing device so as to generate at least one acoustic rating signal indicating a rating of the at least one acoustic signal with respect to at least one quality rating criterion. A respective quality rating criterion can relate to a specific musical piece or part of a specific musical piece, particularly a respective musical piece underlying a musical piece audio signal which is output in the respective vehicle cabin. However, it is also conceivable that a respective quality rating criterion does not relate to a specific musical piece or part of a specific musical piece.

The at least one processing device is thus, configured to apply at least one pre-definable or pre defined quality rating criterion, e.g. a harmonic quality rating criterion and/or a rhythm quality rating criterion, and analyze and/or evaluate the at least one acoustic signal sensed by the at least one audio sensing device on basis of the at least one quality rating criterion. Based on the analysis and/or the evaluation, the at least one processing device is configured to generate at least one acoustic rating signal indicating a quality rating of the at least one acoustic signal with respect to the respective quality rating criterion. The acoustic rating signal thus, can provide or provides, with respect to at least one quality rating criterion, an acoustic quality rating feedback on the quality of the acoustic signal generated by the at least one person in the respective vehicle cabin. Specifically, the acoustic rating signal can provide or provides an acoustic quality rating feedback on a performance of the at least one person in the respective vehicle cabin, particularly when performing along or in accompaniment with an accompanying musical piece audio signal.

The at least one audio outputting device is configured to output the at least one acoustic rating signal in the respective vehicle cabin. Specifically, the at least one audio outputting device can be configured to output at least one respective acoustic rating signal while outputting an accompanying musical piece audio signal in the respective vehicle cabin.

The apparatus is thus, configured to generate and output an acoustically perceivable quality rating signal, such as at least one sound or at least one sound sequence, indicating a quality rating of the at least one acoustic signal generated by at least one person in the respective vehicle cabin to the at least one respective person. Specifically, the apparatus can be configured to generate and output an acoustically perceivable quality rating signal indicating a quality rating of the at least one acoustic signal generated by at least one person in the respective vehicle cabin to the at least one respective person while the at least one respective person performs, e.g. sings, hums, speaks, drums, taps, snaps, stomps, plays an instrument, etc., along or in accompaniment with an accompanying musical piece audio signal which is simultaneously output in the respective vehicle cabin.

The apparatus is especially beneficial for musicians, particularly singers, who have the possibility to rehearse while sitting in a vehicle or even while driving a vehicle; however, the quality rating feedback can also be beneficial for any other person performing along or in accompaniment with a musical piece audio while sitting in a vehicle or even while driving a vehicle.

The apparatus generally, provides advantages over known apparatuses particularly, in that a quality rating feedback of at least one acoustic signal generated by at least one person in a respective vehicle cabin is possible and particularly in that the quality rating feedback is output as an acoustic signal such that the respective person in the vehicle cabin, this specifically applies to a driver, is not (visually) distracted from the current driving situation which could be the case when a respective feedback would be a visual information output via a visual outputting device, such as a display.

At least one respective acoustic rating signal may be outputtable or output as a percussive sound, e.g. as a clapping sound and/or a snapping sound and/or a stomping sound, and/or the acoustic rating signal may be outputtable or output as a vocal sound, e.g. as a cheering sound, as a booing sound, as a shouting sound, or as a whistling sound. As such, all kinds of audiences can be artificially generated by respective acoustic rating signals or combinations of respective acoustic rating signals. Likewise, sounds of recorded (original) audiences, such as audiences of a classical concert, pop-concert, rock-concert, hip-hop-concert, jazz-concert, etc., could be used as respective acoustic rating signals. Of course, arbitrary combinations of at least one percussive sound and at least one vocal sound are conceivable. Specifically, respective examples of acoustic rating signals may be dynamically varied e.g. based on the quality of the musical performance of a respective person.

The at least one processing device or at least one hardware- and/or software embodied acoustic parameter extracting device assignable or assigned to the at least one processing device may be configured to extract at least one acoustic parameter of an acoustic signal from the respective acoustic signal. The at least one processing device or at least one respective acoustic parameter extracting device may thus, be configured to process a respective acoustic signal so as to extract at least one specific acoustic parameter, such as a harmonic parameter, such as pitch, and/or a rhythmic parameter, such as tempo (time), from the acoustic signal. The extraction of respective acoustic parameters from the acoustic signal may be based on an analysis of the acoustic signal. As an example, signal properties, e.g. amplitude and/or frequency, of the acoustic signal may be analyzed so as to extract pre-definable or pre-defined characteristic features corresponding to specific acoustic parameters of the acoustic signal. The at least one processing device or at least one respective acoustic parameter extracting device may thus, be configured to analyze an acoustic signal, particularly with respect to pre-definable or pre-defined characteristic features.

The at least one processing device or at least one hardware- and/or software embodied acoustic parameter extracting device assignable or assigned to the at least one processing device may also be configured to extract at least one acoustic parameter of an accompanying musical piece audio signal, particularly from an accompanying musical piece audio signal which is simultaneously output in the respective vehicle cabin, from the respective musical piece audio signal. The at least one processing device or at least one respective acoustic parameter extracting device may thus, be configured to process a respective musical piece audio signal so as to extract at least one specific acoustic parameter, such as a harmonic parameter, such as pitch, and/or a rhythmic parameter, such as tempo (time), from the musical piece audio signal. The extraction of respective acoustic parameters from the musical piece audio signal may be based on an analysis of the musical piece audio signal. As an example, signal properties, e.g. amplitude and/or frequency, of the musical piece audio signal may be analyzed so as to extract pre-definable or pre-defined characteristic features corresponding to specific acoustic parameters of the musical piece audio signal. The at least one processing device or at least one respective acoustic parameter extracting device may thus, be configured to analyze a musical piece audio signal, particularly with respect to pre-definable or pre-defined characteristic features.

The at least one processing device or a hardware- and/or software-embodied comparison device assignable or assigned to the at least one processing device may be configured to compare at least one acoustic parameter of an acoustic signal, particularly at least one acoustic parameter extracted from a respective acoustic signal, with at least one corresponding acoustic parameter of a musical piece audio signal, particularly with at least one corresponding acoustic parameter extracted from a musical piece audio signal. As such, a respective corresponding acoustic parameter of a respective musical piece audio signal can be used as a quality rating criterion. A respective acoustic rating signal may indicate a comparison result of a comparison of the at least one acoustic parameter of the acoustic signal, particularly at least one acoustic parameter extracted from the respective acoustic signal, with at least one acoustic parameter of a musical piece audio signal, particularly with at least one acoustic parameter extracted from a respective musical piece audio signal. Specifically, a respective acoustic rating signal may indicate a matching degree between at least one (extracted) acoustic parameter of an acoustic signal and at least one (extracted) acoustic parameter of a musical piece audio signal. A respective comparison result and specifically, a respective matching degree, typically represents a quality rating of the respective acoustic signal with respect to the respective musical piece audio signal. Typically, higher matching degrees correspond to a higher quality of the respective acoustic signal with respect to the respective musical piece audio signal and thus, a higher quality of the musical performance of the respective person. As such, a specific quality rating of the musical performance of the respective person is feasible with respect to a specific musical piece.

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one processing device may be configured to compare at least one acoustic parameter of an acoustic signal, particularly at least one acoustic parameter extracted from a respective acoustic signal, with at least one reference acoustic parameter, particularly with at least one reference acoustic parameter which is independent from a musical piece audio signal. As such, a respective reference parameter can be used as a quality rating criterion. An acoustic rating signal may indicate a comparison result of a comparison of the at least one acoustic parameter of the acoustic signal, particularly at least one acoustic parameter extracted from the respective acoustic signal, with at least one reference acoustic parameter, particularly with at least one reference acoustic parameter which is independent from a musical piece audio signal. Specifically, a respective acoustic rating signal may indicate a matching degree between at least one (extracted) acoustic parameter of an acoustic signal and at least one respective reference acoustic parameter which is independent from a respective musical piece audio signal. A respective reference acoustic parameter may be a harmonic parameter, e.g. pitch, and/or a rhythmic parameter, e.g. tempo (time), for instance. A respective comparison result and specifically, a respective matching degree, typically represents a (quality) rating of an acoustic signal with respect to the respective reference acoustic parameter. Typically, higher matching degrees correspond to a higher quality of the respective acoustic signal with respect to the at least one respective reference acoustic parameter and thus, a higher quality of the musical performance of the respective person. As such, a general quality rating of the musical performance of the respective person is feasible with respect to at least one respective reference acoustic parameter. This may compensate for bad performances, e.g. due to bad pitch, bad rhythm, etc., of the original performer in a respective musical piece audio signal. In other words, the performance acoustic signal can be analyzed over a certain time interval e.g. to determine its average tempo (beats per minute), and performance quality would be determined by how much its tempo varied from this average. Alternatively, the performance acoustic signal can be analyzed over a certain time interval e.g. to determine its musical key (e.g. basic pitch, basic tempo, etc.), and performance quality would be determined by how closely its musical performance was correct with this musical key, e.g. how closely its note pitches were in correct harmony with this musical key.

As indicated above, the at least one acoustic parameter may be at least one harmonic parameter, e.g. a pitch parameter, and/or at least one rhythmic parameter, e.g. a tempo (time) parameter, of an acoustic signal and/or of a musical piece audio signal. Likewise, the or at least one respective acoustic parameter may be a loudness parameter, e.g. loudness, of an acoustic signal and/or of at least one acoustic parameter of a musical piece audio signal. The same applies to respective reference acoustic parameters.

The at least one processing device or the or at least one acoustic parameter extracting device assignable or assigned to the at least one processing device may be configured to extract the least one acoustic parameter of a musical piece audio signal outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin by pre-processing or by real-time processing of the respective musical piece audio signal. Pre processing can be advantageous because it can reduce processing load during a musical performance of a respective person, e.g. along a respective musical piece audio signal. Real-time processing can be advantageous because it can be applied even when not time is available for pre-processing before a musical performance of a respective person, e.g. along a respective musical piece audio signal.

The at least one processing device or a hardware- and/or software-embodied suppressing device assignable or assigned to the at least one processing device may be configured to suppress at least one further audio signal present in the vehicle car cabin, particularly an undesired noise signal not generated by a respective person performing in the vehicle cabin, and different from the acoustic signal generated by the respective person, particularly so that only the acoustic signal is processable or processed so as to generate the at least one acoustic rating signal. As such, undesired noise signals present in the respective vehicle cabin, e.g. noise generated from noise sources inside or outside the respective vehicle cabin, especially when driving, can be suppressed which may improve the processing of the at least one musical piece related acoustic signal. The suppression of the undesired noise signals can be performed with dynamic or static suppression levels ranging from 100% (complete suppression) to 0% (no suppression). Suppressing the undesired noise signals may require separating the musical piece related acoustic signals from the undesired noise signals or vice versa. In this regard, noise separation devices may be employed. Respective noise separation devices may be embodied as one or more filter devices configured to suppress respective received undesired noise signals present in the respective vehicle cabin or comprise same.

The at least one audio outputting device may be configured to output the at least one acoustic rating signal in the vehicle cabin after outputting an accompanying musical piece audio signal which is outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin. As such, the musical performance of a person having performed along or in accompaniment with a respective musical piece audio signal may be rated after outputting the accompanying musical piece audio signal is completed such that a respective acoustic rating signal can be perceived and understood as an overall rating particularly, relating to the overall musical performance of a person during the output of the accompanying musical piece audio signal.

Likewise, the at least one audio outputting device may be configured to output the at least one acoustic rating signal in the vehicle cabin simultaneously with outputting an accompanying musical piece audio signal in the vehicle cabin. As such, the musical performance of a person performing along or in accompaniment with a respective musical piece audio signal may be rated while outputting the accompanying musical piece audio signal such that a respective acoustic rating signal can be perceived and understood as a live rating particularly, relating to the current musical performance of a person during the output of the accompanying musical piece audio signal.

In the exemplary embodiment in which the at least one audio outputting device is configured to output the at least one acoustic rating signal in the vehicle cabin simultaneously with outputting the accompanying musical piece audio signal which is outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin, the at least one audio outputting device may be configured to output the at least one acoustic rating signal at a specific time and/or at specific time intervals while simultaneously outputting the accompanying musical piece audio signal in the vehicle cabin. Hence, a respective acoustic rating signal does not necessarily have to be output continuously but can be output discontinuously. As such, specific musical contexts can be considered which can enhance the effect of the acoustic rating signal to the respective person. As an example, a respective acoustic rating signal may be output after a specific musical event, such as after a specific part of a musical piece, such as a solo performance, or a movement (i.e. a self-contained part of a musical composition or musical form), occurring in the musical piece audio signal.

As such, the at least one processing device may be configured to determine a respective specific time and/or the specific time intervals at which the at least one acoustic rating signal is to be output in the respective vehicle cabin based on at least one pre-definable or pre-defined determination criterion.

A respective determination criterion can be or comprise one or more of the following: A loudness criterion which relates to a specific loudness event / loudness level of a musical piece audio signal or at least one component thereof outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin. As such, the at least one acoustic rating signal may be output when a specific loudness event, e.g. a specific loudness is present or not present, and/or when a specific loudness level of a musical piece audio signal or at least one component thereof is given and/or reached. The at least one processing device or a hardware- and/or software-embodied loudness criterion determination device may thus, be configured to determine a respective loudness criterion.

A harmonic criterion which relates to a specific harmonic event of a musical piece audio signal or at least one component thereof outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin. As such, the at least one acoustic rating signal may be output when a specific harmonic event, e.g. a specific harmonic is present or not present, of a musical piece audio signal or at least one component thereof is given and/or reached. The at least one processing device or a hardware- and/or software-embodied harmonic criterion determination device may thus, be configured to determine a respective harmonic criterion.

A rhythmic criterion which relates to a specific rhythmic event of a musical piece audio signal or at least one component thereof outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin. As such, the at least one acoustic rating signal may be output when a specific rhythmic event, e.g. a specific rhythm is present or not present, of a musical piece audio signal or at least one component thereof is given and/or reached. The at least one processing device or a hardware- and/or software-embodied rhythmic criterion determination device (not shown) may thus, be configured to determine a respective rhythmic criterion.

A vocal criterion which relates to a specific vocal event of a musical piece audio signal or at least one component thereof outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin. As such, the at least one acoustic rating signal may be output when a specific vocal event, e.g. a specific vocal is present or not present, of a musical piece audio signal or at least one component thereof is given and/or reached. The at least one processing device or a hardware- and/or software-embodied vocal criterion determination device may thus, be configured to determine a respective vocal criterion.

An instrument criterion which relates to a specific instrument event of a musical piece audio signal or at least one component thereof outputtable or output in the respective vehicle cabin. As such, the at least one acoustic rating signal may be output when a specific instrument event, e.g. a specific instrument is present or not present, of a musical piece audio signal or at least one component thereof is given and/or reached. The at least one processing device or a hardware- and/or software-embodied instrument criterion determination device may thus, be configured to determine a respective instrument criterion. An interruption (break) criterion which relates to a specific interruption event of a musical piece audio signal outputtable or output in the respective vehicle cabin. As such, the at least one acoustic rating signal may be output when a specific instrument event, e.g. a specific interruption (break) is present or not present, of a musical piece audio signal or at least one component thereof is given and/or reached. The at least one processing device or a hardware- and/or software-embodied interruption criterion determination device may thus, be configured to determine a respective interruption criterion.

A rating criterion which relates to a specific rating of at least one acoustic signal, particularly a rating which indicates that a rating value meets or exceeds a specific rating threshold value. As such, at least one acoustic rating signal may be output when a specific rating of the musical articulation and/or performance of at least one respective person is given and/or reached. The at least one processing device or a hardware- and/or software-embodied rating criterion determination device may thus, be configured to determine a respective rating criterion.

A style criterion which relates to the style of music of a musical piece audio signal outputtable or output in the respective vehicle cabin. As such, the at least one acoustic rating signal may be output when a specific style of the music of a musical piece audio signal is given and/or reached. As such, musical contexts and/or styles can be considered as indicated above. The at least one processing device or a hardware- and/or software-embodied style criterion determination device may thus, be configured to determine a respective style criterion.

A performer criterion which relates to the performer of the musical piece underlying a musical piece audio signal outputtable or output in the respective vehicle cabin. As such, the at least one acoustic rating signal may be output when a specific performer of the musical piece underlying a musical piece audio signal is given and/or reached. The at least one processing device or a hardware- and/or software-embodied performer criterion determination device may thus, be configured to determine a respective performer criterion.

The at least one processing device may be configured to output the at least one acoustic rating signal in the respective vehicle cabin with at least one specific output parameter. As such, a respective acoustic rating signal may comprise one or more output characteristics which can be reflected by respective output parameters.

Specifically, the at least one processing device may be configured to determine at least one output parameter, e.g. pitch, rhythm, duration, loudness, of the at least one acoustic rating signal based on at least one pre-definable or pre-defined determination criterion. A respective determination criterion can be or comprise one or more of the following:

A time and/or date criterion which relates to a time of day and/or date at which the at least one acoustic rating signal is outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin. As such, respective output parameters of at least one respective acoustic rating signal may be adjusted and/or varied on basis of a respective time and/or date criterion. The at least one processing device or a hardware- and/or software-embodied time and/or date criterion determination device may thus, be configured to determine a respective time and/or date criterion, e.g. by determining time and/or date.

A location criterion which relates to a location of the vehicle cabin at which the at least one acoustic rating signal is outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin. As such, respective output parameters of at least one respective acoustic rating signal may be adjusted and/or varied on basis of a respective location criterion. The at least one processing device or a hardware- and/or software-embodied location criterion determination device may thus, be configured to determine a respective location criterion, e.g. by determining the location of a vehicle comprising the apparatus.

A quality criterion which relates to a quality rating of the at least one musical piece related acoustic signal with respect to at least one acoustic parameter of an accompanying musical piece audio signal and/or with respect to an acoustic reference parameter independent from an accompanying musical piece audio signal. As such, respective output parameters of at least one respective acoustic rating signal may be adjusted and/or varied on basis of a respective quality criterion. The at least one processing device or a hardware- and/or software-embodied rating criterion determination device may thus, be configured to determine a respective quality criterion.

A person criterion which relates to the person generating a respective acoustic signal. As such, respective output parameters of at least one respective acoustic rating signal may be adjusted and/or varied on basis of a respective person criterion. The at least one processing device or a hardware- and/or software-embodied person criterion determination device may thus, be configured to determine a respective person criterion, e.g. by determining at least one personal characteristic of a person located in the respective vehicle cabin.

A passenger criterion which relates to at least one further passenger, e.g. age of the at least one further passenger, number of further passengers, social relation of the at least one further passenger relative to the at least one person generating a respective acoustic signal, located in the respective vehicle cabin. As such, respective output parameters of at least one respective acoustic rating signal may be adjusted and/or varied on basis of a respective passenger criterion. The at least one processing device or a hardware- and/or software-embodied passenger criterion determination device may thus, be configured to determine a respective passenger criterion, e.g. by determining at least one characteristic of at least one further passenger located in the respective vehicle cabin.

A style criterion which relates to the style of music of a musical piece audio signal outputtable or output in the respective vehicle cabin. As such, respective output parameters of at least one respective acoustic rating signal may be adjusted and/or varied on basis of a respective style criterion. The at least one processing device or a hardware- and/or software-embodied style criterion determination device may thus, be configured to determine a respective style criterion, e.g. by determining metadata indicating the style of a respective musical piece audio signal.

A performer criterion which relates to the performer of the musical piece underlying a musical piece audio signal outputtable or output in the respective vehicle cabin. As such, respective output parameters of at least one respective acoustic rating signal may be adjusted and/or varied on basis of a respective performer criterion. The at least one processing device or a hardware- and/or software-embodied performer criterion determination device may thus, be configured to determine a respective performer criterion, e.g. by determining metadata indicating the performer of a respective musical piece audio signal.

The at least one processing device or a hardware- and/or software-embodied suppressing device assignable or assigned to the at least one processing device may be configured to suppress an audio component containing at least one human voice, particularly at least one singer’s voice, in a musical piece audio signal which is outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin. The apparatus is thus, operable in special operational modes, such as “Karaoke”-modes, in which respective audio components containing at least one human voice, particularly at least one singer’s voice, are at least temporarily suppressed. Thereby, a suppression level of 0% means no suppression of the respective audio signal component such that the musical piece audio signal is output with no suppression of the respective audio signal component and a suppression level of 100% means complete suppression of the audio signal component such that the musical piece audio signal is output with complete suppression of the respective audio signal component. In other words, suppression either results in reducing the energy level, i.e. particularly a volume level, of the respective audio signal component by a certain amount or (completely) cancelling the respective audio signal component.

Suppressing at least one respective audio signal component may require determining the at least one respective audio signal component which is to be suppressed in the respective (original) musical piece audio signal and/or extracting the at least one respective audio signal component which is to be suppressed from the respective (original) musical piece audio signal. The at least one audio processing device may thus, be configured to determine at least one respective audio signal component which is to be suppressed in a musical piece audio signal and/or extract at least one respective audio signal component which is to be suppressed from the or a musical piece audio signal, respectively. The determination and/or extraction may be realized by analyzing the acoustic properties, e.g. the frequency spectrum, of the respective musical piece audio signal with regard to (characteristic) acoustic properties, e.g. a specific frequency range, which can be assigned to the audio signal component e.g. containing the respective human voice, e.g. the singer’s voice, to be suppressed. Additionally or alternatively, the determination and/or extraction may be realized by analyzing the acoustic properties, e.g. the frequency spectrum, of a musical piece audio signal with regard to (characteristic) acoustic properties, e.g. a specific frequency range, which can be distinguished from audio signal components not containing the respective human voice(s) to be suppressed, e.g. containing musical instruments or other human voices.

The at least one processing device may particularly, be configured to extract at least one audio signal component containing a human voice, particularly a singer’s voice, to be suppressed from a (original) musical piece audio signal which is outputtable or output in the respective vehicle cabin and to separate at least one extracted audio signal component containing a human voice, particularly a singer’s voice, to be suppressed from other audio signal components of the respective musical piece audio signal not containing the respective acoustic audio signal component to be suppressed. Once determined and/or extracted in respective manner, the audio signal component to be suppressed may be suppressed as specified above.

The at least one processing device may particularly, be configured to extract the respective audio signal component(s) to be suppressed from a musical piece audio signal via splitting of the respective musical piece audio signal in a plurality of audio signal components. Thereby, one or more audio signal component(s) obtained via splitting the respective musical piece audio signal in the plurality of audio signal components represent(s) the respective audio signal component(s) to be suppressed. Splitting of the respective musical piece audio signal may comprise analyzing the respective musical piece audio signal with regard to the respective audio signal component(s) which is/are to be split from other audio signal components not to be suppressed. The analysis of the respective musical piece audio signal can be performed on basis of pre-definable or pre-defined acoustic properties, e.g. amplitude and/or frequency, of audio signal components containing to be suppressed and of audio signal components not to be suppressed.

Additionally or alternatively, the at least one processing device or a hardware- and/or software- embodied splitting device assignable or assigned to the at least one processing device may be configured to split the respective musical piece audio signal in a plurality of audio signal components so as to obtain at least a center signal component, a left signal component, and a right signal component. The center signal component is the or a component of the respective musical piece audio signal which represents the or an audio signal component which is acoustically perceived by a person located at a given position, e.g. the driver’s position, inside the respective vehicle cabin as being output from a center direction and/or center position of the at least one audio outputting device comprising a left audio output channel and a right audio output channel. The left signal component is the or a component of the respective musical piece audio signal which represents an audio signal component which is acoustically perceived by a person located at a given position, e.g. the driver’s position, inside the respective vehicle cabin as being output from a (more) left direction and/or left position with respect to a center direction and/or center position of the at least one audio outputting device comprising a left audio output channel and a right audio output channel. The right signal component is the or a component of the respective musical piece audio signal which represents an audio signal component which is acoustically perceived by a person located at a given position, e.g. the driver’s position, inside the respective vehicle cabin as being output from a (more) right direction and/or right position with respect to a center direction and/or center position of the at least one audio outputting device comprising a left audio output channel and a right audio output channel.

A respective splitting of a respective musical piece audio signal in a respective center signal component, a left signal component, and a right signal component is based on the insight that the center signal component typically contains the human voice, particularly the singer’s voice, and that left signal components and/or right signal components typically contains musical instruments. Hence, when obtaining the center signal component, one typically also obtains the audio signal component which contains the human voice, particularly the singer’s voice, and when obtaining the left signal component and/or the right signal component, one typically also obtains the audio signal component which contains at least one musical instrument. As an example, there are audio signals having harmonic instruments, e.g. guitar, horns, etc., as the left signal component and rhythm instruments, e.g. drums, as the right signal component or vice versa.

A respective splitting of a respective musical piece audio signal in a respective center signal component, a left signal component, and a right signal component typically applies for a stereo musical piece audio signal comprising a left and a right audio signal component.

The at least one audio sensing device may be configured to sense a plurality of acoustic signals generated by a plurality of persons in a respective vehicle cabin, particularly while outputting an accompanying musical piece audio signal in the respective vehicle cabin.

The at least one processing device may be configured to process the plurality of acoustic signals sensed by the at least one audio sensing device so as to generate a plurality of acoustic rating signals each indicating a respective quality rating of the plurality of acoustic signals with respect to at least one quality rating criterion. The at least one processing device may thus, be configured to separate the plurality of acoustic signals sensed by the at least one audio sensing device so as to distinguish the respective plurality of acoustic signals from one another. This may be achieved by analyzing the plurality of acoustic signals so as to determine characteristic features of the respective plurality of acoustic signals corresponding to specific acoustic parameters of each of the acoustic signals which allow for assigning respective acoustic signals to different persons. As an example, higher voices and related acoustic signals may be distinguished from deeper voices and related acoustic signals.

The at least one audio outputting device may be configured to output the plurality of acoustic rating signals in the respective vehicle cabin. As such, the above specified principle of providing an acoustic quality rating feedback to a musical performance of a person located in a respective vehicle cabin can be extended to a plurality of persons in a respective vehicle cabin such that individual acoustic quality rating feedbacks can be provided and output.

The apparatus may comprise at least one data storage device, e.g. a hard drive, configured to store at least one previously generated performance rating value , typically relating to a special value, i.e. particularly a numeric value, indicating the quality of a performance of a user, and/or at least one (related) acoustic rating signal. As such, previous performance rating values and/or previous acoustic rating signals can be stored. Storage of previous performance rating values and (related) acoustic rating signals can be advantageous if a person wishes to compare e.g. a current musical performance with at least one previous performance so as to check performance changes and/or progress, for instance. Also, storage of previous performance rating values and/or previous (related) acoustic rating signals can be used to anticipate an expected performance quality of at least one specific person. This particularly applies when the apparatus is configured to determine and/or recognize at least one specific person and related acoustic signals generated by the respective at least one person. The determination and/or recognition of at least one specific person may be achieved through specific voice characteristics of the respective at least one person and/or by a log-on procedure of the respective person which can, e.g. by an interaction step with the apparatus, log-on to the apparatus such that the apparatus “is aware” that at least one specific person is currently performing or will be performing in the (near) future.

A respective data storage device may be connectable or connected, via at least one data assignable or assigned data connection device, with a mobile electronic device of a person located in the respective vehicle cabin, e.g. by means of wired or wireless connection, such as a Bluetooth- , NFC- or WIFI-connection.

Further, the at least one processing device may be configured to generate an acoustic rating signal under consideration or on basis of at least one previously generated performance rating value and/or on basis of at least one previously generated acoustic rating signal generated by the same person. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one processing device may be configured to generate an acoustic rating signal under consideration of or on basis of at least one previously performance rating value and/or under consideration of or on basis of at least one previously generated acoustic rating signal relating to the same musical piece audio signal, stored in the data storage device. Also in this regard, a person wishing to compare e.g. a current musical performance with at least one previous performance would be able to check performance changes and/or progress, for instance.

A second aspect of the invention refers to a vehicle, e.g. a bus, a car, a truck, a van, etc., comprising a vehicle cabin and an apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention. Hence, all annotations regarding the apparatus of the first aspect of the invention also apply to the vehicle according to the second aspect of the invention.

A third aspect of the invention refers to a method for outputting an audio signal in a vehicle cabin. The method can be implemented via the apparatus of the first aspect of the invention. Hence, all annotations regarding the apparatus of the first aspect of the invention also apply to the method according to the third aspect of the invention. The method comprises the steps of:

- sensing, via at least one audio sensing device, at least one acoustic signal generated by at least one person in a vehicle cabin, particularly while outputting an accompanying musical piece audio signal in the vehicle cabin, particularly via at least one audio outputting device;

- processing, via at least one processing device, the at least one acoustic signal sensed via the at least one audio sensing device and generating at least one acoustic rating signal indicating a rating of the at least one acoustic signal with respect to at least one quality rating criterion;

- outputting, via at least one audio outputting device, the at least one acoustic rating signal in the vehicle cabin.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the Fig., whereby the sole Fig. shows a principle drawing of an apparatus for outputting an audio signal in a vehicle cabin according to an exemplary embodiment.

The sole Fig. shows a principle drawing of an apparatus 1 for outputting an audio signal 2, e.g. an audio signal 2 representing a recorded musical piece including vocals and/or musical instruments, such as a recorded musical piece performed by one or more persons singing and/or speaking and/or playing at least one musical instrument, e.g. a pop song, a rock song, a jazz song, a hip- hop song, a classical song, etc., in a vehicle cabin 3 of vehicle 4, e.g. a bus, a car, a truck, a van, etc., according to an exemplary embodiment.

A respective audio signal 2 may be provided from any audio signal source 5 and/or a related hardware- and/or software-embodied audio player. A respective audio signal source 5 can be embodied as or comprise a data carrier device, e.g. from a CD, tape, USB-stick, etc., a radio device, such as a FM radio, a network device, such as a network application, a mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, notebook, etc. The apparatus 1 may thus, be connectable or connected with at least one audio signal source 5, e.g. at least one of the aforementioned audio signal sources.

The apparatus 1 comprises an audio outputting device 6 and/or related hardware- and/or software- embodied audio player configured to output and/or reproduce at least one input audio signal 2 in the vehicle cabin 3. A respective audio signal 2 can comprise at least one audio signal component containing a (recorded) human voice, particularly a singer’s voice, and/or at least one (recorded) musical instrument, particularly an acoustic musical instrument and/or an electronic musical instrument. The audio outputting device 6 comprises one or more audio outputting elements 7, such as loudspeakers. Each audio outputting element 7 may be assigned to a specific location or space, i.e. particularly to a specific seat, in the vehicle cabin 3. The one or more audio outputting elements 7 are thus, arrangeable or arranged so as to output a respective audio signal 2 in the vehicle cabin 3. As an example, the one or more audio outputting elements 7 may be arrangeable or arranged at and/or in structural elements, e.g. instrument panels, pillars, doors, ceiling, etc., of the vehicle 4. Notably, the one or more audio outputting elements 7 and the audio outputting device 6, respectively can be standard components of a vehicle audio system implemented by the apparatus 1. Hence, at least from a structural point of view, the audio outputting device 6 can be a standard audio outputting device of a vehicle audio system.

In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig., an audio mixing device 20 (optional) is disposed between the audio signal source 5 and/or a related audio player and the audio outputting device 6 and/or a related audio player.

As is apparent from the exemplary embodiment of the Fig, the apparatus 1 may comprise at least one separate hardware- and/or software-embodied sound player device 21 for playing respective acoustic rating signals 12. The output of the sound player device 21 is connected to the audio mixing device 20.

The apparatus 1 further comprises an audio sensing device 8 configured to sense at least one acoustic signal 9 generated by at least one person P in the vehicle cabin 3, particularly while outputting an accompanying or corresponding musical piece audio signal 2 in the vehicle cabin 3. The audio sensing device 8, thus allows for live or real-time sensing or receiving of acoustic signals 9 generated by at least one person P in the vehicle cabin 3. Respective acoustic signals 9 generated by at least one person P in the vehicle cabin 3 can be acoustic voice signals generated by singing, humming, speaking, etc., and/or acoustic rhythmic or percussive signals generated by drumming, tapping, snapping, stomping, etc., and/or acoustic instrument signals generated by at least one instrument played by at least one person P in the vehicle cabin 3, for instance. All respective acoustic signals 9 can be sensed or received while outputting an accompanying musical piece audio signal 2 in the vehicle cabin 3 via the audio outputting device 6. The sensing of respective acoustic signals 9 generated by at least one person P in the vehicle cabin 3 via the audio sensing device 8 may thus, take place simultaneously with outputting an accompanying musical piece audio signal 2 in the vehicle cabin 3 via the at least one audio outputting device 6.

The audio sensing device 8 comprises one or more audio sensing elements 10, such as microphones. Each audio sensing element 10 may be assigned to a specific location or space, i.e. particularly to at least one specific seat, in the vehicle cabin 3. As an example, the one or more audio sensing elements 10 may be arrangeable or arranged at and/or in structural elements, e.g. instrument panels, pillars, doors, ceiling, etc., of the vehicle 4 so as to sense an acoustic signal 9 generated by at least one person P located in the vehicle cabin 3, particularly whilst the audio outputting device 6 outputs an accompanying musical piece audio signal 2 in the vehicle cabin 3. Notably, the one or more audio sensing elements 10 and the audio sensing device 8, respectively can be standard components of a vehicle audio system implemented by the apparatus 1. Hence, at least from a structural point of view, the audio sensing device 8 can be a standard audio sensing device of a vehicle audio system.

The apparatus 1 further comprises a hardware- and/or software embodied processing device 11 configured to process a respective acoustic signal 9 sensed by the audio sensing device 8 so as to generate at least one acoustic rating signal 12 indicating a rating of the respective acoustic signal 9 with respect to at least one quality rating criterion. A respective quality rating criterion can relate to a specific musical piece or part of a specific musical piece, particularly a respective musical piece underlying a musical piece audio signal 2 which is output in the vehicle cabin 3. However, it is also conceivable that a respective quality rating criterion does not relate to a specific musical piece or part of a specific musical piece.

The processing device 11 is thus, configured to apply at least one pre-definable or pre-defined quality rating criterion, e.g. a harmonic quality rating criterion and/or a rhythm quality rating criterion, and analyze and/or evaluate an at least one acoustic signal 9 sensed by the audio sensing device 8 on basis of the at least one quality rating criterion. Based on the analysis and/or the evaluation, the processing device 11 is configured to generate at least one acoustic rating signal 12 indicating a rating of the respective acoustic signal 9 with respect to the at least one quality rating criterion. The acoustic rating signal 12 thus, can provide or provides an acoustic quality rating feedback on the quality of an acoustic signal 9 generated by the at least one person P in the vehicle cabin 3 and thus, an acoustic quality rating feedback on the performance of the at least one person P in the vehicle cabin 3, particularly when performing along or in accompaniment with an accompanying musical piece audio signal 2. The audio outputting device 6 is configured to output at least one respective acoustic rating signal 12 in the vehicle cabin 3. Specifically, the audio outputting device 6 can be configured to output at least one respective acoustic rating signal 12 while outputting an accompanying musical piece audio signal 2 in the vehicle cabin 3.

The apparatus 1 is thus, configured to generate and output an acoustically perceivable quality rating signal, such as at least one sound or at least one sound sequence, indicating a quality rating of at least one acoustic signal 9 generated by at least one respective person P in the vehicle cabin 3 to the at least one respective person P. Specifically, the apparatus 1 is configured to generate and output an acoustically perceivable quality rating signal indicating a quality rating of at least one acoustic signal 9 generated by at least one person P in the vehicle cabin 3 to the at least one person P while the at least one person performs, e.g. sings, hums, speaks, drums, taps, snaps, stomps, plays an instrument, etc., along or in accompaniment with an accompanying musical piece audio signal 2 which is output in the vehicle cabin 3.

At least one respective acoustic rating signal 12 may be outputtable or output as a percussive sound, e.g. as a clapping sound and/or a snapping sound and/or a stomping sound, and/or the acoustic rating signal may 12 be outputtable or output as a vocal sound, e.g. as a cheering sound, as a booing sound, as a shouting sound, or as a whistling sound. As such, all kinds of audiences can be artificially generated by respective acoustic rating signals 12 or combinations of respective acoustic rating signals 12. Likewise, sounds of recorded (original) audiences, such as audiences of a classical concert, pop-concert, rock-concert, hip-hop-concert, jazz-concert, etc., could be used as respective acoustic rating signals 12. Of course, arbitrary combinations of at least one percussive sound and at least one vocal sound are conceivable. Specifically, respective examples of acoustic rating signals may be dynamically varied e.g. based on the quality of the musical performance of a respective person.

The processing device 11 or at least one hardware- and/or software embodied acoustic parameter extracting device 13 assigned to the processing device 11 may be configured to extract at least one acoustic parameter of an acoustic signal 9 from the musical piece related acoustic signal 9. The processing device 11 or the acoustic parameter extracting device 13 may thus, be configured to process a respective acoustic signal 9 so as to extract at least one specific acoustic parameter, such as a harmonic parameter, such as pitch, and/or a rhythmic parameter, such as tempo (time), from the or an acoustic signal 9. The extraction of respective acoustic parameters from an acoustic signal 9 may be based on an analysis of the acoustic signal 9. As an example, signal properties, e.g. amplitude and/or frequency, of an acoustic signal 9 may be analyzed so as to extract pre- definable or pre-defined characteristic features corresponding to specific acoustic parameters of the acoustic signal 9. The processing device 11 or the acoustic parameter extracting device 13 may thus, be configured to analyze an acoustic signal 9, particularly with respect to pre-definable or pre-defined characteristic features.

The processing device 11 or the acoustic parameter extracting device 13 may also be configured to process a respective musical piece audio signal 2 so as to extract at least one specific acoustic parameter, such as a harmonic parameter, such as pitch, and/or a rhythmic parameter, such as tempo (time), from the or a musical piece audio signal 2. The extraction of respective acoustic parameters from a musical piece audio signal 2 may be based on an analysis of the musical piece audio signal 2. As an example, signal properties, e.g. amplitude and/or frequency, of a musical piece audio signal 2 may be analyzed so as to extract pre-definable or pre-defined characteristic features corresponding to specific acoustic parameters of a musical piece audio signal 2. The processing device 11 or the acoustic parameter extracting device 13 may thus, be configured to analyze a musical piece audio signal 2, particularly with respect to pre-definable or pre-defined characteristic features.

The processing device 11 or a hardware- and/or software-embodied comparison device 19 assigned to the processing device 11 may be configured to compare at least one acoustic parameter of an acoustic signal 9, particularly at least one acoustic parameter extracted from a respective acoustic signal 9, with at least one corresponding acoustic parameter of an accompanying musical piece audio signal 2, particularly with at least one corresponding acoustic parameter extracted from a musical piece audio signal 2. As such, a respective corresponding acoustic parameter of a respective musical piece audio signal 2 can be used as a quality rating criterion. A respective acoustic rating signal 12 may indicate a comparison result of a comparison of the at least one acoustic parameter of an acoustic signal 9 with at least one acoustic parameter of a musical piece audio signal 2. Specifically, a respective acoustic rating signal 12 may indicate a matching degree between at least one acoustic parameter of an acoustic signal 9 and at least one acoustic parameter of a musical piece audio signal 2. A respective comparison result and specifically, a respective matching degree represents a (quality) rating of the respective acoustic signal 9 with respect to the respective musical piece audio signal 2. Typically, higher matching degrees correspond to a higher quality of an acoustic signal 9 with respect to the respective musical piece audio signal 2 and thus, a higher quality of the musical performance of the respective person P.

Alternatively or additionally, the processing device 11 may be configured to compare at least one acoustic parameter of an acoustic signal 9, particularly at least one acoustic parameter extracted from a respective acoustic signal 9 with at least one reference acoustic parameter, particularly with at least one reference acoustic parameter which is independent from a musical piece audio signal 2. An acoustic rating signal 12 may indicate a comparison result of a comparison of the at least one acoustic parameter of an acoustic signal 9, particularly at least one acoustic parameter extracted from the acoustic signal 9, with at least one reference acoustic parameter, particularly with at least one reference acoustic parameter which is independent from a musical piece audio signal 2. Specifically, a respective acoustic rating signal 12 may indicate a matching degree between at least one (extracted) acoustic parameter of an acoustic signal 9 and at least one respective reference acoustic parameter which is independent from a respective musical piece audio signal 2. A respective reference acoustic parameter may be a harmonic parameter, e.g. pitch, and/or a rhythmic parameter, e.g. tempo (time), for instance. A respective comparison result and specifically, a respective matching degree represents a (quality) rating of an acoustic signal 9 with respect to the respective reference acoustic parameter. Typically, higher matching degrees correspond to a higher quality of the respective acoustic signal 9 with respect to the at least one respective reference acoustic parameter and thus, a higher quality of the musical performance of the respective person P. Respective reference acoustic parameters may be stored in a database 14 comprising reference acoustic parameters, for instance.

The processing device 11 or the acoustic parameter extracting device 13 may be configured to extract the least one acoustic parameter of the musical piece audio signal 2 by pre-processing or by real-time processing of the musical piece audio signal 2.

The processing device 11 or a hardware- and/or software-embodied suppressing device 15 assigned to the processing device 11 may be configured to suppress at least one further audio signal (not shown) present in the vehicle car cabin 3, particularly an undesired noise signal not generated by the respective person P performing in the vehicle cabin 3, and different from the acoustic signal 9 generated by the person P, particularly so that only the acoustic signal 9 is processable or processed so as to generate the at least one acoustic rating signal 12. As such, undesired noise signals present in the vehicle cabin 3, e.g. noise generated from noise sources (not shown) inside or outside the vehicle cabin 3, especially when driving, can be suppressed which may improve the processing of an acoustic signal 9. The suppression of respective undesired noise signals can be performed with dynamic or static suppression levels ranging from 100% (complete suppression) to 0% (no suppression). Suppressing respective undesired noise signals may require separating the acoustic signals 9 from respective undesired noise signals or vice versa. In this regard, noise separation devices (not shown) may be employed. Respective noise separation devices may be embodied as one or more filter devices configured to suppress respective received undesired noise signals present in the vehicle cabin 3 or comprise same.

The audio outputting device 6 may be configured to output at least one acoustic rating signal 12 in the vehicle cabin 3 after outputting an accompanying musical piece audio signal 2 such that the musical performance of a person P having performed along or in accompaniment with a respective musical piece audio signal 2 may be rated after outputting an accompanying musical piece audio signal 2 is completed. Likewise, the audio outputting device 6 may be configured to output at least one acoustic rating signal 12 in the vehicle cabin 3 simultaneously with outputting an accompanying musical piece audio signal 2 such that the musical performance of a person P performing along or in accompaniment with a respective musical piece audio signal 2 may be rated while outputting the accompanying musical piece audio signal 2.

In the exemplary embodiment in which the audio outputting device 6 is configured to output the acoustic rating signal 12 in the vehicle cabin 3 simultaneously with outputting an accompanying musical piece audio signal 2 which is outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin 3, the audio outputting device 6 may be configured to output the acoustic rating signal 12 at a specific time and/or at specific time intervals while simultaneously outputting the respective accompanying musical piece audio signal 2 in the vehicle cabin 3. Hence, a respective acoustic rating signal 12 does not necessarily have to be output continuously but can be output discontinuously. As such, specific musical contexts can be considered which can enhance the effect of the acoustic rating signal 12 to the respective person P. As an example, a respective acoustic rating signal 12 may be output after a specific musical event, such as after a specific part of a musical piece, such as a solo performance, or a movement (i.e. a self-contained part of a musical composition or musical form), occurring in the musical piece audio signal 2.

As such, the processing device 11 may be configured to determine a respective specific time and/or the specific time intervals at which at least one acoustic rating signal 12 is to be output in the vehicle cabin 3 based on at least one pre-definable or pre-defined determination criterion.

A respective determination criterion can be or comprise one or more of the following:

A loudness criterion which relates to a specific loudness event / loudness level of a musical piece audio signal 2 or at least one component thereof outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin 3. As such, an acoustic rating signal may be output when a specific loudness event, e.g. a specific loudness is present or not present, and/or when a specific loudness level of a musical piece audio signal 2 or at least one component thereof is given and/or reached. The processing device 11 or a hardware- and/or software-embodied loudness criterion determination device (not shown) may thus, be configured to determine a respective loudness criterion.

A harmonic criterion which relates to a specific harmonic event of a musical piece audio signal 2 or at least one component thereof outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin 3. As such, an acoustic rating signal 12 may be output when a specific harmonic event, e.g. a specific harmonic is present or not present, of a musical piece audio signal 2 or at least one component thereof is given and/or reached. The processing device 11 or a hardware- and/or software-embodied harmonic criterion determination device (not shown) may thus, be configured to determine a respective harmonic criterion.

A rhythmic criterion which relates to a specific rhythmic event of a musical piece audio signal 2 or at least one component thereof outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin 3. As such, an acoustic rating signal 12 may be output when a specific rhythmic event, e.g. a specific rhythm is present or not present, of a musical piece audio signal 2 or at least one component thereof is given and/or reached. The processing device 11 or a hardware- and/or software-embodied rhythmic criterion determination device (not shown) may thus, be configured to determine a respective rhythmic criterion.

A vocal criterion which relates to a specific vocal event of a musical piece audio signal 2 or at least one component thereof outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin 3. As such, the at least one acoustic rating signal 12 may be output when a specific vocal event, e.g. a specific vocal is present or not present, of a musical piece audio signal 2 or at least one component thereof is given and/or reached. The processing device 11 or a hardware- and/or software-embodied vocal criterion determination device (not shown) may thus, be configured to determine a respective vocal criterion.

An instrument criterion which relates to a specific instrument event of a musical piece audio signal 2 or at least one component thereof outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin 3. As such, the at least one acoustic rating signal 12 may be output when a specific instrument event, e.g. a specific instrument is present or not present, of a musical piece audio signal 2 or at least one component thereof is given and/or reached. The processing device 11 or a hardware- and/or software- embodied instrument criterion determination device (not shown) may thus, be configured to determine a respective instrument criterion.

An interruption (break) criterion which relates to a specific interruption event of a musical piece audio signal 2 outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin 3. As such, the at least one acoustic rating signal 12 may be output when a specific instrument event, e.g. a specific interruption (break) is present or not present, of a musical piece audio signal 2 or at least one component thereof is given and/or reached. The processing device 11 or a hardware- and/or software-embodied interruption criterion determination device 17 assigned to the processing device 11 may thus, be configured to determine a respective interruption criterion.

A rating criterion which relates to a specific rating of at least one acoustic signal 9, particularly a rating which indicates that a rating value meets or exceeds a specific rating threshold value. As such, the at least one acoustic rating signal 12 may be output when a specific rating of a musical articulation and/or performance of the at least one respective person P is given and/or reached. The processing device 11 or a hardware- and/or software-embodied rating criterion determination device (not shown) may thus, be configured to determine a respective rating criterion.

A style criterion which relates to the style of music of a musical piece audio signal 2 outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin 3. As such, the at least one acoustic rating signal 12 may be output when a specific style of the music of a musical piece audio signal 2 is given and/or reached. As such, musical contexts and/or styles can be considered as indicated above. The processing device 11 or a hardware- and/or software-embodied style criterion determination device (not shown) may thus, be configured to determine a respective style criterion.

A performer criterion which relates to the performer of the musical piece underlying a musical piece audio signal 2 outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin 3. As such, the at least one acoustic rating signal 12 may be output when a specific performer of the musical piece underlying a musical piece audio signal 2 is given. The processing device 11 or a hardware- and/or software-embodied performer criterion determination device (not shown) may thus, be configured to determine a respective performer criterion.

The processing device 11 may be configured to output an acoustic rating signal 12 in the vehicle cabin 3 with at least one specific output parameter. As such, a respective acoustic rating signal may comprise one or more output characteristics which can be reflected by respective output parameters. As such, a hardware- and/or software embodied output parameter generating device 16 may be assigned to the processing device 11.

Specifically, the processing device 11 or a respective output parameter generating device 16 may be configured to determine at least one output parameter, e.g. pitch, rhythm, duration, loudness, of an acoustic rating signal 12 based on at least one pre-definable or pre-defined determination criterion.

A time and/or date criterion which relates to a time of day and/or date at which an acoustic rating signal 12 is outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin 3. As such, respective output parameters of an acoustic rating signal 12 may be adjusted and/or varied on basis of a respective time and/or date criterion. The processing device 11 or a hardware- and/or software-embodied time and/or date criterion determination device (not shown) may thus, be configured to determine a respective time and/or date criterion, e.g. by determining time and/or date.

A location criterion which relates to a location of the vehicle cabin 3 at which an acoustic rating signal 12 is outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin 3. As such, respective output parameters of an acoustic rating signal 12 may be adjusted and/or varied on basis of a respective location criterion. The processing device 11 or a hardware- and/or software-embodied location criterion determination device (not shown) may thus, be configured to determine a respective location criterion, e.g. by determining the location of the vehicle 4.

A quality criterion which relates to a quality rating of an acoustic signal 9 with respect to at least one acoustic parameter of an accompanying musical piece audio signal 2 and/or with respect to an acoustic reference parameter independent from an accompanying musical piece audio signal 2. As such, respective output parameters of an acoustic rating signal 12 may be adjusted and/or varied on basis of a respective quality criterion. The processing device 11 or a hardware- and/or software-embodied harmonic criterion determination device (not shown) may thus, be configured to determine a respective quality criterion.

A person criterion which relates to the person P generating a respective acoustic signal 9. As such, respective output parameters of an acoustic rating signal 12 may be adjusted and/or varied on basis of a respective person criterion. The processing device 11 or a hardware- and/or software- embodied person criterion determination device (not shown) may thus, be configured to determine a respective person criterion, e.g. by determining at least one personal characteristic of a person P located in the vehicle cabin 3.

A passenger criterion which relates to at least one further passenger, e.g. age of the at least one further passenger, number of further passengers, social relation of the at least one further passenger relative to the at least one person P generating a respective acoustic signal 9, located in the vehicle cabin 3. As such, respective output parameters of an acoustic rating signal 12 may be adjusted and/or varied on basis of a respective passenger criterion. The processing device 11 or a hardware- and/or software-embodied passenger criterion determination device (not shown) may thus, be configured to determine a respective passenger criterion, e.g. by determining at least one characteristic of at least one further passenger located in the vehicle cabin 3.

A style criterion which relates to the style of music of a musical piece audio signal 2 outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin 3. As such, respective output parameters of an acoustic rating signal 12 may be adjusted and/or varied on basis of a respective style criterion. The processing device 11 or a hardware- and/or software-embodied style criterion determination device (not shown) may thus, be configured to determine a respective style criterion, e.g. by determining metadata indicating the style of a respective musical piece audio signal 2.

A performer criterion which relates to the performer of the musical piece underlying a musical piece audio signal 2 outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin 3. As such, respective output parameters of an acoustic rating signal 12 may be adjusted and/or varied on basis of a respective performer criterion. The processing device 11 or a hardware- and/or software-embodied performer criterion determination device (not shown) may thus, be configured to determine a respective performer criterion, e.g. by determining metadata indicating the performer of a respective musical piece audio signal 2.

The processing device 11 or the suppressing device 15 may also be configured to suppress an audio component containing at least one human voice, particularly at least one singer’s voice, in a musical piece audio signal 2 which is outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin 3. The apparatus 1 is thus, operable in special operational modes, such as “Karaoke”-modes, in which respective audio components containing at least one human voice, particularly at least one singer’s voice, are at least temporarily suppressed.

The audio sensing device 8 may be configured to sense a plurality of respective acoustic signals 9 generated by a plurality of persons P, P’ in the vehicle cabin 3, particularly while outputting a respective accompanying musical piece audio signal 2 in the vehicle cabin 3.

The processing device 11 may be configured to process the plurality of acoustic signals 9 sensed by the audio sensing device 8 so as to generate a plurality of acoustic rating signals 12 each indicating a respective rating of the plurality of acoustic signals 9 with respect to at least one quality rating criterion. The processing device 11 may thus, be configured to separate the plurality of acoustic signals 9 sensed by the audio sensing device 8 so as to distinguish the respective plurality of acoustic signals 9 from one another. This may be achieved by analyzing the plurality of acoustic signals 9 so as to determine characteristic features of the respective plurality of acoustic signals 9 corresponding to specific acoustic parameters of each of the acoustic signals 9 which allow for assigning respective acoustic signals 9 to different persons P, P’. As an example, higher voices and related acoustic signals 9 may be distinguished from deeper voices and related acoustic signals 9.

The at least one audio outputting device 6 may be configured to output the plurality of acoustic rating signals 12 in the vehicle cabin 3.

The apparatus 1 may comprise a data storage device 18, e.g. a hard drive, configured to store at least one previously generated performance rating value 12A, typically relating to a specific value, i.e. specifically a numeric value, indicating the quality of a performance of a user, and/or at least one acoustic rating signal 12. As such, previous performance rating values and/or previous acoustic rating signals 12 can be stored. Storage of previous performance rating values 12A and related acoustic rating signals 12 can be advantageous if a person P wishes to compare e.g. a current musical performance with at least one previous musical performance so as to check performance changes and/or progress, for instance. Also, storage of previous performance rating values 12A and related acoustic rating signals 12 can be used to anticipate an expected performance quality of at least one specific person P. This particularly applies when the apparatus 1 is configured to determine and/or recognize at least one specific person P and related acoustic signals 9 generated by the respective specific person P. The determination and/or recognition of at least one specific person P may e.g. be achieved through specific voice characteristics of the respective person P and/or by a log-on procedure of the respective person P which can, e.g. by an interaction step with the apparatus, log-on to the apparatus 1 such that the apparatus 1 “is aware” that a specific person P is currently performing or will be performing in the (near) future.

It is conceivable that the apparatus 1 comprises separate data storage devices, whereby one data storage device serves for storing performance rating values 12A and another data storage device serves for storing acoustic rating signal 12.

The data storage device 18 may be connectable or connected, via at least one data assignable or assigned data connection device (not shown), with a mobile electronic device (not shown) of a person P located in the vehicle cabin 3, e.g. by means of wired or wireless connection, such as a Bluetooth-, NFC- or WIFI-connection.

Further, the processing device 11 may be configured to generate an acoustic rating signal 12 under consideration or on basis of at least one previously generated performance rating value 12A and/or on basis of at least one previously generated acoustic rating signal 12 generated by the same person. Additionally or alternatively, the processing device 11 may be configured to generate an acoustic rating signal 12 under consideration of or on basis of at least one previously generated performance rating value 12A and/or on basis of at least one previously generated acoustic rating signal relating 12 to the same musical piece audio signal, stored in the data storage device. Also in this regard, a person P wishing to compare e.g. a current musical performance with at least one previous performance would be able to check performance changes and/or progress, for instance.

The apparatus 1 allows for implementing a method for outputting an audio signal 2 in a vehicle cabin 3. The method comprises the steps of:

- sensing, via the audio sensing device 8, at least one acoustic signal 9 generated by at least one person P in the vehicle cabin 3, particularly while outputting an accompanying musical piece audio signal 2 in the vehicle cabin 3 via the audio outputting device 6;

- processing, via the processing device 11, the acoustic signal 9 sensed via the audio sensing device 8 and generating at least one acoustic rating signal 12 indicating a rating of the at least one acoustic signal 9 with respect to at least one quality rating criterion;

- outputting, via the audio outputting device 6, the at least one acoustic rating signal 12 in the vehicle cabin 3.

Claims

CLAI M S

1. Apparatus (1) for outputting an audio signal in a vehicle cabin (3), the apparatus (1) comprising:

- at least one audio sensing device (8) configured to sense at least one acoustic signal (9), particularly a musical piece related acoustic signal (9), generated by at least one person (P) in a vehicle cabin (3), particularly while outputting an accompanying musical piece audio signal (2) in the vehicle cabin (3);

- at least one processing device (11) configured to process the at least one acoustic signal (9) sensed by the at least one audio sensing device (8) so as to generate at least one acoustic rating signal (12) indicating a rating of the at least one acoustic signal (9) with respect to at least one quality rating criterion;

- at least one audio outputting device (6) configured to output the at least one acoustic rating signal (12) in the vehicle cabin (3).

2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the at least one processing device (11) or at least one acoustic parameter extracting device (13) assignable or assigned to the at least one processing device (11) is configured to extract at least one acoustic parameter of the acoustic signal (9) from the acoustic signal (9).

3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one processing device (11) or at least one acoustic parameter extracting device assignable or assigned to the at least one processing device (11) is configured to extract at least one acoustic parameter of an accompanying musical piece audio signal (2) from the accompanying musical piece audio signal (2).

4. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the at least one processing device (11) is configured to compare at least one acoustic parameter of the acoustic signal (9), particularly at least one acoustic parameter extracted from the acoustic signal (9), with at least one acoustic parameter of an accompanying musical piece audio signal (2), particularly with at least one acoustic parameter extracted from an accompanying musical piece audio signal (2), whereby the acoustic rating signal (12) indicates a comparison result of a comparison of the at least one acoustic parameter of the acoustic signal (9), particularly at least one acoustic parameter extracted from the acoustic signal (9), with at least one acoustic parameter of the accompanying musical piece audio signal (2), particularly with at least one acoustic parameter extracted from the accompanying musical piece audio signal (2).

5. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the at least one processing device (11) is configured to compare at least one acoustic parameter of the acoustic signal (9), particularly at least one acoustic parameter extracted from the acoustic signal (9), with at least one reference acoustic parameter, particularly with at least one reference acoustic parameter which is independent from an accompanying musical piece audio signal (2), whereby the acoustic rating signal (12) indicates a comparison result of a comparison of the at least one acoustic parameter of the acoustic signal (9), particularly at least one acoustic parameter extracted from the acoustic signal (9), with at least one reference acoustic parameter, particularly with at least one reference acoustic parameter which is independent from an accompanying musical piece audio signal (2).

6. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the at least one acoustic parameter is at least one rhythmic parameter and/or at least one harmonic parameter, e.g. pitch parameter, and/or at least one loudness parameter of the acoustic signal (9) and/or the at least one acoustic parameter of an accompanying musical piece audio signal (2).

7. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the at least one processing device (11) or the or at least one acoustic parameter extracting device (13) assignable or assigned to the at least one processing device (11) is configured to extract the least one acoustic parameter of an accompanying musical piece audio signal (2) outputtable or output in the or a vehicle cabin (3) by pre-processing or by real-time processing of the accompanying musical piece audio signal (2).

8. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the at least one processing device (11) or a suppressing device (15) assignable or assigned to the processing device (11) is configured to suppress at least one further audio signal present in the or a vehicle car cabin (3) different from the acoustic signal (9), particularly so that only the acoustic signal (9) is processable or processed so as to generate the at least one acoustic rating signal (12).

9. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the at least one audio outputting device (6) is configured to output the at least one acoustic rating signal (12) in the or a vehicle cabin (3) after outputting the accompanying musical piece audio signal (2) which is outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin (3).

10. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the at least one audio outputting device (6) is configured to output the at least one acoustic rating signal (12) in the or a vehicle cabin (3) simultaneously with outputting an accompanying musical piece audio signal (2) in the vehicle cabin (3).

11. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the at least one audio outputting device (8) is configured to output the at least one acoustic rating signal (12) in the or a vehicle cabin (3) simultaneously with outputting an accompanying musical piece audio signal (2) which is outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin (3), whereby the at least one audio outputting device (8) is configured to output the at least one acoustic rating signal (12) at a specific time and/or at specific time intervals while simultaneously outputting the accompanying musical piece audio signal (2) in the vehicle cabin (3).

12. Apparatus according to Claim 11 , wherein the at least one processing device (11) is configured to determine the specific time and/or the specific time intervals at which the at least one acoustic rating signal (12) is to be output in the or a vehicle cabin (3) based on at least one pre-definable or pre-defined determination criterion.

13. Apparatus according to Claim 12, wherein the determination criterion is a loudness criterion which relates to a specific loudness event / loudness level of a musical piece audio signal (2) or at least one component thereof outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin (3), and/or a harmonic criterion which relates to a specific harmonic event of musical piece audio signal (2) or at least one component thereof outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin (3), and/or a rhythmic criterion which relates to a specific rhythmic event of a musical piece audio signal (2) or at least one component thereof outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin (3), and/or a vocal criterion which relates to a specific vocal event of a musical piece audio signal (2) or at least one component thereof outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin (3), and/or an instrument criterion which relates to a specific instrument event of the musical piece audio signal

(2) or at least one component thereof outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin (3), and/or an interruption criterion which relates to a specific interruption event of the musical piece audio signal (2) outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin (3), and/or a rating criterion which relates to a specific rating of at least one acoustic signal (9), particularly a rating which indicates that a rating value meets or exceeds a specific rating threshold value, and/or a style criterion which relates to the style of music of a musical piece audio signal (2) outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin (3), and/or a performer criterion which relates to the performer of the musical piece underlying a musical piece audio signal (2) outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin (3).

14. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the at least one processing device (11) is configured to output the at least one acoustic rating signal (12) in the vehicle cabin

(3) with at least one specific output parameter.

15. Apparatus according to Claim 14, wherein the at least one processing device (11) is configured to determine at least one output parameter, e.g. pitch, rhythm, duration, loudness, of the at least one acoustic rating signal (12) based on at least one pre-definable or pre-defined determination criterion.

16. Apparatus according to Claim 15, wherein the determination criterion is a time and/or date criterion which relates to a time of day and/or date at which the at least one acoustic rating signal (12) is outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin (3); and/or a location criterion which relates to a location of the vehicle cabin (3) at which the at least one acoustic rating signal (12) is outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin (3); and/or a quality criterion which relates to a quality rating of the at least one acoustic signal (9) with respect to at least one acoustic parameter of an accompanying musical piece audio signal (2); a person criterion which relates to the person (P) generating the acoustic signal (9), and/or a passenger criterion which relates to at least one further passenger located in the vehicle cabin (3), and/or a style criterion which relates to the style of music of the accompanying musical piece audio signal (2), and/or a performer criterion which relates to the performer of the musical piece underlying the accompanying musical piece audio signal (2).

17. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the at least one acoustic rating signal (12) is outputtable or output as a percussive sound, e.g. a clapping sound and/or a snapping sound and/or a stomping sound and/or a tapping sound, and/or the at least one acoustic rating signal (12) is outputtable or output as a vocal sound, e.g. a cheering sound, a booing sound, a whistling sound.

18. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the at least one processing device (11) or a suppressing device (15) assignable or assigned to the at least one processing device (11) is configured to suppress an audio component containing at least one human voice, particularly at least one singer’s voice, in the musical piece audio signal (2) which is outputtable or output in the vehicle cabin (2).

19. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the at least one audio sensing device (8) is configured to sense a plurality of acoustic signals (9) generated by a plurality of persons (P, P’) in a vehicle cabin (3), particularly while outputting an accompanying musical piece audio signal (2) in the vehicle cabin (3); and the at least one processing device (11) is configured to process the plurality of acoustic signals (9) sensed by the at least one audio sensing device (8) so as to generate a plurality of acoustic rating signals (12) each indicating a respective rating of the plurality of acoustic signals (9) with respect to at least one quality rating criterion; and the at least one audio outputting device (6) is configured to output the plurality of acoustic rating signals (12) in the vehicle cabin (3).

20. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, further comprising a data storage (18) device configured to store at least one previously generated acoustic rating signal (12).

21. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the at least one processing device (11) is configured to generate an acoustic rating signal (12) under consideration of or on basis of at least one previously generated performance rating value (12A) and/or under consideration of or on basis of at least one previously generated acoustic rating signal (12), particularly at least one previous performance rating value (12A) or at least one previous acoustic rating signal (12) generated on basis of at least one acoustic signal (9) generated by the same person (P) and/or at least one previous performance rating value (12A) or at least one previous acoustic rating signal (12) generated on basis of at least one acoustic signal (9) relating to a same accompanying musical piece audio signal (2), stored in a data storage device (18).

22. Vehicle (4), comprising a vehicle cabin (3) and an apparatus (1) according to any of Claims 1 - 21.

23. Method for outputting an audio signal (2) in a vehicle cabin (3), the method comprising the steps of:

- sensing, via at least one audio sensing device (8), at least one acoustic signal (9) generated by at least one person (P) in a vehicle cabin (3), particularly while outputting an accompanying musical piece audio signal (2) in a vehicle cabin (3);

- processing, via at least one processing device (11), the at least one acoustic signal (9) sensed by the at least one audio sensing device (8) and generating at least one acoustic rating signal (12) indicating a rating of the at least one musical piece related acoustic signal (9) with respect to at least one quality rating criterion;

- outputting, via at least one audio outputting device (6), the at least one acoustic rating signal (12) in the vehicle cabin (3).