SOUND CONTROL SYSTEM AND BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLE

Smart overview of the Invention

The patent application details a sound control system integrated into a battery electric vehicle (BEV). It includes a speaker, a sensor, and a processing circuit. The system's primary function is to generate and emit artificial sounds related to surrounding vehicles, enhancing the driver's perception of speed and movement. This addresses the challenge of reduced external noise in electric vehicles, which can diminish the driver's awareness of their surroundings.

System Components

The system comprises three main components: a speaker installed within the vehicle, a sensor for detecting environmental information, and a processing circuit. The sensor gathers data about nearby vehicles, which the processing circuit uses to identify target vehicles. Based on this information, the circuit generates artificial sounds that are played through the speaker. These sounds are designed to reflect the relative speed and distance of surrounding vehicles.

Sound Characteristics

The characteristics of the artificial sounds are dynamically adjusted based on several factors. The processing circuit alters sound properties such as frequency and sound pressure according to the relative speed and distance of the target vehicle. For instance, as a target vehicle approaches, the frequency may increase, while it may decrease as the target moves away. This adaptive approach helps simulate realistic driving environments for BEV drivers.

Enhanced Driving Experience

The sound control system aims to enhance the driver's experience by simulating traditional vehicle sounds, such as engine noise or wind noise, depending on the classification of surrounding vehicles. This simulation is not only for aesthetic pleasure but also serves a functional purpose by providing auditory cues about vehicle dynamics that might otherwise be muted in an electric vehicle.

Additional Features

Beyond simulating external vehicle sounds, the system can also mimic internal combustion engine sounds based on user preferences. It supports various driving modes, including manual mode, where it simulates manual transmission characteristics. This involves elements like an accelerator pedal and pseudo shift devices, which allow drivers to engage with their electric vehicles in a manner reminiscent of traditional manual driving experiences.