APPARATUSES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR REDUCING BACKGROUND NOISE

Methods, communication devices, and systems are disclosed for automatically controlling sound producing components of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving an incoming communication and sending a first instruction to one or more vehicle components. The first instruction is configured to cause the one or more vehicle components to be placed in a reduced sound producing operational mode.

FIELD

The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to vehicle operation and more particularly relates to apparatuses, methods, and systems for automatically reducing background noise when receiving a communication while operating the vehicle.

BACKGROUND

When a call is received in a car, a lot of ambient noise produced by various car components or due to open windows may make it difficult to hear the call.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Methods, apparatuses, and systems are disclosed for automatically controlling noise producing devices in a vehicle in response to receiving an incoming communication. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving an incoming communication and sending a first instruction to one or more vehicle components. The first instruction is configured to cause the one or more vehicle components to be placed in a reduced sound producing operational mode.

In another embodiment, an apparatus includes a communication device, a processor in data communication with the communication device, and a storage device configured to store machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to receive an indication of an incoming communication from the communication device and send a first instruction to one or more vehicle components. The first instruction is configured to place the one or more vehicle components in a reduced sound producing operational mode.

In still another embodiment, a system includes one or more vehicle components, a communication device, a processor in data communication with the communication device, and a storage device configured to store machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive an indication of an incoming communication from the communication device and send a first instruction to the one or more vehicle components. The one or more vehicle components are placed in a reduced sound producing operational mode based on the first instruction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIG.1, in various embodiments, an exemplary vehicle20includes a controller26coupled to a communication device24. The communication device24is capable of receiving incoming communications from a personal communication device22via a wireless or a wired connection or may receive communications from other external sources, such as, without, voice-over-IP or comparable means. The vehicle20further includes a memory30and user interface (“UI”) devices (i.e., an output device29and an input device28) that are coupled to the controller26. The controller26is configured to receive information from and send mode/position control instructions to one or more of a plurality of vehicle components connected to a common data bus40. The vehicle components include, but are not limited to, a climate control device32, an engine control unit (“ECU”)34, an entertainment system36, and the suspension controller38.

In response to receiving an incoming communication (e.g., cell call, text message, or the like) with a personal communication device22or other network-based entities via the communication device24that is to be outputted to the speakers of the entertainment system36, the output device29, or the like, the controller26may send instructions to the climate control device32, the ECU34, the entertainment system36, the suspension controller38, or other controllable systems for placing respective devices in a mode of operation that would produce reduced ambient noise in the passenger cabin of the vehicle20. For example, wind noise may be reduced by closing windows or sunroofs, engine noise may be reduced by switching to a quieter engine (e.g., an internal combustion engine (“ICE”) to an electric motor), suspension noise may be reduced by switching to a smoother ride setting, or the entertainment system36may lower volume or mute output from other sound sources (e.g., auxiliary attachments, radio, compact disc player, network entertainment entity, or the like).

In various embodiments, the climate control device32may be in data communication with a window/sunroof controller(s)44, a fan controller(s)46, a vent controller(s)48, and/or a weather sensor(s)54. The window/sunroof controller(s)44is configured to manipulate window and/or sunroof actuators/motors for positioning the windows/sunroof at a desired position(s). The fan controller(s)46is configured to change power settings of a corresponding fan motor(s). The vent controller(s)48is configured to control operation of a vent actuator(s) for placing a corresponding vent(s) at a desired position(s). In response to receiving a reduced ambient noise mode instruction from the controller26, the climate control device32may command the window/sunroof controller(s)44to close the respective windows/sunroof, the fan controller46to reduce or stop the respective fan(s), and/or the vent controller(s)48to change corresponding vent position(s) for reducing ambient noise.

In various embodiments, the ECU34may control operation of an electric motor(s)50and an internal combustion engine (ICE)52in the case where the vehicle20is a hybrid vehicle. In response to receiving the reduced ambient noise mode instruction from the controller26, the ECU34may command drive power to be switch from powering the vehicle20with the ICE52to the electric motor(s)50provided there is available electrical power in a direct current (DC) power source(s).

In various embodiments, the entertainment system36may control audio output to speakers within the vehicle20. In response to receiving the reduced ambient noise mode instruction from the controller26, the entertainment system36may pause or stop actively playing sound, such as from a sound streaming source or a local source or reduce the outputted volume of any produced sound. For example, the sound from a satellite or over-the-air radio, auxilliary or wirelessly-attached music source are paused to allow a vehicle operator to better hear the incoming communication.

In various embodiments, the suspension controller38may control suspension settings, such as a sport mode, a normal mode, or a comfort mode in response to receiving the reduced ambient noise mode instruction from the controller26. For example, with the current suspension setting in the sport mode, the suspension controller38causes the suspension setting to switch to a quieter suspension mode, such as the normal mode or the comfort mode.

In various embodiments, the memory30may store default settings or settings input by a user via the input device28or the personal communication device22. The controller26sends instructions to the various vehicle components based on the stored settings.

Referring toFIG.2, in various embodiments, the output device29may include a display device100. The display device100may be a multifunction display device for outputting various information and allowing the user to interact with various vehicle components/systems. In a set up mode for reduced ambient noise mode operation, the controller26outputs a graphical user interface (“GUI”)102to the display device100. The GUI102provides user selections for determining how the controller26is to react when an incoming communication is received. The input device28may include buttons104associated with the display device100, a touch screen capability imbedded in the display device100, and/or a voice recognition component (not shown) linked with a microphone (not shown). The user selections inputted via the input device28are saved by the controller26in the memory30.

Referring toFIG.3, in various embodiments, the personal communication device122includes a display device122that may also be configured to present a GUI120that allows a user to select the same or similar options as presented on the display device100ofFIG.2. The personal communication device22may include buttons associated with the display device122, a touch screen capability imbedded in the display device122, and/or a voice recognition component (not shown) linked with a microphone (not shown). The selections that the user makes from the GUI120are sent to the controller26via the communication device24. The user selections are saved by the controller26in the memory30.

Given by way of non-limiting example, in various embodiments, the vehicle20may be a vehicle powered by any power source, such as an ICE, an electric motor, or the like. For example, and given by way of non-limiting examples, in various embodiments, the vehicle may include a motor vehicle driven by wheels and/or tracks, such as, without limitation, an automobile, a truck, a sport utility vehicle (SUV), a cargo van, or the like. Given by way of further non-limiting examples, in various embodiments, the vehicle20may include a marine vessel such as, without limitation, a boat, a ship, a submarine, a submersible, or the like. Given by way of further non-limiting examples, in various embodiments, the vehicle20may include an aircraft such as, without limitation, a fixed wing aircraft, a rotary wing aircraft, a lighter-than-air (LTA) craft, or the like.

In various embodiments, the personal communication device22may include computing devices, such as desktop computers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants (“PDAs”), tablet computers, smart phones, media players, smart televisions (e.g., televisions connected to the Internet) with remote control devices, smart watches, optical head-mounted displays, or the like. In some embodiments, the personal communication device22includes any device having an input device capable of interacting with a communication application program, such as, without limitation, email, text messaging, cellular or voice-over-IP calls, or the like.

The controller26, in one embodiment, may include any known controller capable of executing computer-readable instructions and/or capable of performing logical operations. For example, the controller26may be a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a central processing unit (“CPU”), a graphics processing unit (“GPU”), an auxiliary processing unit, a field programmable gate array (“FPGA”), or similar programmable controller. In some embodiments, the controller26executes instructions stored in the memory30to perform the methods and routines described herein.

The memory30or memory in the personal communication device22, in one embodiment, is a computer readable storage medium. In some embodiments, the memory30includes volatile computer storage media. For example, the memory30may include a RAM, including dynamic RAM (“DRAM”), synchronous dynamic RAM (“SDRAM”), static RAM (“SRAM”) and/or other types of memory as described earlier. In some embodiments, the memory30includes non-transitory, non-volatile computer storage media. For example, the memory30may include a hard disk drive, a flash memory, or any other suitable non-volatile computer storage device. In some embodiments, the memory30includes both volatile and non-volatile computer storage media. In some embodiments, the memory30also stores program code and related data, such as an operating system or other controller algorithms operating on the controller26.

The display device100, in one embodiment, may include any known electronically controllable display or display device. The display device100may be designed to output visual, audible, and/or haptic signals. In some embodiments, the display device100includes an electronic display capable of outputting visual data to a user. For example, the display device100may include, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal display (“LCD”), a light-emitting diode (“LED”) display, an organic LED (“OLED”) display, a projector, or similar display device capable of outputting images, text, or the like to a user. As another, non-limiting, example, the display device100may include a wearable display such as a smart watch, smart glasses, a heads-up display, or the like.

Referring toFIG.4, a flow diagram of a method200is described. At a block205, an incoming call information is received from a communication device. At a block210, an instruction(s) is sent to a vehicle component(s) to change to a quiet or quieter mode of operation. At a block215, the method200determines if the incoming call has ended. At a block220, if the method200has determined that the incoming call has ended, then the vehicle component(s) revert to their respective operational mode prior to the quiet mode.

Referring toFIG.5, a flow diagram of a method300is described. At a block305, incoming call information is received from a communication device. At a block315, an instruction(s) is sent to a vehicle component(s) to change to a quiet or quieter mode of operation. At a block320, the method300determines if the incoming call has ended. If the method300determines that the incoming call has not ended, weather information is received at a block325. If the method300determines that the incoming call has ended, then at a decision block330, the method300determines if the weather information indicates a predefined weather condition. If the method300determines the weather information does not indicate the predefined weather condition, then, at a block335, the vehicle component(s) reverts to the operational mode prior to the quiet mode. If the method300determines the weather information indicates the predefined weather condition, then, at a block340, affected ones of the vehicle component(s) are maintained in the quiet mode or a modified mode/position that is different than the operational mode prior to the quiet mode.

Embodiments

A. A method at a vehicle, a method comprising: receiving an incoming communication; and sending a first instruction to one or more vehicle components, the first instruction configured to cause the one or more vehicle components to be placed in a reduced sound producing operational mode.

B. The method of A, further comprising: identifying completion of the incoming communication; and sending a second instruction to the one or more vehicle components, the second instruction configured to cause the one or more vehicle components to return to a mode of operation the one or more vehicle components were in before being placed in the reduced sound producing operational mode or to change to a predefined operational mode.

C. The method of B, further comprising: recording a setting of the one or more vehicle components prior to the one or more vehicle components being placed in the reduced sound producing operational mode, wherein the second instruction includes instructions to return the one or more vehicles components to the recorded setting.

D. The method of any of A-C, wherein sending the first instruction comprises sending the first instruction to a window controller, a sunroof controller, a ventilation controller, an engine controller, a suspension controller, an entertainment system controller, or a combination thereof.

E. The method of D, wherein the ventilation controller includes a vent controller, a fan motor controller, or both.

F. The method of any of A-E, further comprising: receiving weather information; identifying completion of the incoming communication; and maintaining at least a portion of the one or more vehicle components in the reduced sound producing operational mode based on identifying completion of the incoming communication and the weather information indicating a predefined weather condition.

G. The method of F, wherein the portion of the one or more vehicle components include a sunroof, windows, or both.

H. An apparatus comprising: a communication device; a processor in data communication with the communication device; and a storage device configured to store machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive an indication of an incoming communication from the communication device; and send a first instruction to one or more vehicle components, the first instruction configured to place the one or more vehicle components in a reduced sound producing operational mode.

I. The apparatus of H, wherein the storage device is further configured to store machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive an indication of completion of an audio communication; and send a second instruction to the one or more vehicle components, the second instruction configured to cause the one or more vehicle components to return to a mode of operation the one or more vehicle components were in before being placed in the reduced sound producing operational mode or to change to a predefined operational mode.

J. The apparatus of I, wherein the storage device is further configured to store machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: record a setting of the one or more vehicle components prior to the one or more vehicle components being placed in the reduced sound producing operational mode, wherein the second instruction includes instructions to return the one or more vehicles components to the recorded setting.

K. The apparatus of any of H-J, wherein the storage device is further configured to store machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to send the first instruction to a window controller, a sunroof controller, a ventilation controller, an engine controller, a suspension controller, and entertainment system controller, or a combination thereof.

L. The apparatus of K, wherein the ventilation controller includes a vent controller, a fan motor controller, or both.

M. The apparatus of any of H-L, wherein the storage device is further configured to store machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive weather sensor information; identifying completion of the incoming communication; and maintain at least a portion of the one or more vehicle components in the reduced sound producing operational mode based on identifying completion of the incoming communication and the weather sensor information indicating a predefined weather condition.

N. The apparatus of M, wherein the portion of the one or more vehicle components include a sunroof, windows, or both.

O. A system comprising: one or more vehicle components; a communication device; a processor in data communication with the communication device; and a storage device configured to store machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive an indication of an incoming communication from the communication device; and send a first instruction to the one or more vehicle components, wherein the one or more vehicle components are placed in a reduced sound producing operational mode based on the first instruction.

P. The system of O, wherein the storage device is further configured to store machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive an indication of completion of the incoming communication; and send a second instruction to the one or more vehicle components, wherein the second instruction is configured to return the one or more vehicle components to a mode of operation before being placed in the reduced sound producing operational mode or to change the one or more vehicle components to a predefined operational mode.

Q. The system of P, wherein the storage device is further configured to store machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to record a setting of the one or more vehicle components prior to the one or more vehicle components being placed in the reduced sound producing operational mode, wherein the second instruction includes instructions to return the one or more vehicles components to the recorded setting.

R. The system of any of O-Q, wherein the one or more vehicle components comprises a window controller, a sunroof controller, a ventilation controller, an engine controller, a suspension controller, and entertainment system controller, or a combination thereof.

S. The system of R, wherein the ventilation controller includes a vent controller, a fan motor controller, or both.

T. The system of any of O-S, further comprising a weather sensor configured to generate weather information, wherein the storage device is further configured to store machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: identify completion of the incoming communication; identifying completion of the incoming communication; and maintain at least a portion of the one or more vehicle components in the reduced sound producing operational mode based on identifying completion of the incoming communication and the weather information indicating a predefined weather condition.