Patent Publication Number: US-2023158951-A1

Title: Enhanced vehicle audio seat excitation with individual passenger controls

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Prov. Patent App. No. 63/264,568 filed on Nov. 24, 2021 and titled “ENHANCED VEHICLE AUDIO SEAT EXCITATION WITH INDIVIDUAL PASSENGER CONTROLS,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     The present disclosure relates to vehicles, and more particularly to enhanced audio for vehicles. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Vehicle audio has typically relied upon speakers positioned about the interior of the vehicle. For example, a vehicle may have a first speaker and a second speaker positioned at the front-left and the front-right of the vehicle. In this example, the vehicle may thus output stereo audio to persons within the vehicle. As may be appreciated, vehicles are increasingly using more complex software to allow for higher quality audio output. For example, vehicles may allow for streaming of high-quality audio using cellular connections. Thus, there is a greater emphasis being placed on high-quality immersive audio. 
     At present, immersive audio experiences require costly and sophisticated speakers to cover differing frequency ranges of audio. For example, certain speakers (e.g., tweeters, mid-range speakers) may be positioned in a vehicle to cover mid-level and higher frequencies. For lower frequencies, subwoofers may be placed in the vehicle. Since the subwoofers are typically quite large, they may commonly be positioned in open spaces in the vehicle (e.g., a trunk). Additionally, subwoofers may require additional components (e.g., capacitors) to function correctly. 
     While the above-described speakers may allow for high-quality audio, use of these speakers may require substantially loud volumes to reap the immersive benefits. Additionally, the subwoofers may be audible outside of the vehicle and cause resonance/shaking problems with the vehicle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG.  1 A  is a block diagram of a vehicle which includes seat exciter(s) and a controller. 
         FIG.  1 B  is a block diagram of the vehicle which includes seat exciter(s) and two controllers. 
         FIG.  2 A  is a block diagram illustrating detail of an example controller included in a vehicle. 
         FIG.  2 B  is an example image depicting a seat exciter, controller, and intensity controller. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates an example seat exciter mounted on a rear of a vehicle seat which does not include venting. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates an example seat exciter mounted on a rear of a vehicle seat which includes venting. 
         FIGS.  5 A- 5 H  illustrate embodiments which utilize a mounting mechanism to attach a seat exciter to a seat. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates example wiring harnesses. 
         FIG.  7 A  is a flowchart of an example process to cause output from a seat exciter included in a vehicle. 
         FIG.  7 B  is a flowchart to configure a digital signal processor which filters input audio. 
         FIG.  8    is a block diagram of a vehicle which includes seat exciter(s) and a controller in communication with a controller area network (CAN) bus. 
         FIG.  9    is a flowchart of an example process for causing output of a seat exciter based on a controller area network (CAN) bus. 
         FIG.  10    is a block diagram of a vehicle which includes seat exciter(s) and a controller configured to analyze verbal commands. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Introduction 
     This specification describes enhanced, immersive, audio experiences for vehicles which allows music to be felt by persons in seats of the vehicles. As will be described, a vehicle may be outfitted, or retrofitted, with one or more elements attached to one or more seats within the vehicle. The element, which is referred to herein as a seat exciter, may be configured to shake, rumble, or otherwise be perceptible in feel, to a person sitting on a seat. For example, the element may represent a transducer which converts input audio into a vibration, shaking, rumbling, and so on. In this example, the shaking may be generated via an internal element (e.g., movement of a magnet). In some embodiments, the seat exciter may be a tactile transducer and may allow for vibrations within a particular frequency range (e.g., 1 Hz to 20 Hz, 50 Hz to 500 Hz, 35 Hz to 2000 Hz, and inclusive ranges therein). 
     The seat exciter, as described herein, may cause vibration of a passenger&#39;s seat in response to audio (e.g., music) being played via speakers included in a vehicle. A controller may obtain input audio and process the audio such that it causes activation of the seat exciter. To allow for fine control of an extent to which the seat exciter causes vibration, a passenger may interact with an intensity controller to adjust the output of the seat exciter in real-time. An example intensity controller is illustrated in  FIG.  2 B  and may respond to user input via a physical or software-based control (e.g., a scroll wheel, a slider, a touch screen, and so on). 
     As will be described, the seat exciter may be connected to the seat in a configuration which allows for output of the seat exciter to cause vibration or shaking of the seat. The seat exciter may adhere, for example via a mounting mechanism described herein, to a rear portion of the seat. Advantageously, in some embodiments different mounting mechanisms and/or techniques may be employed according to characteristics of the seat (e.g., whether the seat has ventilation in the rear portion of the seat). Since the seat exciter may rest in close contact with the seat, such as in contact with an underlying frame or structure of the eat, the output energy of the seat exciter may be substantially used for shaking rather than creating audible noise. 
     The above-described vibration may therefore add an extra dimension, such as a tactile feel, to music which would not otherwise be available to persons in the vehicle. As may be appreciated, many vehicles lack high-end audio components such that the auditory experience is lacking. Described herein are thus techniques to supplement existing audio components in vehicles. As will be described, advantageously this supplementation may be enabled using easy-to-install components and wiring harnesses. 
     As may be appreciated, causing activation of a seat exciter or causing output of, or from, a seat exciter may represent the controller outputting a signal for input to the seat or exciter. The signal, as will be described, may represent an amplified, and filtered, signal which causes an internal element in the seat exciter to move. In this way, activation of the seat exciter may result in shaking, rumbling, and/or vibrating, of a seat. 
     Advantageously, seat exciters may be mounted on multiple seats of a vehicle. For example, a driver may have a first seat exciter mounted on his/her seat while a passenger (e.g., a front passenger) may have a second seat exciter mounted on his/her seat. In this example, the driver and passenger may separately adjust an extent to which their respective seat exciters cause shaking, rumbling, and so on, of their seats (herein referred to as an intensity). Each seat exciter may, in some embodiments, be controllable via a respective intensity controller. For example, the above-described driver and passenger may use separate intensity controllers to adjust the intensity associated with the shaking or rumbling of their seats. Additionally, each person may separately turn on and turn off their respective seat exciter. 
     The intensity controllers may represent discrete units which are physically adjustable by persons within a vehicle. For example, an intensity controller may have a slider, a wheel, or other interface element which is adjustable. In some embodiments, an intensity controller may be effectuated using an application executing on a user device of a person (e.g., a smart phone). For example, the person may provide input to the application to cause a corresponding adjustment of his/her seat exciter. 
     While the above focuses on causing output of seat exciter(s) based on music, in some embodiments the techniques described herein may allow for a person in a vehicle to feel information related to operation of the vehicle. For example, and as described in  FIGS.  6 - 7    below, the controller may be in communication with a controller area network (CAN). In this example, the controller may cause output of a seat exciter (e.g., from a seat exciter) based on information reflected in one or more messages being provided via the CAN bus. As another example, and as described in  FIGS.  8 - 9    below, the controller may cause output of a seat exciter based on detection of certain words in input audio (e.g., a verbal command, navigation prompt, and so on). For example, navigation software may indicate that the person is to turn left. In this example, the controller may cause the seat exciter to output a particular pattern of vibration or rumbling which indicates the upcoming turn. 
     While the description herein focuses on use of seat exciters, such as tactile transducers, in some embodiments the seat exciters may output audio. For example, the seat exciters may represent discrete units which output low frequency audio usable to substantially shake or rumble a seat. In this example, the low frequency audio may represent audio less than 20 Hz, 15 Hz, and so on. 
     Block Diagrams 
       FIG.  1 A  is a block diagram of a vehicle  120  which includes seat exciter(s)  102 A- 102 B and a controller  100 . In the illustrated example, the vehicle  120  includes speakers  110 A- 110 B which represent front-left and front-right speakers of the vehicle  120 . Additionally, an audio output device  130  is positioned at a front of the vehicle  120  for use by persons within the vehicle  120 . Seats  104 A- 104 B are included at the front of the vehicle, such as a front driver and a front passenger seat. 
     Seat exciters  102 A- 102 B are illustrated as being associated with seats  104 A- 104 B. As an example, each seat exciter may be mounted on a portion of an associated seat. For this example, the mounting may include attaching the seat exciter to an underlying structural element of the seat. An example structural element may include a metal portion which forms a frame of the seat. As an example, the metal portion may be positioned under fabric and/or cushion material which is used to form a backrest of the seat. 
     Another example structural element on which a seat exciter may be positioned may include a panel of a seat. For example, seat  104 A may include a frame which defines the outlines (e.g., extremities) of the seat  104 A. In this example, the rear portion of the seat  104 A may include one or more panels which extend across the back of the rear portion thus connecting a left and a right outline of the seat  104 A. The seat exciter  102 A may be mounted to, or otherwise connected to, a central (e.g., substantially central) portion of a particular panel. For example, the seat exciter  102 A may be mounted, or otherwise connected, to the middle (e.g., substantially middle) of the particular panel. 
     With respect to the above-description related to mounting, example techniques to mount the seat exciter are described in more detail below. For example,  FIGS.  3 - 5 H  illustrate examples of the seat exciter being mounted.  FIG.  3   , for example, illustrates the seat exciter being mounted using a board or other material.  FIG.  4   , for example, illustrates the seat exciter being mounted to a frame of the seat.  FIGS.  5 A- 5 H , for example, illustrate mounting using a metal, or other material, portion. 
     Example mounting of the above-described seat exciter  102 A may include attaching a mounting bracket or mechanism to one of the above-described panels. As an example, the mounting bracket or mechanism may have four attachment points which mount, or otherwise connect, to the panel. The panel may represent, in some embodiments, a lower panel which is positioned at a lower portion of a person&#39;s back. The four attachment points may represent four screw holes which are drilled into the panel, or which are existent in the panel. In some embodiments, the mounting bracket may represent a clamp which clamps onto the panel at different positions. For example, the mounting bracket may clamp onto a top and a bottom of the panel. 
     Another example mounting bracket or mechanism may include a metal portion which extends across a frame of a rear portion of the seat (e.g., the frame which underlies the portion on which a passenger&#39;s back rests). Thus, and as illustrated in  FIGS.  5 A-H , the mounting bracket or mechanism may attach or clamp to a left portion of the frame and a right portion of the frame. A central portion of the bracket or mechanism may receive the seat exciter. 
     In the above-described mounting techniques, the mounting bracket or mechanism may have a central portion which the seat exciter  102 A fits into. For example, the mounting bracket may have a hole in which the seat exciter  102 A is inserted. In this example, the seat exciter  102 A may have, or be of a shape corresponding to, a substantially circular or oval portion which fits into the hole. 
     Additional techniques for mounting may include having a mounting bracket which extends across the horizontal width of the rear of the seat  104 A. For example, the mounting bracket may be formed from a first portion which is connected in front of (e.g., closer to a front of the vehicle  120 ) the frame of the seat  104 A (e.g., the rear frame of the seat  104 A). In this example, the first portion may connect to the frame via clamps or attachment points (e.g., screen holes). The mounting bracket may also have a second portion which is behind (e.g., closer to a rear of the vehicle  120 ) the frame of the seat  104 A. 
     In some embodiments, the above-described first portion and second portion may connect to each other. For example, one of the first portions or second portion may have holes in which a bolt, screw, or other portion may be inserted. IN this example, and with respect to the example of the second portion having holes, the first portion may have an extending portion (e.g., a bolt) which is configured to be inserted into holes of the first portion. As norther example, the first portion and second portion may have holes in which a bolt, screw, or other portion, may be inserted. 
     Examples of mounting techniques, brackets, mechanisms, and soon, are described in more detail below. For example,  FIGS.  5 A- 5 G  illustrate example mounting brackets which may be used. It may be appreciated that other mounting techniques may be employed and fall within the scope of the disclosure herein. 
     Once mounted, or otherwise connected, to the seats  104 A- 104 B, the seat exciters  102 A- 102 B may allow for shaking, rumbling, and so on, of the seats  104 A- 104 B. For example, due to the extent to which the seat exciters  102 A- 102 B adhere to the frame, or underlying structure, of the seats  102 A- 102 B, output energy from the seat exciters  102 A- 102 B may substantially be used to shake the associated seats  102 A- 102 B. In some embodiments, and as will be described, the seat exciters  102 A- 102 B or controller  100  may monitor for resonance, or audible vibrations, caused by use of the seat exciters  102 A- 102 B. In this way, adjustments to the mounting of the seat exciters  102 A- 102 B may be effectuated or otherwise flagged for adjustment by an automotive or after-market professional. 
     The seat exciters, in the illustrated example, are connected to controller  100 . The controller  100  may include one or more processors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), and so on. In some embodiments, the controller  100  may include one or more amplifiers (e.g., automotive amplifiers) which are usable to output (e.g., drive) signals to the seat exciters  102 A- 102 B. The elements which form the controller may, in some embodiments, be included on a same printed circuit board (PCB). 
     The controller  100  may be a discrete unit which is positioned within the vehicle  120 . As an example, the controller  100  may be positioned under one of the seats  102 A- 102 B (e.g., the driver&#39;s seat  102 A). For this example, the controller  100  may output signals to cause activation of the seat exciters  102 A- 102 B using wires connected to the seat exciters  102 A- 102 B. 
     In some embodiments, the controller  100  may access power via a vehicle power tap. In some embodiments, the controller  100  may include, or be in wired connection with, one or more amplifiers. An amplifier may access power via a vehicle power tap as described above. Thus, the controller  100  may output signals to cause activation of the seat exciters  102 A- 102 B which may then cause shaking, or rumbling, of the seats  104 A- 104 B based on the vehicle power. 
     To generate signals which cause activation of the seat exciters  102 A- 102 B, the controller  100  may receive input audio which is associated with the audio output device  130 . As an example, a person within the vehicle  120  may use the device  130  to play music or audio. Without being constrained by way of example, the audio output device  130  may be used to select a radio station. The device  130  may also be used to play streaming audio associated with one or more streaming audio applications. The device  130  may also allow for playing tapes, compact discs, and so on. The device  130  may also represent a display which is configured to play streaming content (e.g., movies, tv-shows, and so on). Thus, the input audio may represent any audible content, such as music, audio associated with video content, device  130  sounds, alerts, notifications, and so on. 
     In some embodiments, one of the speakers may be wired to the controller  100 . As illustrated in  FIG.  1 A , the front-left speaker  110 A is wired to the controller  100 . Thus, the controller  100  may obtain either mono-audio or one of two stereo channels. As may be appreciated, lower-frequency audio may be substantially similar between the front-left  110 A and front-right  110 B speakers. Thus, to enhance the simplicity of enabling the techniques described herein (e.g., reducing an extent to which new wiring is required), in some embodiments one of the speakers may be used by the controller  100  for input audio. In some embodiments, the controller  100  may be connected to two or more speakers (e.g., speakers  110 A- 110 B). Example wiring techniques, such as wiring harnesses, are described in more detail below with respect to  FIG.  6   . 
     While the controller  100  may be connected to speaker  110 A, in some embodiments the controller  100  may receive output from the audio output device  130  or via other devices or techniques. For example, an analog or digital output from the audio output device  130  may be received by the controller  100 . As another example, the controller  100  may be in wireless communication with the audio output device  130  (e.g., a Bluetooth connection). 
     To connect, for example, speaker  110 A to the controller  100 , simplified and easy-to-install wiring harnesses may be used. For example, wires from the speaker  110 A to the controller, along with power to the controller  100 , may be included in a same wiring harness and connector. The wiring harness may be run, as an example, from the speaker, under or on top the floor (e.g., floor carpeting), and to the controller  100  (e.g., positioned under or within the seat  102 A). Similarly, a wiring harness may extend from the controller  100  to seat exciter  102 A. Another wiring harness may similarly extend from controller  100  to seat exciter  102 B and may be run under or on top of the floor. Examples of the wiring harnesses are described in more detail below, with respect to at least  FIG.  6   . 
     In embodiments in which the controller  100  receives input audio from the speaker  110 A, the controller  100  may thus receive analog audio. The controller  100  may include an analog-to-digital converter to convert the analog signal into the digital domain. One or more filters may then be applied to the digital signal, for example a low-pass filter may be used to filter frequencies greater than a threshold. In some embodiments, the threshold may relate to a configuration or specifications associated with the seat exciters  102 A- 102 B. For example, the seat exciters  102 A- 102 B may be configured to cause shaking or rumbling based on an input signal with frequencies less than a threshold. The filters may also include a band pass filter or a low pass filter and a high pass filter. For example, the filters may filter frequencies less than a threshold. In this example, the threshold may represent low frequency shaking or rumbling which may provide a negative experience for a person (e.g., making the person feel uncomfortable or sick). 
     In  FIG.  1 A , the controller  100  is causing output from, and thus controlling, both seat exciters  102 A- 102 B. While  FIG.  1 A  illustrates two seat exciters, as may be appreciated the controller  100  may cause output from three or more seat exciters. For example, each seat of the vehicle  120  (e.g., 4, 5, 7, and so on, may be associated with a seat exciter which cause rumbling or shaking of the seat. 
     Intensity controllers  106 A- 106 B may be used by persons in the vehicle  120  to separately control an extent to which their respective seat exciters  102 A- 102 B cause rumbling or shaking of the seats  104 A- 104 B (e.g., control an intensity associated with the rumbling or shaking). Each intensity controller may be in communication, such as wired or wireless communication, with the controller  100 . In some embodiments, each intensity controller may include a dial which a person may adjust upward or down. In some embodiments, each intensity controller may include a slider which a person may adjust to indicate an intensity associated with the rumbling or shaking. Additional techniques to receive input from a person may be employed and fall within the scope of the disclosure herein. For example, each intensity controller may include a touch-sensitive surface on which a person may drag his/her finger. The dragging may be used to indicate a particular intensity. 
     The intensity controllers  106 A- 106 B may be connected to the controller  100  via respective wiring harnesses. In some embodiments, the intensity controllers  106 A- 106 B may be configured to be attached to a portion of the seats  104 A- 104 B. For example, the intensity controllers may be positioned proximate to seat adjustment controllers which may be present on the vehicle  120  at the time of purchase of the vehicle  120 . In this example, the seat adjustment controllers may be positioned at a side (e.g., left side for driver or right side for passenger) of the vehicle  120  and allow the seat to be adjusted in position and/or orientation. The attachment may include applying a sticky substance, such as glue or Velcro, to the intensity controllers  106 A- 106 B and seats  104 A- 104 B. For example, the intensity controllers  106 A- 106 B may be disposed on an outer surface of the seats  104 A- 104 B. In some embodiments, a portion of the seats  104 A- 104 B (e.g., a vinyl portion near the bottom) may be removed and the intensity controllers  106 A- 106 B included therein. 
     Thus, to wire the intensity controllers  106 A- 106 B the controllers  106 A- 106 B may be connected via wires to the controller  100 . With respect to intensity controller  106 A, a wiring harness may connect the intensity controller  106 A to controller  100 A. The wiring harness, for this controller  106 A, may be routed around a surface of the seat  104 A to the controller  100  which may be under or proximate to the seat  104 A. The wiring harness may optionally be routed through the seat  104 A. For example, in embodiments in which the intensity controller  106 A is included in a portion of the seat  104 A, the wiring harness may be routed through the seat  104 A (e.g., through an open cavity positioned under the cushion on which a person sits). 
     With respect to the intensity controller  106 B, a wiring harness may connect the controller  106 B to controller  100 A. An example wiring harness, for this controller  106 B, may be routed under or on a surface of a floor of the vehicle  120 . Additional techniques to wire the intensity controllers  106 A- 106 B may be employed and fall within the scope of the disclosure herein. In some embodiments, the intensity controller  106 B may receive an output signal from the controller  100  to cause activation of seat exciter  102 B. For example, the above-described wiring harness may include one or more wires from intensity controller  106 B to controller  100  and one or more wires from controller  100  to intensity controller  106 B. The intensity controller  106 B may thus route the output signal from controller  100  to the seat exciter  102 B, for example via optional wiring  107 . For example, the intensity controller  106 B may pass-through output from the controller  100  to intensity controller  106 B. 
     In some embodiments, the intensity controllers  106 A- 106 B may be in wireless communication with the controller  100 . For example, the intensity controllers  106 A- 106 B may provide a AM/FM radio, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi, signal to which the controller  100  is configured to be responsive. The intensity controllers  106 A- 106 B may optionally represent an application executing on mobile devices of persons in the seats  104 A- 104 B. In this example, the mobile devices may communicate with the controller  100  via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and so on. 
     Persons in the vehicle  120  can thus advantageously use their respective intensity controllers  106 A- 106 B to adjust intensities of the seat exciters  102 A- 102 B in real-time. As will be described below, with respect to  FIG.  2 A , the intensity controllers  106 A- 106 B may provide information which enables configuration of one or more amplifiers usable to provide signals to the seat exciters  102 A- 102 B. For example, intensity controller  106 A may provide information indicating that an intensity associated with seat exciter  102 A is to be in a middle of a range of intensities. In this example, an amplifier may be configured to output a signal which causes the seat exciter  102 A to shake the seat  104 A at the specified intensity. 
       FIG.  1 B  is a block diagram of the vehicle  120  which includes seat exciter(s)  102 A- 102 B and two controllers  100 A- 100 B. As described above, with respect to  FIG.  1 A , a multitude of seat exciters  102 A- 102 B may be controlled by a single controller. In some embodiments, multiple controllers  100 A- 10 B may be used to control respective seat exciters  102 A- 102 B. 
     As an example,  FIG.  1 B  illustrates controller  100 A being used to cause output of seat exciter  102 A. For example, controller  100 A may receive input audio (e.g., from speaker  110 A) and process the input audio into an output signal usable to activate seat exciter  102 A. Similarly, controller  100 B may cause activation of seat exciter  102 B. 
     In some embodiments, controller  100 B may receive input audio from speaker  110 A. For example, controller  100 B may be in wired connection with speaker  110 A. In this example, a wiring harness may be routed to controller  100 B from speaker  110 A. Optionally, controller  100 A may route audio to controller  100 B. For example, controller  100 A may be in wired or wireless communication with controller  100 B. 
     While not illustrated, in some embodiments each controller may be configured to control up to a threshold number of seat exciters. For example, if the vehicle  120  is a van or minivan, a first controller may output signals to a threshold number of seat exciters. In this example, the threshold number of seat exciters may be associated with a first row of seats, a first and second row of seats, and so on. Similarly, a second controller may output signals to a threshold number of different seat exciters. For example, the different seat exciters may be associated with subsequent rows of the van or minivan. Optionally, the controllers may be daisy-chained together to provide a same input audio signal (e.g., from speaker  110 A) to the controllers. 
       FIG.  2 A  is a block diagram illustrating detail of an example controller  100  included in a vehicle. The controller  100  may represent the controller described above with respect to  FIGS.  1 A- 1 B . As illustrated, the controller  100  receives an audio signal  202  and outputs an output signal  232  to cause activation of seat exciters. As described above, the audio signal  202  may be obtained from a speaker or from an audio output device. 
     The controller  100  may include elements including a digital signal processor  210  which filters the audio signal  202 . The filtered signal  218  may then be provided via the digital signal processor  210  to an amplifier  230 , such as a class D amplifier. The amplifier  230  may then provide (e.g., drive) the output signal  232  to one or more seat exciters. A microcontroller  220  may receive information indicative of selected intensities  224  from intensity controllers and configure the digital signal processor  210  and amplifier  230 . 
     In some embodiments, the controller  100  may wake, or otherwise turn on or activate, based on detection of a DC offset in the audio signal  202 . That is, the receipt of the audio signal  202  may cause the controller  100  to turn on. In some embodiments, the controller  100  may receiving information from a bus (e.g., a controller area network bus). The controller  100  may therefore turn on based on receipt of a particular message type (e.g., the start of audio). Optionally, the controller  100  may turn on based on a dedicated wakeup signal or based on user input to the controller  100 . The user input may be with respect to a dedicated button or other input on the controller  100 . 
     While  FIG.  2 A  illustrates the digital signal processor  210 , amplifier  230 , and microcontroller  220 , in some embodiments the controller  100  may include a subset of these elements. For example, the controller  100  may include the digital signal processor  210  and microcontroller  220  in a discrete unit. In this example, the amplifier  230  may be included as a separate element which is in communication with the controller  100 . 
     The digital signal processor  210  may represent a microprocessor, application specific integrated circuit, software executed on a processor, and so on. The digital signal processor  210  may include an analog to digital converter  212  (′A/D′). As may be appreciated, the audio signal  202  may be an analog signal which is obtained from speaker  202 . For example, wires which attach to positive/negative ports of the speaker  202  may be accessed. Signals from these wires may be routed to the controller  100  (e.g., via a wiring harness). In some embodiments, the audio signal  202  may be provided via an audio output device (e.g., a stereo within the vehicle). The audio signal  202  may thus, for certain outputs of the device, be analog. In some embodiments, however, the audio signal  202  may be provided as a digital signal to the controller  100 . For example, the audio signal  202  may be output as a digital signal from an audio output device (e.g., a universal serial bus ‘USB’ signal). As another example, the audio signal  202  may be provided as a wireless signal from an audio output device within the vehicle or from a person&#39;s mobile device (e.g., Bluetooth output). For these embodiments, the digital signal processor  210  may route the digital signal directly to the filter  214 , which is described below. 
     Filtering of the input audio signal  202  may be effectuated via the digital signal processor  210 , which is represented by the filter  214  block. Filtering of the input audio signal  202  may be effectuated via the digital signal processor  201 , which is represented by the filter  214  block. As may be appreciated, the filter  214  may be implemented via software elements of the digital signal processor. Thus, in some embodiments the filter  214  may filter, or otherwise transform, the audio signal  202  in the digital domain. In some embodiments, the audio signal  202  is analog, and the A/D  212  and D/A  216  will not be used, while the filter  214  may be implemented via one or more discrete hardware filters. Thus, the filter  214  may filter, or otherwise transform, the audio signal  202  in the analog domain. 
     The filter  214  may filter the audio signal  202  to remove frequencies which are greater than a threshold frequency. For example, the filter  214  may apply a low-pass filter (e.g., a Butterworth filter) which has a cutoff frequency of 20 Hz, 100 Hz, 1000 Hz, and so on. Since the resulting output signal  232  is configured to cause excitation of the seat exciters, such that they may rumble or shake seats, the cutoff frequency may be selected to ensure proper operation of the seat exciters. As another example, the filter  214  may apply a high-pass filter or a band pass filter with has a different cutoff frequency of 10 Hz, 20 Hz, 30 Hz, and so on. 
     In some embodiments, the controller  100  may connect to arbitrary seat exciters. For example, a person who owns, or is retrofitting, the vehicle may select a particular type or brand of seat exciter for use. In this example, the controller  100  may configure the filter  214  based on specifications associated with the type or brand of seat exciter. As an example, a maximum frequency associated with moving an internal element (e.g., a magnet) to cause rumbling or shaking may be identified. This maximum frequency may depend on an intensity associated with the output, such that a more complex function or set of maximum frequencies may be identified. The controller  100  may receive this configuration information via wired or wireless communication (e.g., from a user device, from the seat exciter, and so on). 
     In some embodiments, the filter  214  may apply one or more notch filters to exclude particular frequencies or frequency ranges. For example, subsequent to installation by an after-market installer or by a vehicle manufacturer, the controller can be configured to output frequencies from a first frequency (e.g., a lowest frequency) to a second frequency (e.g., a highest frequency). For example, the controller may output a sweep of frequencies or a frequency sweep. As another example, the controller may output pink noise or white noise. In this example, a microphone may be used to measure audible tones or resonances which are caused by the seat exciters. As will be described, the seat exciters may be mounted to a frame of a seat, such as using an MDF board optionally with foam to absorb sound. Thus, the seat exciter or mounting may be adjusted to reduce or remove any audible tones or resonances. However, certain audible tones or resonances may be associated with the vehicle itself and thus difficult to remove. In this way, the filter  214  may apply respective notch filters to substantially reduce (e.g., cancel) these audible tones or resonances. For example, the seat exciter may shake, or rumble, based on an input of a frequency or a frequency spectrum. In this example, the microphone may be used to measure whether an audible tone or resonance is greater than a threshold metric. Since the seat exciter may be configured to substantially shake or rumble, rather than produce audible sounds, a filter, or filters, may then be applied to reduce the audible tone (e.g., resulting from mechanical resonances). 
     While the above describes that an after-market installer or vehicle manufacturer may identify any audible tones or resonances, in some embodiments the owner of the vehicle may use an application to scan for such tones or resonances. For example, the application may represent a mobile application which the owner uses while in or proximate to the vehicle. The application may identify such tones or resonances while the controller  100  causes the seat exciters to shake or rumble according to different frequencies or frequency patterns. Any identified tones may then be provided to the controller  100  to configure respective notch filters. 
     Additionally, in some implementations the controller  100  may include a microphone which is configured to obtain audio during operation of the seat exciters. The digital signal processor  210  can analyze the received audio to detect any resonances or audible tones. For example, the digital signal processor  210  can identify any substantially repeating tones or tones which are separate from the audio signal  202 . In this way, the digital signal processor  210  can apply notch filters in substantially real-time during operation of the seat exciters. As an example, audible tones or resonances may change over time as a vehicle owner adjusts components of the vehicle or as the seat exciters adjust over time to being in the vehicle. 
     After filtering by the filter  214 , the digital signal processor  210  may provide the filtered digital signal to a digital to analog converter (′D/A)  216 . The D/A  216  may then transform the digital signal into an analog filtered signal  218  for output to an amplifier  230 . In some embodiments, the digital signal processor  210  may output a digital signal to the amplifier  230  which may include its own D/A to transform the signal into the analog domain. 
     In some embodiments, the digital signal processor  210  may be used to analyze the audio signal  202  and adjust operation of the controller  100 . As an example, the digital signal processor  210  may execute a particular machine learning model (e.g., a neural network, such as a convolutional neural network) to identify a type of music associated with the audio signal  202 . Example types of music may include rock, jazz, rap, classical, electronic dance music, and so on. Different audio profiles may be accessed via the controller  100  to adjust operation of the seat exciters based on the identified type of music. 
     For example, different types of filters may be applied via the filter  214  based on the identified music type. In this example, cutoff frequencies may be adjusted depending on whether the music is identified as classical or electronic dance music. As may be appreciated, classical music may have less repeating lower-end notes such that the cutoff frequency may be set higher than for electronic dance music with more repeating bass notes. Additionally, an intensity associated with identified repeating notes may be reduced while more irregular sounds may have a higher intensity. 
     In some embodiments, the digital signal processor  210  may be used to identify whether the audio signal  202  is indicative of music or of other types of audio. For example, the controller  100  may distinguish between a phone call being taken by a passenger in the vehicle from music. As another example, the controller  100  may distinguish between sounds output via the vehicle related to operation of the vehicle and music. Certain vehicles may, for example, output phone calls over the driver-side (e.g., front-left speaker in the U.S.) but not the remaining speakers in the vehicle. If the controller  100  is connected to more than one speaker then the controller  100  can determine that no audio is coming from the passenger (e.g., front-right) or other speakers. As described above with respect to  FIG.  1 B , two or more controllers may be used. In some embodiments, one controller may be connected to a driver-side speaker and another controller connected to a different speaker (e.g., the passenger-side speaker). Thus, the controllers may determine that audio is coming out of just the driver-side speaker and identify the occurrence of a call. Additionally, in implementations in which the controller has a microphone, the controller  100  may identify that audio signal  202  represents speaking. Additionally, the controller  100  may be in wireless communication with the vehicle and may be alerted that music is ending and a call is starting. 
     In the above embodiments, the controller  100  may cause a temporary stop in activation of the seat exciters. For example, during the call the seat exciters may be turned off via the controller stopping the generation of output signal  232 . In this way, the persons within the vehicle may avoid having to reduce the intensity associated with the seat exciters if they become active during the call. 
     The controller  100  further includes a microcontroller  220  which configures the digital signal processor  210  and amplifier  230 . The microcontroller  220  may also turn on/turn off the controller  100 . As illustrated, the microcontroller  220  may receive intensity information  224  from intensity controllers positioned within the vehicle. The intensity information  224  may represent selection of an intensity based on input provided by a person to an intensity controller. For example, there may be a range of intensities capable of selection and the person may interact with the intensity controller to select, or otherwise indicate, a particular intensity. 
     In some embodiments, the intensity controllers may represent potentiometers which are usable to select an intensity or volume of a seat exciter. For example, the potentiometer may be mounted in a plastic assembly and may be mounted in cutout in a face plate of a seat (e.g., plastic or vinyl face plate). Adjustment of the intensity or volume may be caused by an up-down motion vertically along a face of the intensity controller. 
     The microcontroller  220  may optionally control lights which are included in, or positioned on, the intensity controllers. The lights may reflect current operation of the seat exciters and/or may indicate an intensity current selected. Optionally, the lights may be adjusted to conform to frequency information in the filtered signal  218 . Thus, the microcontroller  220  may output lighting information  226  for adjustment of lights (e.g., light emitting diodes) of the intensity controllers. For example, the lighting information  224  may adjust light emitting diode drivers. 
     The illustrated configuration information  222  may be used to configure or define filters effectuated by filter  214 . Additionally, the configuration information  222  may adjust output of the amplifier  230 . For example, the configuration information  222  may set the gain of the amplifier  230  based on the intensity information  224 . Optionally, the gain of the amplifier  230  may be set to accommodate gain associated with a highest possible intensity set by a person within the vehicle. An additional element may be positioned earlier in the signal path from the amplifier  230  which allows for a reduction in intensity of a signal according to a setting of an associated intensity controller. 
     In some embodiments, the amplifier  230  may be at a fixed gain. The digital signal processor  210  may adjust the filtered signal  218  based on the intensity information  224 . For example, the microcontroller  220  may indicate in the configuration information  222  a specified intensity. In this example, the digital signal process  210  may adjust a multiplier which is applied. In some embodiments, the multiplier may be between 0 and 1 and an increased intensity may raise the multiplier closer to 1. In embodiments in which the amplifier  230  has adjustable gain (e.g., adjustable volume), the intensity information  224  may be used to adjust the volume. For example, the configuration information  222  may configure the volume associated with the amplifier  230 . The amplifier  230  may optionally have two or more outputs. Thus, the amplifier  230  may cause output of the two or more seat exciters with different intensities. 
     Once configured, the amplifier  230  may therefore generate output signals  232  to the seat exciters. As described above, the digital signal processor  210  may filter the audio signal  202  such that the output signals  232  cause activation of the seat exciters in a manner which focuses on lower-end frequencies of the audio signal  202 . In this way, the persons within the vehicle can obtain a tactile feel to the music which is otherwise unachievable. 
       FIG.  2 B  is an example image depicting a seat exciter  254 , controller  242 , and intensity controller  250 . In the illustrated example, the intensity controller  250  may adjust intensity as described herein via adjustment of the rolling or clicking portion  256 . For example, a passenger may rotate the portion upwards or downwards to indicate greater, or lesser, intensity. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates an example seat exciter  302  mounted on a rear of a vehicle seat  300  which does not include venting. In the illustrated example, the seat exciter  302  is attached to a board (e.g., a medium density fiber ‘MDF’ board)  304  which is connected to the seat  300 . For example, the connection may be made to springs or a frame of the seat  300 . In this example, the connection is effectuated via ties  306  which are attached to the springs or frame. The seat exciter  302  is positioned at a lower, and central, portion of the seat  300 . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates an example seat exciter  402  mounted on a rear of a vehicle seat  400  which includes venting. In the illustrated example, the seat exciter  402  is attached to a board  404  (e.g., wood, MDF) which is connected to an underlying frame of the seat. For example, the connection may be effectuated via screws in this embodiment. The seat exciter  402  is positioned at a central portion of the board  404  and at a lower portion of the seat  400 . 
       FIGS.  5 A- 5 G  illustrate embodiments which utilize a mounting mechanism  502  to attach a seat exciter to a seat  500 . In some embodiments, the mounting mechanism  502  may be made or formed from metal and/or plastic. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  5 F , the mounting mechanism  502  may have a first portion  504  (e.g., metal or plastic portion) which abuts a rear of the seat  500  on a particular side (e.g., left side in the illustration). For example, the first portion  504  may extend a threshold distance to the left from the right-most portion of the particular side). In some embodiments, the first portion  504  may have a shape (e.g., the sloping shape of  FIG.  5 F ) which causes the first portion  504 , for example when compressed, to remain stuck or attached to the seat  500 . 
     Similarly, the mechanism  502  may have a second portion  506  (e.g., metal or plastic portion) which abuts a front of the seat. This second portion  506  may extend across the seat  500  (e.g., as illustrated in  FIG.  5 E ). In addition, on the other side (e.g., ride side of the illustration), a corresponding first portion may abut, touch, connect to, the other side of the second portion  506 . The first portions  504  and second portion  506  may be compressed together. For example, one or more screws, fasteners, bolts, and so on, optionally in combination with one or more washers or threaded receiver, may be used. In this example, the first portions  504  and second portion  506  may compress such that the mechanism  502  is attached to the frame of the seat  500 . 
       FIG.  5 H  illustrates an example installation of a seat exciter  512  onto a seat  514  using an example mounting mechanism  510 . 
       FIG.  6    illustrates example wiring harnesses. In the illustrated embodiment, wiring harness  602  is depicted. This harness  602  may represent a main harness which connects to the controller described herein. Passenger harness  604  is additionally illustrated, which may represent a harness that connects to a seat exciter attached to a seat for a passenger. 
     Example Flowcharts 
       FIG.  7 A  is a flowchart of an example process  700  to cause output from a seat exciter included in a vehicle. For convenience, the process  700  will be described as being performed by a controller or unit of one or more processors (e.g., the controller  100 ). 
     At block  702 , the controller obtains audio from an in-vehicle audio output device. As described above, one or more vehicle passengers can listen to audio via an audio output device over the speakers of the vehicle. For example, the audio may represent radio, streaming audio, and so on. 
     At block  704 , the controller receives information reflecting a particular intensity provided by an intensity controller. Each passenger can use a respective intensity controller to adjust intensity of his/her seat exciter. Additionally, each passenger can turn on/turn off his/her seat exciters. The intensity controller may represent an input device which is a passenger can adjust, for example via movement of a scroll wheel or input technique. 
     At block  706 , the controller updates configuration information. The controller, such as the microcontroller included in the controller (e.g., as described in  FIG.  2 A ), can update information associated with a specified intensity. 
     At block.  708 , the controller causes updating of an amplifier based on the configuration information. The specified intensity may be used to set gain or volume of an amplifier or to adjust an input signal into the amplifier with constant gain. For example, a digital signal processor included in the controller may be updated to specify a multiplier as described above. 
     At block  710 , the controller causes output via a seat exciter corresponding to the specified intensity. The output may be based on an output of a digital signal processor which filters, or otherwise transforms, input audio. The controller may adjust this output to correspond with the specified intensity with an amplifier of constant gain or may adjust the amplifiers gain as described above. Subsequently, the output from the amplifier may be provided to the seat exciter. 
     Advantageously, the output of the seat exciter may be adjusted in intensity in accordance with a volume of the audio output device. For example, the volume of the audio output device may be adjusted upwards. In this example, the volume of speakers included in the vehicle may thus be increased. The controller may preserve this increase in volume such that the output of the seat exciter may be similarly increased. 
       FIG.  7 B  is a flowchart to configure a digital signal processor which filters input audio. The configuration may be used to identify any tones or resonances associated with a vehicle and apply filters to substantially reduce these tones or resonances. For convenience, the process  720  will be described as being performed by a controller or unit of one or more processors (e.g., the controller  100 ). 
     At block  722 , the controller causes output of a seat exciter included in a vehicle based on a frequency sweep audio signal. The frequency sweep audio signal may represent a sweep of frequencies between a first frequency and a second frequency. The audio sweep signal may be generated by the controller. For example, during initial configuration and/or installation of the controller and seat exciter(s), the controller may be configured to play audio to test for resonances. For example, an initial boot up or configuration process may be performed in which the controller generates tones which form the frequency sweep to be output via the seat exciter(s). 
     At block  724 , the controller obtains response information and analyzes resonance information. The controller, or another system or device, may obtain audio (e.g., via a microphone) which represents the response of the vehicle to the frequency sweep. The controller, or another system or device, may then analyze the response information for resonance information. 
     At block  726 , the controller identifies one or more filters to be applied. The controller may identify frequencies associated with resonance (e.g., via use of a frequency transform, such as a fast Fourier transform). For example, the identified frequencies may be associated with a response (e.g., an audible sound) greater than a threshold measure (e.g., greater than a threshold decibel). Subsequently, the controller may identify notch filters usable to reduce the audible and/or tactile impact of the resonance. 
     At block  728 , the controller configures the digital signal processor included in the controller based on the identified filters. For example, the microcontroller included in the controller may provide information to the digital signal processor to apply the identified filters. 
       FIG.  8    is a block diagram of a vehicle  120  which includes seat exciter(s)  804  and a controller  100  in communication with a controller area network (CAN) bus  802 . In some embodiments, in addition to causing output of a seat exciter  804  based on music being played, the controller  100  may cause shaking or rumbling of a seat based on messages being provided via the CAN bus  802 . 
     For example, the CAN bus  802  may pass one or more messages which indicate that another vehicle is rapidly approaching the vehicle  120  from the rear. In this example, the messages may be used to activate a light on a particular side mirror of the vehicle which alerts the driver to the other vehicle. The controller  100  may analyze these messages, for example via analyzing the CAN messages, and cause output of specific shaking or rumbling patterns or tones based on the messages. 
     For example, the controller  100  may be configured to identify a subset of the message types which are provided on the CAN bus. In this example, a driver may use an application or software to configure the specific messages which he/she prefers to be alerted about via the seat exciter  804 . Additionally, the driver may select a particular pattern to be output from the seat exciter  804  or a constant frequency to be played. Optionally, the driver may indicate that certain messages are to be associated with output from seat exciters of passengers (e.g., incoming calls). 
       FIG.  9    is a flowchart of an example process  900  for causing output of a seat exciter based on a controller area network (CAN) bus. For convenience, the process  900  will be described as being performed by a controller or unit of one or more processors (e.g., the controller  100 ). 
     At block  902 , the controller obtains one or more messages provided over the CAN bus. At block  904 , the controller identifies output to be provided via a seat exciter based on the messages. At block  906 , the controller generates signals for output to a seat exciter. The controller may generate a signal to be provided to the amplifier described herein to allow for the seat exciter to be activated. The signal may correspond with a particular pattern or tone selected by a driver or may correspond with a default pattern or tone. 
     At block  908 , the controller optionally adjusts an intensity based on the messages. The amplifier, or digital signal processor, may be configured to allow for adjustment of an intensity. For example, certain messages (e.g., autonomous driving messages, alerts, and so on) may be associated with increased intensity as compared to other messages (e.g., incoming calls). 
       FIG.  10    is a block diagram of a vehicle  120  which includes seat exciter(s)  1004  and a controller  100  configured to identify words or verbal commands  1002  in incoming audio. For example, the controller  100  may identify navigation instructions being output via a driving application. In this example, the output may be provided via speakers of the vehicle  120 . In some embodiments, the output may be provided via a mobile device which is wirelessly connected to the controller  100 . The controller  100  may execute one or more machine learning models to identify specific terms, words, phrases, commands, and so on, which are being provided. In response to certain commands, the controller  100  may cause activation of seat exciter  1004 . 
     For example, the above-described driving application may alert a driver to turn right at an upcoming intersection. In this example, the controller  100  may identify a specific command of interest e.g., turn) and then cause activation of the seat exciter  1004 . Similar to the above, for example with respect to  FIGS.  8 - 9   , the controller  100  may generate a signal to cause activation of the seat exciter  1004 . 
     In some embodiments, the controller  100  may analyze incoming audio from a mobile device. That is, the mobile device may output auditory driving commands via its speaker(s). Thus, the controller  100  may not be receiving an audio signal from the vehicle&#39;s speakers. Optionally, the controller  100  may have a microphone which is configured to obtain audio being played via the mobile device. In this way, the controller  100  may, as described above, identify specific terms, words, phrases, commands, and so on. 
     Other Embodiments 
     All of the processes described herein may be embodied in, and fully automated, via software code modules executed by a computing system that includes one or more computers or processors. The code modules may be stored in any type of non-transitory computer-readable medium or other computer storage device. Some or all the methods may be embodied in specialized computer hardware. 
     Many other variations than those described herein will be apparent from this disclosure. For example, depending on the embodiment, certain acts, events, or functions of any of the algorithms described herein can be performed in a different sequence or can be added, merged, or left out altogether (for example, not all described acts or events are necessary for the practice of the algorithms). Moreover, in certain embodiments, acts or events can be performed concurrently, for example, through multi-threaded processing, interrupt processing, or multiple processors or processor cores or on other parallel architectures, rather than sequentially. In addition, different tasks or processes can be performed by different machines and/or computing systems that can function together. 
     The various illustrative logical blocks and modules described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented or performed by a machine, such as a processing unit or processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor can be a controller, microcontroller, or state machine, combinations of the same, or the like. A processor can include electrical circuitry configured to process computer-executable instructions. In another embodiment, a processor includes an FPGA or other programmable device that performs logic operations without processing computer-executable instructions. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Although described herein primarily with respect to digital technology, a processor may also include primarily analog components. For example, some or all of the signal processing algorithms described herein may be implemented in analog circuitry or mixed analog and digital circuitry. A computing environment can include any type of computer system, including, but not limited to, a computer system based on a microprocessor, a mainframe computer, a digital signal processor, a portable computing device, a device controller, or a computational engine within an appliance, to name a few. 
     Conditional language such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, are understood within the context as used in general to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. 
     Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (for example, X, Y, and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present. 
     Any process descriptions, elements or blocks in the flow diagrams described herein and/or depicted in the attached figures should be understood as potentially representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or elements in the process. Alternate implementations are included within the scope of the embodiments described herein in which elements or functions may be deleted, executed out of order from that shown, or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved as would be understood by those skilled in the art. 
     Unless otherwise explicitly stated, articles such as “a” or “an” should generally be interpreted to include one or more described items. Accordingly, phrases such as “a device configured to” are intended to include one or more recited devices. Such one or more recited devices can also be collectively configured to carry out the stated recitations. For example, “a processor configured to carry out recitations A, B and C” can include a first processor configured to carry out recitation A working in conjunction with a second processor configured to carry out recitations B and C. 
     It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, the elements of which are to be understood as being among other acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure.