Patent ID: 6870935

Claim:
A method for controlling a partitioned audio system in an automobile, said automobile having front speakers and rear speakers that communicate with a passenger compartment, a front seat and a rear seat being disposed within said passenger compartment, said method comprising the steps of: selectively operating said partitioned audio system in one of a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, said first mode of operation being when a single audio source is emitted from said front and rear speakers to generate a desired sound pressure level within said passenger compartment, said second mode of operation being when the first audio source is emitted from the front speakers to generate the desired sound pressure level within the passenger compartment, the rear speakers are off, and a second audio source is emitted from personal sound sources for passengers in the rear seat; wherein, when said partitioned audio system is switched from said first mode of operation to said second mode of operation, a transition phase is entered whereby an output level of said front speakers increases while an output level of said rear speakers decreases.