Voice acquisition system for a vehicle

• US 20040199310A1
• Filed: 03/03/2004
• Published: 10/07/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: DeLine, Jonathan E., Lynam, Niall R., Spooner, Ralph A., March, Phillip A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,012,507 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/36
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2665 on rear-view mirrors lighting devices for vehicle interior on or for rear-view mirrors B60Q3/258
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/04 mounted inside vehicle B60R1/025, B60R1/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/02 for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0217 for loud-speakers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0241 for telephones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0247 for microphones or earphones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/04 Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1284 with communication systems other than radio-receivers, e.g. keyless entry systems, navigation systems; with anti-collision systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0026 Windows, e.g. windscreen
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0033 Rear-view mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0077 using adhesive means, e.g. hook and loop fasteners
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/101 using cameras with adjustable capturing direction
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/0881 characterized by the attachment means on the windshield
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/0885 the sensor being integrated in a rear-view mirror module
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0118 comprising devices for improving the contrast of the display / brillance control visibility
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/012 comprising devices for attenuating parasitic image effects
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/00 Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/54 Mounting of pick-up tubes, electronic image sensors, deviation or focusing coils
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/56 : provided with illuminating means
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 25/76 : Addressed sensors, e.g. MOS or CMOS sensors
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/183 : for receiving images from a single remote source
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2499/13 : Acoustic transducers and sound field adaptation in vehicles

Abstract

An indicator for use with a microphone of a vehicular audio system, such as a cellular telephone, emergency communication device, or other audio device, provides a user of the audio system with a status signal relating to a reception quality of a vocal signal from the user. The microphone may be mounted within an accessory module, which may be mounted to an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The accessory module houses a microphone and may be positioned adjacent to a headliner of the vehicle generally above an interior rearview mirror which is supported therebelow. The accessory module provides a fixed orientation of the microphone and is easily installed to the vehicle as it is manufactured or as an aftermarket device. The accessory module may further include a wire cover, which extends to a mounting for the mirror in order to substantially encase a mirror wire harness, thereby retaining the mirror harness and providing a finished appearance to the mirror and accessory module. The indicator may be mounted at the accessory module or elsewhere at the mirror assembly.

Claims

1-73. -73 (canceled).

74. A voice acquisition system for a vehicle comprising:

a module attached at an inner surface portion of the windshield of the vehicle;

said module including at least one microphone for receiving audio signals within a cabin of the vehicle and generating an output signal indicative of said audio signals, said at least one microphone providing sound capture for at least one of a hands free cell phone system, an audio recording system and an emergency communication system;

a control operable to receive said output signal from said at least one microphone, said control being operable to distinguish the presence of vocal signals from non-vocal signals;

said module including at least one additional accessory selected from the group consisting of a global positioning system antenna, a motion sensor, a rain sensor, a video device, a light of the vehicle, an automatic toll booth transducer, a security system status indicator, a compass display, a compass sensor, a temperature display, a temperature sensor, a tire pressure indicator display, a seat occupancy detection antenna, a seat occupancy detection transducer and a loudspeaker; and

wherein said module attaches at said windshield by at least one of a mechanical attachment and an adhesive attachment.

75. The voice acquisition system of claim 74, wherein said at least one microphone comprises at least two microphones which generate output signals indicative of sound generated within the vehicle cabin.

76. The voice acquisition system of claim 75, wherein at least one of said at least two microphones is directed toward an area encompassing the general location of a head of a driver of the vehicle.

77. The voice acquisition system of claim 75, wherein said control is operable to select at least one of said output signals from said at least two microphones.

78. The voice acquisition system of claim 74, wherein said module attaches at said windshield by an adhesive attachment.

79. The voice acquisition system of claim 74, wherein said module attaches at said windshield by a mechanical attachment.

80. The voice acquisition system of claim 79, wherein said module is mechanically attached to a mounting bracket adhered to the windshield.

81. The voice acquisition system of claim 74, wherein said control is operable to distinguish said vocal signals received at said at least one microphone from said non-vocal signals by a ratio of at least 10:

1.

82. The voice acquisition system of claim 74, wherein said at least one microphone comprises a single directional microphone fixedly mounted and directed toward an area encompassing the general location of a head of a driver of the vehicle.

83. The voice acquisition system of claim 74 including an indicator operable to indicate when said vocal signals are being adequately distinguished by said control.

84. The voice acquisition system of claim 74, wherein said module is attached at said windshield of the vehicle at a windshield portion located between an interior rearview mirror assembly and a headliner extending along an upper edge of the windshield.

85. The voice acquisition system of claim 84, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly includes at least one control input for at least one accessory of the vehicle.

86. The voice acquisition system of claim 85, wherein said at least one accessory of the vehicle comprises at least one of a map reading light, a temperature display, a compass display, a global positioning system antenna, a rain sensor, a video system, a tire pressure display and a security system.

87. The voice acquisition system of claim 84, wherein at least one other accessory is included in said interior rearview mirror assembly.

88. The voice acquisition system of claim 84, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises an electrochromic reflector element having electrically variable reflectivity.

89. The voice acquisition system of claim 88, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly includes electronic circuitry for at least adjusting the reflectivity of said electrochromic reflector element.

90. The voice acquisition system of claim 89, wherein said at least one microphone at least one of:

a) accesses a component of said electronic circuitry of said interior rearview mirror assembly, and b) shares a component of said electronic circuitry of said interior rearview mirror assembly.

91. The voice acquisition system of claim 90, wherein said electronic circuitry is associated with at least one mirror-based accessory selected from the group consisting of a global positioning system antenna, a motion sensor, a rain sensor, a video device, an interior light of the vehicle, an automatic toll booth transducer, a security system status indicator, a compass, a compass sensor, a temperature display, a temperature sensor, a tire pressure indicator display, a seat occupancy detection antenna, a seat occupancy detection transducer and a loudspeaker.

92. The voice acquisition system of claim 74 including an illumination source for a vehicle security system.

93. The voice acquisition system of claim 92, wherein said illumination source for a vehicle security system is one of (i) included in an interior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle, (ii) positioned adjacent to an interior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle, (iii) included in an attachment to an interior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle, and (iv) included in said module.

94. The voice acquisition system of claim 74, wherein said voice acquisition system is operable to control a mechatronic element.

95. The voice acquisition system of claim 74, wherein said voice acquisition system is operable to communicate with devices or components in the vehicle via at least one of a network and a multiplex system.

96. The voice acquisition system of claim 74, wherein said non-vocal signals originate from at least one noise source selected from the group consisting of engine noise, road noise, wind noise, HVAC noise, a radio and a turn signal.

97. The voice acquisition system of claim 74, wherein said non-vocal signals originate from at least one noise source selected from the group consisting of wind noise, a radio and HVAC noise, said voice acquisition system being operable to automatically adjust at least one of a) a window setting, b) a radio volume and c) a fan speed of a blower in response to said noise.

98. The voice acquisition system of claim 74, wherein said at least one microphone provides sound capture for a hands free cell phone system.

99. The voice acquisition system of claim 74, wherein said at least one microphone provides sound capture for an audio recording system.

100. The voice acquisition system of claim 74, wherein said at least one microphone provides sound capture for an emergency communication system.

101. A voice acquisition system for a vehicle comprising:

a module attached at an inner surface portion of the windshield of the vehicle;

said module including at least one microphone for receiving audio signals within a cabin of the vehicle and generating an output signal indicative of said audio signals;

a control operable to receive said output signal from said at least one microphone, said control being operable to distinguish the presence of vocal signals from non-vocal signals, said non-vocal signals originating from at least one noise source selected from the group consisting of engine noise, road noise, wind noise, HVAC noise, a radio and a turn signal;

said module including at least one additional accessory selected from the group consisting of a global positioning system antenna, a motion sensor, a rain sensor, a video device, a light of the vehicle, an automatic toll booth transducer, a security system status indicator, a compass display, a compass sensor, a temperature display, a temperature sensor, a tire pressure indicator display, a seat occupancy detection antenna, a seat occupancy detection transducer and a loudspeaker; and

wherein said module attaches at said windshield by at least one of a mechanical attachment and an adhesive attachment.

102. The voice acquisition system of claim 101, wherein said at least one microphone comprises at least two microphones which generate output signals indicative of sound generated within the vehicle cabin.

103. The voice acquisition system of claim 102, wherein at least one of said at least two microphones is directed toward an area encompassing the general location of a head of a driver of the vehicle.

104. The voice acquisition system of claim 102, wherein said control is operable to select at least one of said output signals from said at least two microphones.

105. The voice acquisition system of claim 102, wherein said at least two microphones provide sound capture for at least one of a hands free cell phone system, an audio recording system and an emergency communication system.

106. The voice acquisition system of claim 101, wherein said module attaches at said windshield by an adhesive attachment.

107. The voice acquisition system of claim 101, wherein said module attaches at said windshield by a mechanical attachment.

108. The voice acquisition system of claim 107, wherein said module is mechanically attached to a mounting bracket adhered to the windshield.

109. The voice acquisition system of claim 101, wherein said control is operable to distinguish said vocal signals received at said at least one microphone from said non-vocal signals by a ratio of at least 10:

1.

110. The voice acquisition system of claim 101, wherein said at least one microphone comprises a single directional microphone fixedly mounted and directed toward an area encompassing the general location of a head of a driver of the vehicle.

111. The voice acquisition system of claim 101 including an indicator operable to indicate when said vocal signals are being adequately distinguished by said control.

112. The voice acquisition system of claim 101, wherein said module is attached at said windshield of the vehicle at a windshield portion located between an interior rearview mirror assembly and a headliner extending along an upper edge of the windshield.

113. The voice acquisition system of claim 112, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly includes at least one control input for at least one accessory of the vehicle.

114. The voice acquisition system of claim 113, wherein said at least one accessory of the vehicle comprises at least one of a map reading light, a temperature display, a compass display, a global positioning system antenna, a rain sensor, a video system, a tire pressure display and a security system.

115. The voice acquisition system of claim 112, wherein at least one other accessory is included in said interior rearview mirror assembly.

116. The voice acquisition system of claim 112, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises an electrochromic reflector element having electrically variable reflectivity.

117. The voice acquisition system of claim 116, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly includes electronic circuitry for at least adjusting the reflectivity of said electrochromic reflector element.

118. The voice acquisition system of claim 117, wherein said at least one microphone at least one of:

a) accesses a component of said electronic circuitry of said interior rearview mirror assembly, and b) shares a component of said electronic circuitry of said interior rearview mirror assembly.

119. The voice acquisition system of claim 118, wherein said electronic circuitry is associated with at least one mirror-based accessory selected from the group consisting of a global positioning system antenna, a motion sensor, a rain sensor, a video device, an interior light of the vehicle, an automatic toll booth transducer, a security system status indicator, a compass, a compass sensor, a temperature display, a temperature sensor, a tire pressure indicator display, a seat occupancy detection antenna, a seat occupancy detection transducer and a loudspeaker.

120. The voice acquisition system of claim 101 including an illumination source for a vehicle security system.

121. The voice acquisition system of claim 120, wherein said illumination source for a vehicle security system is one of (i) included in an interior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle, (ii) positioned adjacent to an interior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle, (iii) included in an attachment to an interior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle, and (iv) included in said module.

122. The voice acquisition system of claim 101, wherein said voice acquisition system is operable to control a mechatronic element.

123. The voice acquisition system of claim 101, wherein said voice acquisition system is operable to communicate with devices or components in the vehicle via at least one of a network and a multiplex system.

124. The voice acquisition system of claim 101, wherein said non-vocal signals originate from at least one noise source selected from the group consisting of wind noise, a radio and HVAC noise, said voice acquisition system being operable to automatically adjust at least one of a) a window setting, b) a radio volume and c) a fan speed of a blower in response to said noise.

125. The voice acquisition system of claim 101, wherein said at least one microphone provides sound capture for a hands free cell phone system.

126. The voice acquisition system of claim 101, wherein said at least one microphone provides sound capture for an audio recording system.

127. The voice acquisition system of claim 101, wherein said at least one microphone provides sound capture for an emergency communication system.

128. A voice acquisition system for a vehicle comprising:

a module attached at an inner surface portion of the windshield of the vehicle;

said module including at least one microphone for receiving audio signals within a cabin of the vehicle and generating an output signal indicative of said audio signals;

a control operable to receive said output signal from said at least one microphone, said control being operable to distinguish the presence of vocal signals from non-vocal signals, said non-vocal signals originating from at least one noise source selected from the group consisting of engine noise, road noise, wind noise, HVAC noise, a radio and a turn signal;

said module including at least one additional accessory selected from the group consisting of a global positioning system antenna, a motion sensor, a rain sensor, a video device, a light of the vehicle, an automatic toll booth transducer, a security system status indicator, a compass display, a compass sensor, a temperature display, a temperature sensor, a tire pressure indicator display, a seat occupancy detection antenna, a seat occupancy detection transducer and a loudspeaker; and

wherein said module attaches at said windshield by at least one of a mechanical attachment and an adhesive attachment, said module being attached at a windshield portion below a headliner extending along an upper edge of the windshield.

129. The voice acquisition system of claim 128, wherein said at least one microphone comprises at least two microphones which generate output signals indicative of sound generated within the vehicle cabin.

130. The voice acquisition system of claim 129, wherein at least one of said at least two microphones is directed toward an area encompassing the general location of a head of a driver of the vehicle.

131. The voice acquisition system of claim 129, wherein said control is operable to select at least one of said output signals from said at least two microphones.

132. The voice acquisition system of claim 129, wherein said at least two microphones provide sound capture for at least one of a hands free cell phone system, an audio recording system and an emergency communication system.

133. The voice acquisition system of claim 128, wherein said module attaches at said windshield by an adhesive attachment.

134. The voice acquisition system of claim 128, wherein said module attaches at said windshield by a mechanical attachment.

135. The voice acquisition system of claim 134, wherein said module is mechanically attached to a mounting bracket adhered to the windshield.

136. The voice acquisition system of claim 128, wherein said control is operable to distinguish said vocal signals received at said at least one microphone from said non-vocal signals by a ratio of at least 10:

1.

137. The voice acquisition system of claim 128, wherein said at least one microphone comprises a single directional microphone fixedly mounted and directed toward an area encompassing the general location of a head of a driver of the vehicle.

138. The voice acquisition system of claim 128 including an indicator operable to indicate when said vocal signals are being adequately distinguished by said control.

139. The voice acquisition system of claim 128, wherein said module is attached at a windshield portion between an interior rearview mirror assembly and said headliner.

140. The voice acquisition system of claim 139, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly includes at least one control input for at least one accessory of the vehicle.

141. The voice acquisition system of claim 140, wherein said at least one accessory of the vehicle comprises at least one of a map reading light, a temperature display, a compass display, a global positioning system antenna, a rain sensor, a video system, a tire pressure display and a security system.

142. The voice acquisition system of claim 139, wherein at least one other accessory is included in said interior rearview mirror assembly.

143. The voice acquisition system of claim 139, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises an electrochromic reflector element having electrically variable reflectivity.

144. The voice acquisition system of claim 143, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly includes electronic circuitry for at least adjusting the reflectivity of said electrochromic reflector element.

145. The voice acquisition system of claim 144, wherein said at least one microphone at least one of:

a) accesses a component of said electronic circuitry of said interior rearview mirror assembly, and b) shares a component of said electronic circuitry of said interior rearview mirror assembly.

146. The voice acquisition system of claim 145, wherein said electronic circuitry is associated with at least one mirror-based accessory selected from the group consisting of a global positioning system antenna, a motion sensor, a rain sensor, a video device, an interior light of the vehicle, an automatic toll booth transducer, a security system status indicator, a compass, a compass sensor, a temperature display, a temperature sensor, a tire pressure indicator display, a seat occupancy detection antenna, a seat occupancy detection transducer and a loudspeaker.

147. The voice acquisition system of claim 128 including an illumination source for a vehicle security system.

148. The voice acquisition system of claim 147, wherein said illumination source for a vehicle security system is one of (i) included in an interior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle, (ii) positioned adjacent to an interior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle, (iii) included in an attachment to an interior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle, and (iv) included in said module.

149. The voice acquisition system of claim 128, wherein said voice acquisition system is operable to control a mechatronic element.

150. The voice acquisition system of claim 128, wherein said voice acquisition system is operable to communicate with devices or components in the vehicle via at least one of a network and a multiplex system.

151. The voice acquisition system of claim 128, wherein said non-vocal signals originate from at least one noise source selected from the group consisting of wind noise, a radio and HVAC noise, said voice acquisition system being operable to automatically adjust at least one of a) a window setting, b) a radio volume and c) a fan speed of a blower in response to said noise.

152. The voice acquisition system of claim 128, wherein said at least one microphone provides sound capture for a hands free cell phone system.

153. The voice acquisition system of claim 128, wherein said at least one microphone provides sound capture for an audio recording system.

154. The voice acquisition system of claim 128, wherein said at least one microphone provides sound capture for an emergency communication system.