Innovative In-Car Audio
In-car audio systems serve to provide information to passengers, as well as enhance their music listening experience. Continental has introduced a groundbreaking concept: an instrument display that functions as a sound chamber, eliminating the need for traditional speakers.
Ac2ated Sound Technology
This innovative display utilizes Continental’s Ac2ated Sound technology, developed in collaboration with audio expert Sennheiser. This technology represents a significant step in system integration, as it removes the necessity for separate speakers, thereby reducing costs, weight, and the amount of space required in the vehicle.
How Sound is Generated
The sound produced by this system comes from actuators that transform the entire surface of the display into a speaker. This mechanism causes audible vibrations in the glass, allowing for high-quality sound reproduction, including speech.
Acoustic Localisation
Another important benefit of this technology is its ability to achieve “acoustic localisation.” Humans possess an innate ability to determine the origin of sounds, often turning their heads toward them. Thus, when this display generates a spoken message or alert tone, it naturally directs the driver’s focus to the relevant instrument, enhancing safety and awareness on the road.
Integration into Vehicle Interior
Although the primary function of this display is to convey vital information and link visuals with audio, Continental emphasizes that the actuator technology can be seamlessly integrated into virtually any flat component within a vehicle’s interior. Potential applications include door panels, headrests, A-pillars, and roof linings—whereby, the elimination of traditional speakers is entirely feasible.
Benefits of Speaker Elimination
The removal of conventional speakers could lead to aesthetic improvements, such as eliminating speaker grilles. Additionally, this advancement could result in a significant reduction in vehicle weight—around 40kg—equivalent to the weight of multiple speakers and associated fittings in a premium audio system. Furthermore, it could free up 30-40 liters of space that would otherwise be occupied by a conventional audio setup, especially considering some luxury audio systems include over 30 speakers.
Evolution of Ac2ated Sound
When the Ac2ated Sound system was first revealed at CES in 2020, it focused on an immersive audio experience rather than display integration, termed the Speakerless Immersive Sound System. It was subsequently paired with Sennheiser’s Ambeo 3D audio technology. The concept is analogous to how the wooden body of a string instrument, such as a violin, serves as a resonance chamber, with its surface vibrating to emit sound. Different surface sizes, like those of an A-pillar versus a door panel, can manage distinct frequency ranges similarly to a variety of speaker types and sizes.
