Continental claims to be first in the industry to integrate a speaker function directly into a display unit with its Ac2ated Sound display. A whole new user experience is made possible by the ingenious utilization of the display surface as its own sound box, which does away with the need for traditional speakers and allows voice, feedback, and other audio content to be broadcast straight from the screen.
Actuators that are discreetly positioned behind the display surface are used in the system to cause audible vibrations in the glass.
“By integrating actuators into the display, we have succeeded in using the entire display surface as a sound chamber to resonate sound within the vehicle – all in exceptional quality. Not only does this save valuable space in the vehicle interior, but it also reduces weight compared with traditional speakers.
The system leverages our full expertise as a system integrator for the benefit of our customers – combining visual and audio output in a single package without compromising on quality,” explains Pavel Prouza, head of the User Experience (UX) business area at Continental.
Acoustic localization: breaking new ground in user experience
“Sound localization” refers to the innate ability of humans to pinpoint the exact location of a heard sound in three dimensions. To put it another way, we instantly tilt our heads in the direction of the sound when we hear it.
This provides a clear benefit in automobile applications: your eyes are automatically directed to the appropriate display instrument when speech, aural feedback, or other audio information is released, focusing attention where it is needed. The Ac2ated Sound display produces sound through the image surface itself, giving the user a realistic and engaging experience.
The team at Continental Engineering Services that specializes in vehicle acoustics and psychoacoustics is in charge of fusing cutting-edge scientific discoveries and technological advancements with our vast knowledge of automotive technology and exceptional proficiency in audio solutions.
Numerous advantages over conventional speakers
The display surface is especially well-suited for usage as a sound box because of its special composition and structure, which provide ideal acoustic qualities as assessed by internal damping, material stiffness, and the weight of the induced vibrating surface.
There are many benefits to using Continental Ac2ated Sound technology in automotive applications. When integrated into the display unit, the actuators, which are only a few centimeters in size, occupy very little space. Compared to a traditional speaker, this requires no separate parts, saving assembly time and money.
The technology can be incorporated into nearly any flat part of the car’s interior in addition to being used in displays. For instance, the entire car audio system can be switched to Ac2ated Sound technology by adding more actuators to the door trims, headrests, A-pillars, or roof lining.
This will cause vibrations in the existing surfaces throughout the car, eliminating the need for traditional speakers. Space and weight advantages, with the audio system using up to 90% less room and weighing up to 40 kg less than traditional speaker systems, add to the visual advantages.
