Quality Measurement and Evaluation of Vehicle Audio Systems

This paper presents a new integrated set of software tools for obtaining both objective and subjective evaluations of car audio systems using a single session of recording with a mannequin in the cockpit. This system can be an important aid for the design of more effective car audio systems, especially loudspeaker subsystems.

The tools implement a fully automated stimulation, acquisition and identification procedure together with a fully integrated database, simulation and listening procedure. The first can use several signals as stimuli and several algorithms for identification, being able to model complex audio systems with up to 3 rows of seats for minivan and SUV's. It also implements several inversion procedures for canceling some undesired effects of the acquisition chain.

The second is able to compare in real time different audio systems, change seat and select a head pan and tilt within a limited number of positions. Visual cues make the listening experience more effective: a real car cockpit is shown during the listening with the listener virtually seated on each of the possible positions.