INTEGRATED VEHICLE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/859,551 filed Nov. 16, 2006, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. The present application also incorporates the entirety of U.S. Patent No. 7,257,426 by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present application relates generally to the field of communication in a motor vehicle. The present application relates particularly to voice amplification in a vehicle via the vehicle's primary audio system.

[0003] Communication between the driver, front passenger, and the rear passengers in a vehicle is often difficult because of the challenging acoustic environment of an operating vehicle. While the rear passengers may easily project their voices to the front portion of the vehicle, the driver and front passenger may experience difficulty projecting their voices to the rear of the vehicle. This challenge arises because of the directionality of the driver and passenger voices, the scattering or dispersing nature of the front shield, the absorptive and deflective properties of objects between the front portion of the vehicle and rear portion of the vehicle, and high levels of environmental noise (e.g., road noise, wind noise, engine noise, traffic noise, etc.).

[0004] It would be desirable to provide a vehicle occupant-to-occupant communication system having new and non-obvious features. Vehicle occupant-to-occupant communication systems are challenging and difficult for engineers and manufacturers to implement.

[0005] What is needed is an apparatus, system, and/or method that satisfies one or more needs or provides other advantageous features. Various features and advantages will be made apparent from the present specification. The teachings disclosed extend to those embodiments that fall within the scope of the claims, regardless of the needs they accomplish or the features they provide.

SUMMARY

[0006] One embodiment relates to a module for assisting with occupant to occupant communications in a vehicle. The module is for use with a vehicle audio system mounted in the vehicle. The vehicle has a front half and a rear half. The vehicle audio system provides output to at least one audio output device mounted in the rear half of vehicle. The vehicle audio system also provides output to at least one audio output device mounted in the front half of the vehicle. A microphone is mounted in the front half of the vehicle, the microphone for receiving voice from a vehicle occupant. The module includes a first interface configured to receive a first signal from the microphone, the first signal representing the voice. The module further includes a second interface configured to send a second signal to the vehicle audio system. The module yet further includes a processing system configured to receive a third signal representing the voice from the first interface, the processing system configured to provide a fourth signal representing the voice to the second interface. The processing system is further configured to switch to a communication assistance mode of operation. When the processing system switches to the communication assistance mode of operation, the processing system is configured to cause the voice to be output from the at least one audio output device mounted in the rear half of the vehicle at a higher volume relative to output from the at least one audio output device mounted in the front half of the vehicle.

[0007] Another embodiment relates to a method for facilitating occupant-to-occupant communications in a vehicle. The method includes receiving audio at a microphone mounted in the vehicle. The method further includes recognizing a communication assistance event and interrupting normal operation of a vehicle audio system in response to the communication assistance event. The method yet further includes amplifying the audio received by the microphone through the vehicle audio system. [0008] Yet another embodiment relates to a method for facilitating in-vehicle communications. The method includes providing a control system and mounting the control system to a vehicle. The method further includes providing a microphone located in the front portion of the vehicle and placing the microphone device in functional communication with the control system. The method yet further includes detecting voice communications at the microphone, wherein the detected voice communications form a

microphone signal. The method further includes amplifying an output signal through an audio system of the vehicle, the output signal including at least a component of the microphone signal.

[0009] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and accompanying figures. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many modifications and changes within the scope of the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0010] The application will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle that includes a number of vehicle systems, including an in-vehicle control system according to one exemplary embodiment. [0012] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the user interface of the in-vehicle control system of FIG. 1 according to one exemplary embodiment. [0013] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the in-vehicle control system of FIG. 1. [0014] FIG. 4 is a more detailed embodiment of the in-vehicle control system of FIG. 3 according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a motor vehicle that includes a number of vehicle systems, including an in-vehicle control system, an auxiliary input device, and a rear set of speakers of the primary audio system according to an exemplary embodiment. [0016] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the in-vehicle control system of FIG. 5 as connected to the vehicle bus and an auxiliary control device according to an exemplary embodiment. [0017] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the auxiliary input device of FIG. 5. [0018] FIG. 8 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method of using an integrated front- to-rear communication system according to an exemplary embodiment. [0019] FIG. 9 is a process flow chart illustrating a method of using an integrated front-to- rear communication system via automatic voice detection according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Before turning to the figures which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the following description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0021] Referring generally to the FIGS., a vehicle occupant-to-occupant communication system is provided. The system enables the receipt of voice from an occupant located in the front half of the vehicle. The received voice is provided to a system or module that provides the voice to the vehicle's audio system for amplification and output from at least one audio output devices (e.g., a speaker) located in the rear half of the vehicle. It should be appreciated that systems and/or methods described herein could also be implemented in reverse and/or bidirectionally. For example, a microphone could be provided in the rear of the vehicle and the system or module that provides the voice might cause the voice to be amplified or output from at least one audio output device located in the front half of the vehicle. By way of further example, two microphones could be provided, one in the front half of the vehicle and one in the rear half of the vehicle. Voice received at the microphone in the front half would be amplified at speakers located in the rear half, and vise versa. [0022] Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle 100 includes a number of subsystems for user convenience. Vehicle 100 generally includes a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system, an audio system, and an in- vehicle control system 106. The HVAC system and audio system may be coupled to or integrated with in-vehicle control system 106, which is capable of controlling and monitoring both systems, automatically or by user command. It is noted that in various exemplary embodiments vehicle 100, the HVAC system, and the audio system may be of any past, present, or future design that is capable of interacting with in-vehicle control system 106.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 2, one exemplary embodiment of in-vehicle control system 106 is shown. In-vehicle control system 106 generally includes an output display 108, one or more knobs 110, one or more pushbuttons 112, and one or more tactile user inputs or pushbuttons 114, which facilitate controlling various vehicle functions. Output display 108 may be configured to display data related to the control of the vehicle functions. In one exemplary embodiment, output display 108 may be a touch-screen display, while in other exemplary embodiments, may be any other non-touch sensitive display. In still other exemplary embodiments, output display 108 may be of any technology (e.g. LCD, DLP,

plasma, CRT, OLED, etc.), configuration (e.g. portrait or landscape), or shape (e.g. polygonal, curved, curvilinear). Knobs 110 and pushbuttons 112 and 114 may be configured: (i) to control functions of the HVAC system such as fan speed, cabin temperature, or routing of air flow, (ii) to control playback of media files over the sound system, (iii) to control retrieval of phonebook entries, to (iv) activate a voice or communications assistance mode, to configure a communications assistance mode, or (v) to control any other desired vehicle function. Knobs 110 and pushbuttons 112 and 114 may be configured for other vehicle functions or activities. Pushbuttons 114 typically allow for the selection and display of various functions of in- vehicle control system 106 including HVAC system control, audio system control, hands-free phone use, contact or address/phone book management, calendar viewing/modification, vehicle data logging, voice assistance triggering, and/or voice assistance configuration. The operation of pushbutton 114 for media playback may display a media playback menu screen (and/or execute commands) that allow the user to view, select, sort, search for, and/or play audio or video files by tactile or oral command. The operation of pushbutton 114 for hands-free phone operation may display a menu screen or execute commands that allows the user to connect in- vehicle control system 106 to a mobile phone so that speaking into the vehicle console of in- vehicle control system 106 operates the mobile phone. The operation of pushbutton 114 for HVAC control may display a menu screen or execute commands that allow the user to control cabin temperature and air flow by tactile or oral command. The operation of pushbutton 114 for contact management may display a menu screen or execute commands that allow the user to view, list, select, sort, search for, edit and/or dial one or more entries containing personal contact information, by use of a tactile or oral command. The operation of pushbuttons 114 for calendar management may display a menu screen or execute commands that allow the user to view, list, select, sort, search for, edit and/or create one or more entries containing personal schedule information by tactile or oral command. The operation of pushbuttons 114 for vehicle log management may display a menu screen or execute commands that allow the user to input, view, select and/or reset information related to vehicle operation (e.g. fuel economy, engine temperature, distance to empty, etc.) by tactile or oral command. [0024] The operation of pushbuttons 114 for voice assistance (i.e., communications assistance) may send a signal to control system 106. The signal may represent a request for front-to-rear (or other occupant to occupant) communications assistance. In response to the signal, control system 106 may switch to a communications assistance mode of operation.

User interface elements 212, 214, and 216 (e.g., buttons, switches, touch sensors, etc.) are shown as attached to the steering wheel and may also be configured to effect communications assistance features of the vehicle. For example, button 212 may switch between a normal mode of control system and/or audio system operation and a communications assistance mode of operation. Button 214 may be configured to increase the level of communications assistance (e.g., by increasing input sensitivity of a microphone, increasing filtering / noise cancelling levels, and/or increasing output levels (output volume)). Button 216 may be configured to decrease the level of communications assistance (e.g., by decreasing input sensitivity of a microphone, decreasing filtering / noise cancelling levels, and/or decreasing output levels (output volume)). Audio input device 128 (e.g., a microphone) is shown as integrated with housing of control system 106. According to other exemplary embodiments, audio input device 128 may be provided on the steering wheel, in an overhead console, in a visor, near an "A" frame location, on a vehicle ceiling, or otherwise. Multiple audio input devices may be provided in the vehicle (e.g., one for each passenger location, driver seat, front passenger seat, rear left seat, rear middle seat, rear right seat, etc.).

[0025] Referring to FIG. 3, in- vehicle control system 106 is capable of accessing data files from a remote source 116 over a communication link 118. For example, in- vehicle control system 106 may access media data files, phonebook data files, calendar data, or any other accessible data of use by in- vehicle control system. Vehicle control system 106 may also connect to remote source 116 to establish a hands-free communication link as generally described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,257,426, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Further, remote source 116 may be configured to connect to one or more other remote sources, wireless service organizations, the Internet, or one or more remote servers. In- vehicle control system 106 may be configured to command and/or request that remote source 116 make these further connections and conduct associated activities. [0026] In-vehicle control system 106 generally includes a communication device 120, a data processing system 122, a display driver 124, a user interface 126, an audio input device 128, an audio output device 130, an audio system 104, and a memory device 132. [0027] Communication device 120 is generally configured to establish communication link 118 with remote source 116. In one exemplary embodiment, in-vehicle control system 100 may establish a wireless communication link such as with a Bluetooth communications protocol, an IEEE 802.11 protocol, an IEEE 802.16 protocol, a cellular signal, a WiFi

signal, a WiMax signal, a Shared Wireless Access Protocol-Cord Access (SWAP-CA) protocol, or any other suitable wireless technology. In another exemplary embodiment, in- vehicle control system 100 may establish a wired communication link such as with USB technology, Firewire technology, optical technology, other serial or parallel port technology, or any other suitable wired link. Communication device 120 may receive one or more data files from remote source 116. In various exemplary embodiments, the data files may include text, numeric data, or any combination thereof. [0028] Data processing system 122 is coupled to communications device 120 and is generally configured to control each function of in- vehicle control system 106. Data processing system 122 may facilitate speech recognition capabilities of in- vehicle control system 106 for the convenience of the user. Data processing system 122 may include digital or analog processing components or be of any past, present, or future design that facilitates control of in-vehicle control system 106. Data processing system 122 may be a single data processing device having various hardware and/or software components or multiple data processing devices. Data processing system 122 may be used to facilitate any number of audio related features, including front-to-rear or rear-to-front communications features. Data processing system 122 may also be configured to execute, process, and/or facilitate the execution of any of the steps or activities described herein. Processing system 122 may, for example, be communicably coupled to memory (e.g., memory device 132), the memory including computer code for a first process and computer code for a second process. Processing system 122 may be configured to execute the first and second process according to the computer code. It should be noted that custom circuitry may be provided in place of a general purpose processing system and/or work in conjunction with a general purpose processing system to conduct the processes described herein. [0029] Display driver 124 is coupled to output display 108 and is typically configured to provide an electronic signal to the output display. In one exemplary embodiment, the electronic signal may include the text and/or numeric data of the data files, while in other exemplary embodiments, any other desired data may be included with the text and/or numeric data or by itself in the electronic signal to the output display. In another exemplary embodiment, display driver 124 may be configured to control output display 108 with touch-screen capabilities, while in other exemplary embodiments, display driver 124 may be configured to control output display 108 without making use of touch-screen capabilities.

In still other exemplary embodiments, display driver 124 may be of any past, present, or future design that allows for the control of output display 108.

[0030] User interface 126 is typically configured to facilitate tactile user interaction with in-vehicle control system 106. In various exemplary embodiments, user interface 126 may include pushbuttons or rotatable knobs as in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2 in any similar or dissimilar configuration or may include other tactile user contact points. [0031] Audio system 104, for example an audio input receiver, may be configured to switch between various audio inputs, mix audio input signals into an audio output signal, provide volume control, filtering, attenuation, and/or other audio-related features. Audio system 104 and its accompanying audio data or audio signals may be analog-based, digital- based, or any combination thereof. Audio system 104 may include various input devices such as compact disk players, radio components, satellite radio components, digital media players, one or more microphones, etc. According to other various embodiments, audio system 104 only interfaces for connecting to separate input devices, the audio system including the switching, processing, or routing electronics. According to yet other various embodiments, audio system 104 may include any number of amplifiers, or provide audio output signals to amplifiers. Audio system 104 may include audio output devices 518, 520 (shown in FIG. 5) or may provide signals to audio output devices 518, 520. Audio system 104 may be partially or entirely built into the control system 106 or may be a stand-alone audio system that accepts control and audio inputs from control system 106 or the other components of vehicle 100. Audio system 104 may connect to control system 106 via an interface (shown as the lines connecting control system 106 and audio system 104 in FIGS. 3 and 4) of control system 106. The interface may include any number of hardware jacks or terminals, filters, and/or supporting circuitry. According to an exemplary embodiment, audio system 104 is any audio system of the past, present or future that accepts audio inputs and has an audio output capability.

[0032] Audio input device 128, for example a microphone, is configured to receive the utterance of a user for transmission to data processing system 122 for speech recognition so that the functions of in-vehicle control system 106 may be operated by voice command. According to an exemplary embodiment, audio input device 128 may be configured and used to receive user utterances for amplification to other users (via audio output devices 518, 520). Audio received by audio input device 128 may be sent to and from other systems and components of the vehicle such as control system 106, audio system 104, processing

system 122, memory device 132, audio input device 128, audio output device 130, etc. The audio may be sent and received throughout the systems and components of vehicle 100 as audio signals or data (e.g., an audio signal(s), an audio data stream, an analog audio signal(s), a digital audio signal(s), an audio input signal(s), audio information, etc.). Regardless of whether the audio data or audio signal changes form, is processed, routed, amplified, attenuated, filtered or mixed, preamplifϊed, or otherwise, the terms "audio data" and "audio signal" may be used throughout this application to refer to any data or signal having an audio component. Audio output devices (e.g., audio output device 130, etc.) may be configured to provide the user with an audio prompt of various functions, such as user command confirmation. According to an exemplary embodiment, audio output devices may exist within or externally from the housing of control system 106. [0033] Memory device 132 is configured to store data accessed by in-vehicle control system 106. For example, memory device 132 may store data input by remote source 116, data created by data processing system 122 that may be used later, intermediate data of use in a current calculation, or any other data of use by in-vehicle control system 106. Memory device 132 may also store computer code for executing or supporting the various processes described herein.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 4, in-vehicle control system 106 and remote source 116 are illustrated in greater detail. Data processing system 122 generally includes a text-to- grammar device 134, a speech recognition device 136, and a text-to-speech device 138. [0035] Text-to-grammar device 134 is preferably coupled to communications device 120 and is generally configured to generate a phonemic representation of received text and/or numeric data of each of the data files received by communications device 120 from remote source 116. The phonemic representation of the text and/or numeric data of each data file may be configured to facilitate speech recognition of each data file. After conversion of a data file to a phonemic representation, the data file may be accessed via an oral input command received by speech recognition device 136 via audio input device 128. [0036] Speech recognition device 136 is typically configured to receive an oral input command from a user via audio input device 128. Speech recognition device 136 compares the received oral input command to a set of predetermined input commands, which may have been configured by text-to-grammar device 134. In various exemplary embodiments, the input commands may be related to the playback of a media file, the dialing or input of a phone book entry, the entry or listing of calendar or contact data, the control of the HVAC

system, or any other desired function to be performed on data. According to various exemplary embodiments, the input command may be related to initiating, terminating and/or otherwise controlling front-to-rear communications functions. Speech recognition device 136 may determine an appropriate response to the oral input command received from the user, for example, whether the oral input command is a valid or invalid instruction, what command to execute, or any other appropriate response. Speech recognition device 136 may also be used to generally identify human speech. In other words, speech recognition device 136 may be configured to distinguish sound created by road noise, the radio, and/or other non-human sources from human voice.

[0037] Text-to-speech device 138 is generally configured to convert the text and/or numeric data of each data file received from remote source 116 into an audible speech representation. This functionality may allow in- vehicle control system 106 to audibly give data to the user via audio output device 130 or vehicle audio system 104. For example, in- vehicle control system may repeat a user selected function back to the user, announce media file information, provide phonebook or contact information, or other information related to data stored in memory 132 or remote source 116.

[0038] Memory device 132 includes both a volatile memory 140 and a non- volatile memory 142. Volatile memory 140 may be configured so that the contents stored therein may be erased during each power cycle. Non- volatile memory 142 may be configured so that the contents stored therein may be retained across power cycles, such that upon system power-up, data from previous system use remains available for the user. [0039] Note that remote source 116 may be any suitable remote source that includes a transceiver and is able to interface with in- vehicle control system 106 over communications link 118, in either a wireless or wired embodiment. In various exemplary embodiments, remote source 116 may be one or more of a mobile phone 144, a personal digital assistant (PDA) 146, a media player 148, a personal navigation device (PND) 150, a remote server 154 that is coupled to the internet, or various other remote data sources. The remote source may be configured to send RF signals carrying audio information to communications device 120. Communications device 120 and/or control system 106 may be configured to extract the audio information from the RF signal and to route, process, playback, output, or otherwise handle the audio information. According to an exemplary embodiment, audio information received via communications device 120 is output to audio system 104. It should be noted that the speech recognition

[0040] Referring further to FIGS. 3 and 4, audio processing module 302 may be provided in addition to data processing system 122. Audio processing module 302 may be a hardware module, a software module, a combination of hardware/software. Further, audio processing module 302 may include sub-modules or circuitry for completing various audio- related tasks. Audio processing module may include, for example, a digital to analog component, an analog to digital component, one or more filters, one or more feedback elimination components, one or more equalizers, one or more noise cancellation elements, one or more preamplifϊcation components, one or more input modules, one or more output modules, one or more mixing modules, one or more input switching modules, one or more amplification modules, etc.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 5, according to an exemplary embodiment, vehicle 100 may include one or more rear audio output devices 518, an auxiliary control device 517, rear controls 519, an in- vehicle control system 106, and one or more front audio output devices 520. Generally, an audio input device 128 (e.g., a microphone) located near or in the front portion or half the vehicle, possibly integrated with the housing of in-vehicle control system 106, located on the steering wheel, located in an overhead console location, or located on or within auxiliary control device 517, is configured to accept vocal communications from the driver or front passenger. When the driver or front passenger would like to speak, he or she may activate the integrated front-to-rear communication system and begin speaking normally. The integrated front-to-rear communication system picks up the voices of the front passengers and uses the primary audio system (e.g., audio system 104) connected to the in-vehicle control system 106 to amplify the voices of the front passengers through the rear audio output devices 518. Thus, the voices of the front passengers may be amplified and more easily understood by the rear passengers. According to various alternative embodiments, vehicle 100 and its communication assistance related components (e.g., microphone, audio input devices, audio output devices, etc.) may be oriented differently. For example, depending on the acoustic environment of the vehicle, it may be desirable to create a rear-to-front communication system rather than a front-to-rear communication system or vice versa.

[0042] Referring further to FIG. 5, according to an exemplary embodiment, one of audio output devices 518, 520 is an audio speaker configured to provide a wide frequency range of audible sound output waves to the interior of vehicle 100. According to an exemplary embodiment, audio output devices 518, 520 are the primary audio output devices of the

vehicle 100. According to an exemplary embodiment, audio output devices 518, 520 provide the majority of the audio output from the vehicle's primary audio system 104. Audio output devices may be wide bandwidth audio output devices separately or combined. For example, any single audio output device or any combined number of audio devices may be capable of providing a wide range (e.g., 200hz to 16khz @ 95db +-6db, etc.) of audio frequencies to the interior of vehicle 100. According to various other exemplary embodiments, audio output devices 518, 520 may be of any past, present, or future design that is capable of accepting an audio signal to produce sound waves. [0043] According to an exemplary embodiment, "primary audio system" and "primary audio output devices" refer to the audio system and/or output devices which are used by the majority of the vehicle's sound providing activities. For example, the primary audio system might also be the audio system that the radio and/or CD player utilize to provide sound to the primary audio output devices (and eventually to the vehicle occupants). It should be noted, however, that not all audio signals in the vehicle must be routed through an audio system or an output device for the audio system and/or the output device to be considered primary. For example, while a separate system and/or output device may be provided for satellite radio and/or hands-free features, the system or output device might still be the primary system and/or output device of the vehicle. According to other embodiments, the primary audio system and/or the primary output device is a system and/or device fixably installed into locations provided by the vehicle manufacturer for such devices. [0044] Referring further to FIG. 5, rear controls 519 may be provided to allow the rear passengers to adjust front-to-rear communications assistance variables. For example, rear controls 519 may include a volume control, a microphone sensitivity control, an on/off button, a balance control, a mixing control (configured to cause the control system to change the mix of normal audio input to microphone audio input), etc. Rear controls 519 may send control signals directly to control system 106, to the vehicle audio system, and/or be disposed between the audio system and the audio output devices. For example, rear controls 519 may include circuits, filters, potentiometers or other suitable devices that receive output from the audio system and are configured to attenuate (or otherwise modify) the signal provided to the rear audio output devices 518.

[0045] According to various exemplary embodiments, auxiliary control device 517 is provided in vehicle 100. Auxiliary control device 517 may store some or all of the circuitry

necessary to effect the occupant-to-occupant communications assistance activity herein described.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 6, according to an exemplary embodiment, the integrated front- to-rear communications system includes in-vehicle control system 106 and accompanying components as displayed in FIGS. 3 and 4, a vehicle data bus 601, and an auxiliary control device 517. According to an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 6 illustrates control system 106 coupled in communication with vehicle data bus 601. Auxiliary control device 517 is shown coupled to the vehicle data bus 601. Vehicle data bus 601 may be the primary vehicle data bus or a secondary data bus. According to various alternative exemplary embodiments, auxiliary control device 517 may be coupled directly to the control system 106 via interface 602 of in-vehicle control system 106. According to various other exemplary embodiments, neither control system 106 nor auxiliary control device 517 are coupled to the vehicle data bus 601 and are instead directly coupled together or separately coupled to audio system 104.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 7, according to an exemplary embodiment, auxiliary control device 517 includes a microphone 701, a processor 704, a communications device 703, and one or more user input elements 702, 712 (e.g., buttons, switches, etc.). Briefly referring back to FIG. 5, auxiliary control device 517 may be installed apart from the main housing of control system 106. For example, auxiliary control device 517 may be installed on the ceiling of the vehicle 100 (as shown in FIG. 5) to facilitate unobstructed audio pickup at microphone 701. Device 517 may be coupled directly or indirectly to the vehicle data bus 601 (e.g., FIG. 6, generally) and/or the control system 106 or audio system 104. According to other various embodiments, device 517 operates independently of control system 106 to provide communication assistance from microphone 701 to vehicle audio system 104. According to yet other embodiments, device 517 operates as a standalone device and is not coupled to control system 106 and/or audio system 104.

[0048] According to an exemplary embodiment, auxiliary device 517 is not coupled to in- vehicle control system 106. Auxiliary device 517 is shown to include interface 706 for communicably coupling to vehicle audio system 104. Auxiliary control device 517 may include a power supply unit (PSU) 714. Alternatively (or additionally) auxiliary control device 517 may receive power from the vehicle's power system via an interface. [0049] Communications device 703, according to an exemplary embodiment, is a wireless communications device capable of providing a wireless communications function to the

vehicle. Communications device 703 is shown to facilitate wireless communications with mobile devices located within the vehicle 100 and/or devices located external vehicle 100. Auxiliary control device 517 may be configured as a hands-free communication device for use with a mobile phone 705. According to such an exemplary embodiment, device 517 includes a first button 712 for enabling a hands-free communication mode and a second button 702 for enabling a communications assistance mode of operation. When the hands- free communication mode is active, device 517 uses communications device 703 to establish a wireless communication link with a remote source (such as mobile phone 705). Mobile phone 705 may then connect to a wireless service organization. Communications device 703 provides voice received from the vehicle occupant via microphone 701 to mobile phone 705 and provides sounds received from mobile phone 705 to audio system 104.

According to an exemplary embodiment, communications device 703 is a Bluetooth communications device, but may be a communications device of any past, present, or future technology.

[0050] According to an exemplary embodiment, auxiliary control device 517 communicates with audio system 104 and/or control system 106 wirelessly via communications device 703. When used in this manner, auxiliary control device 517 may be provided as an add-on device that a user might easily install. Auxiliary control device 517 may provide the microphone, a voice recognition component, and/or user interface elements to a communications assistance system. When auxiliary control device is activated (e.g., via input element 702), microphone 701 may receive voice, provide a signal representing the voice to processor 704 for processing (e.g., noise cancellation, filtering, etc.), and the processor may further provide a processed signal representing the voice to communications device 703. Communications device 703 may establish a wireless (or wired, according to some exemplary embodiments) connection to in-vehicle control system 106 (e.g., via communications device 120) and thereby transmit the signal to in-vehicle control system 106 for further processing and/or passing to vehicle audio system 104. [0051] Referring further to FIG. 7, according to an exemplary embodiment, auxiliary control device 517 has a primary function apart from facilitating a front-to-rear communications. According to an exemplary embodiment, auxiliary control device 517 may be configured to provide hands-free phone communications via communications device 703, processor 704, and microphone 701. For example, the driver of vehicle 100

may wish to utilize a hands-free connection to his mobile phone 705. The driver may press or otherwise activate user interface element 712 to switch auxiliary device into a hands-free mode of operation. User interface element 712 may also (or alternatively) trigger a voice recognition mode of operation, and the user may then provide further voice commands to device 517 (e.g., a hands-free call command, a communications assistance command). Processor 704 and communications device 703 may then establish a wireless (e.g., Bluetooth, etc.) connection with mobile phone 705 and begin facilitating hands-free operation of mobile phone 705 via the components (e.g., microphone 701, etc.) of auxiliary control device 517.

[0052] According to an exemplary embodiment where auxiliary control device 517 is configured to provide a primary function in addition to facilitating front-to-rear communication, the front-to-rear communications function may be added to the vehicle by providing some amount of connecting hardware and/or software to the vehicle and/or vehicle control system. Computer code might be provided to control system 106 so that the control system recognizes a communications assistance event or request and directs audio received from auxiliary control device 517 primarily to the rear speakers. According to an exemplary embodiment, device 517 is configured to enter a communications assistance mode of operation when user interface element 702 is touched, pressed, triggered, and/or activated.

[0053] According to an exemplary embodiment, auxiliary control device 517 may also be a voice recognition device configured to provide home control functions (e.g., opening a garage door) via an RF-enabled communications device. According to another exemplary embodiment, auxiliary control device 517 is a device dedicated to the function of facilitating front-to-rear communications.

[0054] Referring further to FIG. 7, according to an exemplary embodiment, microphone 701 is any microphone device that converts sound into an electrical signal. Microphone 701 may be of any type, technology or design (e.g., condenser microphone, capacitive microphone, electret microphone, dynamic microphone, ribbon microphone, carbon microphone, piezo microphone, laser microphone, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the microphone 701 (or audio input device 128) may provide one or more audio signals to the audio system 104 or control system 106. To provide these audio signals, microphone 701 or audio input device 128 may be coupled directly or indirectly to audio system 104 or control system 106. For example, microphone 701 may exist within

auxiliary control device 517 and pass audio signals to other systems via the vehicle data bus 601 and/or communications device 703. The microphone signal of microphone 701 may be mixed, selected, amplified, filtered, etc. into or instead of the primary or active audio input signal of audio system 104. Any combination of analog and digital technology and appropriate converters (e.g., analog to digital, digital to analog, etc.) may be used with the microphones and audio devices of audio system 104 or control system 106. [0055] Referring to FIG. 8, according to an exemplary embodiment, a method of operating an integrated front-to-rear communication system is shown (method 800). The processor (e.g., data processing system 122, processor 704, etc.) may be configured to receive a communications assist command (step 801). The communications assist command may be sent from a user interface element (e.g., buttons or switches 114, 112, 702, 519, or 212 shown in previous FIGS., etc.) and/or may be received by speech recognition device 136. For example, microphone device (e.g., audio input device 128, microphone 701, etc.) and a processor (e.g., data processing system 122, processor 704) may be configured to sense and process voice communications. Once a communications assist command has been received (step 801), the processor (e.g., 122, 704) is configured to switch itself and/or other components, such as audio system 104, to a communications assistance mode of operation (step 802a). According to an exemplary embodiment, the microphone and/or the processing system are configured to detect conversational speech or voice and switch to a communications assistance mode when the conversational speech or voice is detected.

[0056] The communications assistance mode of operation may include interrupting the normal audio operation (e.g., normal audio function, normal audio data, normal audio signal, radio signal, etc.) of the audio system 104 (step 802). The normal audio function may be any function or state of audio system 104 where the audio system 104 is operating in its electronic source-to-passenger communications capacity (e.g., radio playing capacity, CD player capacity, video playing capacity, hands-free capacity, etc.). The processor, also as a part of the communications assistance mode of operation or otherwise, may then fade audio amplification (step 803) from the front audio output devices 520 to the rear audio output devices 518. Fading (step 803) will reduce the sound pressure level ("SPL") of audio output from the front audio output devices 520 relative to the audio output from the rear audio output devices 518.

[0057] The processor and/or microphone may then be configured to filter environmental noise (step 804) out of the audio signal of the microphone. The processor and microphone combination may also be able to detect or sense the ambient sound pressure level (e.g., audio volume level, road noise level, environmental noise level, etc.) and adjust the audio system output based on the detected ambient sound pressure level. For example, the processor may be configured to provide amplification of the voice via the rear speakers at a volume level 6db above the ambient sound pressure level of the vehicle. The step of filtering environment noise may include any number of feedback eliminating, noise cancelling, high pass filtering, low pass filtering, bandpass filtering, or other steps. [0058] According to an exemplary embodiment, the signal from the microphone device is provided directly to the audio system 104. According to another exemplary embodiment, the microphone device's audio input is first sent through the control system 106. Once at audio system 104, control system 106 may then command the audio system to amplify the microphone input (step 805) through the rear audio output devices 518, providing a measure of front-to-rear communications assistance. The system may be configured to amplify the microphone input out the rear audio output devices at a significantly higher volume relative to the output from an audio output device mounted in the front half of the vehicle. Significantly higher, according to an exemplary embodiment, might mean a 6db difference or greater, a IOdb difference or greater, or higher. Significantly higher might also mean that none of the microphone input is being amplified and provided to the front speakers and only the rear speakers are outputting the voice received at the microphone. [0059] According to an exemplary embodiment, the rear passengers may adjust the audio (step 806) (e.g., amount of amplification, balance, etc.) via rear controls 519. Audio system 104 may then continue to amplify audio received at the microphone device located in the front of the vehicle through at least the rear audio output devices 518 during front-to-rear communications operation. Communications may be terminated (step 807) by a termination button or on/off switch (e.g., 112, 114, 519, 212, 216, 702) or by a speech command (e.g., "stop com assist") received at the microphone device and detected by a processor. After a termination command has been received (step 807), the audio system 104 may then resume normal audio operation (step 808) with the assistance of one or more processors (e.g., 122, 704). Resuming normal audio operation (step 808) may include fading audio to a balanced front/rear level, fading to the previously set front/rear level, resuming the amplification of a normal audio function (e.g., normal audio signal, normal audio input signal, normal audio

output signal, radio, CD player, DVD, satellite radio, etc.), discontinuing a filtering function, discontinuing a communications assistance mode of operation, etc. [0060] Referring to FIG. 9, according to an exemplary embodiment, another method of operation (method 900) of a front-to-rear communications system is shown. According to an exemplary embodiment, a microphone device (e.g., 128, 701, etc.) and a processor (e.g., 122, 704, etc.) are configured to detect in-car voice communications (step 901). When in- car voice communications are detected (step 901), the processor 122, 704 will mix (step 902) the detected microphone signal with the currently playing audio input signal (e.g., normal audio function data, audio data, etc.) of the audio system 104 being sent to the rear audio output devices 518. According to an exemplary embodiment, mixing (step 902) allows the currently playing audio input signal (e.g., radio, CD player, DVD, satellite radio, etc.) to continue playing and being heard, but the voice communications detected by the microphone device 128, 701 will be overlaid or mixed into this currently playing audio signal. When used in this manner, the system does not entirely interrupt normal audio system 104 operation, but rather allows normal audio system 104 operation to continue, only providing some additional amplification of front passengers' voices to the rear audio output devices 518. At any point, however, the system may be configured to prompt users with an option to terminate amplification of the microphone signal (step 903) and/or normal audio signal. If a user (e.g., driver, passenger, etc.) chooses to terminate amplification (step 904), the system will then terminate the mixing of the microphone signal with the primary audio input signal sent to the rear audio output devices (step 907). If the user does not respond, or positively responds not to terminate amplification (at step 904), then the system will continue amplifying the primary audio input signal (step 905) and wait for a communication assistance termination event (step 906). When a communication assistance termination event (e.g., button press, termination voice command, etc.) is received, the system will terminate mixing of the microphone signal with the primary audio input signal sent to the rear audio output devices 518 (step 907).

[0061] According to any preferred embodiment, vehicle 100 is provided having control system 106, auxiliary control device 517, and at least one audio output device 518. Control system 106, auxiliary control device 517 and at least one audio output device 518 are coupled. Auxiliary control device 517 is a device configured to provide a primary function to the vehicle 100 and control system 106 apart from facilitating front-to-rear communications. For example, auxiliary control device 517 may primarily provide wireless

communications between a remote source 116 and the control system 106. Auxiliary control device 517 may be a device having a microphone 701, a communications device 703, a processor 704, and a set of user buttons 702. These components may be coupled and provided in a housing located on the ceiling / sun visor area of the car (generally illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5). The driver or front passenger of vehicle 100 may use the auxiliary control device 517 primarily for hands-free mobile phone communication. For example, a wireless (e.g., Bluetooth, etc.) connection may be formed between remote source 116 and the communications device 703 of the auxiliary control device 517. The auxiliary control device 517 may use a connection to the primary audio system (e.g., audio system 104) of the vehicle to provide amplification of the sounds coming from the other end of the cellular telephone connection. The microphone 701 may detect vocal sounds from the vehicle cabin and transmit them to the mobile telephone (e.g., remote source 116, etc.) for further transmission over the cellular network. Using this same set of components, vehicle 100, audio system 104, and auxiliary control device 517 may also provide a front-to-rear communications assistance function. A user may initiate front-to-rear communication using an alternate button 702 on the auxiliary control device 517. The processor 704 of the auxiliary input device may activate the microphone 701 for amplification through the primary audio system and take one or more steps to provide for optimized front-to-rear communications. When used in this manner, vehicle 100 may advantageously provide an integrated front-to-rear communications assistance system for little to no additional cost or installation hassle.

[0062] While the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the Figures and described above are presently preferred, it should be understood that these embodiments are offered by way of example only. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to a particular embodiment, but extends to various modifications and/or combinations of embodiments that nevertheless fall within the scope of the appended claims. The order or sequence of any processes or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments.

[0063] Describing the invention with Figures should not be construed as imposing on the invention any limitations that may be present in the Figures. The present invention contemplates methods, systems and program products on any machine -readable media for accomplishing its operations. The embodiments of the present invention may be implemented using an existing computer processor(s), or by a special purpose computer

processor for an appropriate vehicle system, incorporated for this or another purpose or by a hardwired system.

[0064] As noted above, embodiments within the scope of the present invention include program products comprising machine -readable media for carrying or having machine- executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a machine, the machine properly views the connection as a machine-readable medium. Thus, any such connection is properly termed a machine-readable medium. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions. [0065] It should be noted that although the diagrams herein may show a specific order of method steps, it is understood that the order of these steps may differ from what is depicted. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. It is understood that all such variations are within the scope of the invention. Likewise, software implementations of the present invention could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps and decision steps. [0066] The foregoing description of embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principals of the invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various

embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.