At the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show, Bose has introduced their latest noise cancelling technology for vehicles called QuietComfort Road Noise Control (RNC).
Now made available to vehicle manufacturers, the QuietComfort RNC utilizes accelerometers, proprietary signal-processing software, microphones, and the vehicle’s audio system to “electronically control unwanted sound”.
With the accelerometers enabling a Bose algorithm to measure the vibrations created by the vehicle, the data is then used to create an acoustic cancellation signal to reduce sound vibration. Utilizing microphones to monitor residual noise levels, the system is able to alter the cancellation signal in real time, allowing for the vehicle to traverse on various road surfaces with minimal cabin noise.
“Bose QuietComfort RNC efficiently solves a critical issue that car makers and consumers have dealt with for decades: how to minimize unwanted sound in the cabin caused by driving over rough roads, grooved concrete, and uneven pavement,” said Bose in a press release. “Conventional approaches to solving this problem include adding thick insulation to the vehicle body, using customized tires that trade drive performance for lower noise, and other passive countermeasures that can increase vehicle weight and drive down fuel efficiency — while delivering limited effectiveness. QuietComfort RNC is a smarter, more flexible, and adaptable electronic solution that uses the vehicle’s existing sound system.”
“For years, we’ve been asked why we can’t simply adapt our noise cancelling headphone technology to vehicle cabins for a quieter driving experience,” said John Feng, manager, Bose Automotive, Active Sound Management Solutions. “But we know it’s much more difficult to control noise in a large space like a car cabin compared to the relatively small area around your ears. However, through research advances and our relentless efforts to solve tough problems, we’ve achieved a level of road noise reduction that sets Bose apart from competitive offerings.”
By combing Bose Engine Harmonic Cancellation (EHC) and Bose Engine Harmonic Enhancement (EHE) with QuietComfort RNC, Bose has stated that it will “form the most comprehensive and effective set of technologies for managing sound”.
With Bose announcing that they will collaborate with vehicle manufacturers during development to create custom-engineered QuietComfort RNC, the first vehicles to be fitted with QuietComfort RNC is said to be expected by 2021.
To learn more about Bose, click the link below.
