Sound Quality based Benchmarking Methodology for Vehicle Interior Noise 2013-01-2853

Greater customer awareness is driving the automotive industry to constantly look to innovate and ensure that greater time, efforts and considerable resources are spent in developing a better vehicle. As we move away from noisy vehicles, the differentiating parameter in vehicles is the perception of quality in the vehicle noise or sound. As the masking effect due to overall vehicle noise level abates, many low noise sources gain prominence, which directly influences the perception of noise refinement. Hence, the concept of vehicle interior noise is not only limited to lower noise levels but has also extended to better sound quality (SQ). SQ technique involves use of relevant parameters for quantifying a subjective quality into an objective quantity.

This paper will look at parameters relevant to subjective perception of vehicle interior noise and consider a benchmarking methodology targeting vehicle sound quality. A few vehicle test conditions relevant for vehicle SQ perception were identified. Jury evaluation was carried out on selected data. The results of evaluation were incorporated into a weighted data matrix to rate the sounds. Various SQ metrics were computed using commercially available software. From the outcomes of the subjective and objective analysis a benchmarking methodology based on derived indexes was obtained. The proposed methodology will reduce dependence on subjective evaluation.