Automotive Audio System and Method with Tri-Polar Loudspeaker Configuration and Floating Waveguide equipped Transducers in an Automotive Headrest

[0031]Turning now to FIGS. 2-7, the automotive audio system 290 of the present invention preferably incorporates a plurality of headrest assemblies (e.g., 200 or 500), each having a tripolar loudspeaker configuration which generates sound aimed along three distinct axes. Each automotive head-rest assembly 200 generates a selected three axis radiation pattern, which, in conjunction with selected inter-element delays and other design features, provides each passenger with temporal and amplitude cues for achieving a much more desirable effective and satisfying soundfield that is also appropriate for a wider variety of audio program material for an automobile's occupants.

[0032]In accordance with the method of the present invention, delivered sound is tailored or processed for each of the vehicle's occupants (e.g., driver vs passengers, front seat vs rear) as described further below (and illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6E).

[0033]FIG. 2 is a schematic depiction of the vehicle audio system of the pre