Automatic noise control

An active noise control method comprising:

• generating with a first active noise control sub-system including at least one loudspeaker and at least one microphone, anti-noise that is configured to reduce or cancel noise occurring at a listening position;
• and
• generating with a second active noise control sub-system including at least one additional loudspeaker and at least one microphone, anti-noise that is configured to reduce or cancel noise occurring at the listening position;
• wherein:
• a first distance between the at least one loudspeaker and the at least one microphone forms a first secondary path;
• a second distance between the at least one additional loudspeaker and the at least one microphone forms a second secondary path;
• the first distance is shorter than the second distance causing the first active noise control sub-system to have a higher robustness than the second active noise control sub-system;
• the listening position is in an ambience of a seat with a headrest;
• the method further comprising:
• generating the anti-noise to reduce or cancel noise occurring at the listening position;
• and
• radiating the anti-noise from within the headrest of the seat.

An active noise control system comprising:

• a first active noise control sub-system including at least one loudspeaker positioned with a seat and at least one microphone;
• a second active noise control sub-system including at least one additional loudspeaker;
• and
• a stability controller that evaluates a stability of the second active noise control sub-system and switches the second active noise control sub-system off or restricts an operation of the second active noise control sub-system to lower frequencies when an instability condition of the second active noise control sub-system is detected, wherein:
• a first distance between the at least one loudspeaker and the at least one microphone forms a first secondary path;
• a second distance between the at least one additional loudspeaker and the at least one additional microphone forms a second secondary path;
• the first distance is shorter than the second distance causing the first active noise control sub-system to have a higher robustness than the second active noise control sub-system;
• the seat includes a headrest, the at least one loudspeaker being disposed within the headrest;
• and
• the first active noise control sub-system comprises a first automatic noise sub-controller connected upstream of the at least one loudspeaker disposed in the headrest.