Acoustic Localization of In-Vehicle Crash Avoidance Warnings as a Cue to HazardDirection

摘要

This document reports work performed under contract DTNH22-91-C-07004, 'In-Vehicle Crash Avoidance Warning Systems; Human Factors Considerations'. The purpose of warning sounds is to alert a driver of potential roadway hazards detected by an in-vehicle crash avoidance warning device. This study investigated acoustical localization of the warning sound as a means of indicating hazard location. The research focused on several factors; speed and accuracy of responses, the effects on performance of sound type, speaker location, and using speaker pairs to provide directional cues. The study involved subjects responding to alarms of various types and from various locations within a Ford Taurus while they performed an auxiliary task.