Auditory signals have proven useful to guide and inform drivers in dangerous situations. Sounds can become annoying, however, thereby negatively affecting consumer acceptance of an interface or system. Auditory warnings are typically salient sounds such as sudden beeps or repetitive tones. But adding sound to the environment is not necessarily the only way to aurally alert people to a change in the environment. The present study explored the usefulness of three alternative strategies to notify drivers in early stages of a threatening situation using sound; 1. panning the radio sound from the driver's position (equal sound level in both ears) to one side; 2. reducing the sound level of the radio; and 3. a mild auditory warning signal (i.e., an added sound). The participants responded to the early warnings in a simple reaction task while performing a simulated driving task. After each condition, the drivers completed a questionnaire concerning their opinions of the early warnings. Interestingly, the results show that manipulating the sound of the radio can be a useful way to notify drivers. Panning the sound of the radio may be especially effective and tolerable. Potential benefits and issues with the investigated warning strategies are discussed.
Graded auditory warnings during in-vehicle use: Using sound to guide drivers without additional noise
2012
7 Seiten, Bilder, Tabellen, 15 Quellen
Conference paper
English
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