Binaural Navigation Audio for Intuitive Motorcycle Turn Guidance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems for straddle-type vehicles, such as motorcycles, do not effectively guide users on turning directions through sound output, especially when using a headset, which can be a safety concern during route navigation.
Innovation Solution
An information processing method that balances the left and right sound volumes based on the approaching degree to a turning location, using a sound output device integrated with a vehicle or helmet, to intuitively indicate turning directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional sound output is used for route navigation, then the user can receive navigation instructions, but the user cannot intuitively grasp turning directions, especially when using a headset
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by creating imbalanced sound volumes between the left and right channels. When the vehicle approaches a turning location, the sound volume is increased in the channel corresponding to the turning direction (left channel for left turns, right channel for right turns). This asymmetric sound distribution intuitively guides the user to understand the required turning direction without requiring explicit verbal instructions.
2Reliability
If verbal navigation instructions are provided, then the user receives turn direction information, but the user may not pay attention or understand the instructions in time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing advance warning sounds before the actual turning maneuver. The imbalanced sound is output in advance as the vehicle approaches the turning location, giving the user sufficient time to prepare for and react to the turning instruction. This eliminates the delay between receiving the instruction and executing the turn.
3Loss of information
If the sound output device is integrated with the vehicle, then navigation sounds can be clearly heard, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a sound output device that can serve multiple functions: it outputs navigation instructions, provides turn direction guidance through asymmetric sound distribution, and can be integrated with various vehicle types including motorcycles and cars. The device uses existing audio hardware and leverages the vehicle's communication systems, avoiding the need for complex dedicated hardware while achieving clear and intuitive sound output.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An information processing method according to the present disclosure includes, at an information processing apparatus that communicates with a sound output device to be worn by a user, acquiring a guide route of a vehicle used by the user; and causing the sound output device to output a sound via communication with the sound output device while the vehicle is traveling on the guide route. Causing to output the sound includes making a left volume and a right volume of the sound imbalanced in accordance with an approaching degree of the vehicle to a location where the vehicle turns to left or right on the guide route.