Spatial Audio Navigation Apparatus for Driver Attention Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation systems rely heavily on visual information, which can be distracting and impractical in complex environments, and audio signals are typically mono, failing to provide directional cues effectively, thus not fully assisting drivers or pedestrians in unfamiliar territories.
Innovation Solution
The development of a navigation apparatus that processes audio signals to generate a virtual sound image based on directional audio parameters, such as interaural level, time, and phase differences, and head-related transfer functions, allowing audio signals to be perceived as coming from specific directions, enhancing directional awareness without visual distraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If visual navigation information is used, then navigation guidance is provided, but driver attention is distracted and safety is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual information delivery with auditory information delivery. Navigation commands are transmitted through audio signals processed by audio processing apparatus, substituting the visual-mechanical interface (display screens) with an acoustic interface that does not require visual attention, thereby maintaining navigation information delivery while eliminating driver distraction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions navigation information from the visual dimension (2D displays requiring eye contact) to the auditory dimension (spatial audio cues that can be perceived peripherally). By encoding navigation direction in spatial audio parameters such as interaural level differences and timing differences, the system delivers comprehensive navigation information through the auditory channel, freeing visual attention for road monitoring
2Loss of information
If mono audio signals are used, then audio navigation guidance is provided, but directional awareness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different audio processing characteristics to different navigation scenarios. Spatial audio parameters such as interaural level differences, interaural timing differences, and spectral characteristics are adjusted according to the specific directional information needed, providing locally optimized directional cues for turns, intersections, and route changes rather than uniform audio processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes audio signal parameters including amplitude, phase, frequency spectrum, and spatial positioning based on navigation context. By varying these parameters according to the required directional information, the system enhances directional perception without requiring complex multi-channel audio systems, achieving improved directional awareness through intelligent parameter modulation of mono or stereo signals
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus configured to: determine, with a position sensor, position information; determine at least one keyword within at least one audio signal, wherein at least the at least one keyword is configured to be spatially processed; obtain at least one spatial processing parameter based at least partially, on the position information, wherein the at least one spatial processing parameter is configured to be used to spatially process at least the at least one keyword to be perceived from a direction during rendering, wherein the direction indicates a navigation direction; generate at least one processed audio signal, comprising processing at least the at least one keyword based on the at least one spatial processing parameter; and provide the at least one processed audio signal, comprising the at least one processed keyword, for generation of a virtual audio image.