Acoustic Sensors: A New Frontier in Vehicle Safety

The benefits of fixing acoustic sensors on modern vehicles can further minimise risks and ensure safety with their advanced functions.

FREMONT, CA: Modern vehicles are equipped with an abundance of sensors, and these typically include multiple ultrasonic range sensors for parking and object detection, visual cameras for spotting traffic and pedestrians, LiDAR for precisely measuring the distance between nearby vehicles for use with adaptive cruise control, and in some cases, RADAR for detecting traffic at a distance. All drivers and pedestrians will experience much safer driving because of the ability of vehicles to operate in all types of weather, owing to the use of multiple sensing technologies.

Researchers Developing Acoustic Sensors for Vehicles

Researchers have begun to develop both acoustic sensors for vehicles and an AI-based system that will be able to improve acoustic event recognition in recognition of the importance of acoustic data in vehicles. Although nothing is known about the sensors themselves–as they probably build on already-existing technologies like electret mics–their news release gave information on how much audio data can be useful in automobiles.

Environmental stimuli like the sound of wet roads or ambulance sirens can give drivers important information. Intelligent acoustic sensor systems are useful as conventional car sensors frequently fail to pick up these sounds. In order to provide pertinent information for driving manoeuvres or preventive maintenance, these systems strive to give automobiles a sense of hearing. They collaborate with other driver-aid systems.

The acoustic turn assistant is one example of how acoustic sensors could be used in cars. This feature uses acoustic sensors to listen for any potential sound sources in blind zones, such as other vehicles and pedestrians. Acoustic sensors can also use engine noises to identify objects because reflected sounds can amplify a car's perceived loudness.

The press statement cites acoustic rear-view cameras as another example of how acoustic sensors may be useful in automobiles. Simply put, microphones installed in the back of the vehicle can be utilised to improve situational awareness instead of drivers having to open windows to hear whether pedestrians are nearby. For instance, it will be possible to audit someone screaming at a car to halt.

Sensors Changing Vehicles for the Future

Although adding acoustic sensors to automobiles may have some significant advantages that might result from doing so. Early warning systems for emergency vehicles, which activate a chime or dashboard light when a distant emergency vehicle is heard, are one prospective future feature for cars. This is particularly crucial for drivers who are dealing with noisy kids, loud music, or hazardous road conditions.

In the future, there may be a growing need for vehicles to employ such sensors to enhance external sound perception. Automakers are continually striving to reduce cabin noise to enhance the overall driving experience. However, this effort to minimise internal noise could potentially diminish the sounds drivers need to hear. Hence, the integration of external acoustic sensors with AI has the potential to amplify crucial external sounds while filtering out engine and traffic-related noise.