Optimization of auditory guide signals in public spaces on the basis of sound localization abilities in humans

Abstract

In Japan, auditory guide signals are installed in public spaces mainly for the purpose of guiding visually impaired pedestrians. The acoustic signal is emitted from a loudspeaker installed at a destination such as a ticket gate, a stairway, and a restroom. Then, the pedestrians move in accordance with spatial information obtained from the signal. As the auditory guide signal is targeted at pedestrians, not only static sound localization cues but also dynamic sound localization cues are effective. In addition, unlike other applications such as sound field reproduction, precise sound image localization is not necessarily required and it is important to grasp a rough sound source position in this application. Furthermore, the degradation of sound localization accuracy owing to background noise and reverberation sound cannot be ignored in public spaces. Considering the above factors, the research on the optimization of auditory guide signals based on sound localization tests with human listeners so far carried out by the authors and their colleagues will be introduced in this review.