Synesthetic Metering for Speed

Abstract: As proven by some studies, the approach to estimate the speed of travel has significant levels of error. In addition, the meters usually used, such as the speedometer, are not sufficient for the drivers perception of risks. Often the driver’s perception of speed is based on a comparison with other drivers present on the road. In addition, cars tend to be acoustically isolated and the noise of the engine therefore tends to be minimized. In this way, the references are even fewer and so drivers lack for signals that trigger their self-awareness with regard to the level of danger of driving at high speed. This is true, specially, concerning the situation when the driver needs to arrive at a certain time at his destination. Devices such as GPS and on-board computers provide guidance on travel time and arrival and the maximum speed allowed on any road, but they still do not provide the information necessary for a more effective use of speed and more efficient travel in terms of saving time. For this reason, we propose a system that advises the driver on the best speed in every part of the route, giving a better performance without exceeding the speed limit. This system uses auditory icons that reproduce the sound of a natural event (e.g. the wind) present in some situations while driving. Since this adds on channels of reception with a natural signal this is an effective and non-intrusive way of informing the driver.

Keywords: Driver perception, Speed perception, Human Machine Interaction, Warnings sounds, Auditory icons, Wind.

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1001233

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