Nissan Leaf VSP Vechicle Sound for Pedestrians

http://www.leafownersgroup.com In developing the sound system, Nissan studied behavioral research of the visually impaired and worked with cognitive and acoustic psychologists. After looking at applied original technology developed to reduce vehicle noise and conducting tests in Japan and abroad, the Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians system was created.

The sine-wave sound system sweeps from 2.5kHz at the high end to a low of 600Hz, an easily audible range across age groups. Nissan worked to avoid a sound range that would add unnecessary noise to the environment (around 1,000Hz).

Depending on the speed and status (accelerating or decelerating) of Nissan LEAF, the sound system will make sweeping, high-low sounds. For instance, when Nissan LEAF is started, the sound will be louder, so a visually impaired person would be aware that a nearby car was beginning operations. And when a car is in reverse, the system will generate an intermittent sound. The sound system ceases operation when Nissan LEAF tops 30km/h and enters a sound range where regular road noise is high. It engages again as Nissan LEAF slows to under 25km/h.

The system is controlled through a computer and synthesizer in the dash panel, and the sound is delivered through a speaker in the engine compartment. A switch inside the vehicle can turn off sounds temporarily. The system automatically resets to "On" at the next ignition cycle.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Nissan
• Leaf
• Forum
• Owners
• Group
• Battery
• EV
• sound

[leafownersgroup]

I added a new shorter version with just the sounds...

[downtempo76]

If Nissan go for the X-wing or TIE fighter sound, put some blasters on it and some Empire music when I open the door I'm getting one! :)

[TayZonday]

I find both of those sounds to be very annoying. I would rather have it blast Michael Jackson.

[papakaladoophirseh]

fuck thatttt my vtec goes bwaaAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

[sailboat910]

@MattJATL i guess.....

[MattJATL]

@sailboat910 Not if you have good speakers :D

[PedAdvocate]

For one research study behind the Quiet Vehicle safety problem, see "Incidence of Pedestrian and Bicyclist Crashes by Hybrid Electric Passenger Vehicles Technical Report" by NHTSA. For those who don't understand why the sound of traffic is important to blind pedestrians, talk to one of your blind friends about how they determine when it might be safe to cross the street.

[TheJohnFisher]

Should have added some real engine sounds. I'm pretty sure that is feasible, and sounds far more appealing to people today.

[sailboat910]

@TayZonday people who blare their music are retarded...its just annoying. and they ruin their speakers too.

[vahnn0]

I want it to blast the Mario Star Power tune while I go on a road rage killing spree!!!!!

You know?

[mightyPants]

MARIO THEME TUNE PLEASE

[etiennedauphin]

@DBSpy1 Yes I can empathize with your situation. I can't claim I understand what it's like to have a disability like yours: I'd be lying since my hearing is fine. Fortunately for you, the Leaf still seems to be a timid entry in the electric vehicle category. Since it's the first time a car manufacturer 'adds' a sound to a car, chances are future models will be different, and will feature different and more 'refined' sounds that won't be too painful to you. Best wishes --ED.

[DBSpy1]

@etiennedauphin I'm down to one ear and certain sounds are very painful and I'm not alone by a long shot, can you understand what I am trying to say yet?