Nissan Leaf VSP - Short Version - Approach and Reverse Sounds

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

[tb2johm]

Why not just make it sound like the jetsons car?

[sockosockosocko]

thanks for sharing. it is simply ridiculous, though. legislation for this requirement should be pulled.

[johnson1095]

i think it would be cool if it could sound like the EV1

[campionblackman]

Lol they should have made it play Nyan Cat!!

[uszoninyc]

Best idea to fully understand if the sound is doing what it's supposed to, is listen to it with eyes closed. Better yet, play it for someone (who doesn't know what it is - and, with their eyes closed), and ask them what they think is happening, and how'd they'd respond.

[uszoninyc]

@tb2johm Listen to the LOTUS HALOSONIC sound generator for Jetson-sounding tests. It's awful. Put yourself in a situation where you hear a sound you're not familiar with. Normal response is to stop, and look around for where that sound's coming from. As of now, EV's are a rarity, so, most people (especially blind, or visually impaired) are the one's who most need an audible cue to let them know. If they hear something strange, the response? Stop, and listen around. Not good.

[MrPajamaSamurai]

@bigsmatchy Legislation.

[MrPajamaSamurai]

Apparently Nissan argues with Star Wars and said it took place in the future.

[joeyspike93]

The reverse sounds like construction noise. lol. The forward one seems cool. 1990's spaceship. lol

[marlo1204]

nokia ringtone sounds better than reverse....

[killaxm]

lol sounds like a space ship

[frootlups]

The forward sound is kinda cool, but I could see how that would get old VERY fast.