Car glab microphones using piezoelectric transducers for external alarm detection and localization

C. Bolzmacher (1) , V. Le Guelvouit (1)

1 DIASI - Département Intelligence Ambiante et Systèmes Interactifs

This work describes the potential use of car windows as a long range acoustic sensing device for external alarm signals. The goal is to detect and localize siren signals (e.g. ambulances and police cars) and to alert presbycusic drivers of its presence by visual and acoustic feedback in order to improve individual mobility and increase the sense of security. The glab panes of a Renault Zoé operating as an acoustic antenna have been equipped with large 50 mm outer diameter piezoceramic rings, hidden in the lower part of the door structure and the lower part of the windshield and the rear window. The response of the glab to quasi-static signals and sweep excitation has been recorded. In general, the glab pane is acting as a high pab filter due to its inherent stiffneb and provides only little damping. This effect is compensated by using a charge amplifier electronic circuit. The detection capability up to 120 m as well as a dynamic test where the car is moving towards the sound source is reported.

Keywords: Actuators; Alarm systems; Amplifiers (electronic); Automobile safety devices; Embedded systems; Microphones; Piezoelectric ceramics; Piezoelectricity; Security systems; Signal detection; Signaling; Smart sensors; Transducers; Acoustic antennas; Acoustic feedback; Alarm detection; Charge amplifiers; Detection capability; Individual mobility; Piezoceramic rings; Sound localization; Piezoelectric transducers

Domains: Engineering Sciences [physics]

C. Bolzmacher, V. Le Guelvouit. Car glab microphones using piezoelectric transducers for external alarm detection and localization. Proc. SPIE 9517, Smart Sensors, Actuators, and MEMS VII; and Cyber Physical Systems, May 2015, Barcelona, Spain. ⟨10.1117/12.2179049⟩. ⟨cea-01841679⟩