An escape guiding system utilizing the precedence effect for evacuation signal

Abstract

This research aims at building an escape guiding system using audio signals. The system utilizes the precedence effect for the listener to perceive easily the direction of an emergency exit. In one of the ordinary escape guiding systems, two or more loudspeakers are set on the ceiling of a passageway. Since the precedence effect is generated by delaying suitably the audio guidance signal radiated from the loudspeakers, the proper direction of the emergency exit is recognized. However, the effective listening area is limited. That is, the ordinary escape guiding systems is not effective in areas under loudspeakers. In this paper, a new method that the loudspeakers are set beside in a passageway is proposed. The generation and disappearance of the precedence effect of an audio signal in the new configuration are investigated. In the listening tests, the time delay and the difference of intensity between loudspeakers are parameters. The installation angle of the loudspeaker is another parameter. Male voice and female voices are used as emergency guidance. The guidance effect of the configuration in setting beside the loudspeaker is confirmed and the test results are discussed.