Acoustic localization of an electronic emergency siren

Having the ability to adequately detect the direction of an approaching emergency siren is critical to the effectiveness of the emergency system. Having this ability allows both pedestrians and drivers of nearby vehicles to more quickly and safely react to an approaching emergency vehicle. This study considers a typical electronic siren system that is currently being used by the Windsor Fire & Rescue Services Department. This siren has two fundamental settings; the standard siren signal and the air horn mode, which is typically used when the emergency vehicle is approaching roadway intersections, as these pose the most danger to occupants of both emergency vehicle and general public. Siren and air horn signals were recorded at specific distances from the driver's position at 45° radial increments. From these, the recorded signals and sound pressure levels measured inside the cabin of the vehicle at the various approach angles was used to prepare a subjective jury evaluation to determine the localization c...