Abstract: An audio signal attenuation system and method for detecting an audio emergency warning signal (or alarm) in a vehicle in which an audio signal is being played. Embodiments of the system and method make it easier for a police, fire, or other emergency alarm or siren to be heard in a loud or noisy listening environment when audio signal is being reproduced. This is achieved using selective frequency attenuation, which identifies a frequency of the alarm and then selectively attenuates the alarm frequency in the audio signal. Moreover, direction data that includes information about from which direction the alarm is coming can be used to selectively attenuate the alarm frequency in certain channels (or speakers) of the audio signal. In some embodiments, audio cues are used to alert the listener to the alarm signal and are adjusted based on alarm distance from the vehicle, speed, and the type of alarm.

Abstract: An audio signal attenuation system and method for detecting an audio emergency warning signal (or alarm) in a vehicle in which an audio signal is being played. Embodiments of the system and method make it easier for a police, fire, or other emergency alarm or siren to be heard in a loud or noisy listening environment when audio signal is being reproduced. This is achieved using selective frequency attenuation, which identifies a frequency of the alarm and then selectively attenuates the alarm frequency in the audio signal. Moreover, direction data that includes information about from which direction the alarm is coming can be used to selectively attenuate the alarm frequency in certain channels (or speakers) of the audio signal. In some embodiments, audio cues are used to alert the listener to the alarm signal and are adjusted based on alarm distance from the vehicle, speed, and the type of alarm.