Blind Spot Detection System Using Directional Microphone Array

A helmet, comprising:

• an array of microphones deployed around a perimeter of the helmet;
• and
• a processor in communication with the array of microphones, the processor configured to:
• recognize in real-time, using a trained engine sound detection machine learning model, an engine sound from sounds collected by the array of microphones;
• separate a direct engine sound from reflected signals within the recognized engine sound to estimate distance and direction to objects associated with the reflected signals;
• and
• provide alerts via the helmet upon detection of an object in a blind spot of a vehicle based on the estimated distance and direction to the objects.

A method for providing alerts in a helmet, the method comprising:

• recognizing in real-time, using a trained engine sound detection machine learning model, an engine sound from sounds collected by an array of microphones deployed on the helmet;
• separating, by a processor, a direct engine sound from reflected signals within the recognized engine sound to estimate distance and direction to objects associated with the reflected signals;
• and
• providing, by the processor, the alerts upon detection of an object in a blind spot of a vehicle based on the estimated distance and direction to the objects.