---
title: Sonification-based Steering Assistance for Curve Driving: Evaluations in Virtual and Real-World Environments (ICDA2025)
tags: 
author: [Nakamura Laboratory (Meiji University)](https://convert.docswell.com/user/nkmr-lab)
site: [Docswell](https://www.docswell.com/)
thumbnail: https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/3EK5KPM4JD.jpg?width=480
description: Sonification-based Steering Assistance for Curve Driving: Evaluations in Virtual and Real-World Environments ICAD2025
published: July 03, 25
canonical: https://convert.docswell.com/s/nkmr-lab/52MRYR-2025-07-03-190456
---
# Page. 1

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/3EK5KPM4JD.jpg)

Sonification-based Steering Assistance
for Curve Driving:
Evaluations in Virtual and Real-World
Environments
Sayuri Matsuda, Satoshi
Nakamura, Kento Watanabe (Meiji Univ.)
Takeshi Torii, Hideyuki Takao, Yuki Mizuhara, Saeri Shimizu (SUBARU)


# Page. 2

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/L73KZXYD75.jpg)

Background
• Novice drivers often struggle to drive
through curves
• Objective
– To realize a practice method that helps
novice drivers become better


# Page. 3

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/87D3R252JG.jpg)

Measuring Good Driving
Steering Corrections n
1
t
Steering Corrections = 1
Good Fewer steering
corrections
Steering angle
Steering angle
A steering correction is defined as a change
in the direction of the steering wheel&#039;s
rotation speed.
3
5
1
7
9
2 4
6
8
Steering Corrections = 9
Bad More frequent
steering corrections
t


# Page. 4

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/VJP4W1GL78.jpg)

Our Sonification Method
• Our method generates a musical scale in
real time, corresponding to the
steering angle. [Matsuda 2022]
– This method allows drivers to perceive the
steering angle through sonification.


# Page. 5

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/2EVX8Y66JQ.jpg)

Good vs. Bad Driving Example
Good Fewer steering
corrections
Bad More frequent
steering corrections


# Page. 6

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/57GV59N27L.jpg)

Two types of Prototype System
• Virtual Environment
– Assetto Corsa
• Real-World Environment
– Actual vehicle


# Page. 7

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/4EQ6ZWQ9EP.jpg)

Prototype for Virtual Env.


# Page. 8

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/KJ443KYRJ1.jpg)

Prototype for Real World Env.
First Author (Sayuri Matsuda)


# Page. 9

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/LE141X6VEG.jpg)

Course (Virtual and Real)
• In each environment, we used Automotive
Business SUBARU R&amp;E Center (SKC)
– Length: 1800m (2-3 minutes per lap)
– Virtual one was generated from the real.


# Page. 10

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/GEWX8NW372.jpg)

Experiment 1: Virtual Env.
• N=26 (between subjects)
• Comparative Methods
– Sonification (Our Method)
– No feedback (Baseline Method)
• Procedure
• Main Measure
– Reduction in the number of steering
corrections from pre- to final-exam


# Page. 11

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/47Z6835G73.jpg)

Experiment 2: Real-World Env.
• N=10 (between subjects)
• Comparative Methods
– Sonification (Our Method)
– Instructor (An instructor sits next to the driver
and provides guidance)
• Procedure
• Main Measure
– Reduction in the number of steering corrections
from pre- to final-exam


# Page. 12

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/YJ62PX9Q7V.jpg)

Results: Experiment 1 (Virtual)
• Participants paid more attention to the course
with the baseline method than with ours.
• Reduction ratio of steering corrections
Our method &gt; Baseline (No feedback)


# Page. 13

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/GJ52KXN2J4.jpg)

Results: Experiment 2 (Real)
• Reduction ratio of
steering corrections
– No difference
• Our system was effective for low-skill
drivers, but not for high-skill drivers.
• Some felt pressure from the instructor.
Proposed: Effective
Proposed: Ineffective
Instruction
Pressure?


# Page. 14

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/9E24WX51JR.jpg)

Discussion
• Positive
– Our method was effective to reduce steering
corrections in virtual environment.
– Our method performed as well as human instructors
in real-world environment.
• Some novice drivers get frustrated when being instructed,
especially by their fathers.
➔ This method works better for them.
• Negative
– An experienced driver said sonification conflicted
with engine sounds used to manage speed.


# Page. 15

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/D7YML8K47M.jpg)

Conclusion
• Steering-angle sonification may help
novice drivers improve without an
instructor.
• Future work
– Apply our method to car parking situation
– Present guide sound before the next curve


