Correlations between deficiencies in power window systems influencing sound quality and some psychoacoustic metrics

The perceptual auditory attributes principally responsible for the annoyance quality of certain deficiencies in power window systems are identified and quantified experimentally with a set of psychoacoustic metrics. A group of measured sound signatures and the corresponding window translation velocities in over 30 production passenger vehicles are examined in this sound quality study. These measurements are acquired using a relatively simple non-destructive setup situated in a large hemi-anechoic chamber. An analysis is performed to map the specific amplitude, temporal and spectral characteristics of the measured sound and velocity data to the subjective attributes that influence perceived annoyance response significantly. The annoyance level is quantified using a normalized preference scale that is obtained from the paired comparison tests taken by 70 human subjects with normal hearing range. The study shows that sounds depicting higher intensity, pitch, transient effect, and time-varying character are found to be more annoying. These results provide a comprehensive set of information that can be used in product design and trouble-shooting phases to reduce overall noise quality complaints.