This technical note presents a novel alarm system design that uses Doppler-based pitch and amplitude modulation to help people better understand emergency situations through sound alone. By embedding intuitive rising and falling pitch cues into familiar alarm tones, the system conveys urgency, direction, and safety—even through walls, smoke, or in unfamiliar environments. It is designed to support everyone, including those with hearing or visual impairments, and works alongside existing fire, hospital, or building alarms without requiring new hardware.
The system adapts to real-time sensor data (e.g., heat, smoke, gas), allowing alarms to reflect the severity and location of danger. It also includes digital watermarking so each alarm tone carries a unique identity that can be decoded remotely, such as through a phone microphone. This document shares the design openly to establish prior art, prevent enclosure, and support inclusive safety innovation in public and private spaces.
Citation
McGregor, I. (2025). Perceptually Adaptive Alarm Systems Using Doppler-Based Pitch Modulation. Edinburgh Napier University
This technical note establishes prior art for a novel alarm system design integrating perceptual audio modulation and digital watermarking to enhance emergency signalling. The work is openly licensed under CC BY 4.0 to encourage collaboration and prevent restrictive patenting. It aligns with accessibility, public safety, and inclusive design principles. No commercial interests or conflicts of interest are associated with this submission.
