Real-time natural soundscape generation based on current weather conditions for workspace voice-masking

Abstract

Sound masking in work spaces has been implemented to decrease likelihood of distraction from work tasks and improve speech privacy. Current uses of noise as maskers commonly apply broadband white or pink noise signals due to their perceived neutrality. This research combines work into the restorative properties of exposure to nature/natural sounds and pilot studies of natural sounds as maskers to suggest a noise-masking system of 'natural' sounds. This system composes a natural soundscape in real time determined by the current weather and time of day such that the masking audio is aesthetically pleasing and informative about the outside world in addition to providing improved speech privacy and reducing distraction when compared to a setting with no masking system. Currently there is no experimental foundation to suggest that restoration or slowed attentional fatigue can occur if this type of alternative masking sound is presented during a task. This implementation of a dynamic, immersive soundscape masker begins the investigation into the practical efficacy of such a masking system.