Localization Performance with Synthesized Directional Audio (U)
Abstract
This report summarizes three studies designed to measure and compare the ability of subjects to localize sounds in azimuth, via headphones, generated by two prototype auditory localization cue synthesizers. In the first study, performance differences were found between the two synthesizers in certain areas of the azimuth plane. Additionally, the design of a synthesizer (e.g., resolution and interpolating between head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) can impact the perceived direction of the acoustic signals. Previous research with directional audio suggests that the verdicality of 3-D auditory displays could be optimized if individualized HRTFs are employed to synthesize the virtual sound sources, particularly in elevation. However, data from this experiment suggest that this design requirement can be relaxed, especially if only azimuth information is to be conveyed by the localization synthesizer. In the second study, two response methods for measuring localization performance were evaluated. No performance differences were found when subjects either verbally reported angular estimates or pointed to a circle to indicate the perceived direction of the target stimuli. In the third study, performance was impacted by manipulating the bandwidth of the acoustic signal and head movement. (RH)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA230316
Entities
People
- Gloria L. Calhoun
- Jeffrey R. Agnew
- Mark A. Ericson
- Valencia German
Organizations
- Armstrong Laboratory