Listener Auditory Perception Enhancement using Virtual Sound Source Design for 3D Auditory System

Abstract

When a virtual sound source for 3D auditory system is reproduced by a linear loudspeaker array, listeners can perceive not only the direction of the source, but also its distance. Control over perceived distance has often been implemented via the adjustment of various acoustic parameters, such as loudness, spectrum change, and the direct-to-reverberant energy ratio; however, there is a neglected yet powerful cue to the distance of a nearby virtual sound source that can be manipulated for sources that are positioned away from the listener's median plane. This paper address the problem of generating binaural signals for moving sources in closed or in open environments. The proposed perceptual enhancement algorithm composed of three main parts is developed: propagation, reverberation and the effect of the head, torso and pinna. For propagation the effect of attenuation due to distance and molecular air-absorption is considered. Related to the interaction of sounds with the environment, especially in closed environments is reverberation. The effects of the head, torso and pinna on signals that arrive at the listener are also objectives of the consideration. The set of HRTF that have been used to simulate the virtual sound source environment for 3D auditory system. Special attention has been given to the modelling and interpolation of HRTFs for the generation of new transfer functions and definition of trajectories, definition of closed environment, etc. also be considered for their inclusion in the program to achieve realistic binaural renderings. The evaluation is implemented in MATLAB.