Modeling head related transfer functions

Abstract

Head related transfer functions (HRTFs) characterize the transformation of a sound source to the sounds reaching the eardrums, and are central to binaural hearing. Because they are the result of wave propagation and diffraction, they can only be approximated by finitely parameterized filters. The functional dependence of the HRTF on azimuth and elevation is described, the requirements for a model are discussed, and existing models are reviewed.<>