A Numerical Study into Perceptually-Weighted Spectral Differences between Differently-Spaced HRTFs

TY - GEN

T1 - A Numerical Study into Perceptually-Weighted Spectral Differences between Differently-Spaced HRTFs

AU - Young, Kat

AU - Armstrong, Calum

AU - Tew, Anthony I

AU - Murphy, Damian Thomas

AU - Kearney, Gavin

PY - 2019/3/17

Y1 - 2019/3/17

N2 - Spatial audio rendering techniques often make assumptions about head-related transfer functions to simplify the reproduction process, however, state-of-the-art techniques require critical consideration of the transfer function accuracy. This paper uses boundary-element method HRTFs to investigate the perceptual spectral differences (PSD) that arise with distance and angle discrepancies. PSD between HRTFs at various radial distances is calculated, and between HRTFs in head- and ear-centred systems as function of radial distance. The distance at which the average and maximum PSD falls below the threshold of perception is determined. HRTF average variation reaches perceptual limits by 2–3 m, however, perceivable PSD values occur up to and beyond 10 m, indicating care must be taken when approximating either the distance or angular location of HRTFs.

AB - Spatial audio rendering techniques often make assumptions about head-related transfer functions to simplify the reproduction process, however, state-of-the-art techniques require critical consideration of the transfer function accuracy. This paper uses boundary-element method HRTFs to investigate the perceptual spectral differences (PSD) that arise with distance and angle discrepancies. PSD between HRTFs at various radial distances is calculated, and between HRTFs in head- and ear-centred systems as function of radial distance. The distance at which the average and maximum PSD falls below the threshold of perception is determined. HRTF average variation reaches perceptual limits by 2–3 m, however, perceivable PSD values occur up to and beyond 10 m, indicating care must be taken when approximating either the distance or angular location of HRTFs.

UR - http://www.aes.org/e-lib/browse.cfm?elib=20386

M3 - Conference contribution

BT - AES International Conference on Immersive and Interactive Audio

PB - Audio Engineering Society

T2 - Audio Engineering Society: International Conference on<br/>Immersive and Interactive Audio

Y2 - 27 March 2019 through 29 March 2019

ER -