Acoustic Atlas - Auralisation in the Browser

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The Acoustic Atlas project, funded by the European Commission, explores a new model for experiencing scientific acoustic heritage data in the form of room impulse responses (RIRs), as real-time auralisations. The browser-based Web Audio application functions on any smart mobile device or computer running a web browser. It utilises the built-in microphone and headphone
output of the device to transport the user to a selected heritage site via headphones and a live microphone feed. Users are able to emit sounds to hear the reflections from a first-person point of hearing. Researchers in the field of heritage acoustics have advocated for the importance of acoustical studies and their historical, artistic and spiritual value. However, heritage sites still
prioritise dissemination through visual means, such as maps, 3D models, photographs and videos. Where acoustic research is available, it is mostly published in text form through the analysis of
objective acoustical parameters. When attempting to access auralisations, the search becomes difficult and fragmented. Acoustic Atlas provides real-time auralisations to wide audiences, beyond those already working in the field of heritage acoustics and, as a result, contributes to the awareness of the importance of listening and the preservation of sonic heritage. The present paper explores the web architecture of the project that utilises the Web Audio API and Tone.js
which currently enables auralisations at acceptable latency. It also looks into achieving synchronisation between B-format RIRs and 360 head positioning in the browser, in real-time.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe International Conference on Immersive and 3D Audio
Subtitle of host publicationImmersive and 3D Audio: from Architecture to Automotive
PublisherIEEE
Number of pages5
Publication statusPublished - 9 Sept 2021
EventTHE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON IMMERSIVE AND 3D AUDIO: Immersive and 3D Audio: from Architecture to Automotive - Online, Bologna, Italy
Duration: 8 Sept 202110 Sept 2021
https://www.i3da.eu/

Conference

ConferenceTHE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON IMMERSIVE AND 3D AUDIO
Abbreviated titleI3DA 2021
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityBologna
Period8/09/2110/09/21
Internet address

Bibliographical note

© IEEE, 2021. This is an author-produced version of the published paper. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher’s self-archiving policy. Further copying may not be permitted; contact the publisher for details

Keywords

  • Immersive Audio
  • Heritage Acoustics
  • Auralisation

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