Virtual Auditory Space: Generation and Applications

by Simon Carlile (Editor)

Overview

An illusion of auditory space can be generated by the appropriate filtering of sounds presented over headphones: the so-called virtual auditory space (VAS). This book provides a bridge between many of the different disciplines that are involved in developing and exploiting this technology. The first part is fairly introductory in nature, while the second examines a number of issues relating to the generation of high fidelity virtual auditory space. The last two chapters review current research applications of VAS.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783662225967
Publisher:	Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Publication date:	11/13/2013
Series:	Neuroscience Intelligence Unit
Edition description:	Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1996
Pages:	248
Product dimensions:	7.01(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.02(d)

Table of Contents

1. Auditory Space.- 2. The Physical and Psychophysical Basis of Sound Localization.- 3. Digital Signal Processing for the Auditory Scientist: A Tutorial Introduction.- 4. Generation and Validation of Virtual Auditory Space.- 5. Implementation of Virtual Acoustic Space for Neurophysiological Studies of Directional Hearing.- 6. Recent Developments in Virtual Auditory Space.

Editorial Reviews

This book describes the implementation and applications of virtual auditory space (VAS) -- that is, the creation of a sense of three-dimensional auditory space by the appropriate manipulation of sounds presented to a person's two ears via earphones. The purpose is to provide an interdisciplinary link among the various disciplines involved in the generation of VAS. By bringing together six chapters, each emphasizing different aspects of the process, the author hopes to contribute to the development of a common vocabulary and mutual appreciation and communication among various specialists. The book is aimed at engineers, computer scientists, neuroscientists, psychophysicists, human factors researchers, and communications specialists. The book is attractive and appropriately illustrated. However, the reference lists at chapter ends are not alphabetized (very annoying for me), and most authors in the reference lists are not included in the index. The first half of the book (chapters 1 to 3) reviews some basic background material important for understanding and implementing VAS. These chapters describe human auditory localization ability, the physical and psychophysical basis of this ability, and digital signal processing concepts; much of this material is available in other reviews and textbooks. The organization of some sections in these chapters is rather loose, and the coverage is uneven. Thus, although there is a cogent review of the role of head movements in auditory localization, there is virtually no mention of data obtained with moving auditory targets, nor any mention of the recent findings on apparent auditory motion. The second half of the book (chapters 4 to 6) is thestrongest and provides the most original information. This portion provides an excellent description and analysis of the technical challenges involved in implementation and validation of VAS, the state of the ongoing research in improving the efficiency and realism of VAS through modeling, and the various applications that are being made of this technology in science and industry. Overall, the book will be a valuable resource for professionals in the several disciplines involved in the implementation of VAS.

D. Wesley Grantham