HRTF-Based Systems
Systems based on HRTF's are able to produce elevation and range effects
as well as azimuth effects. This means that, in principle, they can create
the impression of a sound being at any desired 3-D location -- right or
left, up or down, near or far. In practice, because of person-to-person
differences and computational limitations, it is much easier to control
azimuth than elevation or range. However, HRTF-based systems are fast becomming
the standard for advanced 3-D audio interfaces.
We begin by briefly describing the Convolvotron(tm),
which is a well-known and effective spatial audio system. We then examine
some of the issues that the Convolvotron raises, such as whether or not
one must use headphones for high-quality spatial audio, and what to do about
person-to-person differences. We conclude by describing a sequence of progressively
more elaborate HRTF models that will be useful for this class. Thus, we
address the following topics:
[Many of the ideas that we present are beginning to appear in commercial
products. For more information, see Begault
and Wright.]
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