Prediction of perceived elevation using multiple psuedo-binaural microphones

Abstract

Computational auditory models that predict the perceived location of sound sources in terms of azimuth are already available, yet little has been done to predict perceived elevation. Interaural time and level differences, the primary cues in horizontal localisation, do not resolve source elevation, resulting in the ‘Cone of Confusion’. In natural listening, listeners can make head movements to resolve such confusion. To mimic the dynamic cues provided by head movements, a multiple microphone sphere was created, and a hearing model was developed to predict source elevation from the signals captured by the sphere. The prototype sphere and hearing model proved effective in both horizontal and vertical localisation. The next stage of this research will be to rigorously test a more physiologically accurate capture device.

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