Autocorrelation function mechanism for pitch salience and cross-correlation function mechanism for sound localization revealed by magnetoencephalography

Abstract

A model of primary sensations and spatial sensations is proposed by Ando (2001). The model of the auditory-brain system includes the autocorrelation function (ACF) and the interaural cross-correlation function (IACF) mechanisms. At present, environmental noises are evaluated by sound level such as equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level (LAeq). However, we sometimes feel annoyed with sound with low sound level because of the quality. Sound quality can be characterized by factors obtained from ACF and IACF of sound. For example, pitch and pitch strength can be characterized by delay time and amplitude of the maximum peak of the ACF. Directional sensation can be characterized by delay time and amplitude of the maximum peak of the IACF. To verify the model, we investigated how ACF and IACF factors are coded in our human brain. The results indicated that delay time and amplitude of the maximum peak of the ACF and IACF are coded by the latency and strength of brain activity. In addition, we applied the model to analyze a Buddhist sutra chanted in temples. The results indicated that some characteristics of the sutra could be characterized by the ACF and IACF factors.