Binaural room scanning—A new tool for acoustic and psychoacoustic research

Abstract

A new technology called ‘‘binaural room scanning’’ (BRS) is introduced, allowing real-time virtual loudspeaker reproduction in any virtual room. It is based on a special convolution algorithm for auralization and on the involvement of spontaneous head movements by means of a head-tracking system. A complete set of relevant dummy head HRTFs is measured for each loudspeaker and the resulting response in the original room. The data are stored and used for convolution. Thus the BRS system does not apply room synthesis methods (e.g., ray-tracing), but, in contrast, enables accurate virtual binaural listening in a real (cloned) loudspeaker reproduction room. Since natural head movements are realizable in the simulated sound field, it offers new possibilities in the application of listening tests, not only in the area of room acoustics and loudspeaker reproduction, but also for psychoacoustic research. Examples will be reported.