An Objective Model of Localisation in Binaural Sound Reproduction Systems

A mathematical model is presented to objectively derive sound localisation performance using HRIR (Head Related Impulse Response) based binaural sound reproduction systems. Rendering a sound source via panning methods causes artefacts that will lead to errors in localisation by human subjects. A localisation function and a localisation blur will be derived by comparing reference HRIRs with the distorted HRIRs, assuming that the cues specified by the reference HRIRs result in optimal localisations. Psychophysical effects will be incorporated as well. Studying the relationship between panning and perceived directions using listening tests entails an enormous effort of time. In addition, the presented mathematical model can be used to minimise the number of parameters which need to be evaluated by listening tests. Furthermore the localisation performance of several HRIR-based panning methods will also be evaluated.