Virtual Sound Synthesis Method Using Head-Related Transfer Function Convolution
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Resource Overview
This method synthesizes virtual sound by convolving single-channel audio signals (such as standard speech, music, or other sound types lacking spatial information) with Head-Related Transfer Functions (HRTFs) to impart directional perception through signal processing techniques. Human auditory localization relies on how sound propagates through space and gets filtered by our binaural hearing system, captured mathematically as HRTFs (frequency-domain representations) and their time-domain equivalents called Head-Related Impulse Responses (HRIRs).
Detailed Documentation
In this document, we will employ signal processing techniques to imbue single-channel audio signals (which may include standard speech, music, or other sound types without inherent spatial information) with directional perception. Human auditory perception results from sound propagation through space. The alterations sound undergoes while traveling from the source to the eardrum can be modeled as binaural filtering effects. Consequently, we define the transfer function representing sound propagation from free field to the eardrum as the Head-Related Transfer Function (HRTF), with its time-domain counterpart termed the Head-Related Impulse Response (HRIR). For this experiment, we utilize HRTF/HRIR database measurements conducted by MIT Media Lab.
Key implementation considerations include:
- Loading mono audio signals and target azimuth/elevation angles
- Selecting appropriate HRIR pairs from database based on desired spatial position
- Applying convolution operations between audio signal and left/right ear HRIRs
- Implementing overlap-add or frequency-domain convolution for computational efficiency
- Normalizing output levels to prevent clipping in binaural rendering
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