Virtual Acoustic Environment Modelling: Projects

Virtual Acoustic Environment Modelling, or Auralization as it is also known, is concerned with the synthesis of a sound world that is indistinguishable from what we normally hear around us.

More specifically, this work is concerned with modelling how a sound source behaves within a space, how this source propagates around the space, interacting with the physical and geometrical features present within it, and how we capture the resultant acoustic phenomena. Subsequently, how we can render this result accurately for a listener or listeners such that they perceive themselves as being part of this acoustic event?

Our work at the moment is involved with virtual room acoustics simulation, spatial encoding of virtual environments, and room acoustics/impulse response measurement and rendering. In particular we have been looking at the application of digital waveguide mesh/finite difference modelling for room acoustics simulation, and how these techniques might be applied in the developing field of heritage science - how might we accurately recreate the sound of buildings that no longer exist or only exist in part? And as a consequence what might we be able to learn about their construction and use?

Our modelling work is also being extended to the consideration of soundscape and outdoor sound environments - how might we build effective and aesthetically pleasing interactions that can act to minimise noise in the places and spaces where we go about our daily lives?

Real-time modelling of audio for creative sound transformation

Members: Mr Jez Wells, Dr Damian Murphy

This work aims to provide an intuitive and flexible spectral model for real time processing of audio in a studio environment.

read more...

Relationships between HRTFs and the perception of spatial sounds

Members: A H Moore and A I Tew

Parameterising HRTFs so that each parameter exercises independent control of a single spatial audio percept can potentially solve a number of problems associated with the synthesis of binaural sound. An industrial collaboration is underway to help identify these parametric links and to apply them in areas such as HRTF individualisation and spatial audio production. University and external funding.

Back to the Top