3D sound in the helicopter environment: localisation performance

Authors

  • David Sarafian Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA antenne IMASSA), B.P. 73, 91223 Brétigny sur Orge, France
  • Lionel Pellieux Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA antenne IMASSA), B.P. 73, 91223 Brétigny sur Orge, France
  • Jean-Christophe Bouy Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA antenne IMASSA), B.P. 73, 91223 Brétigny sur Orge, France
  • Guillaume Andeol Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA antenne IMASSA), B.P. 73, 91223 Brétigny sur Orge, France

Abstract

At IRBA, we are carrying out studies into acoustic protection and enhancement of the audio performances of combat helicopter pilots. As part of this work, we present here the results of a laboratory study concerning the localisation of spatialized sound sources using head mounted equipment ( ight helmet and customized wireless ear plugs). The study involved 11 participants. Participant pointed out at the perceived position of an onboard alarm using a plastic sphere representing the proximal auditory space. Two factors were tested: silence versus helicopter type noise and individualized HRTF versus non individualized ones. Each subject ful lled all the conditions, i.e. took part in all 4 sessions. In each session 45 positions were tested randomly 3 times each. Before recording the results, a procedural training was followed by the participants concerning the pointing task and the localisation task. Following correction of front/rear inversions, the mean centroid aiming point error for all positions taken together, was of the order of 35° (standard deviation about 20°). With customized HRTF, the subjects achieved better performances both silence and noise conditions (difference of 4°).

References

Carlile, S., Martin, R. L., and McAnally, K. I. (2005). “Spectral information in sound localisation,” International Review of Neurobiology 70, 399-434.

Gilkey, R., Good, M., Ericson, M., Brinkman, J., and Stewart, J. (1995). “A pointing technique for rapidly collecting localization responses in auditory research,” Behavior research methods, instruments and computers 27, 1-11.

Hammershøi, D., and Møller, H. (1996). “Sound transmission to and within the human ear canal,” J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 100, 408-427.

Pellieux, L., Gulli, C., Leroyer, P., Piedecocq, B., Leger, A., and Menu, J.P. (1993). “Approche expérimentale du son 3D: Méthodologie et résultats préliminaires,” Agard Conference Proceedings 541, 19_1-16_6.

Pellieux, L., Sara an, D., and Reynaud, G. (1996). “Assessment of active noise reduction hearing protectors: noise attenuation and speech intelligibility,” Agard Conference Proceedings 596, 16_1-16_19.

Pellieux, L., Sara an, D., Villeneuve, F., and Peneau, M. (1997). “Localisation sonore tridimensionnelle sous écouteur par des pilotes non entraînés à l’écoute,” Rapport de recherche, IMASSA number 97-28.

Simpson, B. D., Brungart, D. S., Gilkey, R. H., and McKinley, R. L. (2005). “Spatial audio Display for Improving Safety and Enhancing situation awareness in general aviation environments,” Proceedings of RTO MP-HFM-123, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB (USA), 26-1 to 26-16.

Wightman, F., and Kistler, D. (1999). “Resolution of front –back ambiguity in soatial hearing by listener and source movement”, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 105, 2841-2853.

Additional Files

Published

2009-12-15

How to Cite

Sarafian, D., Pellieux, L., Bouy, J.-C., & Andeol, G. (2009). 3D sound in the helicopter environment: localisation performance. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Auditory and Audiological Research, 2, 243–252. Retrieved from https://proceedings.isaar.eu/index.php/isaarproc/article/view/2009-25

Issue

Vol. 2 (2009): Binaural Processing and Spatial Hearing

Section

2009/2. Perceptual measures and models of spatial hearing

License

Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:

a. Authors retain copyright* and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.

b. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.

c. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).

*From the 2017 issue onward. The Danavox Jubilee Foundation owns the copyright of all articles published in the 1969-2015 issues. However, authors are still allowed to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.