EPSRC logo

Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/D049253/1
Title: The role of head movement in the analysis of spatial impression
Principal Investigator: Mason, Dr R
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Harman Becker Automotive Systems
Department: Sound Recording
Organisation: University of Surrey
Scheme: First Grant Scheme Pre-FEC
Starts: 01 February 2006 Ends: 31 January 2009 Value (£): 113,577
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Music & Acoustic Technology Vision & Senses - ICT appl.
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Creative Industries
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
Recent research carried out at Surrey's Institute of Sound Recording has developed software that can predict the perceived room width and the location and width of sound sources from audio recordings made using microphones positioned in the ears of a listener or a dummy head. This software is useful in the development of sound reproduction systems such as home cinema systems, because it is cheaper, quicker and more accurate than asking a large number of listeners to judge the sound. However, we now need to investigate the best way to apply this software to making measurements of these sound reproduction systems.Humans make great use of head movement to work out where sounds are coming from. This helps to sort out a number of issues, including whether the sound source is in front or behind, and whether the sound source is above or below. Taking this into account, if our measurements are to accurately predict what we hear when we listen to a surround sound system, we need to find out: what type of head movements we make; how best to capture the signals at the ears to take into account these head movements; and what it sounds like when various physical parameters change as we move our heads. By finding answers to all these questions, we can develop a measurement technique that captures the ear signals in a manner that is relevant to the way in which we usually listen, and we can properly interpret the results from the software.
Key Findings
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Potential use in non-academic contexts
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Impacts
Description This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Summary
Date Materialised
Sectors submitted by the Researcher
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Project URL: http://www.surrey.ac.uk/msr/people/ryan_chungeun_kim/index.htm
Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.surrey.ac.uk