This paper proposes a method for evaluating real-time binaural reproduction systems by means of a wayfinding task in six degrees of freedom. Participants physically walk to sound objects in a virtual reality created by a head-mounted display and binaural audio. The method allows for comparative evaluation of different rendering and tracking systems. We show how the localization accuracy of spatial audio rendering is reflected by objective measures of the participants' behavior and task performance. As independent variables we add tracking latency or reduce the binaural cues. We provide a reference scenario with loudspeaker reproduction and an anchor scenario with monaural reproduction for comparison.

Authors: Rummukainen, Olli; Schlecht, Sebastian; Plinge, Axel; Habets, Emanuël A. P.
Affiliations: International Audio Laboratories Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany; Fraunhofer IIS, Erlangen, Germany; International Audio Laboratories, Erlangen, Germany(See document for exact affiliation information.)
AES Convention: 143 (October 2017) Paper Number: 9895
Publication Date: October 8, 2017 Import into BibTeX
Subject: Spatial Audio—Part 2
Permalink: https://www.aes.org/e-lib/browse.cfm?elib=19292

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