Sound Localization Techniques for a Direction Indicating Vibrotactile Aid
By Lathan, Covey A.; RESNA 26th International Annual Conference 2003,Publication Date: 2003
Study conducted to evaluate two methods of determining sound direction for use with the prototype Direction-Indicating Vibrotactile Aid (DIVA) for people who are deaf or deaf/blind: (1) Volts Root Mean Square (VRMS), and (2) cross-correlation. The DIVA is a device designed to indicate the presence of sound, and the direction of sound relative to the user. People who are deaf and deaf/blind, specifically those with binaural, asymmetrical, or profound hearing loss often have difficulty with sound localization, and may be unable to monitor or respond to environmental noises. The VRMS method determines the root-mean-square voltage of each signal in order to determine the relative intensity of the signals at the microphones. The cross-correlation method determines phase delay between the two microphone signals to determine the time delay of the sound reaching the microphones. Each method was tested in a soundproof room at several different angles relative to the sound source. The VRMS method was found to be more reliable than cross-correlation in the soundproof lab, but neither method was found to be reliable when tested in a room with echoes and background noise. Implications for further research are discussed.
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
