Resolution of front-back confusion in virtual acoustic imaging systems

A geometric model of the scattering of sound by the human head is used to generate a model of localization cues based on interaural time delay (ITD). The ITD is calculated in terms of the interaural cross-correlation function (IACC) for sources placed at a series of azimuthal angles in the horizontal plane. This model is used to simulate the pressures generated at the ears of a listener due to real sources and due to a two-channel and a four-channel virtual source imaging system. Results are presented in each case for the variation of ITD with head rotation. The simulations predict that the rate of change of the ITD with head rotation produced by a real source and replicated by the four-channel virtual source imaging system, cannot be replicated by the two-channel system. These changes to the ITD provide cues which allow resolution of front-back confusion. The results of subjective experiments are also presented for the three cases modeled. These results strongly support the findings from the modeling work indicating that, for the systems described here, front-back confusion is resolved through changes to the ITD arising from head motion.