AFRL Researcher Earns Patent for Speech-Based Audio Distance Display System

  • Published
  • By Plans and Programs Directorate
  • AFRL/XP
Users of virtual auditory displays can experience a virtual hearing impairment since current displays do not produce robust distance cues. However, an AFRL researcher has earned a patent for a speech-based audio system that gives listeners the ability to accurately judge the distance of sound sources.
Dr. Douglas Brungart, an AFRL senior computer engineer, earned a patent entitled "Speech-Based Audio Distance Display." The AFRL speech-based audio display is a system that uses vocal effort to manipulate the apparent distances of sound sources in a virtual audio display. For example, a whisper would simulate a nearby sound source, and a shout would simulate a more distant sound source.
AFRL research has shown that the speech-based audio display's distance cues are intuitive enough for listeners with little or no training to use. The laboratory's research has also shown that these distance cues are superior to all other types of distance cues in listening environments where high levels of background noise prevent the use of room reverberation-based audio distance cues. These cues are particularly useful in systems that use spatial audio cues to provide navigation information to dismounted soldiers. With the ability to accurately determine the distance of a sound source, pilots, air traffic controllers, remote vehicle operators, and rescue and recovery personnel can navigate and perform tasks more effectively.