A Tangible User Interface for Playing Virtual Acoustics

Diploa thesis (pdf 2.517KB)

During the performance of a piece the acoustic properties of the room as well as the position of sound sources within the room have a considerable impact on the auditory perception of the sound. These perceptual aspects are considered at the composition of a piece and are even exploited as compositional tool in traditional music as well as in computer music.

The aim of this thesis is to investigate the application of artificial generated room acoustics as sounding pattern of a computer-music-instrument. For this purpose an Auditory Virtual Environment (AVE) including one or multiple sound sources is created within the performance room. Due to further changes of virtual room parameters, e.g. room geometries or absorption characteristics, the sound is shaped in a way to depict the acoustic properties of the virtual room.

For the generation of virtual room acoustics the most recent findings in the field of auralization and subjective perception of sound within rooms, as well as room acoustic quality criterions are considered. The sound field reproduction within the application is performed by using Ambisonics and in addition further possible sound field reproduction techniques are discussed.

To uncouple the handling of the instrument from only restricted manipulation possibilities of computer hardware a Tangible User Interface (TUI) is implemented. Physical objects and fingers on the table surface serve as control units and visual feedback on the surface is provided to further support the interaction process between player and instrument.