Spatial Auditory User Interfaces

Diploma thesis (1842 KB pdf)

PC-Users with normal seeing ability are familiar with 2D graphical user interfaces. For blind or visually impaired users, only line-based techniques (Screenreader, Braille-line) exist, which were developed for older line-based applications and therefore are problematic in combination with graphical oriented operating systems.

The goal of this master thesis is to investigate, if it is possible to create an acoustical user interface with the aid of acoustic signals placed in a 3D virtual room which could provide blind users with the advantages of a graphical user interface. The underlying technology is the 3D ambisonic system for binaural reproduction which has been developed at the IEM. With a simple application, two hearing tests with blind subjects and subjects with normal seeing ability will take place. The application will be coded acoustically with so-called “earcons”. The first pre-test will be used to gain knowledge for the main test. The results of the tests will be the contents of the master thesis.