Audio Patterns as a Source of Information for the Perception and Control of Orientation

We discuss the use of dynamic auditory patterns to detect and control human action. We argue that such patterns can affect the ability of standing persons to control medio-lateral orientation of their body. Subjects (N = 10) stood a mechanical platform that could rotate in the subject's medio-lateral axis. Real-time data about platform roll were used to generate acoustic stimuli, presented via headphones. Subjects were asked to control standing sway so as to achieve specific patterns in the acoustic stimuli. The results suggest that acoustic stimuli can be used as a source of information for the perception and control of orientation.