Interactive virtual sound source for auditory localization tests

The paper presents a prototype of an interactive virtual sound source for auditory localization tests. Instead of mechanical movement of a speaker, the position of the sound source is virtually defined via digital signal processing. The virtual source can be placed in any angle in the range of 0 to 180 degrees, while the sound is generated via 5-channel audio system. The additional interactive feedback channel, with easy controlled pointer on a LED tape, supports controlling the source and giving responses by the examined person. The proposed method of the virtual sound source makes the system faster, cheaper, and easier to control in comparison to the classical (moving sound source) solutions. Preliminary tests confirmed achievement of the design assumptions.