3D Sound as a design tool in Human Computer Interaction


21.02.2008
Speaker : Georgios Marentakis,<i>Research Fellow CIRMMT, Schulich School of Music McGill University</i>
Date : 21.02.2008
Time: 12:00-13:30
Location : "Mediterranean Studies" Seminar Room, FORTH, Heraklion, Crete
Host : Prof. C. Stephanidis
Abstract:

3D audio systems add a spatial dimension to sounds in analogy to vision. In conjunction with appropriate input techniques, interactive spatial audio systems can be designed for a variety of purposes. In order to design usable systems it is necessary to understand the way humans interact with sound.

This can be achieved by evaluating the usability of interactive spatial audio designs. Examples will be provided, two studies on the evaluation of pointing to 3D audio targets and two studies on the evaluation of spatial audio as an interactive tool for music performance.

Based on these research results and the current literature application designs for mobile human computer interaction, navigation and interactive music performance will then be briefly outlined. Finally, future directions for the design and evaluation of interactive spatial audio systems will be discussed.

Bio:

Georgios Marentakis was born in Athens where he studied Electrical and Computer Engineering in the National Technical University of Athens. In 2002 he obtained his MSc in Acoustics Engineering from the Technical University of Denmark.

He specialized in interactive software for sound synthesis and its psychoacoustic optimization. Following, he completed his PhD at the University of Glasgow in 2006, specializing on the evaluation of pointing to 3D audio targets.

Currently, he is a research fellow at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Music Media and Technology in McGill University where he works on the psychoacoustics of sound localization in virtual spatial audio systems as well as in designing gesture control of spatialization. He is researching human computer interaction, with particular focus on applied perceptual studies inspired by psychoacoustics and motor control theory, with applications in the design and implementation of interactive spatial audio systems.