Personalized sound zoning for communication means: user studies and evaluation

Abstract

We present a new audio user interface for communication means based on automatic sound zoning (ASZ). Highly directive audio reproduction and capturing devices are combined with the output of a newest-generation depth sensor. We particularly use parametric loudspeaker and microphone arrays for the spatial filtering of sound playback and recording. This enables device-less, mobile and ergonomic communication. We evaluated the system using subjective experiments assessing, on the one hand, the immersion properties of the system and, on the other hand, general usability aspects. We could show that users are highly impressed by the capability of such a system and would greatly benefit from the inherent properties.