A high-resolution head-related transfer function dataset and 3D ear model database

Abstract

Binaural reproduction techniques, which use head-related transfer functions (HRTFs), become more and more popular. Human localization performance using binaural synthesis is, however, often poor due to non-individual HRTFs. To investigate the physical relationship between the ear geometry and the directional HRTFs, the ears and the HRTF datasets of 48 subjects are measured. The detailed ear models are obtained from magnetic resonance imaging scans of the subjects. Two rough scans series of the head and a detailed horizontal scan series, which covers both ears, are taken. The 3D model meshes, which are generated from the MRI scans, allow a very precise determination of anthropometric dimensions which can be used for the individualization of the HRTFs. Additionally, the relationship between the anthropometric dimensions and monaural cues of the HRTFs is studied by the boundary element method. These simulations show which parts of the pinna are involved in case of resonances or destructive interferences.

Low-order Spherical Harmonic HRTF Restoration using a Neural Network Approach

“…The training and testing data are extracted from different HRTF databases including ARI [34], ITA [35], RIEC [36], SADIE I [37], SADIE II [38], IRCAM Listen [39] and the Bernschutz KU100 [40] database.…”

“…Consequently data augmentation of other HRTF datasets was undertaken to provide some extra data for training and validation. The ARI [34], ITA [35] and RIEC [36] datasets were included with modified angles -Positions with an elevation angle at -45°were changed to -30°. This modification was also undertaken for the RIEC data set, as well as positions with an elevation angle at 45°changed to 50°.…”