Development of Hardware and Softeare for a Game-like Wireless Sound Distribution System

Abstract

Several music players have evolved in multi-dimensional and surround sound systems. The audio players are implemented as software applications for different audio hardware systems. Digital formats and wireless networks allow for audio content to be readily accessible on smart networked devices. Therefore, different audio output platforms ranging from multispeaker high end surround systems to single unit Bluetooth speakers have been developed. A large body of research has been carried out in audio processing, beamforming, sound fields etc. and new formats are developed to create realistic audio experiences. An emerging trend is seen towards high definition AV systems, virtual reality gears as well as gaming applications with multidimensional audio. Next generation media technology is concentrating around Virtual reality experience and devices. It has applications not only in gaming but all other fields including medical, entertainment, engineering, and education. All such systems also require realistic audio corresponding with the visuals. In the project presented in this thesis, a new portable audio hardware system is designed and developed along with a dedicated mobile android application to render immersive surround sound experiences with real-time audio effects. The tablet and mobile phone allow the user to control or "play" with sound directionality and implement various audio effects including sound rotation, spatialization, and other immersive experiences. The thesis describes the hardware and software design, provides the theory of the sound effects, and presents demonstrations of the sound application that was created. ii Dedicated to my Mother and Father iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Firstly, I would like to express my deepest gratitude and thank my advisor, Dr. Andreas Spanias, who not only taught and motivated me to pursue research, but also helped me achieve certain level of confidence and maturity. I would also like to thank Dr. Pavan Turaga and Prof. Todd Ingalls for taking out time helping throughout my thesis and agreeing to be a part of my thesis defense committee. Without their valuable time, support and guidance, I could not have finished this work. My Master's term at Arizona State University was productive as well as enjoyable. Thanks to SenSIP LAB and School of Arts, Media and Engineering for providing resources and allowing use of their facilities. Many thanks to their members who made this journey easier and wonderful. Special thanks to Dr. Andreas Spanias for financially assisting me during my Master's study. In addition, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with the following people at ASU and I would like to thank them for supporting me in various ways. Thank you Prof. Loren Olson, Assegid Kidane, Peter Weisman and Aaron. I would also like to thank the graduate university staff Lynn, Jenna, Cynthia, Toni, Esther, Darleen and Heather for their timely and kind assistance. A large portion of this journey was shared with my fellow lab-mates Jongmin,