Independent mobility is one of the main challenges for blind or visually impaired (BVI) people. In particular, BVI people often need to identify and avoid nearby obstacles, example a bicycle parked on sidewalk. This generally achieved with combination residual vision, hearing haptic sensing using white cane. However, in many cases, can only perceive obstacles at short distance (typically about 1m, i.e., cane detection range), other situations are hard detect (e.g., those elevated from...

Humans estimate sound-source directions by combining prior beliefs with sensory evidence. Prior represent statistical knowledge about the environment, and evidence consists of auditory features such as interaural disparities monaural spectral shapes. Models directional sound localization often impose constraints on contribution these to either horizontal or vertical dimension. Instead, we propose a Bayesian model that flexibly incorporates each feature according its spatial precision...

This paper studies the relationship between head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) and pinna reflection patterns in frontal hemispace. A pre-processed database of HRTFs allows extraction up to three spectral notches from each response taken median sagittal plane. Ray-tracing analysis performed on obtained notches' central frequencies is compared with a set possible surfaces directly recognizeable corresponding picture. Results such are discussed terms coefficient sign, which found be most...

This paper presents the results of a set experiments in which we used continuous auditory feedback to augment motor training exercises. modality is mostly underexploited current robotic rehabilitation systems, usually implement only very basic interfaces. Our hypothesis that properly designed could be represent temporal and spatial information turn, improve performance learning. We implemented three different on healthy subjects, who were asked track target screen by moving an input device...

Towards improving the performance in various music information processing tasks, recent studies exploit different modalities able to capture diverse aspects of music. Such include audio recordings, symbolic scores, mid-level representations, motion and gestural data, video editorial or cultural tags, lyrics album cover arts. This paper critically reviews approaches adopted Music Information Processing Retrieval, highlights how multimodal algorithms can help Computing applications. First, we...

Machine learning (ML) has become pervasive in various research fields, including binaural synthesis personalization, which is crucial for sound immersive virtual environments. Researchers have mainly addressed this topic by estimating the individual head-related transfer function (HRTF). HRTFs are utilized to render audio signals at specific spatial positions, thereby simulating real-world wave interactions with human body. As such, an HRTF that compliant characteristics enhances realism of...

Acoustic simulation of friction is a particularly challenging task, because continuous (strong) contact conditions require tight and veridical integration the synthesis layer with control input. This paper presents an algorithmic realization that combines recently proposed physical models lumped modal description resonating bodies. It shown resulting nonlinear dynamical system can be discretized using numerical technique allows efficient accurate simulation. Applications in context...

A physically-based impact model -already known and exploited in the field of sound synthesisis studied using both analytical tools numerical simulations.It is shown that Hamiltonian a physical system composed mass impacting on wall can be expressed analytically as function velocity during contact.Moreover, an efficient accurate approximation for outbound presented, which allows to estimate at end contact.Analytical results are then compared simulations obtained by discretizing with several...

Indoor navigation services for people with visual impairment are being researched in academia, and working systems have already been deployed public places. While previous research mainly focuses on computing the user's position high accuracy, providing non-visual instructions is also a challenge naive approaches can fail helping users reach their target destination or even expose them to hazards.In this paper we investigate problem of guiding rotate towards direction. We propose three...

Towards improving the performance in various music information processing tasks, recent studies exploit different modalities able to capture diverse aspects of music. Such include audio recordings, symbolic scores, mid-level representations, motion and gestural data, video editorial or cultural tags, lyrics album cover arts. This paper critically reviews approaches adopted Music Information Processing Retrieval, highlights how multimodal algorithms can help Computing applications. First, we...

Navigation assistance services for people with visual impairment pose the challenge of providing accurate guidance through non-visual navigation instructions. This paper proposes two techniques to guide user during assistance, and in particular turns straight paths. Both adopt a combination speech non-speech audio aim continuous, accurate, unobtrusive guidance. The solutions differ sonification technique used generate audio. were evaluated real-world environment nine participants having...

The scattering around the human pinna that is captured by Head-Related Transfer Functions (HRTFs) a complex problem creates uncertainties in both acoustical measurements and simulations. Within simulation framework of Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) with axis-aligned staircase boundaries resulting from voxelization process, voxelization-based uncertainty propagating HRTF-captured sound field quantified for one solid two surface algorithms. Simulated results utilizing laser-scanned mesh...

This paper deals with the issue of individualizing head-related transfer function (HRTF) rendering process for auditory elevation perception. Is it possible to find a nonindividual, personalized HRTF set that allows listener have an equally accurate localization performance than his/her individual HRTFs? We propose psychoacoustically motivated, anthropometry based mismatch between pairs exploits close relation listener's pinna geometry and cues. is evaluated using model computes mapping...

This paper presents a set of novel physical models for sound synthesis membrane percussion instruments. First, model tension modulation in struck circular is discussed, which simulates the dynamic variations partial frequencies occurring at large amplitude vibrations membrane. It shown that model, derived from more general theory nonlinear elastic plates, can be efficiently integrated into modal engine. Novel two relevant production mechanisms percussions are then proposed, i.e., coupling...

This paper reports on an ongoing research collaboration between the University of Padua and California Irvine, use continuous auditory-feedback in robot-assisted neurorehabilitation post-stroke patients. feedback modality is mostly underexploited current robotic rehabilitation systems, that usually implement very basic auditory interfaces. The results this show generating a proper sound cue during robot assisted movement training can help patients improving engagement, performance learning exercise.