The two different modes
At first the subject’s accuracy in localizing discrete sound
sources in the virtual 3D space was tested via the Test Mode.
Here a dummy object has to be placed as accurate as possible
at the supposed position the sound is heard from. After locking
in a visual representation of the sound source appears at the
actual location. Then the horizontal, vertical and direct angular
distance between the subject’s guess and the sound source is
measured. There were no differences in distance, as this study
was only about the directional parameters.
Next each subject was asked to spend 10 minutes in the Play Mode
to get familiar with the 3D audio environment by interacting with
the different sound sources and experience the binaural sound.
After that the same test was conducted again in the Test Mode,
only with different positions to avoid patterns the subjects may
recognize. The measurements from the first test were then compared
to those of the second test. The results showed more accurate
placement of the dummy object overall, but especially in the
horizontal angular distance.