The Sonification Handbook Chapter 3 Psychoacoustics
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NOISE-CON 2004 the Impact of A-Weighting Sound Pressure Level
Baltimore, Maryland NOISE-CON 2004 2004 July 12-14 The Impact of A-weighting Sound Pressure Level Measurements during the Evaluation of Noise Exposure Richard L. St. Pierre, Jr. RSP Acoustics Westminster, CO 80021 Daniel J. Maguire Cooper Standard Automotive Auburn, IN 46701 ABSTRACT Over the past 50 years, the A-weighted sound pressure level (dBA) has become the predominant measurement used in noise analysis. This is in spite of the fact that many studies have shown that the use of the A-weighting curve underestimates the role low frequency noise plays in loudness, annoyance, and speech intelligibility. The intentional de-emphasizing of low frequency noise content by A-weighting in studies can also lead to a misjudgment of the exposure risk of some physical and psychological effects that have been associated with low frequency noise. As a result of this reliance on dBA measurements, there is a lack of importance placed on minimizing low frequency noise. A review of the history of weighting curves as well as research into the problems associated with dBA measurements will be presented. Also, research relating to the effects of low frequency noise, including increased fatigue, reduced memory efficiency and increased risk of high blood pressure and heart ailments, will be analyzed. The result will show a need to develop and utilize other measures of sound that more accurately represent the potential risk to humans. 1. INTRODUCTION Since the 1930’s, there have been large advances in the ability to measure sound and understand its effects on humans. Despite this, a vast majority of acoustical measurements done today still use the methods originally developed 70 years ago. -
Sonification As a Means to Generative Music Ian Baxter
Sonification as a means to generative music By: Ian Baxter A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy The University of Sheffield Faculty of Arts & Humanities Department of Music January 2020 Abstract This thesis examines the use of sonification (the transformation of non-musical data into sound) as a means of creating generative music (algorithmic music which is evolving in real time and is of potentially infinite length). It consists of a portfolio of ten works where the possibilities of sonification as a strategy for creating generative works is examined. As well as exploring the viability of sonification as a compositional strategy toward infinite work, each work in the portfolio aims to explore the notion of how artistic coherency between data and resulting sound is achieved – rejecting the notion that sonification for artistic means leads to the arbitrary linking of data and sound. In the accompanying written commentary the definitions of sonification and generative music are considered, as both are somewhat contested terms requiring operationalisation to correctly contextualise my own work. Having arrived at these definitions each work in the portfolio is documented. For each work, the genesis of the work is considered, the technical composition and operation of the piece (a series of tutorial videos showing each work in operation supplements this section) and finally its position in the portfolio as a whole and relation to the research question is evaluated. The body of work is considered as a whole in relation to the notion of artistic coherency. This is separated into two main themes: the relationship between the underlying nature of the data and the compositional scheme and the coherency between the data and the soundworld generated by each piece. -
Decibels, Phons, and Sones
Decibels, Phons, and Sones The rate at which sound energy reaches a Table 1: deciBel Ratings of Several Sounds given cross-sectional area is known as the Sound Source Intensity deciBel sound intensity. There is an abnormally Weakest Sound Heard 1 x 10-12 W/m2 0.0 large range of intensities over which Rustling Leaves 1 x 10-11 W/m2 10.0 humans can hear. Given the large range, it Quiet Library 1 x 10-9 W/m2 30.0 is common to express the sound intensity Average Home 1 x 10-7 W/m2 50.0 using a logarithmic scale known as the Normal Conversation 1 x 10-6 W/m2 60.0 decibel scale. By measuring the intensity -4 2 level of a given sound with a meter, the Phone Dial Tone 1 x 10 W/m 80.0 -3 2 deciBel rating can be determined. Truck Traffic 1 x 10 W/m 90.0 Intensity values and decibel ratings for Chainsaw, 1 m away 1 x 10-1 W/m2 110.0 several sound sources listed in Table 1. The decibel scale and the intensity values it is based on is an objective measure of a sound. While intensities and deciBels (dB) are measurable, the loudness of a sound is subjective. Sound loudness varies from person to person. Furthermore, sounds with equal intensities but different frequencies are perceived by the same person to have unequal loudness. For instance, a 60 dB sound with a frequency of 1000 Hz sounds louder than a 60 dB sound with a frequency of 500 Hz. -
Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI)
Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI) m kg s cd SI mol K A NIST Special Publication 811 2008 Edition Ambler Thompson and Barry N. Taylor NIST Special Publication 811 2008 Edition Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI) Ambler Thompson Technology Services and Barry N. Taylor Physics Laboratory National Institute of Standards and Technology Gaithersburg, MD 20899 (Supersedes NIST Special Publication 811, 1995 Edition, April 1995) March 2008 U.S. Department of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez, Secretary National Institute of Standards and Technology James M. Turner, Acting Director National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 811, 2008 Edition (Supersedes NIST Special Publication 811, April 1995 Edition) Natl. Inst. Stand. Technol. Spec. Publ. 811, 2008 Ed., 85 pages (March 2008; 2nd printing November 2008) CODEN: NSPUE3 Note on 2nd printing: This 2nd printing dated November 2008 of NIST SP811 corrects a number of minor typographical errors present in the 1st printing dated March 2008. Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI) Preface The International System of Units, universally abbreviated SI (from the French Le Système International d’Unités), is the modern metric system of measurement. Long the dominant measurement system used in science, the SI is becoming the dominant measurement system used in international commerce. The Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of August 1988 [Public Law (PL) 100-418] changed the name of the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and gave to NIST the added task of helping U.S. -
92 Airq Sonification As a Context for Mutual Contribution Between
ARANGO, J.J. AirQ Sonification as a context for mutual contribution between Science and Music Revista Música Hodie, Goiânia, V.18 - n.1, 2018, p. 92-102 AirQ Sonification as a context for mutual contribution between Science and Music Julián Jaramillo Arango (Caldas University Manizales, Colombia) [email protected] Abstract. This paper addresses a high-level discussion about the links between Science and Music, focusing on my own sonification and auditory display practices around air quality. Grounded on recent insights on interdisciplina- rity and sonification practices, the first sections will point out some potential contributions from scientific research to music studies and vice versa. I will propose the concept of mutualism to depict the interdependent status of Mu- sic and Science. The final sections will discuss air contamination as a complex contemporary problem, and will re- port three practice-based-design projects, AirQ jacket, Esmog Data and Breathe!, which outline different directions in facing local environmental awareness. Keywords. Science and Music, Sonification, Environmental Awarness, Sonology. A sonificação do AirQ como um contexto de contribuição mutua entre a Ciência e a Música. Resumo. Este artigo levanta uma discussão geral sobre as relações entre a Ciência e a Música, e se concentra em minhas praticas de sonificação e display auditivo da qualidade do ar. Baseado em reflexões recentes sobre a interdis- ciplinaridade e as práticas de sonificação as primeiras seções identificam algumas contribuições potenciais da pes- quisa científica aos estudos musicais e vice versa. O conceito de mutualismo será proposto para expressar a interde- pendência entre Música e Ciência. As seções finais discutem a contaminação do ar como um problema complexo de nossos dias e descreve três projetos de design-baseado-na-prática, AirQ jacket, Esmog Data e Breathe! que propõem direções diferentes para gerar consciência ambiental no contexto local. -
Architectural Acoustics
A COMPARISON OF SOURCE TYPES AND THEIR IMPACTS ON ACOUSTICAL METRICS By KEELY SIEBEIN A THESIS PRESENTED TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA 2012 1 © 2012 Keely Siebein 2 To my parents 3 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to thank my mother, father, sisters, brothers, nephews and the rest of my family for all your love and support throughout my life. I would like to thank Professors Gold and Siebein for your continuous support, guidance and encouragement throughout the process of my thesis. I’d also like to thank my fellow acoustics students, Sang Bong, and Sang Bum, Cory, Adam B, Adam G., Jose, Jorge and Jenn and any others who helped me with the data collection and reviewing of the material and for keeping me on track with the process. I’d also like to thank Dave for your continuous support throughout this entire process, for believing in me and doing all that you could to help me throughout the course of my studies. I’d also like to thank my wonderful friends, for believing in me and encouraging me throughout my studies. Thanks to my Dad, for being my father, professor, boss, but most importantly, my mentor. It’s an honor to have studied with you and learned from you in this capacity and I will treasure these years and the time I spent learning under your guidance forever. Thank you all for everything. 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS page ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ................................................................................................. -
Object-Based Reverberation for Spatial Audio Coleman, P, Franck, A, Jackson, P, Hughes, RJ, Remaggi, L and Melchior, F 10.17743/Jaes.2016.0059
Object-based reverberation for spatial audio Coleman, P, Franck, A, Jackson, P, Hughes, RJ, Remaggi, L and Melchior, F 10.17743/jaes.2016.0059 Title Object-based reverberation for spatial audio Authors Coleman, P, Franck, A, Jackson, P, Hughes, RJ, Remaggi, L and Melchior, F Type Article URL This version is available at: http://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/53438/ Published Date 2017 USIR is a digital collection of the research output of the University of Salford. Where copyright permits, full text material held in the repository is made freely available online and can be read, downloaded and copied for non-commercial private study or research purposes. Please check the manuscript for any further copyright restrictions. For more information, including our policy and submission procedure, please contact the Repository Team at: [email protected]. PAPERS Journal of the Audio Engineering Society Vol. 65, No. 1/2, January/February 2017 (C 2017) DOI: https://doi.org/10.17743/jaes.2016.0059 Object-Based Reverberation for Spatial Audio* PHILIP COLEMAN,1 AES Member, ANDREAS FRANCK,2 AES Member, ([email protected]) PHILIP J. B. JACKSON,1 AES Member, RICHARD J. HUGHES,3 AES Associate Member, LUCA REMAGGI1, AND FRANK MELCHIOR,4 AES Member 1Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, UK 2Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, SO17 1BJ, UK 3Acoustics Research Centre, University of Salford, Salford, M5 4WT, UK 4BBC Research and Development, Dock House, MediaCityUK, Salford, M50 2LH, UK Object-based audio is gaining momentum as a means for future audio content to be more immersive, interactive, and accessible. -
Contribution of Precisely Apparent Source Width to Auditory Spaciousness
Chapter 8 Contribution of Precisely Apparent Source Width to Auditory Spaciousness Chiung Yao Chen Additional information is available at the end of the chapter http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/56616 1. Introduction It has been shown that the apparent source width (ASW) for one-third-octave band pass noises signal offers a satisfactory explanation for functions of the inter-aural cross-correlation (IACC) and WIACC, which is defined as the time interval of the inter-aural cross-correlation function within ten percent of the maximum (Sato and Ando, [18]). In this chapter, the binaural criteria of spatial impression in halls will be investigated by comparing with ASW for the auditory purpose assistant to visual attention, which is called source localization. It was proposed that the ASW could properly define directional impression corresponding to the inter-aural time delay (τIACC) perceived when listening to sound with a sharp peak in the inter-aural cross- correlation function (ICF) with a small value of WIACC. We supposed that the ASW would be sensed not only with regard to the relative amplitudes between reflections in a hall, but the total arrived energies at two ears through the A-weighting network in the brain, termed as listening level (LL) and the temporal characteristics of sound sources. This hypothesis is based on the fact that the spatial experience in a room will be varied by changing the center frequency of one-third-octave band pass noise signal, and the ASW decreases as the main frequency goes up. For the purpose of this chapter, we shall discuss the relationship among some factors, the geometric mean of sound energies at two ears, the reverberation, IACC, τIACC, and WIACC, and whether they are independently related to the sound source on a horizontal plane. -
The Human Ear Hearing, Sound Intensity and Loudness Levels
UIUC Physics 406 Acoustical Physics of Music The Human Ear Hearing, Sound Intensity and Loudness Levels We’ve been discussing the generation of sounds, so now we’ll discuss the perception of sounds. Human Senses: The astounding ~ 4 billion year evolution of living organisms on this planet, from the earliest single-cell life form(s) to the present day, with our current abilities to hear / see / smell / taste / feel / etc. – all are the result of the evolutionary forces of nature associated with “survival of the fittest” – i.e. it is evolutionarily{very} beneficial for us to be able to hear/perceive the natural sounds that do exist in the environment – it helps us to locate/find food/keep from becoming food, etc., just as vision/sight enables us to perceive objects in our 3-D environment, the ability to move /locomote through the environment enhances our ability to find food/keep from becoming food; Our sense of balance, via a stereo-pair (!) of semi-circular canals (= inertial guidance system!) helps us respond to 3-D inertial forces (e.g. gravity) and maintain our balance/avoid injury, etc. Our sense of taste & smell warn us of things that are bad to eat and/or breathe… Human Perception of Sound: * The human ear responds to disturbances/temporal variations in pressure. Amazingly sensitive! It has more than 6 orders of magnitude in dynamic range of pressure sensitivity (12 orders of magnitude in sound intensity, I p2) and 3 orders of magnitude in frequency (20 Hz – 20 KHz)! * Existence of 2 ears (stereo!) greatly enhances 3-D localization of sounds, and also the determination of pitch (i.e. -
SONIFICATION with MUSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: a PATH GUIDED by USER ENGAGEMENT Jonathan Middleton1, Jaakko Hakulinen2, Katariina Ti
The 24th International Conference on Auditory Display (ICAD 2018) June 10-15, 2018, Michigan Technological University SONIFICATION WITH MUSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: A PATH GUIDED BY USER ENGAGEMENT Jonathan Middleton1, Jaakko Hakulinen2, Katariina Tiitinen2, Juho Hella2, Tuuli Keskinen2, Pertti Huuskonen2, Juhani Linna2, Markku Turunen2, Mounia Ziat3 and Roope Raisamo2 1 Eastern Washington University, Department of Music, Cheney, WA 99203 USA, [email protected] 2 University of Tampere, Tampere Unit for Computer-Human Interaction (TAUCHI), Tampere, FI-33014 Finland, {firstname.lastname}@uta.fi 3Northern Michigan University, Dept. Psychological Science, Marquette, MI 49855 USA, [email protected] ABSTRACT The use of musical elements and characteristics in sonification has been formally explored by members of Sonification with musical characteristics can engage the International Community for Auditory Display since users, and this dynamic carries value as a mediator the mid 1990’s [4], [5], [6]. A summary of music-related between data and human perception, analysis, and research and software development in sonification can interpretation. A user engagement study has been be obtained from Bearman and Brown [7]. Earlier designed to measure engagement levels from conditions attempts were made by Pollack and Flicks in 1954 [8], within primarily melodic, rhythmic, and chordal yet according to Paul Vickers [9] and other researchers, contexts. This paper reports findings from the melodic such as, Walker and Nees [10], the path for music in portion of the study, and states the challenges of using sonification remains uncertain or unclear. Vickers musical characteristics in sonifications via the recently raised the significant question: “how should perspective of form and function – a long standing sonification designers who wish their work to be more debate in Human-Computer Interaction. -
The Sonification Handbook Chapter 4 Perception, Cognition and Action In
The Sonification Handbook Edited by Thomas Hermann, Andy Hunt, John G. Neuhoff Logos Publishing House, Berlin, Germany ISBN 978-3-8325-2819-5 2011, 586 pages Online: http://sonification.de/handbook Order: http://www.logos-verlag.com Reference: Hermann, T., Hunt, A., Neuhoff, J. G., editors (2011). The Sonification Handbook. Logos Publishing House, Berlin, Germany. Chapter 4 Perception, Cognition and Action in Auditory Display John G. Neuhoff This chapter covers auditory perception, cognition, and action in the context of auditory display and sonification. Perceptual dimensions such as pitch and loudness can have complex interactions, and cognitive processes such as memory and expectation can influence user interactions with auditory displays. These topics, as well as auditory imagery, embodied cognition, and the effects of musical expertise will be reviewed. Reference: Neuhoff, J. G. (2011). Perception, cognition and action in auditory display. In Hermann, T., Hunt, A., Neuhoff, J. G., editors, The Sonification Handbook, chapter 4, pages 63–85. Logos Publishing House, Berlin, Germany. Media examples: http://sonification.de/handbook/chapters/chapter4 8 Chapter 4 Perception, Cognition and Action in Auditory Displays John G. Neuhoff 4.1 Introduction Perception is almost always an automatic and effortless process. Light and sound in the environment seem to be almost magically transformed into a complex array of neural impulses that are interpreted by the brain as the subjective experience of the auditory and visual scenes that surround us. This transformation of physical energy into “meaning” is completed within a fraction of a second. However, the ease and speed with which the perceptual system accomplishes this Herculean task greatly masks the complexity of the underlying processes and often times leads us to greatly underestimate the importance of considering the study of perception and cognition, particularly in applied environments such as auditory display. -
The Decibel Scale
Projectile motion - 1 VCE Physics.com The decibel scale • Sound intensity • Sound level: The decibel scale • Sound level calculations • Some decibel measurements • Change in intensity • Human hearing • The Phon scale The decibel scale - 2 VCE Physics.com Sound intensity • The intensity of sound decreases with the square of the distance from the source. power P 2 Sound intensity = I = (unit =W /m ) A area 2 I r P 2 = 1 I = 2 4πr I1 r2 The decibel scale - 3 VCE Physics.com Sound intensity • eg a sound source emitting a power of 1 mW, when heard at a distance of 1 vs 2 m P 1×10−3W I = = = 8×10−5W /m2 A 4π 1m 2 ( ) P 1×10−3W I = = =2×10−5W /m2 A 4π (2m)2 The decibel scale - 4 VCE Physics.com Sound level: The decibel scale • The decibel scale is a relative scale, based upon the threshold of -12 2 hearing I0 = 10 W/m . • It is a logarithmic scale, an increase of 10 corresponds to 10 times the intensity. • 20dB = 102 times, 30dB = 103 times the intensity. I L =10log I 0 L −12 10 2 I =10 W /m I L =10log −12 10 The decibel scale - 5 VCE Physics.com Sound level calculations • eg A sound has the intensity of 10-4 W/m2. This is a sound level of I 10−4 L =10log =10log =10log108 = 80dB I 10−12 0 eg The intensity of a 45 dB sound is L 45 −12 −12 10 10 −7.5 −8 2 I =10 =10 =10 =3.2×10 W /m What is the intensity of 120 dB? L 120 −12 −12 I =1010 =10 10 =100 =1W /m2 The decibel scale - 6 VCE Physics.com Some decibel measurements Source Intensity (W/m2) Sound level (dB) Threshold of hearing 10-12 0 dB Soft whisper 10-10 20 dB Quiet conversation 10-8 40 dB Loud conversation 10-6 60 dB Highway traffic 10-4 80 dB Tractor engine 10-2 100 dB Threshold of pain (Rock concert) 10-0 (1) 120 dB Jet engine (less than 50 m away) 102 (100) 140 dB Rocket launch (less than 500 m away) 104 (10,000) 160 dB + • Damage to hearing is due to both the sound level & exposure time.