By LtCol Carolyn Bennett
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to define the cooperative relationship between the Army Research Laboratory, the Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory, the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, the Naval Research Laboratory, the Naval Command, Control & Ocean Surveillance Center, the Research, Evaluation Test and Evaluation Division, the Air Force Research Laboratory, Human Effectiveness Directorate and NASA, Ames Research Center is to be signed. The MOU will facilitate the coordination of efforts in the area of spatial audio display research. Spatial audio display research is research in the area of three dimensional (3D) presentation of audio signals which are perceived by the listener to be originating from specific locations in space and the interactions between spatial auditory perception and other sensory modalities. Research between the services will investigate the impact of incorporating spatial audio displays into real-world systems. The importance of audio display research in the development of doctrines and technologies for the United States Armed Forces is being to be recognized. Although there are recognized similarities and differences of spatial audio interfaces between Air Force, Navy and Army applications the services are for the first time agreeing to work together in support of common goals while addressing specific needs of individual services.
The anticipated end products from this MOA will be two-fold:
1. Spatial Audiometry
Development of clinical tools for measuring individual auditory localization, speech intelligibility, and pure tone thresholds in a synthetic spatial audio environment for the purposes of diagnosis and prediction of performance in the workplace.
2. Spatial Auditory Symbology
Development and assessment of audio symbols which will be intuitive to operational personnel and, would therefore, promote rapid and accurate interpretation. Intuitive auditory symbology could increase the safety and the mission effectiveness of pilots and other operational personnel.