TU Ilmenau: New audio technology makes augmented reality applications possible

An innovative audio technology from the TU Ilmenau for augmented and virtual reality makes it possible to generate virtual sound sources in a natural environment The Technische Universität Ilmenau has developed an innovative audio technology for augmented and virtual reality that makes it possible to generate virtual sound sources in a natural environment. To a person moving in the room, the sound sounds realistic and convincing at all times: as they walk toward, past or around the sound source, they perceive the sound as if the source were actually in the room. The technology, which is already being developed with Meta Group, formerly Facebook, has huge market potential that extends far beyond entertainment and gaming. Virtual, augmented and mixed reality applications, so-called immersive media, are increasingly finding their way into our digital world. Users are immersed in digital environments of virtual reality (VR), which they perceive as real thanks to acoustic and visual information, or reality is enhanced by additional acoustic and visual stimuli with the help of augmented reality (AR) or mixed reality. The sense of hearing plays a fundamental role in the three-dimensional experience of virtual spaces. Not only when a person listens motionlessly in them, but also when they walk toward, past or around a virtual sound source, their auditory perception must be realistic in all three dimensions at all times.