Abstract:

The head-related transfer function (HRTF) is generally considered to be a function of four variables: azimuth, elevation, range (all measured in a head-centered coordinate system), and frequency. The range dependence drops off with increasing distance, and thus HRTFs measured at a sufficiently large distance from the head may accurately represent the function at all points in the head's ``far field.'' This fact has resulted in a large body of research on far-field HRTFs, while very little has been done to characterize the function at close range. In this on-going work, HRTF measurements are being made on a KEMAR manikin at distances of 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 m. The experimental setup and procedure will be discussed, as will the results of the measurements. Preliminary analysis in anticipation of the authors' future work in close-range sound localization may also be presented.