Binaural Temporal Window

[Bernhard Laback <bernhard.laback@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear list members,

Several studies on sensitivity to interaural time delay (ITD) modeled
ITD detection thresholds using the concept of a temporal window (e.g.,
Bernstein et al, 2001, JASA 109 or Akeroyd and Bernstein, 2001, JASA
110). These studies assume that the binaural system averages ITD
information across a temporal window.

My question:
How can the concept of a temporal window account for the decrease in ITD
thresholds with increasing signal duration (temporal integration effect)?

If the temporal window as used in the studies cited above is the
temporal integrator per se, no temporal integration effect could be
expected. Averaging across the window would result in constant
performance irrespective of signal duration.

Is it conceivable, as an alternative explanation, that temporal
integration occurs as a result of summation of information from
successive short-time signal segments, similar to the "multiple looks"
model proposed by Viemeister and Wakefield (1991, JASA 90)? According to
such a model, a temporal window with a short time-constant extracts the
short-time segments.

Has anybody tested the validity of such a model combining the concept of
a temporal window with the "multiple looks" approach with respect to ITD
sensitivity?

Any comments or suggestions are welcome.

With best regards,
Bernhard Laback

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Bernhard Laback, Ph.D.
Acoustics Research Institute
Austrian Academy of Sciences
Reichsratsstrasse 17
A-1010 Wien
Austria
Tel.: 0043-1-4277-29514
Fax.: 0043-1-4277-9295
http://www.kfs.oeaw.ac.at/
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