A quality of experience evaluation of an immersive virtual reality application developed to assess spatial auditory ability.

Abstract

In recent years, virtual reality (VR) technology has proven to be a powerful tool to create immersive environments with high quality visual and auditory experiences. Moreover, it can be used as an effective application to perform and design sound localization tasks [1]. Hence, it is possible to apply 3D audio technologies within many contexts in order to evaluate and measure sound localization abilities. Within this context, many companies seek new methodologies to increase the quality of spatial, specially the gaming industry [2]. Furthermore, given the fact that humans are able to learn how to accurately and precisely perform sound localization with given sound cues [3], the advance of most existing methodologies can optimize the current diagnosis and intervention techniques for people with hearing processing disorders like Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD). People who suffer with this condition, even without hearing issues, are incapable to process sounds properly, which may be stressful and frustrating to accomplish tasks with complex sounds [4]. Consequently, the assessment of the Quality of Experience (QoE) of spatial sound localization applications is an important topic regarding the crucial role that this skill plays during the performance of basic tasks such as driving, listening to music, or keeping a conversation in a noisy environment. The development of a new application within the QoE perspective can contribute regarding the relationship between QoE factors in respect with the classic methodologies recent years, virtual reality (VR) technology has proven to be a powerful tool to create immersive environments with high quality visual and auditory experiences. Moreover, it can be used as an effective application to perform and design sound localization tasks [1]. Hence, it is possible to apply 3D audio technologies within many contexts in order to evaluate and measure sound localization abilities. Within this context, many companies seek new methodologies to increase the quality of spatial, specially the gaming industry [2]. Furthermore, given the fact that humans are able to learn how to accurately and precisely perform sound localization with given sound cues [3], the advance of most existing methodologies can optimize the current diagnosis and intervention techniques for people with hearing processing disorders like Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD). People who suffer with this condition, even without hearing issues, are incapable to process sounds properly, which may be stressful and frustrating to accomplish tasks with complex sounds [4]. Consequently, the assessment of the Quality of Experience (QoE) of spatial sound localization applications is an important topic regarding the crucial role that this skill plays during the performance of basic tasks such as driving, listening to music, or keeping a conversation in a noisy environment. The development of a new application within the QoE perspective can contribute regarding the relationship between QoE factors in respect with the classic methodologies, user interaction with the system, and context influencing factors.