The head-related transfer function (HRTF) defines the acoustic path from a source to the two ears of a listener in a manner that is highly dependent on direction. This directional dependence arises from the highly individual morphology of the pinna, which results in complex reflections and resonances. While this notion is generally accepted, there has been little research on the importance of different structural elements of the pinna on the HRTF. A parametric three-dimensional ear model was used to investigate the changes in shape of the pinna in a systematic manner with a view to determining important contributing morphological parameters that can be used for HRTF individualization. HRTFs were simulated using the boundary element method. The analysis comprised objective comparisons between the directional transfer function and diffuse field component. The mean spectral distortion was used for global evaluation of HRTF similarity across all simulated positions. A perceptual localization model was used to determine correspondences between perceptual cues and objective parameters. A reasonable match was found between the modelled perceptual results and the mean spectral distortion. Modifications to the shape of the concha were found to have an important impact on the HRTF, as did those in proximity to the triangular fossa. Furthermore, parameters that control the relief of the pinna were found to be at least as important as more frequently cited side-facing parameters, highlighting limitations in previous morphological/HRTF studies.

中文翻译：

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通过参数皮纳模型模拟的皮纳形态对头部相关传递函数的敏感性分析

头部相关传递函数（HRTF）以高度依赖于方向的方式定义了从声源到收听者的两只耳朵的声路。这种方向性的依赖性源自耳廓的高度个体形态，从而导致复杂的反射和共振。虽然这个概念已被普遍接受，但很少有人研究耳廓的不同结构元素对HRTF的重要性。使用参数化三维耳模型以系统的方式研究耳廓形状的变化，以期确定可用于HRTF个性化的重要促成形态参数。使用边界元方法对HRTF进行了模拟。分析包括方向传递函数和扩散场分量之间的客观比较。平均频谱失真用于所有模拟位置的HRTF相似性的整体评估。感知定位模型用于确定感知线索与客观参数之间的对应关系。在建模的感知结果和平均频谱失真之间找到了合理的匹配。发现对外耳的形状的改变对HRTF有重要影响，对靠近三角形窝的人也是如此。此外，发现控制耳廓缓解的参数至少与更频繁引用的侧面参数同样重要，这突显了先前形态学/ HRTF研究的局限性。平均频谱失真用于所有模拟位置的HRTF相似性的整体评估。感知定位模型用于确定感知线索与客观参数之间的对应关系。在建模的感知结果和平均频谱失真之间找到了合理的匹配。发现对外耳的形状的改变对HRTF有重要影响，对靠近三角形窝的人也是如此。此外，发现控制耳廓缓解的参数至少与更频繁引用的侧面参数同样重要，这突显了先前形态学/ HRTF研究的局限性。平均频谱失真用于所有模拟位置的HRTF相似性的整体评估。感知定位模型用于确定感知线索与客观参数之间的对应关系。在建模的感知结果和平均频谱失真之间找到了合理的匹配。发现对外耳的形状的改变对HRTF有重要影响，对靠近三角形窝的人也是如此。此外，发现控制耳廓缓解的参数至少与更频繁引用的侧面参数同样重要，这突显了先前形态学/ HRTF研究的局限性。感知定位模型用于确定感知线索与客观参数之间的对应关系。在建模的感知结果和平均频谱失真之间找到了合理的匹配。发现对外耳的形状的改变对HRTF有重要影响，对靠近三角形窝的人也是如此。此外，发现控制耳廓缓解的参数至少与更频繁引用的侧面参数同样重要，这突显了先前形态学/ HRTF研究的局限性。感知定位模型用于确定感知线索与客观参数之间的对应关系。在建模的感知结果和平均频谱失真之间找到了合理的匹配。发现对外耳的形状的改变对HRTF有重要影响，对靠近三角形窝的人也是如此。此外，发现控制耳廓缓解的参数至少与更频繁引用的侧面参数同样重要，这突显了先前形态学/ HRTF研究的局限性。