Acoustics

Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology

The Acoustics department focuses on recording and reproduction methods for spatial audio signals. The goal is to achieve a natural, spatial sound experience in various listening environments. Sound perception (psycho acoustics), simulation of sound fields and triggering methods for microphone and speaker arrays belong to the main competences of this department. New developments are used for several applications in different markets, e. g. in sound engineering, consumer electronics as well as  automotive and mechanical engineering.

3D Audio

The 3D Audio group focuses on further developing of several  sound reproduction methods, e. g. Wave Field Synthesis (WFS) and modified Delta Stereophony. In addition to stand-alone methods, there is a special focus on hybrid systems that combine the advantages of different methods of spatial sound reproduction. This also includes the development of production and room simulation tools for recording, processing and reproduction of natural sound environments.

Loudspeaker Technology

This deals particularly with the research and development of planar high-quality speakers. The speakers already developed in this department have a mounting depth of only 25mm and can be mounted directly to a wall without any sound impairment. The current research focuses on reducing the mounting depth for further applications.

Measurement Technology

The goal here is the development of microphone array technologies for recording and analysis of sound fields. The measured data is not only recorded and analyzed, but also evaluated using psychoacoustical methods.

Virtual Acoustics Product Development

This research subject focuses on the connection between acoustic product models and a real time sound reproduction that is close to reality and ready for interaction. In this way, the acoustical behavior (noise or sound) of products can be auralized at an early stage of product development and purposefully influenced using sound design tools.

Automotive Sound and Sound of instruments and devices

This research subject develops adaptive, auditory displays to increase the comfort and safety inside a car. Current developments are concentrated in the generation of  sound/noise for electric vehicles.
 
The focus in the area of sound of instrument and devices is to work with methods  to decrease or avoid disturbing noises, which  influence the product quality significantly (one of those methods is the active noise cancellation).

Quality Assessment

The Acoustics department develops and standardizes methods for evaluating the perception of audio signal quality (ITU-R, EBU, SMPTE). In addition to further development of listening test methods the department works also with the simulation of human hearing (PEAQ).

  • Performance of certified listening tests and psychoacoustic analysis
  • Objective quality assessment
  • Acoustical planning, consulting as well as performance of acoustic and electronic measurements under standardized conditions into special rooms
  • Development of innovative audio concepts for individual setups and devices
  • Individual consulting – from system design to optimization of complex audio system solutions for professional and consumer markets
  • Planning and consulting for multichannel audio hardware systems
  • User adapted audio systems, individual user interfaces and systems for editing and control of audio signals
  • Development and implementation of complex media controls

  • Electronic Cinema
  • Modellvorhabens Barrierefreie Modellregion "Tourismus für alle" - Barrierefreier Tastparcours – Teilprojekt: Auditive Visualisierung
  • THESEUS
  • Carrouso - Creating, Assessing and Rendering in Real-time Of high-quality aUdio-viSual envirOments
  • DIOMEDES - Distribution of Multiview Entertainment Using Content-Aware Delivery Systems
  • Framework für transaktionale Unterstützung kooperativer Medienproduktion
  • EDCine - Enhanced Digital Cinema
  • Shapes - Scalable Software Hardware Architecture Platform for Embedded Systems
  • Neue Technologien für die erweiterte virtuelle Produktentwicklung