Arduino-based Head-tracking device: assembly and application in acoustics

Abstract

Tracking devices can be generically defined as instruments that provide position information for a person or object, supplying rotation and/or translation data. Thus, they can be used in different applications in engineering. As they concern head movements specifically, these devices are called headtrackers and are extremely useful in the field of virtual acoustics (and auralization), where it is crucial to know a receiver’s position (data used to post-process acoustical information). Based on the low-cost head-tracker developed from the project named Mr. Head Tracker at the University of Graz, Austria, a new hardware-software functional prototype was assembled at the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Brazil. Two different binaural application chains were designed: reproduction and recording/measurement. The good performance of the systems was assessed through experiments, including subjective tests and acoustical measurements. The aim of this paper is to describe the steps to assemble this new Arduino based device, including additional instructions due to modifications from the original concept. The methodology and results of the three subjective tests conducted using the reproduction chain are also included and detailed. These tests clarify the behavior and limitations of the system constructed. In general, results have shown that the device works in accordance with the codes developed, matching theory and expectations.