Aurally aided visual search in three-dimensional space

We conducted an experiment to evaluate the effectiveness of spatial audio d isplays on target acquisition performance, Participants performed a visual search task with and without the aid of a spatial audio display. Potential target locations ranged between plus and minus 180 degrees in azimuth and f rom -70 degrees to +90 degrees in elevation. Independent variables included the number of visual distracters present (1, 5, 10, 25, 50) and the spatia l audio condition (no spatial audio, free-field spatial audio, virtual spat ial audio). Results indicated that both free-field and virtual audio cues e ngendered a significant decrease in search times. Potential applications of this research include the design of spatial audio displays for aircraft co ckpits and ground combat vehicles.