Auditory localization under sustained +G(z) acceleration

The ability to localize a virtual sound source in the horizontal plane was evaluated under varying levels of sustained (+G(z)) acceleration. Participa nts were required to judge the locations of spatialized noise bursts in the horizontal plane (elevation 0 degrees) during exposure to 1.0, 1.5, 2.5. 4 .0, 5.5, and 7.0 +G(z). The experiment was conducted at the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory's Dynamic Environment Simulator, a three-axis centrifug e. No significant increases in localization error were found between 1.0 an d 5.5 +G(z); however, a significant increase did occur at the 7.0 +G(z) lev el. In addition, the percentage of front/back confusions did not vary as a function of +G(z) level, Collectively, these results indicate that the abil ity to localize virtual sound sources is well maintained at various levels of sustained acceleration. Actual or potential applications include the inc orporation of spatial audio displays into the human-computer interface for vehicles that are operated in acceleration environments.