Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology IDMT Business Unit Acoustics
Business Unit Acoustics Fraunhofer IDMT develops and implements innovative solutions tailored to individual needs for practical applications in the fields of installed & live sound, machine acoustics, automotive audio, and consumer electronics. We are specialists in technologies and methods for sound recording, analysis, reproduction, and evaluation, as well as for active noise reduction. As a service provider, we offer a broad range of consulting, planning, measuring, simulation, quality assessment, and product testing services. Installed & Live Sound Driven by the trend toward 3D sound, consumers more and more enjoy and demand true-to-life, three-dimensional sound reproduction, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the sound whether it s at concerts or conferences, in clubs or planetaria, in virtual environments, or for domestic purposes. Users request solutions for a spatial and directional sound reproduction and for the simulation of virtual room acoustics, tailored to the specific requirements of individual applications. Other research and development activities focus on directional (SpatialSound Stage) and binaural sound reproduction methods (SpatialSound Headphones), but also on hybrid systems combining the strengths of individual spatial sound reproduction methods. Automotive Audio Fraunhofer IDMT meets this demand by conceptualizing and developing individual, application oriented 3D sound systems and tools. Our solutions are based on different sound reproduction technologies, such as the Wave Field Synthesis (WFS). The SpatialSound Wave Technology from Fraunhofer IDMT allows setting up object oriented sound systems that offer high sound quality both for rental and stationary installations. We also develop and provide solutions for integration of high-quality spatial audio effects and room simulation effects in PA systems. Car acoustics is an important field for car manufacturers trying to make their products distinguishable from their competitors, and for drivers judging the comfort of cars from different manufacturers. As the number of electrical cars and hybrid cars has steadily been on the rise in recent years, automakers see themselves confronted with new challenges regarding car acoustics. Besides designing and optimizing the acoustic behavior of vehicle components, increased requirements need to be met by integrated car audio and driver assistance systems. The latter is what we refer to when we speak of automotive audio.
1 2 Fraunhofer IDMT s research and development activities range from fully integrated sound systems for premium vehicles to methods for audio reproduction for selected areas (personal sound zones) within the car to models for simulation of subjective sound perception. Based on our expertise in the fields of audio signal processing and psycho-acoustic measuring techniques as well as models coming from hearing research, we also develop tools for designing synthetically produced sounds that can be used to meet specific requirements when driving e-cars or hybrid cars. Consumer Electronics The consumer electronics market has been experiencing a substantial change in the requirements regarding three-dimensional sound reproduction, particularly in the home entertainment sector. More and more content is being made available in different multichannel formats. However, optimal spatial sound reproduction can often not be achieved in practice due to inappropriate positioning of loudspeakers, limitations caused by individual room acoustics, or very limited audio range. For high end sound reproduction at home, object oriented sound reproduction technologies, such as the Wave Field Synthesis (WFS) are solutions of the future. With that, the disadvantages of multi-channel technologies predominantly used at present are solved. Other research and development activities refer to the development of technologies allowing users to manipulate room acoustics or use selective audio reproduction. Machine Acoustics Acoustical behavior from machines, technical facilities, or electronic/electrical consumer products is increasing on importance regarding the quality of perception. System ergonomics or user comfort more and more depends on the acoustic characteristics of these machines, facilities or products. The noise and vibrations produced by those are often perceived as disturbing. Fraunhofer IDMT develops solutions by which the acoustic behavior of machines, facilities or products can be simulated, auralized (made audible) and manipulated. Research and development activities regarding machine acoustics comprise methods and tools for virtualizing and adapting acoustic product properties and for active noise reduction. In the field of virtual acoustic product development, Fraunhofer IDMT is currently working on the combination of 3D audio modeling methods with realtime capable, true-to-life 3D audio reproduction systems, allowing users the interactive manipulation of acoustical product behavior. Fraunhofer IDMT is also exploring how such sound technologies can be integrated in applications used in different environments. One idea for a space-saving integration is the development of planar speakers. Thanks to the closed design and a depth of less than 1 inch, the speakers can be placed as a picture on the wall or integrated directly in electronic devices or pieces of furniture without losing sound quality. 1 Since ten years, the worldwide biggest floating stage in Bregenz (Austria) works with our spatial sound technologies. 2 Cars will turn into rolling hifi studios using a fully integrated spatial sound system.
3 4 Selected References AUDI AG Under the name Audi Sound Concept Audi and Fraunhofer IDMT presented the first car with a completely integrated spatial sound system based on Wave Field Synthesis technology. Planetaria In planetaria, the SpatialSound Wave system is used for the production and playing of new 3D sound shows. The visitors experience impressive immersive sound that is not limited to preferred seats. Club P1 Together with the Bose GmbH, Fraunhofer IDMT provided impressive spatial sound effects in the worldwide known club P1 in Munich. Loewe Technologies On behalf of Loewe, Fraunhofer IDMT conducted electroacoustic measurements on selected Premium Home Entertainment devices from the company. Examples: Planetarium Hamburg, Planetarium Kiel, Zeiss- Planetarium Jena Shure Europe GmbH Fraunhofer IDMT installed a Spatial Sound Wave system in the showroom of the Shure Europe GmbH and embedded the signal processing technology into the Q-Sys, the digital QSC audio network by Shure. Magna Mirrors Fraunhofer IDMT provided a test report for Magna Mirrors about the acoustical quality of hands-free equipment. Open Air Stages Open air stages now come with improved sound quality by using the SpatialSound Stage system by Fraunhofer IDMT. With the new, innovative user interface and state-of-the-art signal processing technology, a direction accurate sound reproduction and dynamic spatial sound simulation is possible. Examples: Bregenzer Festspiele, Seefestspiele Mörbisch 3 Fraunhofer IDMT s planar speakers work with electro-dynamical micro speakers. 4 Machines, loudspeakers and sound sensors can acoustically be calibrated at the institute.
1 1 Expert Services As specialists for research and development we offer customized solutions and a broad range of services: 1 Anechoic room for precise acoustic measurements We develop, optimize and integrate technologies and methods (including the development of prototypes) for sound recording, analysis, and reproduction. We produce market and product studies, develop system concepts as well as expert assessments. We provide services with regard to acoustic measurements, simulation, and analysis. We conduct certified audiovisual quality assessments. We participate in research and development cooperations. Research and Technology Competence Fraunhofer IDMT has long-standing experience and extensive know-how in audio signal processing and sound field reproduction as well as psycho- and electroacoustics. We are proud to say that we are among the worldwide leaders in research and development regarding spatial sound reproduction. For our achievements in research and development regarding solutions based on Wave Field Synthesis (WFS) technology, our acousticians in 2003 received the Thuringian Award for Applied Research. In 2010, Fraunhofer IDMT won the Thuringian Innovation Award for the development of a special flat-panel loudspeaker. Fraunhofer IDMT is a member of a number of boards (both national, European, and worldwide) regarding standardization and technology development. First-Class Technical Facilities & Equipment State-of-the-art facilities and equipment are the basis for Fraunhofer IDMT to conduct top-notch, internationally acclaimed research and development.
www.idmt.fraunhofer.de/acoustics Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology IDMT Ehrenbergstr. 31 98693 Ilmenau Contact Person Dr.-Ing. Sandra Brix Phone +49 3677 467-380 sandra.brix@idmt.fraunhofer.de www.idmt.fraunhofer.de The equipment at Fraunhofer IDMT in Ilmenau was supported, amongst others, by the European Regional Development Fund. Version 8/2014, photo acknowledge : Fraunhofer IDMT, Lutz Ehrig, Bregenzer Festspiele/andereart, AUDI AG