AURES in-car binaural measurement system

Gladen

Discontinued

Gladen AURESbinaural car audio measurement system

Development of an easy hardware solution and a suitable algorithm for sound equalization and associated volumes.

AURES is a new system that allows the user to conveniently use the acoustic properties of car audio systems:
Precise on-site measurement
Automatic binaural evaluation
Corrections can be adjusted based on hearing requirements or can be reproduced graphically or as a file for semi-automatic use.

Hardware features
The AURES consists of two measurement probes and associated electronics, which a person (as part of the measurement equipment) uses and inserts directly into the ear canals. Comparable to earbuds or acoustic systems. An important feature is that each time the AURES earpieces are removed from the ears, when reinserted again, they return to the same position in the ear canal with millimeter precision. This is due to the shape of the device, which adapts almost perfectly to ear anatomy. Measurement tolerances due to different positioning are minimized and reproducible measurement results up to 20 kHz are possible.

The AURES probes affect the acoustics in the ear canal by less than +- 1 dB on average. It might seem that they have an effect on listening ability but in fact no significant differences in hearing are noticed with or without the probe.
The end of the sound tube in the ear canal is open and is equipped with a thin silicone guide that facilitates entry into the ear by positioning it approximately at the center in the ear canal, thus avoiding sound transmission via structural path from the edge of the
ear canal to the sound tube. The final silicone part of the sound tube also serves to keep it sufficiently stable in the ear canal so that it does not change position during head movements or even slip out.

Both the audio tube and the silicone terminals are available in three different sizes to better fit those with very small or large ear canals. They can be easily modified without tools if necessary.

The probe can also be disassembled into two parts. After opening the bayonet fitting and removing the sleeve with the tube, you get a high-quality measurement microphone. It serves as a calibration base.

The dimensions of the microphone part inside the ear are 6.5 x 20 mm, which means that the HRTF is not significantly affected. The HRTF is the head related transfer function of our head. That is: the way our head modifies the
sounds that reach our eardrums.

Measurement while driving the vehicle. Use of the audio unit does not limit driving ability, thus allowing convenient measurement and creation of suitable corrections for the best driving setup.

Acoustic properties
Only one correction curve per ear is required, as all other directional HRTF differences, as in a natural environment, are automatically measured 1:1 in the ear canal.

The measurement is performed by a person. In principle, no further correction is necessary, as in the case of a technical replacement.

The influences of head movement, different seating positions, intended as natural movements, are recorded realistically. In practice, repeated measurements are highly consistent. This provides confidence in practical operation. Measurements with Aures show the user very quickly what happens with the frequency response if you move your head to different positions. This helps the user understand the influence of head position and such things.

So the user can increase the experience of influence during the measurement.

The AURES calibration takes into account individual anatomical characteristics. This enables personalized measurement. For example, an audio system can be customized for the driver and also for the vehicle owner. Uncertainties regarding the correct correction curve are minimized compared to precise sound detection equipment, as they are created for the AURES individually for each person or their body.

Psychoacoustic evaluation: humans always listen with both ears. In perception, an auditory event is formed by the sum of the two ear signals. The AURES algorithm calculates sound equalization = volume from both probe signals.
Psychoacoustic perception characteristics are taken into consideration.

Awarded EISA 2018/19 for the IN-CAR INNOVATION category

"First and only in-car measurement system to use binaural sensors placed inside the ear canals, the Gladen Aures employs high-quality microphones to provide particularly accurate measurements. This in-depth analysis adopts psychoacoustic principles to achieve extremely precise sound tuning. Aures can be used as a standalone measurement system or in combination with MOSCONI Gladen DSP products for their finer tuning. With the latter option, the system suggests variables for
semi-automatic measurement and DSP adjustment, making system tuning quick and efficient. Manual adjustment of time alignment and frequency response have been retained to satisfy every personal listening preference."

Discontinued