Über messungen des seitenschallanteils in verschiedenen sälen und in raummodellen

The significance of early lateral reflections with regard to subjective acoustical quality (especially ‘spaciousness’) in concert halls has been discussed in several papers over the last four years. In this paper some criteria for the lateral sound energy described in these publications are compared with each other, then a simple measuring system is presented for evaluating the fraction of lateral reflections in real rooms as well as in 1:50 scaled models. On the basis of some experimental results, the influence of room shape on the lateral sound in ratio is discussed. The distribution of side-wall reflections turns out to be most well-balanced in rectangular rooms. In contrast there are areas of deficient lateral sound energy in all the halls examined which have trapezoidal or other non-rectangular shapes.     

1-3型二维柱形凹面线聚焦换能器声场特性

设计并研制了柱面结构的1-3型复合材料凹面线聚焦换能器,在提高换能器带宽的同时,可以实现声场的线聚焦。将换能器内部PZT柱作为独立声源,应用瑞利积分和叠加原理,推导出了柱形凹面换能器总声场的理论表达式。通过仿真计算分析了换能器在聚焦线上的声场特点以及相关参数对聚焦性能的影响。对换能器参数做出合理设计,使换能器在实现线聚焦的同时,声场在聚焦线上的起伏较小,从而设计并制作出聚焦性能良好的线聚焦凹面换能器探头。实验测试结果表明采用本文方法计算得到的换能器声场与实测的声场分布基本符合,柱形凹面换能器在其几何焦点附近范围内均可实现聚焦,并在侧向上形成清晰的聚焦线,其聚焦线长度为换能器的侧向结构长度,在聚焦线上声场分布起伏较小。      

鳀鱼(Engraulis japonicus)目标强度的模型法研究

采用声散射理论和目标强度近似模型评估法对黄海鲤鱼（Engraulis japonicus）的声散射特征和目标强度进行了数值计算与评估研究。散射模型由鱼鳔模型和鱼体模型两个部分构成，其中鱼鳔采用充满气体的椭球体模型，鳔除外的鱼体采用充满液体的椭球体模型。理论数值计算所需参数取自全长12．6cm的鲤鱼个体，其鱼鳔尺寸利用X光照片测得。平均目标强度利用模型算得的不同角度下的声散射强度与鲲鱼倾角分布函数的卷积计算，其中倾角（度）的分布函数设为N（-3．9，12．8^2）。结果显示，鲲鱼对声波的散射具有明显指向性；在38kHz和120kHz工作频率下，鲲鱼的最大背向目标强度分别为-41．2dB和-39．5dB，有效平均目标强度分别为-48．0dB和-51．5dB，与实测结果吻合较好。另外还对鲲鱼的反向散射指向性特征、目标强度的频率特征以及鱼鳔对鲲鱼整体目标强度的贡献等进行了分析与讨论。以上研究表明，模型法作为现场测定研究方法的重要补充和认知鱼类声学散射特性的有效途径，可在我国鱼类目标强度的研究中发挥重要作用。     

Physical model of sound scattering by a school of fish located near an interface

Sound scattering by a fairly sparse school of bladder fish is studied in a free medium, near an interface, and in a waveguide. The air bladder of a fish is approximated by a prolate spheroid with an axial ratio of 1:10. Characteristics of the back reflection of sound by a school of fish are calculated for various angles of irradiation, variable number of fish in the school, and various velocities of fish with respect to each other.     

Sound source localization by the plainfin midshipman fish, Porichthys notatus

The aim of this study was to use plainfin midshipman fish (Porichthys notatus) as a general model to explore how fishes localize an underwater sound source in the relatively simple geometry of a monopole sound field. The robust phonotaxic responses displayed by gravid females toward a monopole sound projector (J-9) broadcasting a low-frequency (90 Hz) tone similar to the fundamental frequency of the male's advertisement call were examined. The projector's sound field was mapped at 5 cm resolution azimuth using an eight-hydrophone array. Acoustic pressure was measured with the array and acoustic particle motion was calculated from pressure gradients between hydrophones. The response pathways of the fish were analyzed from video recordings and compared to the sound field. Gravid females at initial release were directed toward the sound source, and the majority (73%) swam to the playback projector with straight to slightly curved tracks in the direction of the source and in line with local particle motion vectors. In contrast, the initial direction of the control (sound-off) group did not differ from random. This paper reports on a comparison of fish localization behavior with directional cues available in the form of local particle motion vectors.     

Measurement of an individual silver perch Bairdiella chrysoura sound pressure level in a field recording

Simultaneous audio and video were recorded of a silver perch Bairdiella chrysoura producing its characteristic drumming sound in the field. The background noise contribution to the total sound pressure level is estimated using sounds that occurred between the pulses of the silver perch sound. This background contribution is subtracted from the total sound to give an estimate of the sound pressure level of the individual fish. A silver perch source level in the range 128-135 dB (re: 1 microPa) is obtained using an estimate of the distance between the fish and the hydrophone. The maximum distance at which an individual silver perch could be detected depends on the background sound level as well as the propagation losses. Under the conditions recorded in this study, the maximum detection distance would be 1-7 m from the hydrophone.     

Low-frequency resonance of an oblate spheroidal cavity in a soft elastic medium

The horizontal ducting of sound by an oceanic temperature front over a sloping bottom is studied with an idealized wedge model consisting of a lateral interface across the slope. The water outside the frontal interface has higher temperature, hence faster sound speed, and it will produce inshore reflection/refraction of the sound. Combining the offshore refraction caused by the sloping bottom, propagating sound can be ducted along the front. An analytical solution to the sound pressure field in the idealized model is derived, and an example is presented to demonstrate and discuss the ducting effect.     

An efficient sound speed estimation method to enhance image resolution in ultrasound imaging

Most of clinical ultrasound imaging systems use a pre-determined sound speed, mostly 1540 m/s, in transmit- and receive-beamforming while actual sound speed varies depending on tissue composition and temperature. Sound speed errors, particularly in receive-beamforming, lead to resolution degradation and sensitivity loss in ultrasound imaging. In this paper, we propose a sound speed estimation method in which an optimal sound speed, the speed that makes the echo signal delays at the transducer elements be best matched to the theoretical delays, is estimated by maximizing the beamformed echo signal amplitude with respect to the sound speed and the reflector displacement from the central axis of the ultrasound beam. Since the sound speed can be estimated from the echo signals on several scan lines, the proposed method does not require excessive computation. Experimental imaging studies of phantoms and porcine tissue with a 6 MHz 128-element linear probe and a 3 MHz 128-element convex probe have shown that spatial resolution, particularly in the lateral direction, can be improved by the proposed method.     

A vocal-tract model of American English /l/

The production of the lateral sounds involves airflow paths around the tongue produced by the laterally inward movement of the tongue toward the midsagittal plane. If contact is made with the palate, a closure is formed in the flow path along the midsagittal line. The effects of the lateral channels on the sound spectrum are not clear. In this study, a vocal-tract model with parallel lateral channels and a supralingual cavity was developed. Analysis shows that the lateral channels with dimensions derived from magnetic resonance images of an American English /l/ are able to produce a pole-zero pair in the frequency range of 2-5 kHz. This pole-zero pair, together with an additional pole-zero pair due to the supralingual cavity, results in a low-amplitude and relatively flat spectral shape in the F3-F5 frequency region of the /l/ sound spectrum.     

Distance rendering and perception of nearby virtual sound sources with a near-field filter model

Headphone rendering of nearby virtual sound sources represents to date an open issue in 3-D audio, due to a number of technical challenges and temporal requirements involved in the measurement of individual Head-Related Transfer Functions (HRTFs). In order to tackle this problem, we propose a filter model of near-field effects based on the Distance Variation Function (Kan et al., 2009). Thanks to its simple structure and low order, the model can be applied to any far-field virtual auditory display to yield a realistic and computationally efficient near-field compensation of spectral and binaural effects. The model is subjectively evaluated in two psychophysical experiments where the relative distance of pairs of virtually rendered sound sources is judged. Results show that even though sound intensity overshadows subtler near-field effects when it is available as a cue for distance, the model is capable of offering relative distance information of near lateral virtual sources when intensity cues are removed. Furthermore, performances of the model in relative distance rendering are compared to those of alternative near-field rendering methods available in the literature.     

三弹性圆柱壳体多重耦合声辐射计算方法

为研究多圆柱壳组合结构的声辐射特性,采用模态叠加法建立了3个并排无限长弹性圆柱壳的振动声散射耦合物理模型,充分考虑了三圆柱壳的表面振动与散射声场的耦合,其中散射声场可分解为各圆柱壳刚性散射声场和弹性辐射声场的叠加,数学上将各壳间的声场耦合关系通过柱函数加法公式描述。利用该物理模型,分析了多重散射对稳态声场求解结果的影响,比较了三圆柱壳耦合系统与单个圆柱壳系统的辐射声场指向性、声压级及辐射声功率级的差异及其产生机理,结果表明:结构弹性耦合声辐射不仅在低频对总声场有显著影响,在高频范围也不可忽略;另外,针对本文设定参数的组合圆柱壳,在150 Hz以上频段,两旁圆柱壳对中间圆柱壳在正横方位产生了声辐射遮蔽效应,垂直方位则体现声泄漏作用。本文建立的方法可推广到三维空间任意多壳结构的声振耦合建模。      

On the combined effects of early- and late-arriving sound on spatial impression in concert halls

This paper describes six new experiments involving subjective ratings of the listener envelopment, LEV, and the apparent source width, ASW, of simulated sound fields. Previous work has identified LEV and ASW as the principal components of spatial impression in concert halls and has shown that ASW is primarily influenced by the level of early lateral reflections and LEV by late-arriving lateral reflections. The new results in this paper show that LEV can result from nonlateral late-arriving sounds and demonstrate the conflicting effects of early- and late-arriving lateral sound on ASW and LEV when both are present, as would occur in real halls. While it is possible to create simulated sound fields with only either LEV or ASW, in typical concert halls, the balance between early- and late-arriving lateral sound will determine the relative importance of LEV and ASW. LEV and ASW are shown to be perceived when the critical components of the sound field are salient relative to other components. The results of the new subjective studies were used to estimate expected ASW and LEV in 16 halls. In these halls LEV is predicted to be the stronger component of spatial impression.     

单层传声器阵列信号空间重采样的声波分离方法

为了重构非自由声场中目标声源的声场响应,提出单层传声器阵列信号空间重采样的声波分离方法.以球面波函数为基函数,建立由系列球面波函数叠加表达的声场数学模型.基于近场声全息原理,利用单层传声器阵列面上空间重采样形成的两组声压测量信号,求解基函数系数,并重构出传声器阵列两侧声源各自的声场响应,实现声波分离.使用脉动球和振动球共同作用的非自由声场,检验了数学模型以及传声器信号信噪比、传声器阵列形状和面积、声源中心位置、频率等关键参数对声波分离精度的影响,并在全消声室内进行了实验验证.最后,对单层传声器阵列重采样的声波分离方法的实施给出了建议.     

A model for directional and distance hearing in swimbladder-bearing fish based on the displacement orbits of the hair cells

It is known that teleosts, without Weberian ossicles but with a swimbladder, can detect the direction of and, under appropriate conditions, the distance to a sound source [e.g., Schuijf and Hawkins, Nature 302, 143-144 (1983)]. It is hypothesized here that the underlying mechanism is the analysis of the parameters of the elliptical movement of the hair cells with respect to the otoliths. This movement results from the displacement wave impinging directly upon the labyrinth and the response displacement wave reradiated by the swimbladder. For a given swimbladder geometry, given the positions of the maculae of both labyrinths with respect to the swimbladder and the damping of the swimbladder, the displacement orbits of the maculae can be calculated [de Munck and Schellart, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 81, 556-560 (1987)]. These calculations were made for the cod and the trout with the frequency, direction, and distance between the fish and the sound source as parameters with the source within the same horizontal plane as the fish. The orbit model predicts that the utriculus has the most strategic position to detect direction and distance of such a sound source. Moreover, the model predicts that this could basically be done monaurally. A hypothesis is proposed to describe how the utricular system analyzes the orbit parameters. The model is evaluated in relation to the results of behavioral experiments described in the literature.     

Empirical refinements applicable to the recording of fish sounds in small tanks

Many underwater bioacoustical recording experiments (e.g., fish sound production during courtship or agonistic encounters) are usually conducted in a controlled laboratory environment of small-sized tanks. The effects of reverberation, resonance, and tank size on the characteristics of sound recorded inside small tanks have never been fully addressed, although these factors are known to influence the recordings. In this work, 5-cycle tone bursts of 1-kHz sound were used as a test signal to investigate the sound recorded in a 170-l rectangular glass tank at various depths and distances from a transducer. The dominant frequency, sound-pressure level, and power spectrum recorded in small tanks were significantly distorted compared to the original tone bursts. Due to resonance, the dominant frequency varied with water depth, and power spectrum level of the projected frequency decreased exponentially with increased distance between the hydrophone and the sound source; however, the resonant component was nearly uniform throughout the tank. Based on the empirical findings and theoretical calculation, a working protocol is presented that minimizes distortion in fish sound recordings in small tanks. To validate this approach, sounds produced by the croaking gourami (Trichopsis vittata) during staged agonistic encounters were recorded according to the proposed protocol in an 1800-l circular tank and in a 37-l rectangular tank to compare differences in acoustic characteristics associated with tank size and recording position. The findings underscore pitfalls associated with recording fish sounds in small tanks. Herein, an empirical solution to correct these distortions is provided.     

Standardized laryngeal videostroboscopic rating: Differences between untrained and trained male and female subjects, and effects of varying sound intensity, fundamental frequency, and age

To determine the influence of the factors gender, vocal training, sound intensity, pitch, and aging on vocal function, videolaryngostroboscopic images of 214 subjects, subdivided according to gender and status of vocal training, were evaluated by three judges with standardized rating scales, comprising aspects of laryngeal appearance (larynx/pharynx ratio; epiglottal shape; asymmetry arytenoid region; compensatory adjustments; thickness, width, length, and elasticity of vocal folds) and glottal functioning (amplitudes of excursion; duration, percentage, and type of vocal fold closure; phase differences; location of glottal chink). The video registrations were made while the subjects performed a set of phonatory tasks, comprising the utterance of the vowel /i/ at three levels of both fundamental frequency and sound intensity. Analysis of the rating scales showed generally sufficient agreement among judges. With the exception of more frequently observed complete closure and lateral phase differences of vocal fold excursions in trained subjects, no further differences were established between untrained and trained subjects. With an α level of p = 0.005, men differed from women with respect to laryngeal appearance (larynx/pharynx ratio, compensatory adjustments, and the presence of omega and deviant-shaped epiglottises), and their vocal folds were rated thicker in the vertical dimension, smaller in the lateral dimension, longer, and more tense, with smaller amplitudes of excursion during vibration. Glottal closure in male subjects was rated more complete, but briefer in duration. Significant effects of the factors pitch, sound intensity, and age on vocal fold appearance and glottal functioning were ascertained. Awareness of the influence of these factors, as well as the factor gender, on the rated scales is essential for an adequate evaluation of laryngostroboscopic images.     

Three-dimensional coupled-mode model and characteristics of low-frequency sound propagation in ocean waveguide with seamount topography

Large-scale topography, such as a seamount, substantially impacts low-frequency sound propagation in an ocean waveguide, limiting the application of low-frequency acoustic detecting techniques. A three-dimensional (3D) coupled-mode model is developed to calculate the acoustic field in an ocean waveguide with seamount topography and analyze the 3D effect. In this model, a correction is introduced in the bottom boundary, theoretically making the acoustic field satisfy the energy conservation. Furthermore, a large azimuth angle calculation range is obtained by using the operator theory and higher-order Padé approximation. Additionally, the model has advantages related to the coupling mode and parabolic equation theory. The couplings corresponding to the effects of range-dependent environment are fully considered, and the numerical implementation is kept feasible. After verifying the accuracy and reliability of the model, low-frequency sound propagation characteristics in the seamount environment are analyzed. The results indicate lateral variability in bathymetry can lead to out-of-plane effects such as the horizontal refraction phenomenon, while the coupling effect tends to restore the abnormal sound field and produces acoustic field diffraction behind the seamount. This model effectively considers the effects of the horizontal refraction and coupling, which are proportional to the scale of the seamount.     

扬声器的特性不匹配对虚拟声像的影响

本文从理论和实验上探讨了扬声器的特性不匹配对重放虚拟声像的影响。结果表明,用两扬声器进行虚拟听觉重放时,在某些频率段和虚拟声像角度,两扬声器间很小的幅频特性差异或相频特性差异都足以对虚拟声像方向产生明显的影响。扬声器特性的差异对前方范围的声像影响较小,但对侧向范围的声像影响较大,因而两扬声器的特性不匹配也是导致虚拟听觉重放时侧向声像位置畸变的重要原因之一。而在实际应用中要特别注意两扬声器的特性匹配,或者要用信号处理的方法对两扬声器的特性进行校正。     

Roughness of organ pipe sound due to frequency comb

In the sound spectrum of flue organ pipes in addition to the usual harmonic partials, sometimes a series of equidistant but not harmonic lines can be found. This phenomenon has been observed in the recorded sound of pipes from different pipe ranks. The second set of spectral lines is similar to "frequency combs" used in optics for accurate measurement of optical frequencies. Analysis of measured sound spectra with and without frequency comb and simulations are presented and discussed in the paper. The appearance of frequency combs in the sound spectrum is explained by a model that assumes the presence of a mouth tone in addition to the pipe sound. Mouth tone bursts are generated when the oscillating air jet passes the upper lip. The burst repetition frequency is locked to the fundamental frequency of the pipe and the bursts are coherent with a pulse-to-pulse phase shift. The phase shift explains the observed frequency offset of the frequency comb to the harmonic frequencies. The simulations also show that weak and fluctuating mouth tones cannot generate frequency comb due to a lack of coherence.     

海底表层沉积物声速的环境因素影响特性

应用声速通用模型开展理论分析,结合温度-压力可控实验测量分析,研究地声反演、海底原位声学测量和采样样品声学测量3种主要的海底表层沉积物声学特性测量方法中,存在的环境因素影响机制和特性.理论计算与实验测量研究具有一致性,揭示温度和静水压力对海底表层沉积物的压缩波声速的影响机制主要是通过影响孔隙海水的密度、黏度、体积弹性模...