An Optimized Spatial Audio System for Virtual Training Simulations

The objective of this proposal is to develop the requisite architecture and theoretical framework for incorporating optimized spatial auditory cues in Virtual Reality (VR) Military training systems used in training Close Quarters Battle for Military Operations in Urban Terrain (CQB for MOUT). Increasingly, combat operations are occurring in the urban environments where soldiers are fighting non-traditional warfare in unfamiliar territory. Military training systems will have to adapt to this reality by providing effective, deployable and contextual training to deployed troops. The proposed effort will lay the groundwork for developing such a training system with a primary focus on finding suitable cues for CQB room clearing tasks. Several steps are needed in order to fulfill this objective. First, auditory scene analysis will be carried out in order to determine important auditory cues for room clearing. Second, a framework and architecture will be developed for integrating optimized spatial auditory cues into training simulations. And third, research experiments will be designed and conducted in order to explore the effect of spatialization fidelity on training a room clearing task. The end result will be a dynamic, multi-modal, and deployable training system for individual combatants in CQB for MOUT environments.