The course addresses topics related to the representation of a virtual sound field, either measured or simulated, in indoor and outdoor environments. It provides background on room acoustics and key descriptors of the sound field, acoustic measurements using spherical microphone arrays, spatialised sound field simulation through Geometrical Acoustics (GA)–based algorithms, and auralisation starting from anechoic tracks. The course also covers the integration of simulated audio into immersive 3D representation software and the experience of an audio-visual environment in the Audio Space Lab (ASL).

The expected learning outcomes of the course are the following: knowledge of the main parameters used to describe indoor and outdoor sound fields and of algorithms for ambisonic sound field simulation; the ability to critically analyse simulation results obtained with different algorithms and to select the most appropriate one for a given scenario; skills in ambisonic sound field auralisation and in integrating simulated or measured ambisonic audio into immersive 3D representation software; the ability to set up synchronised audio-visual content in ambisonic laboratories or through headphones; and the ability to perform subjective evaluation of immersive virtual reality experiences.

Fundamentals of acoustics.

The course is assigned a total of 4 credits (40 hours). Approximately 12 hours are allocated to lectures, while about 28 hours are dedicated to practical sessions, including instructor-led exercises, examples, case study presentations, and project reviews. Approximately 50% of the teaching activities will be conducted in person, while the remaining 50% will be delivered online, either synchronously or asynchronously, with asynchronous activities not exceeding 20%. The total study workload for this module ranges between 80 and 120 hours, corresponding to 20 to 30 hours per credit. This includes class attendance, completion of the project work, and individual study. The course topics are the following: – Introduction to room acoustics and psychoacoustics – Reproduction with loudspeaker array and headphones – Ambisonics – Bidule software – Geometrical acoustic simulation – GA-based software for Ambisonic simulation and binaural listening – Development of an acoustic model in a GA-based software and export of ambisonic files – Auralisation in the Ambisonic lab and with headphones of sounds simulated with GA-based software – Integration of simulated or Ambisonic audio into immersive 3D representation software – Development of a subjective test in ASL – Case study exercise

It is advised that students have access to high-performance workstations with strong graphics capabilities: • A dedicated GPU with at least 6 GB of VRAM • 16 GB of RAM (16 GB may be sufficient in some cases) • A quad-core CPU with a clock speed of at least 2.5 GHz

The course includes moderately complex project activities, often carried out in groups. Students work in teams of three or four members. Classroom exercises support the project work with guidance from instructors. Project reviews are mainly conducted during class hours. The number of reviews is defined by the instructor at the beginning of the course.

The instructor regularly uses PowerPoint presentations, which are uploaded online on the course webpage before the lectures. Web tutorials such as https://spatial-audio.acoucou.org/ or articles will be recommended as additional teaching materials. Inoltre, si cita il libro: Zotter, F., & Frank, M. (2019). Ambisonics: A practical 3D audio theory for recording, studio production, sound reinforcement, and virtual reality. Springer.

Slides; Materiale multimediale ;

Modalita di esame: Accertamento (esame senza voto);

Exam: Check;

... The final assessment (pass or not pass) is assigned through the ASL platform or with headphones, where all instructors evaluate the immersive audio-visual experience developed with Unreal Engine, based on a subjective test designed by the students themselves. Intermediate deliveries are included.

Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilita o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unita Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione piu idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.