Hearing Protection Devices (HPDs) can protect the ear against loud potentially damaging sounds while allowing lower-level sounds such as speech to be perceived. However, the impact of these devices on the ability to localize sound sources is not well known. To address this question, we propose two different methods: one behavioral and one dealing with acoustical measurements. For the behavioral method, sound localization performance was measured with, and without, HPDs on 20 listeners. Five HPDs, including both passive (non-linear attenuation) and three active (talk-through) systems were evaluated. The results showed a significant increase in localization errors, especially front-back and up-down confusions relative to the “naked ear” test condition for all of the systems tested, especially for the talk-through headphone system. For the acoustic measurement method, Head-Related Transfer Functions (HRTFs) were measured on an artificial head both without, and with the HPDs in place. The effects of the HPDs on the spectral cues for the localization of different sound sources in the horizontal plane were analyzed. Alterations of the Interaural Spectral Difference (ISD) cues were identified, which could explain the observed increase in front-back confusions caused by the talk-through headphone protectors.

This paper presents a new sonar target classification approach based on the use of time-frequency filters. Their design is carried out from the free field response of a reference target, and more precisely from the analysis of echo formation mechanisms in the time-frequency plane. The study of the relevance and the robustness of this approach in approximately real sonar conditions is conducted from experimental measurements in a tank. A data base is set up that contains a large set of target responses in the free field, near different interfaces and in waveguide situations. First, the efficiency of the method for the recognition of a nickel molybdenum spherical shell, corresponding to a class of man made targets whose size is much smaller than the sonar beam (finite size) is shown (100% of recognition). Second, a classification procedure between different targets of finite size is conducted: more than 85% of good classification is obtained (except for the marble solid target). Finally, in the presence of numerical noise, the method is found to be robust even for a low signal to noise ratio.

Fabric noise generated by fabric-to-fabric friction is considered as one of the auditory disturbances that can have an impact on the quality of some textile products. For this reason, an instrument has been developed to analyse this phenomenon. The instrument is designed to simulate the relative movement of a human arm when walking. In order to understand the nature of the relative motion of a human arm, films of the upper half of the human body were taken. These films help to define the parameters required for movement simulation. These parameters are movement trajectory, movement velocity, arm pressure applied on the lateral part of the trunk and the friction area. After creating the instrument, a set of soundtracks related to the noise generated by fabric-to-fabric friction was recorded. The recordings were treated with a specific software to extract the sound parameters and the acoustic imprints of fabric were obtained.

Tactical Communication and Protective Systems (TCAPS) are hearing protection devices that sufficiently protect the listener's ears from hazardous sounds and preserve speech intelligibility. However, previous studies demonstrated that TCAPS still deteriorate the listener's situational awareness, in particular, the ability to locate sound sources. On the horizontal plane, this is mainly explained by the degradation of the acoustical cues normally preventing the listener from making front-back confusions. As part of TCAPS development and assessment, a method predicting the TCAPS-induced degradation of the sound localization capability based on electroacoustic measurements would be more suitable than time-consuming behavioral experiments. In this context, the present paper investigates two methods based on Head-Related Transfer Functions (HRTFs): a template-matching model and a three-layer neural network. They are optimized to fit human sound source identification performance in open ear condition. The methods are applied to HRTFs measured with six TCAPS, providing identification probabilities. They are compared with the results of a behavioral experiment, conducted with the same protectors, and which ranks the TCAPS by type. The neural network predicts realistic performances with earplugs, but overestimates errors with earmuffs. The template-matching model predicts human performance well, except for two particular TCAPS.

The objective of this study is to analyze the characteristics of frictional sounds and to determine correlations between sound parameters and mechanical properties of fabrics classically used for protective garments. The set of samples includes six fabrics whose surface was previously worn out at different degrees using a Martindale abrasion tester. The frictional sounds were obtained by a device reproducing the friction engendered under arm during walking and were recorded and analyzed using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis. In addition, the mechanical properties of samples were measured using the Kawabata Evaluation System. The FFT spectra of fabrics showed different shapes and different noise levels according to the degree of wear. Several correlations between sound parameters and mechanical properties were highlighted. It was shown that the garment's wear increases the sound level of rustling sounds.

In this study we focus on the relationship between the talker-tolistener distance (TLD) and the dynamics of speech intensity and fundamental frequency. A new experiment for the extraction of pertinent information from prosodic parameter variations for different TLDs is described. The proposed new recording protocol allows simulating a real TLD by using acoustically insulated rooms. We propose to measure the dynamics of f0 and intensity by using the variation between the minima and the maxima of their contours and the initial/final slopes of f0. The results show a strong correlation between these parameters and the TLD.

Snipers have emerged as a major threat to troops in recent conflicts. To reduce this menace, the objective of the FrenchGerman Research Institute of Saint Louis (ISL) research project "IMOTEP" is to improve the detection of snipers on the battlefield. Our basic approach is to combine several sources of information for a fast and appropriate reaction when an unusual signal (e.g. a flash or a shot) is detected. The project includes several technologies developed at ISL: acoustical detection, fusion of distributed sensor network data, active imaging and 3D audio communication. The protection of camps, convoys or dismounted soldiers rests on a distributed acoustical sensor network that detects and localizes sniper attacks. An early estimation of the threat position is transmitted through a network to an active imaging system in order to confirm and refine this position by 3D imaging. The refined position is then sent to the control center which generates an alert message that displays the threat position using two formats: a tactical map and a 3D audio signal. In addition, the camp is protected by an ad-hoc sensor network used for intruder detection.

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