Alternatives to HRTF measurement

This paper compares methods to acquire the HRTF (Head Related Transfer Function) applicable to navigation purposes, especially for the visually impaired. The most frequently used method for the HRTF acquisition (in general case) is the direct measurement of the HRTF. However, this method is very time-demanding. The alternative method have to be found, more suitable for navigation purposes. Possible methods (less time-demanding) are: the HRTF synthesis and the HRTF personalization. The scope of the paper is to compare the methods. In the paper the HRTFs of the one subject for 15 directions were measured. For the same subject the HRTFs were synthesized and personalized, using said methods described in the paper. The resulting HRTFs were compared. The results were verified by means of a simple listening test.