Newly designed HRTF measuring system

Because people expect better sound reproduction that offers more realistic experience, 3D sound technologies are ceaselessly being improved. When we render 3D sound image using headphones or speakers, the main key of this technology is the Head-related transfer function (HRTF) database. Even though there are various HRTF databases they have some drawbacks such as detrimental effects caused by imperfect measuring environment and insufficient measurement points. In addition to those problems, there is no database aimed at Korean even if the HRTFs vary from person to person. Therefore we are planning to develop the HRTF database for Korean. As a first step to do it, the new HRTF measuring system without aforementioned drawbacks is designed. In this paper, the newly designed HRTF measuring system is introduced and the overall effects are analyzed caused by the diffraction of the apparatus, especially the headrest and backrest of the chair.