PhD Proposal (2018): Virtual acoustics from experimental and theoretical data using parametric/mixed methods

This position is now closed. The information is still available since this is an active research topic for us. Please contact if interested as other related opportunities may exist.

Virtual acoustic is aimed the combination of acoustical sciences with virtual reality in a new paradigm. By creating virtual acoustical prototypes, it is possible the place the listeners or users at the center of acoustical designs through listening tests.

The Groupe d’Acoustique de l’Université de Sherbrooke (GAUS) own a 96-channel Wave Field Synthesis system that will be the center piece of the PhD project. The GAUS also own several microphone arrays and binaural equipment for virtual acoustics. The WFS system is also now augmented of a 50-channel 3D Ambisonic system. In 2018, a doubler-layer 100-channel Ambisonics microphone will be fabricated. Researchers in virtual acoustics at the GAUS are also members of the CIRMMT (Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Music, Media, and Technology, McGill University).

Interested? Contact me: Philippe-Aubert dot Gauthier at USherbrooke dot ca

Interested? Contact me: Philippe-Aubert dot Gauthier at USherbrooke dot ca

PhD proposal (starting 2018)

The objective is to develop the methods for content generation from combined experimental and theoretical data. There is a need to create virtual scenarios with variations of acoustical parameters. The combination of experimental and theoretical data for content generation is aimed at such applications. For instance, for large listening test campaigns for Sound Quality or Sound Comfort studies, factors must be varied throughout the campaign. The research question is: How content generation for Virtual Acoustics (VA) from hybrid data sources could benefit from current advances in parametric and directional audio coding. This research component is divided in parts: (1) Content generation for VA using experimental data (microphone array recordings of industrial soundscapes) combining acoustical imaging methods to ideas from spatial audio coding and directional audio coding for the definition of a new parametric method. (2) Content generation for VA using a combination of theoretical data and experimental data. (3) Content generation for VA using experimental data and additional (non-acoustical) information (we now target 3D models, 3D scans or depth maps from affordable stereo camera or smartphones). (4) Rendering and physical evaluation of the above using the GAUS WFS system (see figure).

Groupe d’Acoustique de l’Université de Sherbrooke

The GAUS (Groupe d’Acoustique de l’Université de Sherbrooke) is a unique research group dedicated to acoustics. Expertise include vibroacoustics, acoustic materials, active control, ultrasound, imaging, sound field control and sound quality. Based on the expertise of seven professors in acoustics, the GAUS offers many cutting-edge facility and knowledge along with strong connection with the private and industrial sectors. http://www.gaus.ca/en/

Responsible researcher

Philippe-Aubert Gauthier, professor, Univ. de Sherbrooke, Philippe-Aubert.Gauthier at USherbrooke dot ca

Terms

Location: Registered at and renumerated by Université de Sherbrooke (Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada), access to the Virtual acoustics equipment of the Groupe d’Acoustique de l’Université de Sherbrooke, possible collaboration with Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Music, Media, and Technology (McGill University).

Hours of work: full-time, starting 2018.

Salary: To be discussed, in accordance with current NSERC rate, the project is supported by a Discovery Grant from NSERC (National Sciences and Engineering Research Council).

Requirements:

• Hold a master or equivalent in acoustics, engineering, signal processing, or sound-related training
• Knowledge of (or an interest in learning) acoustics, vibration, audio, signal processing, virtual reality.
• Knowledge of (or interest in learning) programming languages, examples: Matlab, C++, Python, …)
• Fluency in English (and/or French), both spoken and written
• Be autonomous, be punctual, persistent and meet deadlines

How to apply?

• Contact me: Philippe-Aubert.Gauthier at USherbrooke dot ca
• Include:
  • A short cover letter or email
  • Resume
  • Samples of work if available