Spatialized audio improves call sign recognition during multi-aircraft control

• Published in: Applied ergonomics Vol. 70; pp. 51 - 58
• Main Authors: Kim, Sungbin, Miller, Michael E., Rusnock, Christina F., Elshaw, John J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2018
• Subjects: Adult; Auditory Perception; Automation; Aviation; Call signs; Computer Simulation; Cues; Female; Humans; Male; Reaction Time; Sound Localization; Spatial auditory displays; Spatial Processing; Task Performance and Analysis; Workload; Young Adult; Spatial auditory displays; Automation; Call signs
• ISSN: 0003-6870; 1872-9126; 1872-9126
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2018.02.007

We investigated the impact of a spatialized audio display on response time, workload, and accuracy while monitoring auditory information for relevance. The human ability to differentiate sound direction implies that spatial audio may be used to encode information. Therefore, it is hypothesized that spatial audio cues can be applied to aid differentiation of critical versus noncritical verbal auditory information. We used a human performance model and a laboratory study involving 24 participants to examine the effect of applying a notional, automated parser to present audio in a particular ear depending on information relevance. Operator workload and performance were assessed while subjects listened for and responded to relevant audio cues associated with critical information among additional noncritical information. Encoding relevance through spatial location in a spatial audio display system--as opposed to monophonic, binaural presentation--significantly reduced response time and workload, particularly for noncritical information. Future auditory displays employing spatial cues to indicate relevance have the potential to reduce workload and improve operator performance in similar task domains. Furthermore, these displays have the potential to reduce the dependence of workload and performance on the number of audio cues. •A spatial auditory display is proposed to differentiate multiple audio cues.•Critical and noncritical audio cues are differentiated based on spatial location.•The proposed display reduced response time and workload over a traditional display.•Participants relied on the spatial cues to disregard noncritical audio information.•Participants verified critical information rather than relying on spatial cues.