Combining Wave Field Synthesis and Multi-Viewer Stereo Displays

We present our experiences of combining wave field synthesis audio with a projection-based multi-viewer stereo display. Wave field synthesis is able to simulate spatial sound sources of various kinds without the need for headphones or user tracking. Multiviewer systems support multiple tracked users with individual perspectively correct stereoscopic images. The combination of both approaches allows the consistent display of virtual objects and spatial audio sources for multiple participants. First impressions with two application scenarios confirm that sound sources can be quite well located in space by each user. The system allows the creation of sound sources attached to virtual objects, which can be moved around in real-time without perceivable latency. In addition users appreciated the possibility of natural communication while they were exploring the audio-visual scenarios.