Image method for efficiently simulating small-room acoustics

TLDR

Image methods are commonly used for the analysis of the acoustic properties of enclosures. In this paper we discuss the theoretical and practical use of image techniques for simulating, on a digital computer, the impulse response between two points in a small rectangular room. Image techniques are used to compute the impulse response between two points in a small rectangular room on a digital computer, which is then convolved with any input signal to simulate room reverberation and allows systematic study of room parameters. The technique proves useful for signal processing or psychoacoustic studies, and a Fortran implementation is provided.

Abstract

Image methods are commonly used for the analysis of the acoustic properties of enclosures. In this paper we discuss the theoretical and practical use of image techniques for simulating, on a digital computer, the impulse response between two points in a small rectangular room. The resulting impulse response, when convolved with any desired input signal, such as speech, simulates room reverberation of the input signal. This technique is useful in signal processing or psychoacoustic studies. The entire process is carried out on a digital computer so that a wide range of room parameters can be studied with accurate control over the experimental conditions. A fortran implementation of this model has been included.