Evaluation of interaural signal differences.

A model of binaural signal processing is discussed which is based on a running interaural cross-correlation mechanism in frequency bands. A pattern of a hypothetical "binaural neural activity distribution" is derived from the ear signals. It is assumed that the binaural activity patterns are evaluated by a central pattern-recognition processor, which extracts certain cues to form the spatial attributes of the auditory events. The model is applied to sound fields in rooms to explain a special kind of spatial impression on the listener which can be described as "spaciousness".