Robust transaural sound reproduction system based on feedback control

We present a new method for implementing transaural sound reproduction systems by using feedback control theory. The H-infinity control theory is employed to synthesize the feedback controller. The structure of the sound reproduction system is formulated such that the H-infinity norm of the system transfer function, which is to be minimized with feedback control, expresses the difference between the desired signals and the acoustic signals reproduced at the ears of a listener via loudspeakers. Modeling errors and plant perturbations resulting from the movement of the listener's head are also taken into account to ensure robust stability. Computer simulations indicate that the equalization and cross-talk cancellation by the proposed method are better preserved for deviations in position than are those by the conventional inverse filtering method.