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In the technology industry, Head and Torso Simulators (HATS) models are widely used to develop and assess audio related hardware and software products. These models consist of an anthropomorphic mannequin simulating a human figure fitted with artificial outer ears, over which acoustics measurements can be executed. This study explores the origin and capabilities of popular HATS models to accurately represent human anthropometric diversity, identifying their potential biases due to limited sample populations. By reviewing existing literature on human measurements, the paper also compares the ear dimension variations among different demographic groups relating to ethnicity, age and sex against the standardized HATS dimensions. The findings suggest that future research should focus on expanding reference datasets and developing more inclusive evaluation frameworks, to ensure consistent audio performance across diverse groups.
Author (s): Pillay, Ashwin;
Genovese, Andrea Felice;
Tung, Alex;
Kim, Chungeun;
Munoz, Isaac;
Davis, Graham;
Affiliation:
Qualcomm Technologies Inc; Qualcomm Technologies Inc; Qualcomm Technologies Inc; Qualcomm Technologies Inc; Qualcomm Technologies Inc; Qualcomm Technologies Inc
(See document for exact affiliation information.)
Publication Date:
2025-03-27
Session subject:
Breaking Barriers in Audio
DOI:
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Pillay, Ashwin; Genovese, Andrea Felice; Tung, Alex; Kim, Chungeun; Munoz, Isaac; Davis, Graham; 2025; Assessing the Effectiveness of Head and Torso Simulators (HATS) in Representing Anthropometric Diversity for Inclusive Audio Systems [PDF]; Qualcomm Technologies Inc; Qualcomm Technologies Inc; Qualcomm Technologies Inc; Qualcomm Technologies Inc; Qualcomm Technologies Inc; Qualcomm Technologies Inc; Paper 5; Available from: https://aes.org/publications/elibrary-page/?id=22828
Pillay, Ashwin; Genovese, Andrea Felice; Tung, Alex; Kim, Chungeun; Munoz, Isaac; Davis, Graham; Assessing the Effectiveness of Head and Torso Simulators (HATS) in Representing Anthropometric Diversity for Inclusive Audio Systems [PDF]; Qualcomm Technologies Inc; Qualcomm Technologies Inc; Qualcomm Technologies Inc; Qualcomm Technologies Inc; Qualcomm Technologies Inc; Qualcomm Technologies Inc; Paper 5; 2025 Available: https://aes.org/publications/elibrary-page/?id=22828
@inproceedings{Pillay2025assessing,
title={{Assessing the Effectiveness of Head and Torso Simulators (HATS) in Representing Anthropometric Diversity for Inclusive Audio Systems}},
author={Pillay, Ashwin and Genovese, Andrea Felice and Tung, Alex and Kim, Chungeun and Munoz, Isaac and Davis, Graham},
year={2025},
month={may},
booktitle={Journal of the Audio Engineering Society},
publisher={Paper 5; 2025 Breaking Barriers in Audio; March 2025},
number={5},
organization={AES},
}
TY – paper
TI – Assessing the Effectiveness of Head and Torso Simulators (HATS) in Representing Anthropometric Diversity for Inclusive Audio Systems
AU – Pillay, Ashwin
AU – Genovese, Andrea Felice
AU – Tung, Alex
AU – Kim, Chungeun
AU – Munoz, Isaac
AU – Davis, Graham
PY – 2025
JO – Journal of the Audio Engineering Society
VL – 5
Y1 – May 2025
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