Efficiency evaluation of a super-directive masking system that tracks the masker beam towards the target human head

We evaluated the masking performance of the prototype super-directive masking system that uses a parametric speaker to steer a directional masker beam towards the head of the subject to be masked (maskee). The parametric speaker is placed on an iRobot-like platform (turtlebot), and tracks the maskee using the Kinect sensor. We compared the masking performance (intelligibility decrease) of the prototype system with a conventional masking system using loudspeakers, and found them to be comparable. Moreover, the prototype maintains the range of the masking noise to a narrow beam, thereby not annoying surrounding listeners with increased noise levels.