A centralized audio presentation system

Abstract

The centralized audio presentation system addresses the problems which occur when multiple programs running simultaneously attempt to use the audio output of a computer system. Concurrent audio output can lead to perceptual problems due to psychoacoustic phenomena. The presentation system receives abstract parameterized message requests from the currently running programs, and attempts to create and present a sonic representation in the most perceptually manner through the use of a theoretically and empirically designed rule set. Furthermore, the combination of speech and nonspeech audio is examined; each presents its own problems of perceivabiity in an acoustic environment composed of multiple auditory streams.