Modern acoustics has been developed with the aid of computer engineering and human science. Acoustic theories and technologies are expected to play a key role in human communications, in the near future, and constitute a key part of the virtual-reality type applications of modern multi-media technologies. A state-of-the-art textbook of acoustics has been long awaited by information science course students, since most acoustic textbooks are based on conventional vibration theories. This book discusses the acoustics and vibration theories within the framework of modern communication and information science and is, therefore, suitable as a textbook for such postgraduate university courses. It describes the latest application related to various acoustic spaces founded by modern acoustic theories. Signal analysis, sound field visualization, signal processing, sound field control for communication space, and new statistical theory of room transfer functions are introduced to readers using new experimental data. Sound field design methods for concert halls based on subjective attributes and physiological backgrounds are described in detail. Concert hall acoustics and sound field reproduction are also important for acoustic virtual reality technologies and the reader will gain up-to-date knowledge about the wide variety of acoustic theories, technologies and their new application areas.

The exercises given in this text will be a solid foundation for future work. It wlll also be of use for newcomers to the various acoustic research fields.