Abstract
This paper deals with human spatial cognition using visual and auditory stimulation. More specially, this investigation is to observe the relationship between the head and the eye motor system for the localization of visual target direction in space and to try to describe what is the role of right-side versus left-side pinna. In the experiment of visual stimulation, nineteen red LEDs (Luminescent Diodes, Brightness: $210\;cd/^2$) arrayed in the horizontal plane of the surrounding panel are used. Here the LEDs are located 10 degrees apart from each other. Physiological parameters such as EOG (Electro-Oculography), head movement, and their synergic control are measured by BIOPAC system and 3SPACE FASTRAK. In the experiment of auditory stimulation, one side of the pinna function was distorted intentionally by inserting a short tube in the ear canal. The localization error caused by right and left side pinna distortion was investigated as well. Since a laser pointer showed much less error (0.5%) in localizing target position than FASTRAK (30%) that has been generally used, a laser pointer was used for the pointing task. It was found that harmonic components were not essential for auditory target localization. However, non-harmonic nearby frequency components was found to be more important in localizing the target direction of sound. We have found that the right pinna carries out one of the most important functions in localizing target direction and pure tone with only one frequency component is confusing to be localized. It was also found that the latency time is shorter in self moved tracking (SMT) than eye alone tracking (EAT) and eye hand tracking (EHT). These results can be used in further study on the characterization of human spatial cognition.