Microphone arrays application in three-dimensional sound source localisation. (1st January 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kornatowski, Eugeniusz
• Is Part Of: International journal of intelligent information and database systems. Volume 6:Number 5(2012)
• Page Start: 436
• Page End: 450
• Publication Date: 2012-01-01
• Subjects: acoustic signal processing -- mobile robots -- sound source localisation; Database management -- Computer programs -- Periodicals; Information retrieval -- Computer programs -- Periodicals; Information storage and retrieval systems -- Computer programs -- Periodicals; Artificial intelligence -- Periodicals; Expert systems (Computer science) -- Periodicals; Intelligent agents (Computer software) -- Periodicals; 006.33
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-5858

Abstract

This article describes the problems of use of spatial microphone arrays in sound source location. Questions concerning modelling of planar (2-D) and spatial (3-D) directional characteristics of microphone arrays are discussed. Typical algorithms used in SSL system are also described. The paper describes options to use a single point surround microphone to determine a direction of the sound source localisation. A 'soundfield' microphone with four transducers (capsules) characterised by cardioid directivity pattern. A unique mechanical design of the transducer results in its omnidirectional directivity pattern. The microphone enables 3-D sound acquisition in so called A-format. Upon further processing of signal it is possible to determine, e.g., a direction of a sound source within space. The conducted experiments prove that a simple calculation algorithm is in particular feasible for a real time operation, and application of the soundfield microphone significantly simplifies mechanical design of the SSL system.