A framework for speech source localization using sensor arrays
M.S. Brandstein · 1995
Electronically steerable arrays of microphones have avariety of uses in speech data ac-quisition systems. Applications include teleconferencing, speech recognition and speaker identification, sound capture in adverse environments, and biomedical devices for the hear-ing impaired. An array of microphones has a number of advantages over a single-microphone system. It may be electronically aimed to provide a high-quality signal from a desired source location while simultaneously attenuating interfering talkers and ambient noise, does not necessitate local placement of transducers or encumber the talker with a hand-held or head-mounted microphone, and does not require physical movement to alter its direction of reception. Additionally, it has capabilities that a single microphone does not; namely automatic detection, localization, and tracking of active talkers in its receptive area. A fundamental requirement of sensor array systems is the ability to locate and track a speech source. An accurate fix on the primary talker, as well as knowledge of any interfering talkers or coherent noise sources, is necessary to effectively steer the array. Source location data may also be used for purposes other than beamforming; e.g. aiming a camera in a video-conferencing system. In addition to high accuracy, the location estimator must be