Embedding sound localization and spatial audio interaction through coincident microphones arrays
Nikolaos Vryzas, Charalampos A. Dimoulas, George V. Papanikolaou · 2015
This paper discusses a methodology for embedding sound localization techniques for spatial audio interaction, aiming at matching the low computing capabilities of mobile and embedded systems. The main goal is to implement a sound localization system, using a microphone array that combines increased accuracy with compromised computational load and applicable layout size. In particular, four cardioid microphones are placed in a cross-shape arrangement, thus forming a planar coincident microphones array for horizontal direction of arrival estimation. The incorporation of two additional microphones at the perpendicular plane is also considered for 3D audio localization. The implemented system is evaluated through simulation experiments and real-world field measurements in comparison to B-Format based localization. Joint time frequency analysis is considered for improving the localization accuracy in pure SNR conditions. The utilization of multiple arrays is also discussed for 2D and 3D position estimations, as well as signal enhancement by means of time-delay compensation.