Sound source localizations using various microphone arrays

Abstract

Estimating directions of arrival (DoAs) of multiple sound events still posts challenges in acoustic source localization. This paper reviews recent development on model-based direction-of-arrival analysis using three different microphone array configurations, in situations involving potentially multiple concurrent sound sources. The array configurations include a sparse arrangement consisting of two microphones, coprime linear microphone arrays, and spherical microphone arrays. Formulation and evaluation of prediction models are of central importance in coping with these challenges. These three array configurations are all used to solve a two-level inferential problem of sound source enumeration and direction of arrival estimation. The prediction models based on specific array configurations are evaluated upon experimental data derived from pertinent array processing in order to select the simplest such model that can adequately describe the experimental data, thereby enumerating first the concise number of sound sources, then their DoA information. This paper reviews the prediction models recently established for the three microphone arrays, the two levels of inference, and analysis results. This paper will highlight the importance of the prediction models for the model-based analysis of complex sound environments with potentially multiple concurrent sources.