Design of UAV-Embedded Microphone Array System for Sound Source Localization in Outdoor Environments.

Area of Science:

• Robotics and Autonomous Systems
• Acoustic Engineering
• Search and Rescue Technology

Background:

• Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) often face limitations with visual data in search and rescue (SAR).
• Exploiting auditory information can significantly enhance UAV capabilities in challenging environments.
• Existing systems lack robust solutions for outdoor sound source localization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and implement a UAV-embedded microphone array system for effective outdoor sound source localization.
• To address critical challenges including water-resistance, assembly efficiency, wireless communication reliability, and visualization tools.
• To enhance the operational effectiveness of UAVs in search and rescue missions.

Main Methods:

• Development of a Spherical Microphone Array System (SMAS) integrating a microphone array, stable wireless communication, and intuitive visualization.
• System design focused on water-resistance, ease of assembly, and reliable data transmission.
• Performance evaluation using simulated data and field demonstrations.

Main Results:

• The SMAS demonstrated highly accurate sound source localization capabilities.
• The system proved to be water-resistant, allowing for operation in various outdoor conditions.
• Prompt assembly, stable wireless communication, and intuitive visualization tools were confirmed.

Conclusions:

• The developed SMAS effectively addresses key challenges in UAV-based sound localization for outdoor environments.
• The system provides crucial auditory information, enhancing situational awareness for operators.
• This technology significantly improves the potential of UAVs in search and rescue operations.