An array pairing method for localizing distributed sources by acoustic beamforming

Area of Science:

• Acoustics
• Signal Processing
• Array Signal Processing

Background:

• Deconvolution algorithms can oversimplify distributed acoustic sources as point sources, leading to misrepresentation.
• Accurate localization of distributed sound sources is crucial in various applications, including noise control and audio processing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel acoustic beamforming concept, the Array Pairing Method (APM), designed to overcome limitations of traditional deconvolution algorithms.
• To enhance the resolution and reduce misrepresentation of distributed acoustic sources.

Main Methods:

• The Array Pairing Method (APM) involves an initial beamforming array followed by an iterative randomized array calculation.
• Optimization criteria include minimizing the product of Maximum Sidelobe Level (MSL) and Main Lobe Width (MLW).
• Validation through simulations of single and distributed sources, and experiments with single and dual speakers.

Main Results:

• The APM demonstrated significant improvements in Maximum Sidelobe Level (MSL) and Main Lobe Width (MLW) compared to conventional methods.
• Enhanced resolution was observed in the distributed source regions.
• Experimental results confirmed the effectiveness of the APM in real-world acoustic scenarios.

Conclusions:

• The Array Pairing Method (APM) offers a superior approach to acoustic source localization, particularly for distributed sources.
• This method effectively alleviates the oversimplification issues inherent in deconvolution algorithms.
• The APM shows promise for advancing acoustic imaging and source identification technologies.