Accuracy of pointing a binaural listening array

We measured the accuracy with which sounds heard over a binaural, end-fire array could be located when the angular separation of the array's two arms was varied. Each individual arm contained nine cardioid electret microphones, the responses of which were combined to produce a unidirectional, band-limited pattern of sensitivity. We assessed the desirable angular separation of these arms by measuring the accuracy with which listeners could point to the source of a target sound presented against high-level background noise. We employed array separations of 30 degrees, 45 degrees, and 60 degrees, and signal-to-noise ratios of +5, -5, and -15 dB. Pointing accuracy was best for a separation of 60 degrees; this performance was indistinguishable from pointing during unaided listening conditions. In addition, the processing of the array was modeled to depict the information that was available for localization. The model indicates that highly directional binaural arrays can be expected to support accurate localization of sources of sound only near the axis of the array. Wider enhanced listening angles may be possible if the forward coverage of the sensor system is made less directional and more similar to that of human listeners.