Real time sound source localization

Abstract

This report presents a method for localizing a target based on the sound it produces. The project is implemented in order to locate a target not visible to the naked eye, using unconventional means, like radar. This project would be a cheap alternative to conventional localization techniques. The source is localized using the time delay of arrival technique. The time delay of arrival technique calculates the delay of arrival of sound on to multiple microphones on an array and derives an angle from the delay calculation. The hardware consists of an array of two microphone and three USB cameras, where each camera covers 60 degrees of the 180 degrees field of view. The hardware detects the direction of the source in real time and displays the output on a compass as well as showing the real time video stream of the target’s location on a GUI. The project is intended to locate a gunshot or sniper in real time in the battle field. The hardware was tested using intense sounds to replicate the gunshots as real gunshots could not be used. The hardware worked marvelously in noisy and reverberant environments. The angles calculated lay between +2 and -2 of the actual angle.