Noise localization using a low-cost microphone array

摘要

Identifying where a sound is coming from can be a complex task when not using the correct tool. Array signal processing techniques can be a solution for sound localization but are computationally intense and require extensive hardware and advanced software. However, many noise localization applications do not call for the accuracy the before mentioned techniques offer. If the goal is to simply give the direction of noise sources, simplified methods and hardware are needed. Thus, an array of 16 microphones arranged in a circle to establish sound pressure level directivity is presented in this paper. The hardware is controlled via an App. The App computes the location of a sound source in the horizontal plane via triangulation. A color map on a 22-degree grid shows the sound pressure level distribution in 360 degrees. Applications in monitoring stations show reliable results to determine the direction of noise sources. The principal advantage of the system is the simplified implementation of typical beamforming applications, making it easy to use and cost-efficient.