Embedded system for audio source localization based on beamforming

Abstract

Paper presents design of embedded audio source localization system with respect to compact dimensions, low power consumption and easy implementation to applications such as teleconferencing, security and robotics systems. It consists of the three main functional parts: fixed geometry microphone array with fifteen omnidirectional units with geometrical configuration adapted for beamforming at center frequency of 1750 Hz, sixteen channel preamplifier unit with built-in antialias filter and evaluation unit based on five 32bit microcontrollers Freescale MCF51AC128 where each concurrently processes a part of the localization algorithm. Evaluation unit is equipped with alphanumerical LCD display for visualization of the device state and localization results in autonomous mode. For communication with supervision system is provided USB interface allowing complete configuration possibilities and results transferring including diagnostic data.