Source localization using acoustic vector sensors: a music approach

Traditionally, a large array of microphones is used to localize multiple far field sources in acoustics. We present a sound source localization technique that requires far less channels and measurement locations (affecting data channels, setup times and cabling issues). This is achieved by using an acoustic vector sensor (AVS) in air that consists of four collocated sensors: three orthogonally placed acoustic particle velocity sensors and an omnidirectional sound pressure transducer. Experimental evidence is presented demonstrating that a single 4 channel AVS based approach accurately localizes two uncorrelated sources. The method is extended to multiple AVS, increasing the number of sources that can be identified. Theory and measurement results are presented. Attention is paid to the theoretical possibilities and limitations of this approach, as well as the signal processing techniques based on the MUSIC method.