A Novel Humanoid Binaural 3D Sound Localization and Separation Algorithm

In this paper, we combine blind sound separation (BSS) and binaural localization for fast tracking of two concurrent sound sources. Using only two microphones placed inside the ear canals of a robot dummy head mounted on a torso and equipped with artificial ears, a generic set of head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) is used for accurate 3D source localization. This novel approach of combining the two BSS and system identification processes, and executing them simultaneously, is optimized for moving sound sources. Simulation results demonstrated precise localization of both elevation and azimuth angles of the two concurrent sound sources. The proposed method relies purely on auditive cues and uses a simple algorithm which, compared to the current localization algorithms, provides an easy implementation on robotic platforms and allows accurate as well as fast localization of concurrent sources