On 2D localization of reflectors using robust beamforming techniques

This paper presents a method for the localization of reflectors in an acoustic environment, using robust beamforming techniques and a cylindrical microphone array, for which an intuitive and highly efficient three-step procedure is proposed. First, the directions of ar rival (DOAs) corresponding to the sound source and reflectors are estimated by a robust Minimum Variance Distortionless Response (MVDR) beamformer. Next, signals originating from the estimated DOAs are extracted by a robust superdirective beamformer, from which time differences of arrival (TDOAs) of major reflections are estimated by crosscorrelation analysis. Finally, by using additional information about the position of the direct sound source relative to the array, the positions of the reflective boundaries of the room can be inferred. Experiments based on real measurements carried out in a moderately reverberant room show the effectiveness of this method.