A DOA estimation method for 3D multiple source signals using independent component analysis

A new DOA (direction of arrival) estimation method is proposed for 3D (three-dimensional) multiple source signals using independent component analysis (ICA). The multiple source signals travel and mix in a reverberant environment and are observed at a sensor array. These observed signals are separated based on independent component analysis and the DOAs of source signals are estimated. This method can deal with signals up to the number of sensors while the conventional method based on subspace analysis, such as the well-known MUSIC algorithm, can merely be applied to those cases where the number of source signals is less than that of the sensors. A two step estimation method is also proposed to improve the estimation accuracy and the dispersion of the estimated DOAs. Experimental results reveal that the proposed method is better than the MUSIC algorithm from the perspective of small dispersion.