A modified cross-correlation algorithm to achieve the time difference of arrival in sound source localization

Abstract

The accuracy in ranging and direction in locating a target source is crucial in sound source localization and different methods have been proposed due to important applications of sound source localization. One of the methods in sound source localization is triangulation with the time difference of arrival information. In this literature, a modified cross-correlation algorithm is introduced to increase the accuracy in time difference of arrival, thus further improving the sound source localization results. A numerical model is generated by assuming multiple sound sources broadcasting in room environment and the location of the target sound source is identified with the triangulation algorithm. Real-time data are produced through experimental setup using an array of four microphones with a target source and background noise. The signals are processed by modified cross-correlation and conventional cross-correlation for comparison. The impacts of the signal-to-noise ratio and time difference of arrival on sound source localization results are demonstrated and discussed. Experimental validation conducted in a non-ideal environment has shown that the modified cross-correlation algorithm can minimize the error in time difference of arrival to be used in sound source localization, thus improving the accuracy in both sound source ranging and direction.