Sound localization of concurrent and continuous speech sources in reverberant environment

Abstract

This paper presents a model-based method for sound localization of concurrent and continuous speech sources in a reverberant environment. A new algorithm adopted from the echo-avoidance model of the precedence effect was used to detect the echo-free onsets by specifying a generalized pattern of impulse response. Fine structure time differences were calculated from the zero-crossing points in different microphones. They were integrated into an azimuth histogram by the restrictions between them. Two sound sources were localized in both an anechoic chamber and a normal room which has walls, floor and ceiling made of concrete. The time segment needed for localization was 0.5 to 2 seconds and the accuracy was a few degrees in both environments.