A baseline algorithm for estimating talker orientation using acoustical data from a large-aperture microphone array

We have shown that knowing the orientation of a talker in a large-aperture microphone array system can significantly improve location-estimation and beamforming algorithms. Measurements of a talker in an anechoic chamber have shown significant anisotropy in radiation patterns that may be used to influence the selection, processing, and weighting of microphone signals in such algorithms. We introduce a simple method for determining the orientation of a talker within a large focal area using only acoustic energy data obtained from the array. The mathematical basis for this procedure is presented and computed performance, based solely on acoustical measurements in a real environment, are listed and discussed.