Embedded solution for universal acoustic source distance localization using three microphones

Science, military, industry and multimedia are using acoustic sound localization in different applications. They are looking for robust, universal and low cost systems. This paper presents an embedded method of determining the distance towards an unknown sound emission source, using a digital signal processor and three microphones. An acoustic emission is detected if it crosses a certain level, and using cross correlation and further math it determines the distance from the detection device to the sound source. The obtained information is visible on a display. The system is light, cheap and portable. It can be used for remote determination of the sound intensity at the source, for locating an intruder or an event, or for determining fabrication flaws.