Development of a Soldier Battlespace Auditory Analyzer System

The objective of this project is to develop a man wearable auditory analyzer system that can improve the situational awareness, listening capability and communication of a soldier operating in an urban environment. This will be developed through three main technologies: 1. A data collection system consisting of a microphone array embedded on a soldier. Array characterization and diffraction compensation techniques will be employed. 2. Using continuous information networks and other efficient signal processing techniques, detection, error compensation, classification and estimation will be conducted on a low weight, power efficient platform 3. Using usability engineering methods the information extracted will be presented to the user in a format that creates clarity, reduces confusion and enhances situational awareness A working prototype system based on a laptop computing platform will be demonstrated at the end of phase I. It will consist of a wearable microphone array with external sensor conditioning and data acquisition. In real time the system will detect, classify and display a variety of sound sources and their relative bearings. The system will automatically detect user voice signals, user footsteps and microphone impacts and classify them as “near-field” events. A commercial laptop, simulating the soldier’s view, will act as a display.