Acoustic Tracking of Remote, Up to 4 Kilometes, Moving Sources Using Multiple Microphone Array Beamforming Methods

The objective of this effort is to develop a signal processing system for acoustic sensors. The acoustic signature measurement capability of Army ground combat vehicles can be significantly improved by using beamforming techniques to continuously measure the received signal during signature-gathering encounters (i.e., real-time signature acquisition and characterization). An 8-channel microphone array with proper signal conditioning and analysis tools can measure the continuous directivity of incoming threat vehicles. This program will design and develop a real-=time array-based beamforming system that will be targeted for combat vehicle platforms. The beam-forming system that is to be analyzed and developed in Phase I will have the capability to null out all acoustic interference from sources such as generators, stationary vehicles, etc. This program will take existing Government-developed software used for beamforming and classification and adapt it to the beamforming system as directivity measurement tools. It will also incorporate a mature tracking algorithm using the lines-of-bearing to the target to determine target position and velocity. The SYTRONICS/IITRI Team will deliver a UNIX-based "C" and MATLAB software analysis system which will run on a SUN Workstation and allow the user to run previously collected acoustic emission data and test various configurations for directivity analysis. Phase I will include delivery of reports documenting the requirements analysis study and hardware requirements study and trining for TACOM personnel in the use of computer-based system.