Sound Source Localisation

HEAD VISOR measurement system

Localising sound sources in real time using beamforming technology

The HEAD VISOR measurement system comprises the software and a microphone array. The acoustic camera uses beamforming technology to pinpoint sound sources in real time. Various microphone arrays are available for different applications. Some are scalable and customisable and all can be activated and controlled with HEAD VISOR software.

HEAD VISOR measurement system

As soon as the microphone array is switched on, HEAD VISOR software provides video images with simultaneously overlaid, high-quality source mapping. This feature allows you to obtain the necessary information about the sound source without any time delay.

 

All three hardware versions combine beamforming with MultipleEye technology, using three cameras to record the video images in real time. This process enables distances to all points in the image to be determined with exceptional precision and allows continuous, synchronous video images in real time.

Features and applications

Features – Hardware

  • High-quality hardware components for HEAD VISOR beamforming systems
  • Additional sensors can be connected (integration of HEADlab products)
  • All microphone arrays can be combined
  • Near-field HEAD VISOR Probe can be connected to microphone arrays
  • VMA II.1: Mobile array with 7 spiral arms (56 microphones), 3 cameras and integrated front end
  • VMA III.0: 14 spiral arms (112 microphones), 3 cameras and integrated front end
  • HEAD VISOR flex: Customisable microphone array with camera module and HEADlab technology; dimensions, number of channels and geometry all modifiable
  • All arrays can be linked to a PC via a network cable

Features – Software

  • Real-time operation: Modify, filter and make changes and see and hear the results instantly.
  • FreezeBuffer: The online view is saved continuously to a circular buffer, which is also available retroactively.
  • Multi-band mapping: Analyse additional frequency ranges and visualize them side-by-side. This enables seamless monitoring and evaluation of a wider frequency range.
  • Range meter: With the range meter, the color scale for source mapping can be adjusted intuitively to allow results to be interpreted as effectively as possible.
  • Flexible presets: All settings can be saved and applied with presets, making workflows more intuitive and reproducible.
  • Synchronised ranges: Retrieved measurements are automatically shown with the same color settings as the previous versions for comparison purposes.
  • Playback and analysis can be performed in slow motion (forwards and backwards), in a loop or alternating between different scenarios.
  • Entire sounds, sound elements and orders can be filtered out and played back individually.
  • Additional sensors can be integrated in HEAD VISOR recording via HEADlab modules and used for analysis (e.g. microphones, artificial heads, RPM, wind speed).
  • ...and many more

Applications:

  • Troubleshooting
  • Analysing and optimising sounds
  • Room and structural acoustics
  • Leak detection/testing
  • Test benches
    - Detecting sound-radiating components on test pieces
    - Visualising acoustic weak points
  • Wind tunnels
    - Eliminating rough edges with a major impact on interior wind noise
  • Wind turbines
    - Auralising locations that radiate the most sound energy
    - Localising sources of typical wind turbine noise
    - Analysing the acoustic effects of different rotor designs

Microphone arrays and probe

HEAD VISOR VMA II.1

HEAD VISOR VMA II.1 has 56 microphones positioned in a spiral pattern across a diameter of 80 cm and is easy to transport. The spiral arrangement allows distances of 30 cm to 200 m between the microphone array and sound source, with dynamics of 13 dB (standard beamforming). Advanced algorithms extend the dynamics to 20–30 dB in a frequency range of 300 Hz–20 kHz.

 

HEAD VISOR VMA III.0

The HEAD VISOR VMA III.0 array, with 112 microphones and a diameter of 3 m, is suitable for installation on a wall or ceiling, which means it can be used in e.g. wind tunnels. The 14 arms allow dynamics of 10 dB (standard beamforming) or up to 30 dB (advanced algorithms) in a frequency range of 200 Hz–20 kHz.

HEAD VISOR flex

HEAD VISOR flex is a modular microphone array for sound source location. Its configuration, size, layout and number of microphones can be adjusted to suit your needs. HEAD VISOR flex delivers extremely high accuracy for localising sounds over large distances or at low frequencies of less than 100 Hz.

 

HEAD VISOR Probe

The near-field HEAD VISOR Probe helps with investigating stationary sounds at frequencies below 600 Hz and acts as a supplement to the microphone arrays. Sound is detected directionally via two microphones at the tip of the probe. MultipleEye technology determines the current position of the probe in real time. The probe therefore allows specific sub-areas to be calibrated. The near-field HEAD VISOR Probe can be connected to the array, which allows a frequency range of 20 Hz–20 kHz to be evaluated.

HEAD VISOR – Software for localising sound sources in real time

HEAD VISOR is the software application for localising sound sources online in real time. It combines functions such as recording, playback, analysis and reporting in one package. Coupling it with the various microphone arrays forms an acoustic camera, a beamforming system, which allows detailed insight into the acoustics of complex measurement subjects.

 

The software is ready to use as soon as the microphone array has been switched on, with recording starting automatically. Thanks to the permanently active FreezeBuffer, users can also easily analyse an acoustic event at a later point in time.

HEAD VISOR is a powerful and easy-to-use tool, with all the key applications available for the user to view at all times. This allows tracking the effects of modifications, filters and changes to sound sources in real time.

 

HEAD VISOR remote, the integrated remote control, offers a number of additional functions. Multiple microphone arrays, HEADlab systems, computer or memory systems can be centrally controlled, managed and synchronised. Automated measurements and analyses can be conducted while ArtemiS SUITE components can be integrated in the evaluation.

Discuss your needs with an expert

Speak to our technical experts to discuss your application requirements