A system and method for beamforming using a microphone array

Abstract From the Canadian patent

The ability to combine multiple audio signals captured from the microphones in a microphone array is frequently used in beamforming systems. Typically, beamforming involves processing the output audio signals of the microphone array in such a way as to make the microphone array act as a highly directional microphone. In other words beamforming provides a "listening , beam" which points to a particular sound source while often filtering out other sounds. A , "generic beamformer," as described herein automatically designs a set of beams (i.e. beamforming) that cover a desired angular space range within a prescribed , search area. Beam design is a function of microphone geometry and …