A Low Complexity, Narrow Baseline Beamformer for Cell Phones

K.R. Kale and J.G. Harris (USA)

Keywords

Speech processing, Broadband beamforming, Narrow baseline, Frequency invariant beamformer

Abstract

A beamforming method is developed to enhance voice quality and improve speech recognition accuracy for handheld devices. Stringent constraints for this algorithm include a low baseline, low complexity and low hardware requirements. The algorithm utilizes two microphones spaced 4 cm apart, small enough for operation on handheld devices. Method of implementing this frequency -independent algorithm is discussed and is compared to a far field frequency-dependent beamformer. Projected SNR improvements are simulated for both algorithms. Using only two microphones, this novel algorithm represents an excellent compromise among low hardware/software complexity, narrow baseline and SNR improvement.

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