Sound Localization in the Human Thorax

Abstract

This paper compares two methods of source localization in the human thorax using a multisensor stethoscope. The multisensor stethoscope measurement technique consists of several stethoscope chest pieces simultaneously recording and storing audio data for computer-aided analysis. Localization method A finds the source location by measuring the relative power at different points in the field and identifying the location of maximum power. Localization method B finds the source by solving a system of equations based on the difference in time of arrival of signals at different microphones and the measured microphone positions. To illustrate this concept, a circular array of microphones equally spaced in one plane is assumed to be in a free-field homogeneous medium. Simulations, conducted in Matlab, as well as verification results are presented. Two in vitro verification models were constructed, and preliminary trials were done on a human test subject