Optimizing and Post Processing of a Smart Beamformer for Obstacle Retrieval

Beamforming is one of the most interesting techniques used to know distance systems in order to detect punctual, widespread obstacles. If correctly associated to DOA (Difference of Arrival), it can allow the description of obstacle shape. Distance ranging, for mobile and fixed systems, namely cars, vehicles, vessels and airplanes, that is a key issue for demands of nowadays. Distance between cars and from obstacles can be established and measured using laser and ultrasound. Cloudy and foggy conditions are very important requirements for testing distance ranging facilities. If based on acoustic waves, they can be easily integrated by sophisticated on-board software in order to perform new features. This research presents interesting aspects of defining new requirements for an acoustic scanning capable of reconstructing fixed obstacle features by targeting them using a special array of sensors. The term "acoustic scanning" is intended here as an aspect of sound ranging and reproduction regarding spatial locations of the obstacle, that is spatial shaping. The paper illustrates first an experimental system from which it is possible to derive parameters for setting spatial shaping of scenarios and after a clear identification of DOAs.