Abstract: An apparatus for locating a talker, comprising a microphone array for receiving multiple audio signals, wherein the microphone array is characterized by a predetermined beampattern, a spectral conditioner for filtering the audio signals to optimize the beampattern for talker localization, a localization estimator for calculating a localization estimate based on the filtered audio signals, an activity detector for detecting periods of speech activity, and decision logic for verifying the localization estimate during the periods of speech activity.

Abstract: A beamformer for outputting an enhanced signal to a speech recognition system, comprising a microphone array for receiving audio signals from a plurality of microphones, a steering module connected to the microphone array for calculating audio parameters related to the location of a talker, the steering module being subject to an inherent initial delay in calculating the parameters, a buffer module connected to the microphone array for delaying the audio signals by at least the inherent initial delay; and a beamforming part connected to the buffer module and the steering module for directing the microphone array toward the talker in response to receiving the audio parameters from the steering part, such that an enhanced signal is output for application to a speech recognition system.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating a talker, comprising a microphone array for receiving multiple audio signals, wherein the microphone array is characterized by a predetermined beampattern, a spectral conditioner for filtering the audio signals to optimize the beampattern for talker localization, a localization estimator for calculating a localization estimate based on the filtered audio signals, an activity detector for detecting periods of speech activity, and decision logic for verifying the localization estimate during the periods of speech activity.