Localizing Fireworks Launches With A Raspberry Pi
Originally published on hackaday.com by Lewin Day on 30 December 2023
Kim Hendrikse has developed an effective sound localization system using Raspberry Pi and GPS modules to track illicit fireworks launches. The approach relies on the principle of sound localization via time difference of arrival, where multiple microphones with known locations determine the time a sound arrives at each, enabling the calculation of the sound’s origin. Hendrikse’s autonomous recording units, dispersed over a distance, synchronize their recordings and use GPS for location determination. Initial tests involving an air horn and four units showed promising results, with the technique proving most effective within a defined polygon.
The system’s practical application involved using Raven Lite, a sound investigation tool from Cornell University, for manual analysis of recorded peaks to pinpoint sound sources. Although the process currently requires manual intervention, the results were impressive during trials in Limburg, Netherlands, where six recorders accurately localized fireworks launches with a few meters’ precision. While Hendrikse’s approach is successful, there’s potential for automation in comparing sound peaks across multiple recording units, which could enhance the efficiency and broader applicability of this sound localization technique.
Overall, Kim Hendrikse’s innovative use of Raspberry Pi and GPS modules showcases the practical implementation of sound localization via time difference of arrival for tracking down the origins of loud sounds, particularly in the context of identifying illicit fireworks launches.
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