Effects of microphone arrangements on the accuracy of a spherical microphone array (SENZI) in acquiring high-definition 3D sound space information

We propose a three-dimensional sound space sensing system using a microphone array on a solid, human-head-sized sphere with numerous microphones, which is called SENZI (Symmetrical object with ENchased ZIllion microphones). It can acquire 3D sound space information accurately for recording and/or transmission to a distant place. Moreover, once recorded, the accurate information might be reproduced accurately for any listener at any time. This study investigated the effects of microphone arrangement and the number of controlled directions on the accuracy of the sound space information acquired by SENZI. Results of a computer simulation indicated that the microphones should be arranged at an interval that is equal to or narrower than 5.7? to avoid the effect of spatial aliasing and that the number of controlled directions should be set densely at intervals of less than 5? when the microphone array radius is 85 mm.