Direction-of-arrival estimation for acoustic signals based on direction-dependent parameter tuning of a bioinspired binaural coupling system

Jünemann P, Schneider A, Waßmuth J. Direction-of-arrival estimation for acoustic signals based on direction-dependent parameter tuning of a bioinspired binaural coupling system. Bioinspiration and Biomimetics . 2023.Bioinspired methods for sound source localization offer opportunities for resource reduction as well as concurrent performance improvement in contrast to conventional techniques. Usually, sound source localization requires a large number of microphones arranged in irregular geometries, and thus has high resource requirements in terms of space and data processing. Motivated by biology and using digital signal processing methods, an approach that adapts the coupled hearing system of the flyOrmia ochraceawith a minimally distant two-microphone array is presented. Despite its physiology, the fly is able to overcome physical limitations in localizing low-frequency sound sources. By exploiting the filtering effect of the coupling system, the direction-of-arrival (DOA) of the sound is determined with two microphones at an intermediate distance of 0,06m. For conventional beamforming algorithms, these physical limitations would result in degraded localization performance. In this work, the bioinspired coupling system is analyzed and subsequently parameterized direction-sensitive for different directions of incidence of the sound. For the parameterization, an optimization method is presented which can be adopted for excitation with plane as well as spherical sound wave propagation. Finally, the method was assessed using simulated and measured data. For 90% of the simulated scenarios, the correct direction of incidence could be determined with an accuracy of less than 1° despite the use of a minimal distant two-microphone array. The experiments with measured data also resulted in a correct determination of the direction of incidence, which qualifies the bioinspired method for practical use in digital hardware system. Creative Commons Attribution license

AVIKOM: Towards a mobile audiovisual cognitive assistance system for modern manufacturing and logistics

Neumann A, Strenge B, Uhlich J, et al. AVIKOM: Towards a mobile audiovisual cognitive assistance system for modern manufacturing and logistics. In: Association for Computing Machinery, ed. Proceedings of the 13th ACM International Conference on PErvasive Technologies Related to Assistive Environments. New York: ACM; 2020: 1-8.This paper introduces the novel Augmented Reality (AR) assistance system AVIKOM, a joint endeavour of three research groups together with four small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) as well as network partners and a diaconal institution. In particular, we investigate how AR-enabled assistance systems can be tailored to individual requirements of workers with diverse cognitive and physical capabilities for today's real-world industrial applications in the areas of (manual) assembly, logistics and operation of industrial machinery. We combine best practices from the domains of artificial intelligence, machine learning, user experience engineering, ethics research, and cognitive science with state-of-the-art insights for multi-modal system development to create a cognitive action assistance system that recognizes and adapts to individual users in various situational contexts, such as picking and training. Proven work and organizational psychology methods and worth-related evaluations will accompany the system introduction into working environments. Using user- and worth-centred system design and change management strategies (e.g. information and participation) right from the beginning of such a technological development facilitates proper involvement of future users in the development process. This can lead to better congruence of technology features with workers' requirements and positively shape future users' attitudes towards the system

Kognitive Augmented-Reality-Assistenzsysteme in KMU – organisationale und technische Ansätze für eine individuelle Arbeitsunterstützung

Neumann A, Strenge B, Schalkwijk L, et al. Kognitive Augmented-Reality-Assistenzsysteme in KMU – organisationale und technische Ansätze für eine individuelle Arbeitsunterstützung. In: Nitsch V, Brandl C, Häußling R, Roth P, Gries T, Schmenk B, eds. Digitalisierung der Arbeitswelt im Mittelstand 3. Ergebnisse und Best Practice des BMBF-Forschungsschwerpunkts "Zukunft der Arbeit: Mittelstand – innovativ und sozial". Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg; 2023: 291-331