Inferring array geometry from multiple sources of opportunity

A beamformer’s performance is sensitive to the accuracy of the element location estimates. Array element localization is a reasonably simple task when a source is present with a known location. The problem is more difficult with a source whose position is unknown. Techniques commonly require assumptions to be made regarding the source’s range. A method for determining the array’s geometry from multiple sources of opportunity has been formulated. Array geometry is determined from multiple observations of parallax from each source, for a collection of hydrophone pairs in the array. The array’s geometry is built up from the combined orientations of hydrophone pairs. In its current form, the technique requires accurate knowledge of hydrophone pair separation. The presentation will include an application of the method to simulated array data and a discussion of current limitations.