Cubic array configuration optimization for acoustic imaging system with modified particle swarm optimization

A modified PSO method was proposed to optimize the configuration of microphones for conflicting objects of the mainlobe width and sidelobe level to avoid that optimizing either of both performance would lead to the other performance degradation by basic particle swarm optimization(PSO).According to the limit of array viewing angle, a better cubic array was developed and an experimental device was designed.Comparison between the beampatterns by basic and modified PSO shows the array with the method proposed keeps the low sidelobe level on the condition of the narrow mainlobe width.Performance measurement results of spatial resolution and interference rejection capability for the device in a semi-anechoic chamber accords with the theoretical ones,which indicate the validity of the modified method.