By means of a large set of sensors of the same type (called array) consisting of microphones and loudspeakers arranged in a plane with an established geometry, and using techniques (called beamforming) that allow to point the “array” electronically to a point in space, (without the antenna having to make any movement), a surveillance space is explored, detecting the objects that are present, estimating their spatial position and finally making an estimate of their trajectory and their kinematic parameters (speed, acceleration, etc.). Detecting and finding people are complex tasks when visibility is reduced. This occurs, for example, if a fire breaks out. In these situations, heat sources and large amounts of smoke are generated. In these circumstances, locating survivors using thermal or conventional cameras is not possible and alternative techniques must be used. The challenge of this research is the integration of an acoustic camera, based on an array of MEMS microphones, in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to locate, by sound, people who are calling for help.
