A Method of Differential Measurement to Locate the Sound Event Epicenter Hermann Schloss 1 and Gennadiy Poryev 2 1 University of Trier, Trier, Germany 2 Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, 64/13, Volodymyrs’ka str., Kyiv, 01601, Ukraine Abstract The focus of this article is an innovative technique designed to accurately determine the geographical coordinates of the epicenter of loud sound events (LSEs), which can include incidents such as large structural collapses, munition depot explosions, artillery and missile strikes and more. To pinpoint the location, the technique involves strategically positioning a minimum of three sound sensor units in the field. These units must have predetermined or already-known geographical coordinates and should be equipped with precision synchronized clocks. By analyzing the variation in the time it takes for the sound wave to arrive at each of these sensor units, it becomes feasible to compute the exact location of the epicenter without having prior knowledge about its distance or direction. Keywords1 sound propagation, emergency services, spatial sound survey. 1. Introduction Historically, locating sound events has been a challenge, especially when direct observation or measurement of the LSE is neither feasible nor practical [3]. Solutions to this challenge encompass a wide array of techniques. These techniques typically leverage a mix of hardware and software methodologies. In specific contexts, like military operations, the tools used can be quite specialized and advanced [1,2]. Often, these solutions integrate directional sound sensor units [4], advanced signal filtering [5,6,7], and even seismic or underwater [8] activity sensors to supplement additional data for analysis and enhancement of precision. However, our research propounds a divergent strategy. We propose a practical system for locating LSEs, one that can be readily deployed in the field using specialized sensor units built from easily accessible hardware. Examples of such hardware include commonly available platforms like the Raspberry Pi and its numerous analogues or even conventional consumer-grade smartphones or tablets. This approach not only democratizes access to such a system but also significantly reduces the costs associated with development, production, deployment and overall operational budgets. It's crucial to clarify a few points at this juncture. First, this paper will not delve into the intricate details of LSE signal detection using digital signal processing and recognition [9]. The model that we envision operates on the premise that the signal has been efficiently detected, filtered, and extracted. Hence, every sensor unit in the system should and is assumed to be capable of reporting the exact timestamp of the LSE incident to a central control node. Additionally, methods to achieve precise time synchronization aren't discussed here either. This is primarily because modern global navigation satellite system (GNSS) sensors typically offer satisfactory timestamping accuracy — a feature intrinsic to their primary function. Thirdly, this work should be considered as a foray into the scope of ideas and thought experiments, not as beginning of the development of a specific mathematical basis usable in device designing Dynamical System Modeling and Stability Investigation (DSMSI-2023), December 19-21, 2023, Kyiv, Ukraine EMAIL: schloss@syssoft.uni-trier.de (A. 1); vecanoi@gmail.com (A. 2) ORCID: 0000-0003-4825-0917 (A. 2) ©️ 2023 Copyright for this paper by its authors. Use permitted under Creative Commons License Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). CEUR Workshop Proceedings (CEUR-WS.org) CEUR Workshop ceur-ws.org ISSN 1613-0073 129 Proceedings framework. The final product, should it ever be implemented and deployed, may have completely different approach to locate LSE epicenter in comparison to the simulation modelling offered here. It may, for instance, utilize purely analytical solutions, should it be demonstrated that they are more time- efficient and power-efficient software-wise. Or, in addition to simulation and\or analytical methods it can employ machine learning techniques [10,11,12]. Also, within the scope of this work only stationary LSEs are considered, since detecting moving sound sources, especially at real-time involve completely different models [13]. 2. Materials and Methods The first key consideration for successful LSE location is the placement of sensor units. We have considered several possibilities as to how this could be achieved. It is vital that these units are positioned at specific sites with known geographical coordinates. These coordinates must be either pre-set into the control node memory prior to each deployment or automatically reported to it each time sensor is placed on the new location. An advantage of such system is its adaptability: the sensors' locations can change between different measurement sessions, provided that the control node is promptly updated with their new coordinates. Notably, keeping a GNSS sensor stationary for extended periods of time often refine the accuracy of its locational readings. To sum up, what we have in mind is the following possible options:  Static, ground-based placement: the simplest method is a stationary setup. Here, on-ground technicians methodically install sensors, subsequently documenting their precise coordinates using readily available consumer-grade GNSS devices. Modern conveniences like the GPS/GALILEO modules, commonly found in today's mobile devices, make this option exceedingly cost-effective due to the minimal necessity for supplementary hardware investments. Such modules are also readily available on the market separately.  Mobile deployment of the sensors whereby they can be placed on a non-stationary vehicle. This should greatly expand the flexibility in sensor configuration, providing the model with more reliable data and ability to adapt to changing tactical situations, thus increasing the responsiveness of the system in general. In this scenario, each sensor unit may obtain its own geographical coordinates either through connected specialized GNSS module or through GNSS navigator device of the vehicle it is placed on.  Overhead aerial deployment via UAVs: for areas that are challenging to access or pose significant security risks, deploying sensors from the airborne platforms become an attractive proposition. Drones or UAVs can be dispatched to drop sensors over these terrains. This mode, while innovative, requires robust components. Sensors, their enclosures and all the electronics inside need to be structurally strong and durable, equipped with a self-contained GNSS module, long-lasting batteries, and a failsafe mechanism — a security protocol designed to wipe out all system-critical data to prevent potential security breaches via falling into the hands of the adversary or the third party. Fall retardation devices are also need to be considered depending on the projected deployment scenario. Another key consideration is the spread and ranging scope of the sensor placement which is important due to how the model works as discussed below. The idea being that at least three placed sensors make a triangular formation on Earth surface. Hence the general area of the anticipated LSEs should be both located at a distance comparable in order of magnitude with the dimensions of the said triangle and, whenever possible, located high enough above the surface to provide with direct line-of- sight for the area where LSE is anticipated. The obvious prerequisite for choosing sensor unit locations is the connectivity, specifically the ability for the sensor unit to send its coordinates and LSE data to the control node. Variety of approaches may be used to that effect, starting from equipping sensor node with cellular data uplink wherever the cellular operator coverage allows for it or, in case of stationary placement in the urban environment, utilizing WiFi or even ad-hoc wired Internet connectivity. Dedicated radio trunking channel is also possible for locations far from developed urban infrastructure. In case of automotive deployment, a satellite data uplink such as Starlink is also a viable solution. One important caveat that operators must be wary of is the potential pitfall of a linear sensor arrangement, that is when sensors are arranged in such a way that a straight line can be drawn with minimal distance from it to each sensor. Such geometric layout can increase the probability of erroneous 130 readings, leading to false positives and uncertainty of the data interpretation. As a rule of thumb, the line connecting the sensors should be as much "broken" as possible, with apex angles close or smaller than the straight angle. It is our belief that this layout potentially gives the most accurate result possible. However, to prove this mathematically is the subject of further research. In essence, the strategic placement and arrangement of sound sensors are cornerstones in the efficient detection of LSEs. By merging technological finesse with tactical pragmatism, it's possible to devise a system that strikes a balance between precision and real-time adaptability. 3. Modelling Figure 1 depicts the general schematics of the sensor placement in relation to the epicenter of the LSE. Note that there is actually no need to try to maintain relative symmetry of sensor placement between themselves or with the LSE and the model is perfectly capable of calculating the LSE coordinates even if it is significantly moved farther out or sideways. As mentioned above, we recognize the necessity to perform additional research on how the accuracy of the proposed method is affected by the relative positioning of the LSE and sensors and by the distance to the LSE, but it too is out of the scope for this paper. Figure 1: General schematics of the sensor placement in relation to the epicenter of the LSE The model works under the assumption that nor the exact distances S 0E, S1E and S2E nor the incident bearing angles of the LSE sound waves are known. What is known, however, is the exact geographical coordinates of the S0, S1 and S2 plus the precise time at which the sound wave from the LSE arrived at each sensor unit. The model at present does not take into account any external factors affecting speed of sound such as air temperature, pressure, humidity, wind direction and speed, density of obstacles, wave re-reflection etc and is assuming the speed of sound to be vs=343 meters per second under standard conditions. Unless the sensors are uniquely positioned forming a perfect circle with the LSE epicenter E at its center and equidistant from it, there will be detectable variances in the LSE sound wave's arrival timestamps on each sensor. For example, D1 represents the time difference between the arrivals at S 1 and S0, calculated as D1=T1-T0. Similarly, D2 (or the difference between the arrivals at S 2 and S0) is D2=T2-T0, where T0, T1, and T2 denote the arrival timestamps at sensors S 0, S1, and S2 respectively. The simulation model works under another important assumption that Since S0E, S1E and S2E are directly dependent on the location of the LSE, the model works by estimating among possible LSE locations such that D1 and D2 correspond to the directly measured values of T0, T1 and T2 as much as possible. 131 4. Results In theory, this model offers a promising method for detecting LSE epicenters by harnessing the potential of strategically placed sensors and analyzing time differentials. As technology evolves and data collection becomes more sophisticated, refining this model can pave the way for even more accurate and timely LSE detection. To validate the proposed model we have implemented its simplistic version using the Go language, which has recently gained traction for its performance and efficiency. The core objective was not just to assess the model's potential, but to affirmatively demonstrate its utility in real-world applications. The specifications, shown in Figure 2, indicate time deviations of D1=31.965 seconds and D2=26.918 seconds respectively, along with a trio of sensor coordinates implemented by the ePoint structure which represents geographical pointers. Also included was the dimension of the simulation grid discussed below. const ( gridCells = 300 D1 = 31.965 D2 = 26.918 ) var sen = eSensor{ ePoint{lon: 30.894340, lat: 50.342565}, ePoint{lon: 30.745456, lat: 50.138585}, ePoint{lon: 30.318235, lat: 50.165195}} Figure 2: Go source code fragment defining the model input parameters Figure 3: Sensor layout at strategic locations around Kyiv used for input parameters in the model 132 The choice of positioning for the sensors holds considerable significance too. Sensor S 0 is located proximal to the Boryspil International Airport. Sensor S 1 was placed adjacent to an influential energy hub, the coal power plant in Ukrainka city. Lastly, Sensor S 2 was stationed towards the southern vicinity of Vasylkiv city. A detailed visual representation is shown from Figure 3. It is important to mention that while these positions were chosen predominantly for their convenience and illustrative purposes in this simulation, their strategic placement underlines the model's flexibility. Having received input parameters, the model first determines the extent of the simulation area. At present, it extends roughly rectangular area to the bounds of nearest+1 integer values of latitude and longitude, therefore the simulation area is calculated as spanning from 29 to 32 degrees of eastern longitude and from 49 to 52 degrees of northern latitude. Within this area, the rectangular grid is formed with the dimension size specified above, specifically 300×300 evaluation points. For each point in the grid, two floating point values are calculated: the timestamp differences that could have been measured if the epicenter of the LSE was at this specific point. Next phase of the modelling should involve finding specific point, if any, such that those timestamp differences are both as close to the actual measured ones as possible and at the same time. This essentially represents classical optimization task with two independent parameters. Given the specifics of the model and the problematics at hand, we have developed simple two-tier algorithm for finding such compound minimums. The solution is more evident from the looks of the surface graphs built for the values of D1 and D2 across the grid as seen in figures 4 and 5 respectively. Note that the graphs are built using absolute values of |D1| and |D2| since the aim of the optimization is bringing the difference between these parameters and measured values as close to zero as possible. Figure 4: Surface graph of the |D 1| timestamp differences across the simulation grid As seen from these figures, both variables exhibit similar behavior, having somewhat arc-like “valley” of minimums. Therefore, the model only needs to find where these arcs from different variables intersect to find the spot where both differences are closer to zero, since it was observed that individually they can reach values somewhat lower than the ones in the vicinity of the LSE. To that extent the model scans every line of the grid for |D1| to find out local minimum for that line, if it exists, such that D1[lat,lon]