Localization of multiple underwater sources with cyclic Hough transform based on multi-array systems

A multi-source localization approach is proposed based on the correct association of the line of bearings (LOBs) with multi-array systems. The LOBs are detected and extracted by applying the subband peak energy detection to the steered response power of the arrays and conducting the Hough transform to detect the line feature. To avoid spurious intersection caused by wrong association of the LOBs, this study proposes a scheme to distinguish and separate the LOBs of difference sources by applying cyclic Hough transform. Experimental results validate the efficiency of the proposed approach for the correct and accurate localization of multiple sources.