Adaptive feedback ANC system using virtual microphones

In this paper, we apply a virtual sensing technique to a head-mounted ANC system we have already proposed. Adaptive feedback ANC system can reduce noise with periodicity or having narrow band components. However, since quiet zones are formed only at the locations of error microphones, an adequate noise reduction cannot be achieved at the locations where error microphones cannot be placed. In the head-mounted ANC system, the error microphones are placed near the opening of the ear canals. However, the intended locations at which the maximum noise reduction should be achieved are near eardrums. Hence, we try to introduce a virtual sensing technique to a head-mounted ANC system to achieve higher noise reduction. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system can achieve higher noise reduction than the conventional system. Moreover, a subjective assessment result demonstrates that the proposed system can also give higher noise reduction to human auditory.