The same audio location techniques that might used to improve phone conversations could also be packaged into a handheld device that would graphically plot the locations of sounds. It would come with several microphones and use a digital signal processor to identify the source of squeeks and whistles.
This solution could be useful for solving many mechanical problems around the house. Perhaps a version of the software could be created for the Palm Pilot or the Handspring?
--February 18, 2001