Audible Enclaves: Ultrasonic Waves Technology for Private Listening Without Headphones
Ultrasonic Sound on Demand: The Future of Personal Listening Without Headphones
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Audible Enclaves: ultrasound technology for private listening without headphones · Source: Christoph Burgstedt / Alamy Stock Foto
A completely new approach to personalized audio, called the Audible Enclaves, could actually “revolutionize” the way we listen to music, podcasts, or other audio signals – all without headphones – wow! Researchers at Pennsylvania State University have developed a method that uses two non-linear ultrasonic waves to create an audible sound only at a specific point in space. If you are standing in exactly the right spot, you will hear the sound, but everyone else in the vicinity will not. This technology could be used in many areas, from entertainment and gaming to education and communication. Very interesting!
All About the Audible Enclaves
How Does Directional Sound Work?
This is where it gets a bit complicated: The principle is based on two ultrasonic transducers coupled to an acoustic metasurface. These emit self-curving beams that intersect at a defined point in space. Only there do the two inaudible frequencies merge into an audible audio signal.
The resulting “Audible Enclaves” allows a single person to hear the sound without affecting other people in the immediate vicinity. This technology differs from conventional directional speakers, which spread sound over a larger area. Instead, it creates a precisely defined space in which the signal can be heard.
The Technology’s Capabilities and Limitations
The first tests were conducted indoors with normal reverberation and other people present, and the technology proved to be extremely accurate. Even obstacles such as heads or pieces of furniture were unable to block the sound, as the waves adapt and bypass objects. In practice, this could mean that individual audio playback in public spaces will be possible without headphones. Applications could include cinemas, museums or classrooms where certain content is only audible to individuals. The technology could also be used for discreet communication, for example in security-critical areas where only selected individuals should receive audio information.
However, there are still technical limitations. Currently, sound can only be transmitted over a distance of one meter at a volume of 60 decibels. Researchers are working to increase both range and volume by increasing the intensity of the ultrasonic waves. Integration into portable or mobile systems would also be a logical development to make personalized sound spaces more flexible to use.
The Audible Enclaves as a Virtual Headset
Research leader Jia-Xin Zhong describes the technology as a kind of “virtual headset” that can be used without physical headphones. This could be particularly appealing to people who are reluctant or intolerant to wear in-ear or over-ear headphones. At the same time, this technology could be particularly interesting for gaming or augmented reality applications.
Instead of isolating you from the outside world with traditional headphones, this technology could create an immersive sound experience that blends in perfectly with your surroundings. Very cool! It is also conceivable that commuters, office workers or library users could enjoy personalized sound in public spaces without being disturbed.
Conclusion
The concept of the Audible Enclaves is still in its infancy, but the ability to make audio audible to a single person could fundamentally change the way we use sound waves in our daily lives. If the researchers continue to optimize the technical implementation, the Audible Enclaves could establish itself as a truly new technology in the audio field.
I could see this technology being used in the studio to allow a singer or guitarist to put an instrumental on their ears without it “crosstalking” into the microphone recording. Or even live on stage, to provide each band member with an appropriate and customized instrumental. I’m excited to see how quickly research will improve the acoustic capsule.
Learn More About the Audible Enclaves
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One response to “Audible Enclaves: Ultrasonic Waves Technology for Private Listening Without Headphones”
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