Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
http://www.silentsound.co.za/technology.htm
Technology
A new technology has been developed that can project a beam of sound so narrow that only one person can hear it. "Directed" audio sounds like it's coming from right in front of you even when transmitted from up to 200 meters away.
Joseph Pompei, a PhD student at the MIT Media Lab, decided to develop it while working at audio company Bose, which he joined at 16 as its youngest-ever engineer. The Audio Spotlight transmitters generate a column of sound between three and five degrees wider than the transmitter. It converts ordinary audio into high-frequency ultrasonic signals that are outside the range of normal hearing. As these sound waves push out from the source, they interact with air pressure to create audible sounds.
1 sur 8
14/06/2011 23:07
http://www.silentsound.co.za/technology.htm
2 sur 8
14/06/2011 23:07
http://www.silentsound.co.za/technology.htm
3 sur 8
14/06/2011 23:07
http://www.silentsound.co.za/technology.htm
High-frequency signals are easier to focus, and control like a flashlight, than sounds that are within the human range of hearing, which disperse in all directions. Ultrasonic signals decay more slowly than lower-frequency waves so they are easier to send farther. The Audio Spotlight emits sounds in the 60-kilohertz range, which is well above the 20-KHz limit of human hearing.
Directivity Demonstrations These simulations serve to demonstrate the following: 1. The directivity of all traditional loudspeaker devices is fundamentally limited by nothing more than the size of the source compared to the wavelengths it generates. 2. No amount of phasing, shading, focusing, or any other method can overcome this fundamental limit; in fact, any of these methods will always reduce directivity. 3. It is impossible for any loudspeaker to approach the directivity of the Audio Spotlight.
4 sur 8
14/06/2011 23:07
http://www.silentsound.co.za/technology.htm
This simulation is of a fixed source size (0.4m/16"), with varying wavelength. From the statements above, we expect to see an omnidirectional response for a large wavelength relative to source, and higher directivity as wavelength decreases.
5 sur 8
14/06/2011 23:07
http://www.silentsound.co.za/technology.htm
The ultra sound beam from an Audio Spotlight, instead wants to remain in a narrow beam, more like the beam of light from a spotlight. As a result, the Audio Spotlight enables the exhibit designer and builder the ability to add sounds into very small spaces and create narration or musical environments where previously this had not been practical. This beam of sound is somewhere between 90-95% directional.
System Components
The Audio Spotlight equipment consists of a transducer (speaker), amplifier and coax cable connecting the two. Standard sound devices are used to create the source signal, such as DVD, CD or computers. The short wavelengths contained in the ultrasound beams, make the beam perform more like one of light than sound, so the sound projects straight from the transducer without spreading out to fill the room. The beam of sound is actually so focused that it will reflect off a hard surface, like a beam of light coming from a mirror.
History of Installations
The first Audio Spotlight was installed at Joypolis, Segas amusement park in Tokyo Japan more than five years ago. Audio Spotlights have been installed at the Bibliotheque Nationale de France (French National Library) and ACMI at Federation Square in Melbourne Australia for almost four years. In addition there are Audio Spotlights installed in several museums around the US, and even several retail stores. This technology is proven and really works!
Future Applications
Several of the automobile and electronics manufacturers around the world are currently experimenting with the Audio Spotlight. Imagine everyone being able to listen to a different radio station in each seat of the car during your next outing with the family or being able to watch TV late at night next to your spouse, without them hearing the audio part of the broadcast! Make no mistake, this is a world changing product, that is available now. The Audio Spotlight will help solve a problem that exhibit builders and
6 sur 8
14/06/2011 23:07
http://www.silentsound.co.za/technology.htm
Transducer
The Audio Spotlight transducer is very discreet, at only 1.8cm thick. They come in two standard sizes 16" or 24.
Amplifier
The transducers are driven by a small ultrasound amplifier 5cm W x 4.5cm H x 7cm L. The amplifier receives the input signal from a standard audio source such as a computer, CD player or DVD. The amplifier can currently push the sound signal through a cable 30 meters long without any in-line signal amplification. Developments are currently being tested which will extend that distance a great deal. The amplifier runs on a 24 DC Volt Laptop type power supply.
Holosonic and Audio Spotlight are trademarks of Holosonic Research Labs, Inc. Copyright 2011 | Silent Sound | All rights reserved.
7 sur 8
14/06/2011 23:07
http://www.silentsound.co.za/technology.htm
8 sur 8
14/06/2011 23:07