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last mo.

Penn State Researchers Develop 'Audio Enclaves' for Private Listening Without Headphones

The technology uses ultrasonic beams and acoustic metasurfaces to create localized sound zones, with potential applications in public and private spaces.

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(© Julia - stock.adobe.com)
Jia-Xin "Jay" Zhong, a postdoctoral scholar of acoustics at Penn State, used a dummy with microphones in its ears to measure the presence or absence of sound along an ultrasonic trajectory.
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Overview

  • The 'audio enclaves' technology enables sound to be audible only within specific localized zones, offering privacy and personalization.
  • It works by intersecting two ultrasonic beams, which generate audible sound only at their precise meeting point.
  • Researchers tested the system using a dummy with microphones to confirm sound is audible solely at the intersection zone.
  • The current prototype creates sound zones about one meter away at a volume of 60 decibels, with plans to improve range and volume.
  • Potential applications include private listening in public spaces, vehicles, and shared environments, enhancing sound privacy and personalization.