Penn State Researchers Develop Ultrasound-Based Personalized Audio Technology

The 'audible enclaves' system delivers sound to a specific location using intersecting ultrasound beams, but current prototypes face limitations in range, sound quality, and energy efficiency.

• The technology uses intersecting ultrasound beams to generate sound audible only at a specific target point, creating localized audio delivery without headphones.
• Developed by Penn State University researchers, the system employs acoustic metasurfaces to bend ultrasound waves, enabling precise sound targeting.
• Current prototypes are limited to a range of about 1 meter and produce sound quality comparable to a poorly tuned radio, highlighting the need for further refinement.
• Potential applications include personalized audio in public spaces, immersive virtual reality experiences, and noise cancellation in specific areas.
• Challenges include improving sound fidelity, extending range, reducing energy consumption, and addressing safety concerns related to high-intensity ultrasound exposure.

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