This document is a technical seminar report submitted by a student to partially fulfill the requirements for a Bachelor of Engineering degree. It discusses a seminar presented on the topic of audio spotlighting technology. Audio spotlighting uses ultrasonic sound beams to focus audible sound into a narrow beam, similar to a spotlight for light. It can be used to direct sound at a specific listener or project it to a point to create the illusion of a hidden speaker. The report provides background on the technology, including its components and how it exploits the non-linear properties of air to generate audible sound from ultrasonic pulses. It also discusses applications and commercial potential for targeted audio delivery.
This is basic document that explain about sound waves in extreme condition audibility when we modulate the high frequency ultra-sounds with the low frequency audio signals. By super-hetrodyne receivers we can build this thing in reality by mixing those signals to get audibility and directionality by going to audible frequency and we making that to audible by this technique.
Basic acoustics-SPL and Sound power, Reflection Refraction, Diffusion, diffraction, absorption, standing waves. Reverberation, RT, Room modes-Axial, Tangential oblique modes. Necessity of Reverberation, control and monitoring rooms, concert halls and theatres, inverse square law, Absorption coefficients of Materials. Sabine Equation, Growth and Decay of sound in an Enclosure. Acoustical features and design of Auditoriums and Theaters. Delay, Echo, Filters, Effects. Reverberant Fields .Binaural hearing, stereo/ Mono
This is basic document that explain about sound waves in extreme condition audibility when we modulate the high frequency ultra-sounds with the low frequency audio signals. By super-hetrodyne receivers we can build this thing in reality by mixing those signals to get audibility and directionality by going to audible frequency and we making that to audible by this technique.
Basic acoustics-SPL and Sound power, Reflection Refraction, Diffusion, diffraction, absorption, standing waves. Reverberation, RT, Room modes-Axial, Tangential oblique modes. Necessity of Reverberation, control and monitoring rooms, concert halls and theatres, inverse square law, Absorption coefficients of Materials. Sabine Equation, Growth and Decay of sound in an Enclosure. Acoustical features and design of Auditoriums and Theaters. Delay, Echo, Filters, Effects. Reverberant Fields .Binaural hearing, stereo/ Mono
Cancellation of Noise from Speech Signal using Voice Activity Detection Metho...ijsrd.com
Speech Enhancement by suppressing uncorrelated acoustically added noise has been a challenging topic of research for many years. These are the primary choice for real time applications due to the simplicity and comparatively low computational load. This paper shows VAD (Voice activity detection) technique that can detect the non speech segment from the speech signal. It is also shown that it can work powerfully in an unpredictable noise ambience. The technique is mostly done in microprocessors or DSP processors because of their flexibility. But there are several advantages of FPGA over DSP processors like high cost per logic element related to these processors makes them improper for large scale use. From the experimental results, VAD method is implemented on the FPGA chip.
for more on memristor follow link " http://knol.google.com/k/mangal-das/memristor/ct6a341p9567/14# "
Typically electronics has been defined in terms of three fundamental elements such as resistors, capacitors and inductors. These three elements are used to define the four fundamental circuit variables which are electric current, voltage, charge and magnetic flux. Resistors are used to relate current to voltage, capacitors to relate voltage to charge, and inductors to relate current to magnetic flux, but there was no element which could relate charge to magnetic flux.
To overcome this missing link, scientists came up with a new element called Memristor. These Memristor has the properties of both a memory element and a resistor (hence wisely named as Memristor). Memristor is being called as the fourth fundamental component, hence increasing the importance of its innovation.
Its innovators say “memrisrors are so significant that it would be mandatory to re-write the existing electronics engineering textbooks.”
TEDx Manchester: AI & The Future of WorkVolker Hirsch
TEDx Manchester talk on artificial intelligence (AI) and how the ascent of AI and robotics impacts our future work environments.
The video of the talk is now also available here: https://youtu.be/dRw4d2Si8LA
As Digital Still Cameras (DSC) become smaller, cheaper and higher in resolution, photographs are increasingly prone to blurring from shaky hands. Optical image stabilization (OIS) is an effective solution that addresses the quality of images, and is an idea that has been around for at least 30 years. It has only recently made its way into the low-cost consumer camera market, and will soon be migrating to the higher end camera phones. This paper provides an overview of common design practices and considerations for optical image stabilization and how silicon-based MEMS dual-axis gyroscopes with their size, cost and performance advantages are enabling this vital function for image capturing devices
In this thesis two different circular shaped proximity feed antenna are undertaken, both in the
area of compact RF/microwave circuits design. The first design involves the design of a
Circular shaped radiating patch antenna with Semicircular ground plane and ring of circles. A
study of several circular shaped microstrip antennas reported in the past has been carried out.
In this research, a method of reducing the size of a printed slot-ring antenna for dual band
applications is proposed. The reduction in size is achieved by introducing proximity feed
technology with circular shaped feed line.
The minimum axial ratio of 0.3 dB is obtained at 1.27 GHz, which is the operating frequency
of the antenna. The size of the proposed antenna is reduced by about 50% compared to a
conventional Circular Polarization slot-ring antenna and it displays a Circular Polarization
bandwidth of about 2.5%. The simulated results are presented, and they are in good
agreement. The small size of the antenna makes it very suitable for use in modern
RF/microwave wireless systems which require compact, low cost, and high performance
circuits. Moreover, its Circular Polarization behavior makes it more applicable for
applications such as satellite communications.
The second geometry in the thesis involves the design of a compact circular microstrip
Antenna using semicircular ground plane attached on both sides of a square geometry. The
measured dual frequency band with center frequency is 3.0 GHz. The Antenna demonstrates
about 21% bandwidth with antenna gain of 1.8 dB in the radiation band, a return loss of less
than -10 dB is achieved in this work. The simulated results are in good agreement. The
proposed antenna is very reliable for use in modern wireless systems which require dual band
geometries having compact size, low insertion loss, high selectivity, and good antenna gain.
It involved pretty good knowledge of IOT(Internet of Things), working with an arduino and a lot of other sensors,
Secured an O(Outstanding) Grade in this project.
B.Tech.Final Year ECE Project Report on Ultrasonic distance measure robotSushant Shankar
ULTRA-4 or ultrasonic distance measure robot is a robot which perform many action such as it gives the actual position of wall or obstacle which comes in front of it, measures the distance which displayed by 7-segment and also show the moving images of the objects by camera.
The application area of ultra-4 is very wide such as rescue oprations, spy robot, versatile use in autonomus technology,use in mining,it has found essential use in light industry (e.g. toy industry) agriculture and power engineering and used in car parking system.
Li-Fiis a label for wireless-communicationsystems using light as a carrier instead of traditional radio frequencies, as in Wi-Fi.
Li-Fi should not be confused with the more general termvisible light communications (VLC), which is theuse of the visible light portion of theelectromagnetic spectrum to transmit information.
Li-Fi or Light Fidelity refers to 5G Visible Light Communication systems using light-emitting diodes as a medium to high-speed communication in a similar manner as Wi-Fi.[13] In the days where internet has become a major demand, people are in a search for Wi-Fi hotspots. Li-Fi or New Life of data communication is a better alternative to Wi-Fi in wireless communication. This paper proposes a survey on Li-Fi Technology. The Li-fi technology was invented by Professor Harald Hass of University of Edinburgh. Li-Fi has more capacity in terms of bandwidth in visible region therefore it does not poke its nose in other communications which uses radio frequency range, without taking its frequency bands. Li-Fi has thousand times greater speed than Wi-Fi and provides security as the visible light is unable to penetrate through the walls, which propose a new era of wireless communication. The concept of Li-Fi is data communication on fast flickering of light which is not detected by human eye but it is focused on photo detector which converts the on-off state into binary digital data. It has gained a huge popularity in two years of its invention. Such technology has brought not only greener but safer and cheaper future of communication.
Free Space Optics (FSO) communications, also called Free Space Photonics (FSP) or Optical Wireless, refers to the transmission of modulated visible or infrared (IR) beams through the atmosphere to obtain optical communications. Like fiber, Free Space Optics (FSO) uses lasers to transmit data, but instead of enclosing the data stream in a glass fiber, it is transmitted through the air. Free Space Optics (FSO) works on the same basic principle as Infrared television remote controls, wireless keyboards or wireless Palm® devices.
Free Space Optics (FSO) communications, also called Free Space Photonics (FSP) or Optical Wireless, refers to the transmission of modulated visible or infrared (IR) beams through the atmosphere to obtain optical communications. Like fiber, Free Space Optics (FSO) uses lasers to transmit data, but instead of enclosing the data stream in a glass fiber, it is transmitted through the air. Free Space Optics (FSO) works on the same basic principle as Infrared television remote controls, wireless keyboards
A Strategic Approach: GenAI in EducationPeter Windle
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Generative AI, Image Generators and Large Language Models have had a dramatic impact on teaching, learning and assessment over the past 18 months. The most immediate threat AI posed was to Academic Integrity with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) focusing their efforts on combating the use of GenAI in assessment. Guidelines were developed for staff and students, policies put in place too. Innovative educators have forged paths in the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning and assessments leading to pockets of transformation springing up across HEIs, often with little or no top-down guidance, support or direction.
This Gasta posits a strategic approach to integrating AI into HEIs to prepare staff, students and the curriculum for an evolving world and workplace. We will highlight the advantages of working with these technologies beyond the realm of teaching, learning and assessment by considering prompt engineering skills, industry impact, curriculum changes, and the need for staff upskilling. In contrast, not engaging strategically with Generative AI poses risks, including falling behind peers, missed opportunities and failing to ensure our graduates remain employable. The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a proactive and strategic approach if we are to remain relevant.
Embracing GenAI - A Strategic ImperativePeter Windle
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Generative AI, Image Generators and Large Language Models have had a dramatic impact on teaching, learning and assessment over the past 18 months. The most immediate threat AI posed was to Academic Integrity with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) focusing their efforts on combating the use of GenAI in assessment. Guidelines were developed for staff and students, policies put in place too. Innovative educators have forged paths in the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning and assessments leading to pockets of transformation springing up across HEIs, often with little or no top-down guidance, support or direction.
This Gasta posits a strategic approach to integrating AI into HEIs to prepare staff, students and the curriculum for an evolving world and workplace. We will highlight the advantages of working with these technologies beyond the realm of teaching, learning and assessment by considering prompt engineering skills, industry impact, curriculum changes, and the need for staff upskilling. In contrast, not engaging strategically with Generative AI poses risks, including falling behind peers, missed opportunities and failing to ensure our graduates remain employable. The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a proactive and strategic approach if we are to remain relevant.
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfkaushalkr1407
The Roman Empire, a vast and enduring power, stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. It emerged from the Roman Republic, transitioning into an imperial powerhouse under the leadership of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. This transformation marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and profound cultural influence.
The empire's roots lie in the city of Rome, founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BCE. Over centuries, Rome evolved from a small settlement to a formidable republic, characterized by a complex political system with elected officials and checks on power. However, internal strife, class conflicts, and military ambitions paved the way for the end of the Republic. Julius Caesar’s dictatorship and subsequent assassination in 44 BCE created a power vacuum, leading to a civil war. Octavian, later Augustus, emerged victorious, heralding the Roman Empire’s birth.
Under Augustus, the empire experienced the Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability. Augustus reformed the military, established efficient administrative systems, and initiated grand construction projects. The empire's borders expanded, encompassing territories from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Euphrates. Roman legions, renowned for their discipline and engineering prowess, secured and maintained these vast territories, building roads, fortifications, and cities that facilitated control and integration.
The Roman Empire’s society was hierarchical, with a rigid class system. At the top were the patricians, wealthy elites who held significant political power. Below them were the plebeians, free citizens with limited political influence, and the vast numbers of slaves who formed the backbone of the economy. The family unit was central, governed by the paterfamilias, the male head who held absolute authority.
Culturally, the Romans were eclectic, absorbing and adapting elements from the civilizations they encountered, particularly the Greeks. Roman art, literature, and philosophy reflected this synthesis, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Latin, the Roman language, became the lingua franca of the Western world, influencing numerous modern languages.
Roman architecture and engineering achievements were monumental. They perfected the arch, vault, and dome, constructing enduring structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. These engineering marvels not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also served practical purposes, from public entertainment to water supply.
Welcome to TechSoup New Member Orientation and Q&A (May 2024).pdfTechSoup
In this webinar you will learn how your organization can access TechSoup's wide variety of product discount and donation programs. From hardware to software, we'll give you a tour of the tools available to help your nonprofit with productivity, collaboration, financial management, donor tracking, security, and more.
Palestine last event orientationfvgnh .pptxRaedMohamed3
An EFL lesson about the current events in Palestine. It is intended to be for intermediate students who wish to increase their listening skills through a short lesson in power point.
June 3, 2024 Anti-Semitism Letter Sent to MIT President Kornbluth and MIT Cor...Levi Shapiro
Letter from the Congress of the United States regarding Anti-Semitism sent June 3rd to MIT President Sally Kornbluth, MIT Corp Chair, Mark Gorenberg
Dear Dr. Kornbluth and Mr. Gorenberg,
The US House of Representatives is deeply concerned by ongoing and pervasive acts of antisemitic
harassment and intimidation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Failing to act decisively to ensure a safe learning environment for all students would be a grave dereliction of your responsibilities as President of MIT and Chair of the MIT Corporation.
This Congress will not stand idly by and allow an environment hostile to Jewish students to persist. The House believes that your institution is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and the inability or
unwillingness to rectify this violation through action requires accountability.
Postsecondary education is a unique opportunity for students to learn and have their ideas and beliefs challenged. However, universities receiving hundreds of millions of federal funds annually have denied
students that opportunity and have been hijacked to become venues for the promotion of terrorism, antisemitic harassment and intimidation, unlawful encampments, and in some cases, assaults and riots.
The House of Representatives will not countenance the use of federal funds to indoctrinate students into hateful, antisemitic, anti-American supporters of terrorism. Investigations into campus antisemitism by the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Ways and Means have been expanded into a Congress-wide probe across all relevant jurisdictions to address this national crisis. The undersigned Committees will conduct oversight into the use of federal funds at MIT and its learning environment under authorities granted to each Committee.
• The Committee on Education and the Workforce has been investigating your institution since December 7, 2023. The Committee has broad jurisdiction over postsecondary education, including its compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, campus safety concerns over disruptions to the learning environment, and the awarding of federal student aid under the Higher Education Act.
• The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is investigating the sources of funding and other support flowing to groups espousing pro-Hamas propaganda and engaged in antisemitic harassment and intimidation of students. The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is the principal oversight committee of the US House of Representatives and has broad authority to investigate “any matter” at “any time” under House Rule X.
• The Committee on Ways and Means has been investigating several universities since November 15, 2023, when the Committee held a hearing entitled From Ivory Towers to Dark Corners: Investigating the Nexus Between Antisemitism, Tax-Exempt Universities, and Terror Financing. The Committee followed the hearing with letters to those institutions on January 10, 202
Biological screening of herbal drugs: Introduction and Need for
Phyto-Pharmacological Screening, New Strategies for evaluating
Natural Products, In vitro evaluation techniques for Antioxidants, Antimicrobial and Anticancer drugs. In vivo evaluation techniques
for Anti-inflammatory, Antiulcer, Anticancer, Wound healing, Antidiabetic, Hepatoprotective, Cardio protective, Diuretics and
Antifertility, Toxicity studies as per OECD guidelines
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
1. VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
BELGAUM
A
TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT
ON
TITLE OF THE SEMINAR
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
In
ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING
For the academic year
2012-2013
By
STUDENTS NAME
(4BP09ECXXX)
Under the guidance of
Mr./Mrs./Ms. X.Y.Z
Associate prof/Asst. Prof/ Sr. Lecturer/ Lecturer, Dept. of E&C Engg.
B.I.T, Mangalore
DEPARTMENT OF
ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING
BEARYS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
LANDS END, INNOLI, MANGALORE -574153
2. BEARYS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Lands End, Innoli, Mangalore-574153
Department of Electronics and communication Engineering
Certificate
Certified that the seminar entitled „Title of the Seminar‟ is a bonafide work carried out by (Name of Students)
in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communication of the
Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belgaum during the year 2013. It is certified that all corrections/suggestions
indicated for the Internal Assessment have been incorporated in the Report deposited in the departmental library. The
seminar report has been approved as it satisfies the academic requirements in respect of seminar work prescribed for
Bachelor of Engineering Degree.
Signature of the Guide Signature of the HOD Signature of the Principal
3. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We are grateful to the Chairman, Mr. Syed Mohammed Beary for having provided us with excellent facilities in
the college during our course.
We are thankful to our beloved Director, Dr. S.K.Raikar who with single-minded devotion and missionary zeal
always motivated us to reach greater heights.
We are indebted to the Principal, Prof. Dr. Chaitanya Kumar M. V. for facilitating a congenial academic
environment in the college.
We grateful to our HOD, Prof. Aijaz Ali khan, for his kind support, guidance and motivation during the course
of the seminar.
We thank our guide Mr. /Mrs. /Ms. --- for his/her valuable guidance, suggestions and encouragement throughout
our project work.
We also thank all the staff members of Electronics and Communication department and all those who have
directly or indirectly helped us with their valuable suggestions in the successful completion of this seminar.
(*If a candidate wants to thank any other person or person he may include a paragraph
here.
** Please note that this is only a specimen. It may be changed if you wish to.)
Student 1
Student 2
Student 3
Student 4
5. AUDIO SPOTLIGHTING
ABSTRACT
Audio spot lighting is a very recent technology that creates focused beams of sound similar to
light beams coming out of a flashlight. By „shining‟ sound to one location, specific listeners can
be targeted with sound without others nearby hearing it. It uses a combination of non-linear
acoustics and some fancy mathematics. But it is real and is fine to knock the socks of any
conventional loud speaker. This acoustic device comprises a speaker that fires inaudible
ultrasound pulses with very small wavelength which act in a manner very similar to that of a
narrow column. The ultra sound beam acts as an airborne speaker and as the beam moves
through the air gradual distortion takes place in a predictable way due to the property of non-
linearity of air. This gives rise to audible components that can be accurately predicted and
precisely controlled. Joseph Pompei‟s Holosonic Research Labs invented the Audio Spotlight
that is made of a sound processor, an amplifier and the transducer. The American Technology
Corporation developed the Hyper Sonic Sound-based Directed Audio Sound System. Both use
ultrasound based solutions to beam sound into a focused beam. Audio spotlight can be either
directed at a particular listener or to a point where it is reflected.
The targeted or directed audio technology is going to a huge commercial market in
entertainment and consumer electronics and technology developers are scrambling to tap in to
the market. Being the most recent and dramatic change in the way we perceive sound since the
invention of coil loud speaker, audio spot light technology can do many miracles in various
fields like Private messaging system, Home theatre audio system, Navy and military
applications, museum displays, ventriloquist systems etc. Thus audio spotlighting helps us to
control where sound comes from and where it goes!
6. INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS AUDIO SPOTLIGHTING?
.
The Audio Spotlight & Hyper Sonic Sound Technology (developed by American Technology
Corporation), uses ultrasonic energy to create extremely narrow beams of sound that behave like
beams of light. Audio spotlighting exploits the property of non-linearity of air. When inaudible
ultrasound pulses are fired into the air, it spontaneously converts the inaudible ultrasound into
audible sound tones, hence proved that as with water, sound propagation in air is just as non-
linear, and can be calculated mathematically. A device known as a parametric array employs the
non-linearity of the air to create audible by-products from inaudible ultrasound, resulting in an
extremely directive, beamlike wide-band acoustical source. This source can be projected about an
area much like a spotlight, and creates an actual specialized sound distant from the transducer. The
ultrasound column acts as an airborne speaker, and as the beam moves through the air, gradual
distortion takes place in a predictable way. This gives rise to audible components that can be
accurately predicted and precisely controlled.
7. THEORY
What ordinary audible sound & Conventional Loud Speakers lack? What we
need?
About a half-dozen commonly used speaker types are in general use today. They range
from piezoelectric tweeters that recreate the high end of the audio spectrum, to various kinds
of mid- range speakers and woofers that produce the lower frequencies. Even the most
sophisticated hi-fi speakers have a difficult time in reproducing clean bass, and
generally rely on a large woofer/enclosure combination to assist in the task. Whether they
be dynamic, electrostatic, or some other transducer-based design, all loudspeakers today have
one thing in common: they are direct radiating-- that is, they are fundamentally a piston-like
device designed to directly pump air molecules into motion to create the audible sound
waves we hear. The audible portions of sound tend to spread out in all directions from the
point of origin. They do not travel as narrow beams—which is why you don‟t need to be
right in front of a radio to hear music. In fact, the beam angle of audible sound is very
wide, just about 360 degrees. This effectively means the sound that you hear will be
propagated through air equally in all directions.
In order to focus sound into a narrow beam, you need to maintain a low beam angle that is
dictated by wavelength. The smaller the wavelength, the less the beam angle, and hence,
the more focused the sound. Unfortunately, most of the human-audible sound is a mixture of
signals with varying wavelengths—between 2cms to 17 meters (the human hearing
ranges from a frequency of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz). Hence, except for very low wavelengths,
just about the entire audible spectrum tends to spread out at 360 degrees. To create a narrow
sound beam, the aperture size of the source also matters—a large loudspeaker will focus
sound over a smaller area. If the source loudspeaker can be made several times bigger
than the wavelength of the sound transmitted, then a finely focused beam can be created.
The problem here is that this is not a very practical solution. To ensure that the shortest
audible wavelengths are focused into a beam, a loudspeaker about 10 meters across is
required, and to guarantee that all the audible wavelengths are focused, even bigger
loudspeakers are needed.
Here comes the acoustical device “AUDIO SPOTLIGHT” invented by Holosonics Labs
founder Dr. F. Joseph Pompei (while a graduate student at MIT), who is the master brain
behind the development of this technology.
FIG.1:-AUDIO SPOTLIGHT CREATES FOCUSED BEAM OF
SOUND UNLIKE CONVENTIONAL LOUD SPEAKERS
8. Audio spotlight looks like a disc-shaped loudspeaker, trailing a wire, with a small laser
guide- beam mounted in the middle. When one points the flat side of the disc in your direction,
you hear whatever sound he's chosen to play for you — perhaps jazz from a CD. But when
he turns the disc away, the sound fades almost to nothing. It's markedly different from
a conventional speaker, whose orientation makes much less difference.
FIG.2:- F.JOSEPH POMPEI AT THE MEDIA LAB OF THE MASSACHUSETTS
INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATES HOW INVISIBLE
ULTRASONIC WAVES, AS ILLUSTRATED HERE, COULD HELP "STEER"
SOUND. (ABCNEWS.COM)
TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW
The Audio Spotlight & Hyper Sonic Sound Technology (developed by
American Technology Corporation), uses ultrasonic energy to create extremely narrow
beams of sound that behave like beams of light. Ultrasonic sound is that sound
that has very small wavelength—in the millimeter range and you can‟t hear ultrasound
since it lies beyond the threshold of human hearing.
COMPONENT AND SPECIFICATION
Audio Spotlight consists of three major components: a thin, circular transducer array,
a signal processor and an amplifier. The lightweight, nonmagnetic transducer is about .5
inches (1.27 centimeters) thick, and it typically has an active area 1 foot (30.48 cm) in
diameter. It can project a three-degree wide beam of sound that is audible even at
distances over 100 meters (328 feet). The signal processor and amplifier are integrated
into a system about the size of a traditional audio amplifier, and they use about the same
amount of power.
9. SOUND BEAM PROCESSOR/AMPLIFIER
Worldwide power input standard
Standard chassis 6.76”/171mm (w) x 2.26”/57mm (h)x 11”/280mm (d), optional
rack mount kit
Audio input: balanced XLR, 1/4” and RCA (with BTW adapter) Custom
configurations available eg. Multichannel
AUDIO SPOTLIGHT TRANSDUCER
17.5”/445mm diameter, 1/2”/12.7mm thick, 4lbs/1.82kg
Wall, overhead or flush mounting
Black cloth cover standard, other colors available
Audio output: 100dB max
~1% THD typical @ 1kHz
Usable range: 20m
Audibility to 200m
Optional integrated laser aimer 13”/ 330.2mm and 24”/ 609.6mm diameter also
available
Fully CE compliant
Fully real time sound reproduction - no processing lag
Compatible with standard loudspeaker mounting accessories Due to continued
development, specifications are subject to change.
NON-LINEARITY OF AIR
Audio spotlighting exploits the property of non-linearity of air. When inaudible ultrasound
pulses are fired into the air, it spontaneously converts the inaudible ultrasound into audible
sound tones, hence proved that as with water, sound propagation in air is just as non-linear, and
can be calculated mathematically. A device known as a parametric array employs the non-
linearity of the air to create audible by-products from inaudible ultrasound, resulting in an
extremely directive, beamlike wide-band acoustical source. This source can be projected about
an area much like a spotlight, and creates an actual specialized sound distant from the
transducer. The ultrasound column acts as an airborne speaker, and as the beam moves
through the air, gradual distortion takes place in a predictable way. This gives rise to audible
components that can be accurately predicted and precisely controlled. However, the problem with
firing off ultrasound pulses, and having them interfere to produce audible tones is that the
audible components created are nowhere similar to the complex signals in speech and music.
Human speech, as well as music, contains multiple varying frequency signals, which interfere to
produce sound and distortion. To generate such sound out of pure ultrasound
10. tones is not easy. This is when teams of researchers from Ricoh and other Japanese
companies got together to come up with the idea of using pure ultrasound signals as a carrier
wave, and superimposing audible speech and music signals on it to create a hybrid wave. If
the range of human hearing is expressed as a percentage of shifts from the lowest audible
frequency to the highest, it spans a range of 100,000%. No single loudspeaker element can
operate efficiently or uniformly over this range of frequencies. In order to deal with this
speaker manufacturers carve the audio spectrum into smaller sections. This requires multiple
transducers and crossovers to create a 'higher fidelity' system with current technology.
FIG.3:-PARAMETRIC LOUDSPEAKER- AMAZING AUDIO SPOTLIGHT
(Airborne ultrasounds of 28kHz are envelope-modulated with audio signals. Inherent
non-linearity of the air works as a de-modulator. Thus de-modulated sounds impinge on our
eardrums. We can hear those sounds! )
Using a technique of multiplying audible frequencies upwards and superimposing them on a
"carrier" of say, 200,000 cycles the required frequency shift for a transducer would be only
10%. Building a transducer that only needs to produce waves uniformly over only a 10%
frequency range.
For example, if a loudspeaker only needed to operate from 1000 to 1100 Hz (10%), an
almost perfect transducer could be designed.
11. FIG.4:-SHOWING THE DIFFERENCE IN MODULATING AUDIBLE FREQUENCIES
WITH ULTRASONIC CARRIER
This is similar to the idea of amplitude modulation (AM), a technique used to broadcast
commercial radio stations signals over a wide area. The speech and music signals are mixed
with the pure ultrasound carrier wave, and the resultant hybrid wave is then broadcast. As
this wave moves through the air, it creates complex distortions that give rise to two new
frequency sets, one slightly higher and one slightly lower than the hybrid wave. Berktay‟s
equation holds strong here, and these two sidebands interfere with the hybrid wave and
produce two signal components, as the equation says. One is identical to the original sound
wave, and the other is a badly distorted component. This is where the problem lies—the
volume of the original sound wave is proportional to that of the ultrasounds, while the
volume of the signal‟s distorted component is exponential. So, a slight increase in the
volume drowns out the original sound wave as the distorted signal becomes predominant. It
was at this point that all research on ultrasound as a carrier wave for an audio spotlight got
bogged down in the 1980s.
Focusing on the signal‟s distorted component, since the signal component‟s behavior is
mathematically predictable, the technique to create the audio beam is simple; modulate the
amplitude to get the hybrid wave, then calculate what the Becktay‟s Equation does to this
signal, and do the exact opposite. In other words, distort it, before Mother Nature does it.
Finally, pass this wave through air and what you get is the original sound wave component
whose original volume, this time, is, exponentially related to the volume of ultrasound beam
and a distorted component whose volume now varies directly as the ultrasound wave.
By creating a complex ultrasound waveform (using a parametric array of ultrasound
sources), many different sources of sound can be created. If their phases are carefully
controlled, then these interfere destructively laterally and constructively in the forward
direction, resulting in a collimated sound beam or audio spotlight. Today, the transducers
required to produce these beams are just half an inch thick and lightweight, and the system
12. required to drive it has similar power requirements to conventional amplifier technology
FIG.5:-COMPUTER SIMULATION OF SOUND PROPAGATION: COMPLEX SET OF
HIGH-INTENSITY ULTRASOUND SIGNALS INTERMODULATEAIR. AMONG THE
PRODUCTS IS A COLLIMATED AUDIO "SPOTLIGHT".
DIRECT AUDIO AND PROJECTED AUDIO
There are two ways to use Audio Spotlight. First, it can direct sound at a specific target, creating
a contained area of listening space which is called “Direct Audio”. Second, it can bounce off of
a second object, creating an audio image. This audio image gives the illusion of a loudspeaker,
which the listener perceives as the source of sound, which is called “projected Audio”. This is
similar to the way light bounces off of objects. In either case, the sound‟s source is not the
physical device you see, but the invisible ultrasound beam that generates it
FIG.6:- DIRECT AUDIO AND PROJECTED AUDIO
Hyper Sonic Sound technology provides linear frequency response with virtually none of the
forms of distortion associated with conventional speakers. Physical size no longer defines
fidelity. The faithful reproduction of sound is freed from bulky enclosures. There are no,
woofers, tweeters, crossovers, or bulky enclosures. Thus it helps to visualize the traditional
loudspeaker as a light bulb, and HSS technology as a spotlight, that is you can direct the
ultrasonic emitter toward a hard surface, a wall for instance, and the listener perceives the
sound as coming from the spot on the wall. The listener does not perceive the sound as
emanating from the face of the transducer, only from the reflection off the wall.
13. Contouring the face of the HSS ultrasonic emitter can tightly control Dispersion of the audio
wave front. For example, a very narrow wave front might be developed for use on the two
sides of a computer screen while a home theater system might require a broader wave front
to envelop multiple listeners.
FIG.7:-CONVENTIONAL LOUDSPEAKER & ULTRASONIC EMITTER
SPECIAL FEATURES OF AUDIO SPOTLIGHT
A COMPARISON WITH CONVENTIONAL LOUD SPEAKER:-
Creates highly FOCUSED BEAM of sound
Sharper directivity than conventional loud speakers using Self demodulation of finite
amplitude ultrasound with very small wavelength as the carrier
Uses inherent non-linearity of air for demodulation
Components- A thin circular transducer array, a signal processor & an amplifier.
Two ways to use- Direct & projected audio
Wide range of applications
Highly cost effective
14. APPLICATIONS OF AUDIO SPOTLIGHTING -TOWARDS THE FUTURE
"So you can control where your sound comes from and where it goes," says Joe
Pompei, the inventor of Audio Spotlight. , Pompei was awarded a “Top Young Innovator”
award from Technology Review Magazine for his achievements.
The targeted or directed audio technology is going to tap a huge commercial market in
entertainment and in consumer electronics, and the technology developers are scrambling to tap
into that market. Analysts claim that this is possibly the most dramatic change in the way we
perceive sound since the invention of the coil loudspeaker. The technology that the
Holosonics Research Labs and the American Technology Corporation are lining up may seem
to be a novelty of sorts, but a wide range of applications are being targeted at it.
Continuing to improve on the commercial success of the Audio Spotlight sound system,
Holosonics has announced that its next-generation laser-like sound system, with improved
performance and lower cost, is now actively in production. These new systems are being
exhibited at the 2004 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas alongside MIT Media Lab
technology.
The performance and reliability of the Audio Spotlight have made it the choice of the
Smithsonian Institution, Motorola, Kraft, and Cisco Systems etc.
Holosonics put in four individual Audio Spotlights into the Daimler Chrysler
MAXXcab prototype truck to let all the passengers enjoy their own choice of music.
Boston Museum of Science - as well as the United States military.
There is an even bigger market for personalized sound systems in entertainment and
consumer electronics.
Holosonic Labs is working on another interesting application at the Boston Museum of
Science that allows the intended listeners to understand and hear explanations, without
raising the ambient sound levels. The idea is that museum exhibits can be discretely
wired up with tiny speaker domes that can unobtrusively, provide explanations.
There are also other interesting applications that they are looking at, such as private
messaging using this system without headphones special effects at presentations as well
as special sound theme parks that could put up animated sound displays similar to
today‟s light shows. Holosonic has installed their Audio Spotlight system at
Tokyo‟s Sega Joyopolis theme park.
The US Navy has installed sound beaming technology on the deck of an Aegis-class
Navy destroyer, and is looking at this as a substitute to the radio operator‟s
headphones.
15. CONCLUSION
“Being the most radical technological development in acoustics since the coil loudspeaker
was invented in 1925... The audio spotlight will force people to rethink their relationship
with sound…”
-Newyork Times
So we can conclude- Audio Spotlighting really “put sound where you want it” and will be “A
REAL BOON TO THE FUTURE.”
REFERENCES
www.thinkdigit.com
www.holosonics.com
www.spie.org
www.howstuffworks.com
www.abcNEWS.com
ENGINEERING PHYSICS By B.PREMLET
UNIVERSAL PHYSICS