14 DAY TRIAL // Can you imagine wielding a column of sound as easy as you move your torchlight and have its light beam wherever you like? Whether you tried to or not, this technology is already here and finally, after long years of research, the directional emission of sound has been achieved, almost the exact opposite of directional sound-capturing.
The Audio Spotlight technology was invented by Joe Pompei, a PhD student at MIT whose work as a loudspeaker engineer and passion for jazz trumpets have been a resourceful background for his latest efforts and have contributed to the actual existence of the greatest revolution in sound technology since the invention of the loudspeaker itself. In short, Pompei's technology allows the transmission of sound waves in a very directional manner, up to 200 meters away in a rather organized and dense "column" only one square foot in total surface.
The new technology uses high-frequency sounds, in the 60 kHz range which is far above the human ear's potential (20-22kHz at best). Having mixed the ultrasounds - which support a very good directional orientation and are easier to maneuver - with the proper sound to be transmitted, the emitter is permitted to broadcast the desired audio content towards a specific target without alerting or annoying individuals which are in the same area: technically, it's like having a walkie-talkie set, only this is a one-way transmission. The specially-designed loudspeaker will send an ultrasonic beam, which will be directed towards the intended target and which will also carry/produce the audible sound, so the receiver will actually hear everything that's been broadcast. A laser pointer-beam has been placed in the center of the special speaker, so the emitter can accurately pinpoint the beam on the desired target, more or less the way one would take aim when shooting a rifle.
From the Japanese underwater ultrasonic experiments in the 60's and up to the 80's slight advance in this field, the ultrasonic range has known little improvement. Dr. Pompei has by far made the biggest leap in sound technology as the civil applications of his invention will surely reach a much wider amount of the population, generally using new sound tech. Museums have already thought about purchasing the Audio Spotlight as the visitor will be able to hear the audio content related to each work of art only when watching it closely and, more importantly, without being disturbed by other sounds...as he/she won't hear any! The practical use for such innovative technology are more than obvious and Chrysler is already testing a prototype truck whose audio system will provide multiple hearing-zones inside the car, so the parents, in front, will be able to listen to their fav romantic music when driving and the children in the back will not disturb and annoy their elders with the heavy metal they might want to listen to. Happier trips, happier families, better life! For a better understanding of what the Audio Spotlight is and how it works, please see the BBC video coverage here!
Also, imagine the parties you can throw even in your flat, with thundering music rolling by only in your and your mates' ears, without hindering the neighbors at all... but maybe with the jumping and screaming you'll feel like accompanying the tunes! Or even deeper inside the privacy of our homes, why not letting your wife (for example) watching her fav TV show without you having to hear what's going on, since you're just one or two feet away from the range of the acoustic beam! Neat, isn't it?
The military have already expressed the interest in doctor Pompei's invention and Terry Conrad, president of American Technology has declared that the massive production of chips for converting the sound in high-frequency waves, especially since the company has recently signed a contract with the US Army for the implementation of Audio Spotlight as a weapon of psychological warfare.
Beyond the speculations made before its official release, the Audio Spotlight has barely begun to develop, as Dr. Pompei promised further improvement of the new technology, with a wider application-range and better performance. Nevertheless, fact is the voices in your head are, or will be real!
