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Computer Speakers for Your Ears Only | |
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||
| Time: 01:12 EST/06:12 GMT | News Source: Technology Review | Posted By: Kenneth van Surksum | ||
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More and more people are using their computers for voice communication, such as Skype and audio instant messaging. For the most part, however, using these features requires one either to be tethered to her computer by a headset or to speak directly into a microphone and keep the speaker volume low, especially in shared office space. In light of that problem, researchers at Microsoft are trying to make audio output more sophisticated. A team, led by Ivan Tashev, a software architect at Microsoft, recently began work on an algorithm that, in theory, will be able to direct sound from a set of speakers--ideally embedded in a computer monitor--into a person's ears, effectively creating virtual headphones; just a few inches outside the focal point of the sound waves, the volume dramatically fades away. Crucially, says Tashev, his algorithm could be used by a wide range of inexpensive speakers that could be put into computer monitors. | ||
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| #1 By 8116 (69.141.115.140) at 3/26/2007 8:41:52 AM |
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I love it when Microsoft "invents" something. Take a look here:
http://www.atcsd.com/site/ |
| #2 By 7754 (216.160.8.41) at 3/26/2007 9:24:59 AM |
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#1: Or check here as well: www.holosonics.com
(I had suggested to a few folks at Microsoft that they buy this company... I doubt I had any influence, but anyways....) But... that doesn't preclude Microsoft from having "invented" something, especially when it comes to patents (and, fwiw, they mention that the idea of focusing sound isn't new right in the article...). Patents are granted for implementations, not concepts. In each of those examples, they appear to require specialized hardware. The solution suggested here would use generic, traditional speakers--which would be a true breakthrough. The additional use of equipment to determine the lister's exact position is also a different implementation. |
| #3 By 8556 (12.207.97.148) at 3/26/2007 2:48:32 PM |
| Don't move at all with this system, or you'll lose the sweet spot. No thanks. Headsets make more sense. |
| #4 By 7754 (216.160.8.41) at 3/26/2007 4:08:18 PM |
| #3: did you read the article? They have equipment that detects the listener's position, even as that changes. |
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