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Directed Sound

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the stay-out-of-my-sweet-spot dept.

yawningyellowyak writes "Technology Review has an interesting article on directed sound. Ultrasonic 'sound' is sent out from a 'speaker' and the distortion encountered on hitting the air produces hearable sound, but only in certain spots. You could be standing right next to someone and they would hear nothing. One step closer to the cone of silence!"

3 of 251 comments (clear)

  1. More Details... by MisterLawyer · · Score: 5, Informative
    This is more commonly called "HSS", or "HyperSonic Sound", rather than "UltraSonic Sound". The earliest citation to the term "Directed Sound" goes to American Technology Corp.:

    "We are focused on achieving high volume applications featuring the unique benefits of HSS directed sound. --"To the Shareholders of American Technology Corp." Business Wire, March 25, 2002

  2. DUPEY DUPE DUPE by justforaday · · Score: 5, Informative

    from here and here.

    i'm sure this'll come around again in the next few months...

    --
    I'll turn into a supernova and burn up everything. Well I'll turn into a black little hole and you'll turn into string.
  3. Re:Can I smell something ? by MrAndrews · · Score: 5, Informative

    I don't know what the official definition of vapourware is, but I have seen this in use from rooftops at MIT (it's fun to see the reaction of people as they try and figure out if anyone else heard that voice), and am helping in the development of a line of products that use these speakers as a key component.

    I think the reason you probably haven't seen it yet is that there aren't many finished products made yet, and part of that might have to do with the fact that lots of local bylaws seem concerned with this kind of thing (they liken it to talking on cell phones while driving).

    It won't be long before this is everywhere. I think the tech is just slightly outpacing the market right now.

    --
    The world's only surviving livewriter.