Acoustic Control Device for Spatially Targeted Sound Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sound masking technologies are inadequate in preventing listeners from hearing fraudulent instructions from mobile devices, necessitating improved acoustic control to enhance security and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic control device that utilizes interference sound data processed through volume, frequency band, and sound image localization techniques to direct a listener's attention away from target sounds, employing a processor, memory, and speakers to reproduce interference or counter sounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a masking sound is reproduced to prevent third parties from listening to a specific sound, then the security against eavesdropping is improved, but the masking sound may also interfere with the target listener's ability to hear the sound in real time
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different acoustic treatments to different spatial zones: the masking sound is localized to reach third-party listeners while the target sound remains clear for the intended listener. This is achieved through directional sound reproduction and spatial audio processing that creates zone-specific acoustic environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary acoustic analysis to identify the positions of both the target listener and potential eavesdroppers before reproducing the masking sound. This allows the system to pre-calculate optimal masking parameters that will protect against eavesdropping while preserving the target listener's experience.
2Reliability
If the audibility of a sound is controlled to enhance security, then the security against fraud is improved, but the complexity of the acoustic control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic control device integrates multiple functions into a single system: it reproduces target sounds, generates masking sounds, analyzes listener positions, and adjusts acoustic parameters in real time. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices while maintaining security against fraud through controlled sound audibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary acoustic processing layer that mediates between the target sound source and the listeners. This intermediary layer dynamically adjusts sound characteristics based on detected listener positions and contexts, providing security control without requiring complex direct modifications to the source device.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively hinders the listener from focusing on target sounds by creating a distracting acoustic environment, enhancing security and efficiency in sound-based interactions.
Implementation Method 1
The processor reproduces, through an output device, the interference sound data on which the acoustic processing has been performed
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic control device includes a processor including hardware. The processor acquires interference sound data containing information on an interference sound that serves as noise for interfering with hearing of a target sound to which a lister is listening. The processor performs acoustic processing for interfering with the hearing of the target sound on the acquired interference sound data. The processor reproduces, through an output device, the interference sound data on which the acoustic processing has been performed.