{"title":"Hearable devices with sound bubbles","authors":"Tuochao Chen, Malek Itani, Sefik Emre Eskimez, Takuya Yoshioka, Shyamnath Gollakota","doi":"10.1038/s41928-024-01276-z","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p>The human auditory system has a limited ability to perceive distance and distinguish speakers in crowded settings. A headset technology that can create a sound bubble in which all speakers within the bubble are audible but speakers and noise outside the bubble are suppressed could augment human hearing. However, developing such technology is challenging. Here, we report an intelligent headset system capable of creating sound bubbles. The system is based on real-time neural networks that use acoustic data from up to six microphones integrated into noise-cancelling headsets and are run on the device, processing 8 ms audio chunks in 6.36 ms on an embedded central processing unit. Our neural networks can generate sound bubbles with programmable radii between 1 m and 2 m, and with output signals that reduce the intensity of sounds outside the bubble by 49 dB. With previously unseen environments and wearers, our system can focus on up to two speakers within the bubble, with one to two interfering speakers and noise outside the bubble.</p>","PeriodicalId":19064,"journal":{"name":"Nature Electronics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":33.7000,"publicationDate":"2024-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Nature Electronics","FirstCategoryId":"5","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41928-024-01276-z","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"ENGINEERING, ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
The human auditory system has a limited ability to perceive distance and distinguish speakers in crowded settings. A headset technology that can create a sound bubble in which all speakers within the bubble are audible but speakers and noise outside the bubble are suppressed could augment human hearing. However, developing such technology is challenging. Here, we report an intelligent headset system capable of creating sound bubbles. The system is based on real-time neural networks that use acoustic data from up to six microphones integrated into noise-cancelling headsets and are run on the device, processing 8 ms audio chunks in 6.36 ms on an embedded central processing unit. Our neural networks can generate sound bubbles with programmable radii between 1 m and 2 m, and with output signals that reduce the intensity of sounds outside the bubble by 49 dB. With previously unseen environments and wearers, our system can focus on up to two speakers within the bubble, with one to two interfering speakers and noise outside the bubble.
期刊介绍:
Nature Electronics is a comprehensive journal that publishes both fundamental and applied research in the field of electronics. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including the study of new phenomena and devices, the design and construction of electronic circuits, and the practical applications of electronics. In addition, the journal explores the commercial and industrial aspects of electronics research.
The primary focus of Nature Electronics is on the development of technology and its potential impact on society. The journal incorporates the contributions of scientists, engineers, and industry professionals, offering a platform for their research findings. Moreover, Nature Electronics provides insightful commentary, thorough reviews, and analysis of the key issues that shape the field, as well as the technologies that are reshaping society.
Like all journals within the prestigious Nature brand, Nature Electronics upholds the highest standards of quality. It maintains a dedicated team of professional editors and follows a fair and rigorous peer-review process. The journal also ensures impeccable copy-editing and production, enabling swift publication. Additionally, Nature Electronics prides itself on its editorial independence, ensuring unbiased and impartial reporting.
In summary, Nature Electronics is a leading journal that publishes cutting-edge research in electronics. With its multidisciplinary approach and commitment to excellence, the journal serves as a valuable resource for scientists, engineers, and industry professionals seeking to stay at the forefront of advancements in the field.