Distributed Aperture Audio Transducers Project
Directional audio cues play an important role in our perception of sound. In this project, we are developing very simple sensors that determine the bearing of incoming sound waves, giving a computer easy access to directional audio information. The initial devices are broadband, passive monopulse acoustic receivers made from PVDF foil. By properly shaping the electrode patterns on the PVDF and mounting the foil appropriately, a simple ratio of two signals determines acoustic bearing over a wide frequency band without dispersive effects; the signal processing is effectively performed by the transducer's aperture shape. We are developing such devices that respond well into the audio band, thus providing directional cues for human speech. We are also exploring other audio applications of distributed-aperture transducers.
Joe Paradiso
