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Transcript follows:
Focus on sound
June 2, 2004
Tech Files are video reports examining popular topics about technology and the Internet. Links to helpful Web sites are listed. Mike Goldfein reports from the Belo Washington bureau.
STORY
We all know how hard it is to be heard across a crowded room. But what if you could focus sound, shooting it like a laser beam directly at the person you wanted to reach? It sounds far-fetched, but something called hypersonic sound is about to revolutionize the way we hear things.
Here's Mike Goldfein:
Also Online
Watch this video
WoodyNorris.com
If we can focus a beam of light, why not a beam of sound?
Well, San Diego inventor Woody Norris can.
"I'm going to aim a waterfall towards you. Is that cool?" — Woody Norris, hypersonic sound inventor
"It feels like it's inside my head." — Mike Goldfein
"OK, now watch this." — Woody Norris, hypersonic sound inventor
"It's gone." — Mike Goldfein
Norris is the father of hypersonic sound. With this emitter, he can do things that seem too weird to be true.
Hypersonic sound works by sending out two different ultrasonic frequencies. That's sound way too high to hear.
But when that sound hits an object — like me or a wall — the two inaudible waves mix. The difference between them is a narrow beam that can be heard.
"Two in the morning. You want to watch TV; your wife wants to sleep. You can do that." — Woody Norris, hypersonic sound inventor
It's even more impressive outside.
Because once that sound wave moves away, there is nothing for it to reflect off of.
Still not impressed? Watch this.
Standing here holding this, I cannot hear a thing. But watch what happens when I move the microphone in front of it.
"A lifeguard could pick one person out on the water, who would be the only person hearing it. Tell them, 'You're in a restricted area and there's undercurrents, get out of there.' A fireman: 'Get out of there.' " — Woody Norris, hypersonic sound inventor
So expect to see this soon in the hands of police and firefighters, in stores, and even in cars.
On the Web for Belo Interactive, I'm Mike Goldfein. |
