Science Daily August 24, 2018
Current noise cancelling technology comes in the form of headphones and earbuds. To cancel noise, these headphones emit an anti-noise signal to contrast the external sounds. Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a behind-the-ear device combining wireless IoT networks with noise cancellation. A microphone is placed in the environment that senses sounds and sends them over wireless signals to an earpiece. The actual sound arrives at the earpiece later, and because of this lead time, the noise can be fully canceled. As a result, it is no longer necessary to block the ear canal. Their work will be presented at an upcoming meeting… read more.
This diagram shows how the new noise cancellation system would work. Transmitting sound via a wireless network more quickly than sound travels alone. Credit: Sheng Shen