CubeZone - Noise Canceling Speakers for Cubicles
posted by watchthis on 18 September 2007 16:09 Go to forum
Problem context :
Many IT workers work in cube farms where workers are close together separated by thin panels. Often in these cube farms if someone wishes to listen to audio (which could be music, or a video presentation, etc.) then this audio will be audible to everyone surrounding this cube potentially interrupting work flow or irritating co-workers with this audio.
Proposed Solution :
With the CubeZone noise canceling speakers the audio stays within the cube and ONLY the individual(s) within the cube can hear what is being emitted. Using the same noise-cancellation technology common on noise canceling headphones these speakers cancel out any noise that would be emitted outside the cube and direct sound only to thos present within the cube walls. This way each individual can listen to the presentation or music of their choice without disturbing those around him/her.
Submissions (4)
What about Privacy?
answered by wmcleod on 19 September 2007 1:41
The real target market (if you can make this work) would be private conversations. Each cubicle could be more like an office if you could audio have privacy.
Noise cancellation best suited for repetitive noise?
answered by Mister T on 18 September 2007 21:23
My experience with noise cancellation is that it is best suited for steady noise (e.g. wind noise, engine noise). Music and voice seem to be clearer when wearing noise cancellation, rather than fainter. But that does not mean this issue could not be solved. If it does work, i would like a portable version for clubs and restaurants.
Headphones, and Microsoft
answered by wmcleod on 19 September 2007 1:40
Headphones already take care of the music listener target market. Microsoft has a patent on a technology they are developing that will make laptop style speakers only audible from directly in front of them, using interference.
Vote Here
0%
0%
opportunity
risk
Phisically speaking it has be possible (as far as I understand)
answered by Chaves on 6 October 2007 5:05
From a physic point of view, noise cancellation is absolutely possible. The voice, music, etc can be modeled using the Fourier Series, as almost every electric engineer can tell (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourier_series). To be honest, it really seems like a great idea for investigation. I can tell you from my point of view that it does not seem easy to achieve, but if achieved, it would have a huge market, due to the usage of cubes all around the world, and the noise problem involved on those kind of work environments. Count on me to support the idea!