Spatial sound field control with smart sensors and actuators

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Spatial sound control is the controlled synthesis of a sound for creating an improved acoustic experience including the cancellation of noise signals. The concept is well established but the few commercial systems available cannot work over a full range of hearing. Understanding and getting closer to both fundamental and implementation limits of the sound control performance will enable existing systems to work better and create new applications. To do so, new engineering science is required from disciplines such as fields and waves, signal theory and processing, and new materials for new, low-profile arrays of microphones and loudspeakers. This research will draw on new theoretical breakthroughs in signal cancellation from radio science, and new practical breakthroughs in advanced materials. For example, wideband multiple-input and multiple-output smart antenna technology is revolutionizing wireless communications through signal cancellation, and new breakthroughs in nano-electronics are enabling advances such as flexible film-based microphones and loudspeakers integrated on transparent substrates for a reduced physical presence and a lower cost. The research will focus on the sensing and beamforming of arrays whose apertures have different forms for different applications, including: 1) display screen peripheries, in particular tablet-sized, for creating new sound experiences related to the display content and user; 2) building windows where a periphery array or a screen-mounted array can suppress transmitted noise, and 3) in-vehicle noise cancellation using existing speakers as an array. The benefits to Canada will include the development of a new capability in signal theory and processing, smart materials, and system design. The advanced training will produce interdisciplinary engineers. The new fusing of different scientific disciplines, new technology transfer between Canadian hi-tech manufacturer/exporters and University research, and new intellectual property, will ensure new designs and products for Canadian industry, for example, Smart Screen Technologies, QNX, and Electronic Arts.