Drivers could soon ‘silence’ whining kids as boffins develop noise-cancelling tech for cars
Boffins say balancing out soundwaves would make it possible for drivers to hear only what they need to hear
MOTORISTS may soon be able to “silence” whining kids and partners in cars with noise-cancelling technology.
Scientists say that balancing out soundwaves would make it possible for drivers to hear only what they need to hear.
Boffins at Ford’s German HQ are working on adapting the same kind of system used in top makes of headphones for in-car use but without the earwear.
By balancing out soundwaves they hope to make it possible for drivers to only hear what they need to hear, such as the car radio inside the vehicle and sirens or other necessary noises outside.
Ford already has a system where sound waves produced by the stereo cancels out engine noise to make it quieter in the cabin.
Now they believe it is possible within five to ten years to further develop that technology to cancel out unnecessary noise from inside the car.
It would create ‘personalised sound zones’ so that each occupant can hear what they want to hear at the flick of a switch.
And they admit it could be used on in-laws and other relatives, with one in three adults finding their families ‘irritating’ at this time of year, according to a survey of 5,000 motorists.
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Ford sound expert, Cologne-based Dr Ralf Heinrichs, said the technology could be ideal not just in cars but for any part of life where people are irritated by the chatter of others.
He said: “Position the microphones and loudspeakers in just the right place and noise-cancelling technology could enable you to choose whose voice you want to hear and whose you don’t.
“It would work particularly well after Christmas lunch, when tempers can be a little frayed after too much food and alcohol, in armchairs which integrate the technology into wrap around headrests.”
In a car the noise would be cancelled out using microphones above the heads of the driver and other passengers while opposing sound waves are broadcast through the in-car audio systems.
With headphones and microphones in seat headrests, the system could be adapted so that parents can hear their children when they want to and not have to turn round when they talk.
Dr Heinrichs added: “For drivers, this is all quite feasible in the next five to 10 years or so.
“And if it can be done in cars, it could certainly be done in the home too. We already use this tech to reduce engine noise.
“But in the future there is the potential for drivers and passengers to tune out their fellow travellers’ conversation, music, or phone calls.”