TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter described herein relates speaker systems. More particularly, the subject matter described herein relates to methods, systems, and computer readable media for a phase array directed speaker.

BACKGROUND

Fatal bus and pedestrian collisions have been a continual headache for transit operators and agencies over many decades. Additionally, collisions have become increasingly common between buses and pedestrians, as more and more pedestrians engage in “distracted walking” while crossing streets—in other words, walking while occupied with earphones, smartphones, and other electronic devices.

Crosswalks are also dangerous places for visually impaired pedestrians. Current audio warning systems emit a ‘chirp’ sound to guide blind pedestrians across. However, these sounds are often too soft, and can be difficult to localize. Further, residents generally complain if the volume of such systems is too loud.

SUMMARY

Methods, systems, and computer readable media for a phase array directed speaker are disclosed. An example system for generating directed sound includes a phase array and a controller. The controller is configured to determine an area to send directed sound. The controller is also configured to generate input instructions for the phase array to send the directed sound to the area. The input instructions indicate that at least one speaker in the phase array is to delay outputting an audio signal relative to at least one other speaker in the phase array. The phase array is configured to generate, using the input instructions and ultrasonic signals emitted by the speakers in the phase array, the directed sound.

According to another example system for generating directed sound, the system includes at least one sensor, a phase array, and a controller. The at least one sensor is configured to obtain location information associated with a target. The controller is configured to receive, using the at least one sensor, the location information for the target. The controller is further configured to determine an area to send directed sound from the phase array. The controller is also configured to generate input instructions for the phase array to send the directed sound to the area. The input instructions indicate that at least one speaker in the phase array is to delay outputting an audio signal relative to at least one other speaker in the phase array. The phase array is configured to generate, using the input instructions and ultrasonic signals emitted by the speakers in the phase array, the directed sound.

According to an example method for generating directed sound, the method includes determining an area to send directed sound. The method also includes generating input instructions for the phase array to send the directed sound to the area. The input instructions indicate that at least one speaker in the phase array is to delay outputting an audio signal relative to at least one other speaker in the phase array. The method further includes generating, using the input instructions and ultrasonic signals emitted by the speakers in the phase array, the directed sound using the phase array.

According to another example method for generating directed sound, the method includes receiving, using at least one sensor, location information associated with a target. The method further includes determining, using the location information, an area to send directed sound. The method also includes generating input instructions for the phase array to send the directed sound to the area. The input instructions indicate that at least one speaker in the phase array is to delay outputting an audio signal relative to at least one other speaker in the phase array. The method further includes generating, using the input instructions and ultrasonic signals emitted by the speakers in the phase array, the directed sound using the phase array.

The subject matter described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. As such, the terms “function”, “node”, or “module” as used herein refer to hardware, which may also include software and/or firmware components, for implementing the feature(s) being described. In some exemplary implementations, the subject matter described herein may be implemented using a computer readable medium having stored thereon computer executable instructions that when executed by the processor of a computer control the computer to perform steps. Exemplary computer readable media suitable for implementing the subject matter described herein include non-transitory computer readable media, such as disk memory devices, chip memory devices, programmable logic devices, and application specific integrated circuits. In addition, a computer readable medium that implements the subject matter described herein may be located on a single device or computing platform or may be distributed across multiple devices or computing platforms.

