# Focusonics --- ## Products - [Focusonics® Model B](https://www.focusonics.com/product/focusonics-model-b/): Focusonics® Model B is a directional speaker that focuses and constrains sound to a narrow beam. In the beam the listener is immersed in music or speech while just steps away no sound can be heard. - [Focusonics® Model A](https://www.focusonics.com/product/focusonics-model-a/): Directional Speaker that Focuses and Constrains Sound to a Narrow Beam that Can Reach Tens of Meters Away from the Speaker. --- ## Pages - [Directional speaker - a solution for noise pollution!](https://www.focusonics.com/solution-for-noise-pollution/): If you are searching for a solution for noise pollution then directional speakers can be the right choice. Learn more on our page here... - [Museum Solution](https://www.focusonics.com/interactive-museum-solution/): This interactive museum solution integrates person recognition technology with Focusonics directional speakers to create an attention grabbing experience for museum’s visitors. - [Home](https://www.focusonics.com/): Focusonics™ - Directional speakers which adopt sound control technologies to deliver sound that is confined to a narrow beam that can reach tens of meters. - [Directional Sound System](https://www.focusonics.com/directional-sound-system/): Discover and purchase the Focusonics directional sound system which functions to emit a narrow beam of sound to a targeted radius. Discover our available range to find the perfect directional sound system for your businesses or domestic requirements. - [FAQ](https://www.focusonics.com/faq/): Read our most commonly answered questions we receive from our customers regarding the unique directional speakers we design and manufacture at Focusonics. - [Directional Ceiling Mount Speakers](https://www.focusonics.com/directional-ceiling-speakers/): Focusonics directional ceiling speakers are available to improve various industries that want to equip their business with directional sound. Discover the models we have in stock today... - [Thank you](https://www.focusonics.com/thank-you/): Thank you for your inquiry. We will get back to you as soon as possible. - [TV Hearing Impairment Enhancement](https://www.focusonics.com/applications/hearing-impairment-enhancement/): We utilize the power of directional sound to create directional speakers for your home, helping hearing impaired individuals improve their TV listening experience. Find out more here. - [Directional Speakers for Office](https://www.focusonics.com/directional-speakers-for-office/): It can be harnessed to help improve a working environment by being equipped in an office. There are two primary use-cases of directional speakers. - [Ultrasonic Speaker](https://www.focusonics.com/ultrasonic-speaker/): Focusonics™ utilize state-of-the-art sound control technologies to produce ultrasonic speakers designed to emit ultrasonic sound in a narrow, controlled beam that can be implemented across various industries. - [Parametric Speakers](https://www.focusonics.com/parametric-speakers/): Focusonics™ utilize state-of-the-art sound control technologies to produce parametric speakers designed for emitting directional audio which can be localized to a targeted area. - [News](https://www.focusonics.com/news/): Check out our blog to read all topics concerning sound and speakers. - [Directional Speakers for Retail](https://www.focusonics.com/applications/retail/): Customer interaction within the retail industry can be further enhanced by utilizing directional audio systems. Retail displays are now more interactive in advertising to customers through controlled audio output. - [Directional Speakers for Exhibits and Showrooms](https://www.focusonics.com/applications/exhibitions-and-showrooms/): Focusonics™ speakers emit a narrow beam of sound that can be tailored towards a specific target, and in this case for innovative displays and product promotions in exhibitions and showrooms. - [Directional Speakers for Museums](https://www.focusonics.com/applications/museums/): Experiences at museums and galleries can be enhanced via directional speakers courtesy of Focusonics™. There are various different applications of how a narrow beam of sound can improve a visitor’s experience. - [Directional Reflecting Speakers for Virtual Source Audio](https://www.focusonics.com/applications/virtual-source-effects/): A narrow beam of sound from Focusonics™ speakers can be directed towards transparent screens, smart mirrors and holograms to create the effect of virtual source audio. Get your hands on one today... - [Directional Speakers for Digital Signage](https://www.focusonics.com/applications/digital-signage/): Focusonics™ speakers emit a narrow beam of ultrasonic sound which can be utilized to improve displays opting for digital signage and as a result attract more attention and visitors. - [Directional Speakers for Public Address and Warning Systems](https://www.focusonics.com/applications/public-address-and-warning-systems/): Targeted public address systems require sound waves to travel a large distance, as well as, being strikingly loud and clear. With Focusonics™ speakers the technology is in place to help build the highest specification of public address systems, tailored to your needs. - [Command and Control Centers](https://www.focusonics.com/applications/command-and-control-centers/): Command and control centers are essential in aiding everyday life across a wide range of industries. Directional audio technology via Focusonics™ speakers can help alleviate any challenges by only restricting audio to the correct individual without distracting other staff. - [Custom solutions](https://www.focusonics.com/custom-solutions/): We can offer custom solutions where Focusonics® directional speaker is used in combination with person detection and recognition. - [Company](https://www.focusonics.com/company/): Neurotechnology offers large-scale multi-biometric AFIS SDK, PC-based, embedded, smart card fingerprint, face, eye iris, voice and palmprint identification SDK. - [Products](https://www.focusonics.com/products/): Explore Focusonics directional speaker (Model A) and its accessories (VESA stand, VESA wall mount, Armstrong tile adapter). - [Applications](https://www.focusonics.com/applications/): Focusonics™ speakers generate directional sound that has many application uses such as product promotion in retail and showrooms, artwork presentation in museums, warning systems and others. - [Sound Control Technologies](https://www.focusonics.com/sound-control-technologies/): The Focusonics™ speaker uses sound control technologies that utilise ultrasonic waves for the reproduction of a narrow beam of sound. Discover the innovative sound technology we use for our speakers... - [Contact us](https://www.focusonics.com/contact-us/): Do not hesitate to contact our customer service professionals by phone or email with any question regarding Focusonics directional speaker. --- ## Posts - [Directional Speakers and Product Placement](https://www.focusonics.com/directional-speakers-and-product-placement/): Directional speakers, known as parametric speakers, use ultrasonic sound waves to create a focused beam of audio. Technology can be used to elevate product placement. - [Focusonics® Parametric Speakers Have Been Upgraded](https://www.focusonics.com/focusonics-parametric-speakers-have-been-upgraded/): Our Focusonics speakers based on Ultrasound Technology have received two major upgrades that improve user experience and sound management capabilities.... - [Focusonics® Used to Enhance Exhibition on Nature](https://www.focusonics.com/focusonics-used-to-enhance-exhibition-on-nature/): The exhibition, “Gėlės, vaisiai ir dygliai” (“Flowers, Fruit and Thorn Pieces”), hosted at the Pranas Domšaitis Gallery in Klaipėda, Lithuania,... - [Focusonics® Speakers Included in an Audiovisual Installation at Venice Biennale 2024](https://www.focusonics.com/focusonics-speakers-included-in-an-audiovisual-installation-at-venice-biennale-2024/): Two Focusonics® speakers were chosen to refine the auditory experience for the project Bestiari, created by Carlos Casas and curated... - [Prevention of Noise Pollution: How Directional Speakers Can Reduce Excessive Noise](https://www.focusonics.com/prevention-of-noise-pollution-how-directional-speakers-can-reduce-excessive-noise/): Directional speakers reduce noise pollution and improve the overall effectiveness of public announcements. - [Focusonics® Speakers Used to Enhance “Our Journey In Space” Exhibition Experience](https://www.focusonics.com/focusonics-speakers-used-to-enhance-our-journey-in-space-exhibition-experience/): The Focusonics® team was happy to have collaborated with the Finnish Science Centre Heureka on their exhibition “Our Journey in... - [The Role of Directional Speakers in Crowd Control and Queue Management Across Various Settings](https://www.focusonics.com/directional-speakers-in-crowd-control-and-queue-management/): Read here to learn about how the directional speakers can be harnessed in improving crowd control and queue management across industries in order to improve general safety. - [Focusonics® for an Audiovisual Art Installation](https://www.focusonics.com/audiovisual-art-installation/): Focusonics® speakers are capable of acting as a powerful tool for creating an audiovisual art installation. - [Product Advertising for the 21st century: Elevate your digital signage with directional sound](https://www.focusonics.com/elevate-digital-signage-with-directional-sound/): Transform your digital signage with directional sound to make it more personable and attractive for passers nearby. Find out more here... - [Immersive sound experience with Focusonics®](https://www.focusonics.com/immersive-sound-experience/): Focusonics® was showcased at the opening of SIC to demonstrate an immersive sound experience of directional speakers. - [How to attract and maintain customer attention in Retail using Directional Sound](https://www.focusonics.com/how-to-attract-and-maintain-customer-attention-in-retail-using-directional-sound/): Utilize the power of directional sound to grab the attention of new customers within your retail store. Perfect for individual displays or store visitors, find out more here... - [Improve your presence at Exhibitions & Trade Shows by cutting through the noise with Directional Sound](https://www.focusonics.com/gain-more-attention-at-exhibitions-and-trade-shows-with-directional-sound/): Exhibitions and trade shows are events where everyone competes for the attention of those nearby. Utilize directional speakers to cut through the noise. Find out more here... - [Focusonics directional speaker installation guidelines](https://www.focusonics.com/focusonics-installation-guidelines/): This guide describes the tools needed to install Focusonics® directional speakers and presents practical installation guidelines. - [Audio exploration at the National Gallery of Art](https://www.focusonics.com/audio-exploration/): The main objective of the collaborative audio exploration project is to convey and explore the relationship between the past and the present. - [Audiovisual story at The London Open 2022](https://www.focusonics.com/audiovisual-story-at-the-london-open-2022/): Focusonics directional speaker was a part of an audiovisual story of the artist's explorations of identity and desire in the digital age. - [Innovative sound installations with Focusonics®](https://www.focusonics.com/ultrasonic-speakers-in-sound-installation/): Focusonics® was integrated into the Lithuanian artist Donatas Norušis' sound installation "Forma_003" to explore the spatial qualities of the sound - [Improved Focusonics® directional speakers' experience](https://www.focusonics.com/improved-focusonics-directional-speakers/): Several product changes have been implemented into Focusonics® directional speakers aiming to improve the experience for its users. - [Focusonics® museum solution to improve the visitor experience](https://www.focusonics.com/focusonics-museum-solution/): Focusonics™ museum solution creates an attention-grabbing visitor experience through person recognition and individualized messages. - [Top 5 Use Cases of Directional Speakers](https://www.focusonics.com/top-5-use-cases-of-directional-speakers/): Discover the top 5 use cases of directional speakers across a variety of industries including museums, art galleries, exhibitions and showrooms plus more. - [Ultrasonic speakers attract visitors to the art installation](https://www.focusonics.com/ultrasonic-speakers-in-art-installation/): The art installation features the first-ever robot poet based on artificial intelligence technologies that writes prose to the library’s visitors in Lithuanian. - [Focusonics® directional speakers in Garden Aotearoa Exhibition](https://www.focusonics.com/focusonics-in-garden-aotearoa-exhibition/): Focusonics directional speakers mounted on a robotic arm, tracking the position and movement of an individual visitor carrying a GPS beacon. - [Sound installation for a phonic contemporary opera](https://www.focusonics.com/sound-installation-for-a-phonic-contemporary-opera/): Focusonics directional speakers were used to create a sound installation for a phonic contemporary opera’s Nida School Chronicles collective rehear. - [Focusonics® directional speakers appeared in the Vilnius Art Academy (VDA) gallery Artifex](https://www.focusonics.com/focusonics-directional-speakers-appeared-in-the-vilnius-art-academy-vda-gallery-artifex/): The sound system was integrated into an exhibition “Intuitive instructions”, created by a Lithuanian artist Donatas Norušis. - [Focusonics® speaker in National Museum of Lithuania](https://www.focusonics.com/speaker-lithuania-national-museum/): Focusonics speakers have launched a number of their Model B speakers in the National Museum of Lithuania. Click here to read more about the story. - [Evolution of Audio Technology](https://www.focusonics.com/evolution-of-audio-technology/): The majority of households around the world have a sound system in place. This could be a loudspeaker, a TV, a computer or even a mobile phone. - [Combatting Covid Perspex Screens with Directional Speakers](https://www.focusonics.com/combatting-covid-perspex-screens-with-directional-speakers/): Before pandemic in 2019, you would typically expect to see perspex screens used in banks to help ensure the safety of employees behind the work station. - [Can sound be used as a weapon?](https://www.focusonics.com/can-sound-be-used-as-a-weapon/): Several governmental institutions around the world, adopted various devices that implement sound technologies for peacekeeping, surveillance and other purposes. - [What are the different types of sound speakers?](https://www.focusonics.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-speakers/): Speakers are devices that convert electric audio signals into mechanical vibrations that create sound waves. Here, we explore the varieties that create different sound options... --- # # Detailed Content ## Products Description Focusonics® Model B is a directional speaker that focuses and constrains sound to a narrow beam. In the beam the listener is immersed in music or speech while just steps away no sound can be heard. The Focusonics® speaker in the sound world is much like a laser in the light world. The Focusonics® speaker is ideal where sound reproduction needs to be localized to a certain area while quiet is maintained elsewhere. A classic example of this is in museums – Focusonics® speakers can be installed next to artwork to transmit relevant information to a viewer while leaving others in the room undisturbed. Applications for the Focusonics® speaker range from product promotions in retail and showrooms to targeted public address systems. Model B is well suited for operation distances typically ranging from 1 to 5 metre distances. It is ideal in applications where the speaker is installed in the ceiling above the person’s head. For operation at larger distances please see Model A – a more powerful speaker version. If the sound beam of the Focusonics® speaker is directed to a surface, such as an LCD display, the sound will seem to emanate from the display itself rather than the speaker. This feature can be used to create virtual sound effects, for example creating an illusion of the presence of birds in office spaces by playing bird songs and allowing the sound beam to reflect from various surfaces. See more application examples --- Focusonics® Model A is a directional speaker that focuses and constrains sound to a narrow beam that can reach tens of meters away from the speaker. In the beam the listener is immersed in music or speech while just steps away no sound can be heard. The Focusonics® speaker in the sound world is much like a laser in the light world. The Focusonics® speaker is ideal where sound reproduction needs to be localized to a certain area while quiet is maintained elsewhere. Model A is suited for operation over larger distances, typically 3-15 metres, than Model B. In addition, it is a more powerful version than Model B resulting in larger volume of reproduced sound. Therefore, it is ideal for attracting peoples’ attention from the distance in innovative marketing solutions, targeted public address systems or large venues such as tradeshows and exhibitions. For shorter distance operation, for example, when the speaker is installed in the ceiling above the person’s head Model B is a more suitable alternative. If the sound beam of the Focusonics® speaker is directed to a surface, such as an LCD display, the sound will seem to emanate from the display itself rather than the speaker. This feature can be used to create virtual sound effects, for example creating an illusion of the presence of birds in office spaces by playing bird songs and allowing the sound beam to reflect from various surfaces. See more application examples --- --- ## Pages Directional speakers are a type of sound system that can be a solution for noise pollution by directing sound towards a specific area or group of people, rather than scattering it in all directions as most conventional speakers do. This technology can be used in a variety of settings, such as: Indoor public spaces Transportation hubs Industrial facilities Basically, anywhere that is necessary to reduce the impact of unwanted noise pollution on the surrounding community. Sound pollution in retail spaces Noise pollution is a growing problem in retail shops and supermarkets. It can be caused by continuous advertising announcements, store background music, brand jingles and more. The noise can be distractive for store visitors as well as exhaustive for employees who spend their entire day in sound polluted environments. Directional speakers are designed to direct sound in a specific direction, rather than spreading it out in all directions, like conventional loudspeakers do. This allows retailers and supermarkets to target the sound to specific areas and act as a viable sound pollution solution to reduce the overall noise level in the environment. Additionally, directional speakers in retail can emit sound only in dedicated locations, avoiding areas where customers may be looking for peace and quiet. With such technology, it is easier to segment customer zones and create a more unique atmosphere based on the retail setting. Also, speakers that emit directional sound are often designed to be compact and sleek, making them a discreet addition to the retail environment. The sleek... --- Each big town or city is often home to a museum that is the beating heart of tourism within the area. Spending the day at a museum or art gallery is all about providing a memorable experience for visitors. This experience can be enhanced with the inclusion of our interactive museum product for the following reasons:  Focusonics Interactive Museum Solution integrates person recognition technology with Focusonics directional speakers to create an attention grabbing experience for museum’s visitors. Immerse the targeted visitor with selected audio messages of choice. Personalized feel to those attending the venue and walking around the displays. No increase in ambient background noise to maintain tranquility within the attraction. How does the Focusonics® interactive museum solution work?   When a person enters the art gallery or a museum, they have their photo taken at the registration terminal and input their personal details such as name, age and language preference. The artworks or displays opting for this technological integration will then have a camera with a mini computer and Focusonics speakers installed. When a person stands within the proximity of a display fitted with the Focusonics product they are recognized by the camera and personalized text is selected/generated which is then played through the speaker.   The solution is based on the Neurotechnology’s NCheck Visitor Management System, which is used to enroll a person at the terminal and then recognise that person by the client devices installed at different locations. Once a personalized text is generated a text to... --- Thank you for your inquiry. We will get back to you as soon as possible. --- Directional speakers by Focusonics™ speakers can be used for innovative displays and product promotions in showrooms, exhibitions and trade shows. Trade shows, exhibitions and showrooms tend to be busy, frantic events with each section fighting for the attention of potential customers. This can lead to a significant amount of background noise and sounds competing with another, making it difficult for sellers to market and show off their product to visitors. Using directional audio technology allows you to focus a beam of sound at your visitors eliminating the requirement for an area of isolation. Sound can be localized to specific products or areas, so multiple Focusonics™ speakers can present different products in the same room. A Focusonics™ speaker can be directed to a specific product to make it appear to "talk. " The reflected sound beam creates an illusion that the sound is originating from the product itself rather than the speaker. Focusonics™ speakers can also be used to add voice to holograms and transparent screens for exclusive product presentations. There is such wide scope for opportunity and success through embracing directional speakers at such events. Using these speakers will only help ensure your trade show or exhibition stands out from competitors with the specialized targeted audio technology. Check out our state of the art directional speaker for more information, Focusonics™ Model A & Focusonics™ Model B. --- Both the Focusonics™ Model A and Model B speakers have key roles to play when it comes to improving both user experience and the efficiency of running museums and galleries. Each speaker model is built upon the fundamental similarity of generating directional audio via producing a narrow beam of sound in an accurate, fixed shape and direction with high precision. This technology ensures sound reproduction is localized to the target area without adding to any increase in ambient noise in the close proximity of surroundings. The following bullet points distinguish the differences between the two models of Focusonics™ speaker: Model A: Best suited to larger distance operations (3-15 metres). Maintains directivity over larger distances. Perfect for larger displays and or larger exhibit halls in museums and galleries. Model B:  Most appropriate for operating distances ranging from 1-5 metres.  Perfect for a directional ceiling speaker to deliver sound to the person directly below. Museums and galleries are an attraction that should bring about an informative, relaxing experience. Recent studies have shown that visiting a museum or gallery, whether it’s a short visit or a long-anticipated viewing, elicits long-lasting health benefits, both physical and mental. Specifically, in a large survey by the Art Fund, a charity that provides museums and galleries with works of art, discovered that 63% of visitors attended the attraction mainly for stress reduction. This provides a notion as to how a well-designed museum or gallery should function, and directional audio technology plays a key role in making this... --- The narrow sound beam of the Focusonics™ speaker can be directed towards transparent screens, smart mirrors, holograms, etc. to create the effect of a virtual source. It will appear as if the sound is originating from this transparent screen or mirror rather than the speaker itself, providing a much more immersive experience for the consumer. The speaker can also be used to create a feel of the outdoors in indoor environments, such as offices or shops. By playing nature sound effects and directing the sound beam towards reflecting surfaces such as walls or the ceiling, multiple sound reflections will produce the illusion that the sounds are emanating from different places in the room. For example, if the sounds of birds singing are beamed at different areas of the room, it will feel as if the birds are present at those different locations in the room. The same effect can be also used for meditation rooms, spas or entertainment venues, such as theaters or haunted houses. Overall, there is a wide scope of opportunity to utilize the innovative Focusonics™ Model A speaker or Focusonics™ Model B speaker in order to help bring creative ideas, such as holograms, to life through directional audio technology. --- Focusonics™ directional speakers produce sound in a narrow, controlled beam, localized to a targeted area and crucially do not add to any ambient noise increase in the nearby surroundings. Digital signage is very often a captivating form of advertisement that is hard to miss. The digital-out-of-home (DOOH) market has accelerated in growth massively over recent times, with an ever-increasing number of screens and customer touch displays being used in stores across the globe. According to PQ Media, DOOH accounted for 28. 3% of all out-of-home (OOH) ads in 2019, with this figure expected to rise to 38. 3% by 2023. Speakers can be installed next to digital signage to attract attention and localize music or other sound for the display. The location of the advertisement display, and as a consequence, the distance available for targeting potential buyers is an important factor for which Focusonics™ speaker will best-suit the signage.   Focusonics™ Model A speaker is best utilized over 3-15 metres and is generally a more powerful speaker. On the other hand, Focusonics™ Model B speaker is ideal for short range application of 1-5 metres. Therefore, it is important to consider which Focusonics™ Model speaker will help your digital signage display reach maximum engagement with potential customers. Both Focusonics™ Model A and Model B speakers are designed primarily for indoor use. If you are planning to use it for an outdoor application, please contact us to discuss possible options. --- The sound beam of the Focusonics™ speaker can travel more than 30 meters, which is ideal for targeted public address systems. For example, the speaker can be used to inform or warn people at pedestrian crossings or it can be used to transmit warning messages to people who cross the safety line on train platforms. Lifeguards can utilize the speaker to target and address specific people at the beach who are farther away. The speaker is designed primarily for indoor use. Please contact us if you are planning to use it in an outdoor environment to discuss the possibilities. If you are interested in incorporating directional speakers into your targeted public address system then take a look at the Focusonics™ Model A or Focusonics™ Model B speakers. --- A command and control center is a security tight room within a facility that provides the centralized monitoring, command and control of a situation, often functioning 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The importance of these centers cannot be underestimated. Their responsibility and power lie in their ability to bring about a cohesive togetherness between multiple sectors, disciplines to act in a situation of varying importance. Focusonics™ directional speaker technology creates a narrow beam of sound that can be tightly controlled and distributed with similar precision as light. Our innovative speakers generate directional audio that can only be heard by the targeted individual or area, without sound dissipating into the surrounding environment which would be the case with standard loudspeakers. This directional audio technology makes Focusonics™ a perfect fit for enhancing operations in command and control centers via the implementation of a communication system that frees staff up from having to use headphones or earpieces to receive audio. Crucially, silence will be maintained in the immediate surroundings of the area in which the directional speaker is emitting a beam of sound. Command and control centers prevalence is emphasised by their use across various industries such as: Emergency Operation CentersMilitaryTransportationEnergy and Utilities OrganizationsSports and Entertainment Venues Take a look at the Focusonics™ Model A speaker or a smaller Focusonics™ Model B speaker for more information. --- Whilst the Focusonics® Model A and Model B speakers offer flexible Directional Speaker capabilities for a broad range of applications and use cases, we also offer Custom Solutions tailored to your requirements. Building on our extensive experience in deep-learning technologies, computer vision and AI, we can offer custom solutions where the Focusonics® directional speaker is used in combination with person detection and recognition. These custom solutions add a new dimension to the possible use cases and applications for the Focusonics® Directional Speakers. For example, a camera can be used to detect a person passing, determine person's attributes such as sex, age, mood and then the Focusonics® speaker can be used to transmit a personalized greeting or advertising message to the person as they enter the store. Some additional application examples Personalized advertising in retail A Focusonics® speaker directed at people entering the shop transmits personalized greeting or advertising message based on recognized facial features such as sex, age or mood. Personalized Greeting Service  Focusonics® speakers can be used to greet people entering the office building, hospital, airport or other public buildings with personalized messages. If a person is enrolled in a database, he or she can be greeted by name and directed, for example, to the appropriate doctor's office in the clinic or their flight gates at the airport. Personalized digital signage The Focusonics® speaker can be used to transmit personalized advertising messages to a person who is close to digital signage. Specific messages can be constructed based on recognized... --- --- ## Posts Directional Speakers and Product Placement Sound surrounds us in various public spaces via warnings, advertisements or music, which can become bothersome and drowning. Directional speakers, also known as parametric speakers, use ultrasonic sound waves to create a focused/localized beam of audio. Unlike traditional speakers that disperse sound in all directions, these speakers project sound in a narrow, targeted path. This means that only those within the narrow range of the beam can hear the audio, creating a private listening experience, which is especially useful in a public space. Loud announcements can seem overwhelming and nerve-wracking, yet with the help of localized sound, specific information can be presented in a more efficient and convenient way, reaching the target audience without interruptions. In our everyday lives, we are swooned by diverse shopping experiences that can become annoying or misleading. Imagine walking down a supermarket aisle and as you approach a specific section, you hear an invitation to try a new product or learn more about the range of products. It’s the potential of directional speakers, a technology that can be used to elevate product placement and customer experience without being too intrusive. Supermarkets: Aisle-Specific Marketing Supermarkets are visited by a large number of clients every day all around the world. They offer diverse products from groceries to household items that are specifically distributed to attract customers. When new promotions or items are announced, the goal of the shopping centers is to boost sales. Directional speakers can come in handy for several reasons: Targeted promotions Product demos Personalized... --- Our Focusonics speakers based on Ultrasound Technology have received two major upgrades that improve user experience and sound management capabilities. The latest Focusonics speakers now feature integrated microSD card readers and presence sensors that provide: Effortless audio playback: Play digital audio libraries directly from the speaker using the integrated microSD card reader, eliminating the need for external devices; Intuitive interaction: Presence sensors automatically initiate audio playback when a user is detected, creating a more intuitive and seamless experience. It should also be highlighted that Model A and Model B speakers retain their sleek monochrome design, ensuring they can easily blend within different environments. To learn more about the enhanced capabilities of Focusonics, see our press release. --- The exhibition, “Gėlės, vaisiai ir dygliai” (“Flowers, Fruit and Thorn Pieces”), hosted at the Pranas Domšaitis Gallery in Klaipėda, Lithuania, offered a unique blend of art and nature. One of the highlights of the exhibition was the integration of ultrasound audio technology, which included the Focusonics® Model A speaker that brought to life the piece “Tylantis Pavasaris” (“Fading spring”) by Vitalij Červiakov. Červiakov’s exhibit, inspired by Rachel Carson’s book “Silent Spring”, uncovers the unsettling silence that emerges as the voice of nature fades out. The artist’s synthetic, bird-like sounds, emitted through the Focusonics® Model A speaker, create a haunting ambiance that progressively rises and falls, mirroring the gradual decline of natural vitality. The speaker’s ability to produce a spatial, immersive sound experience perfectly complements the theme of the artwork, inviting viewers to contemplate a future where the springtime songs of birds become increasingly rare. Model A speaker in the exhibition. Photos by Vitalij Červiakov. It should also be noted that Model A’sits ability to create virtual sound effects by reflecting sound off surfaces can help implement various artistic solutions as was done in Vitalij Červiakov’s exhibit. Model A’s long-range beam can travel further distances due to ultrasound technology and it also reflects well from most surfaces due to the use of ultrasound technology, creating unique virtual source effects that were included in the exhibit. This technological approach allows the simulation of multiple audio spaces, such as those emulating bird songs and natural soundscapes, using only a single speaker. As curator... --- Two Focusonics® speakers were chosen to refine the auditory experience for the project Bestiari, created by Carlos Casas and curated by Filipa Ramos for the 60th Venice Biennale. In 2023 the Focusonics® team was approached by Institut Ramon Llull, whose mission is to promote the Catalan language and culture. Two Focusonics® speakers were chosen to refine the auditory experience for the project Bestiari, created by Carlos Casas and curated by Filipa Ramos for the 60th Venice Biennale. The pavilion invites the spectators for an immersive audiovisual experience to feel the natural rhythms of the Catalonian National Parks. Bestiari draws inspiration from the medieval novel Disputa de l’ase, written in the 15th century. It discusses human existence and its superiority over the animal kingdom. With the help of innovative audio technology, including the Focusonics® directional speakers, the creators of the exhibition were able to offer an exclusive insight into the dynamic soundscape of the Catalonian flora and fauna. Focusonics® Used to Project Realistic Natural Landscape The spectators were invited to listen to the sounds of seven animals, which were emitted by the various audio devices, distributed in the space to replicate an authentic natural environment. The exhibition included Model A and Model B Focusonics speakers that were mounted overhead. Both of the Focusonics speakers, due to their directional sound ability, were used to transpire the sounds of bats to targeted sound zones. This sound localization created the illusion that the bats were present only at that particular area. “I have to say that the implementation of both Focusonics is great and I was impressed at how the directed audio impacts a certain area due to the frequency, and how... --- Directional speakers reduce noise pollution and improve the overall effectiveness of public announcements. Have you ever been overwhelmed by the constant noise in a crowded store? Or struggled to hear announcements in a busy train station? Noise pollution is a growing problem that can impact the well-being and mental state of both the clients and the staff in different environments. According to the World Health Organization, environmental noise can cause different illnesses, both short-term and long-term, including, but not limited to stress, sleep disturbance, and cardiovascular diseases. While public space announcements can become tiresome, innovative technology can offer a solution – directional speakers. This targeted approach not only reduces noise pollution for everyone else but also improves the overall effectiveness of public announcements. Unlike conventional speakers that blast sound in all directions, directional speakers focus the sound waves into a beam. This means you can target specific areas with sound, reducing noise pollution in unwanted environments. Optimizing the Soundscape in Banks One of the environments where noise pollution could be a significant issue is banks. Customer conversations, ringing phones, and announcements can create a cacophony that disrupts both employees and customers. This can lead to errors in transactions, decreased customer satisfaction, and even increased stress levels for the employees. Directional speakers, also known as ultrasonic speakers, can be a valuable tool for reducing noise pollution in banks. Here's how: Quieter teller interactions Directional speakers installed above teller booths can direct sound towards the customer and teller engaged in a transaction, minimizing disruption for other customers waiting in line. This allows for more confidential... --- The Focusonics® team was happy to have collaborated with the Finnish Science Centre Heureka on their exhibition “Our Journey in Space.” The Focusonics® team was happy to have collaborated with the Finnish Science Centre Heureka on their exhibition “Our Journey in Space. ” This interactive exhibition takes visitors on a voyage through the cosmos, looking deeper into the current space exploration and future possibilities. The exhibition tackles real-world challenges faced by contemporary space agencies, including mitigating space debris, comprehending space weather, and even exploring the potential of creating rocket fuel from lunar ice itself. “Our Journey in Space” emphasizes the message that the Earth must be protected. Space exploration plays a vital role in safeguarding the planet and furthering our understanding of the universe. Stepping inside the venue, visitors are transported to a futuristic space station orbiting Earth. The Focusonics® directional speakers helped to create an audio experience that augmented the visual impact of the exhibition. Focusonics®: Providing a Personalized Soundscape One of the highlights of the exhibition is the “The Telescope On The Far Side Of The Moon” exhibit. This exhibit features a captivating audio drama that explains the scientific significance of the Moon’s far side for astronomical observations. To ensure a seamless and personalized experience for multilingual visitors, the exhibit utilizes three Focusonics® model A speakers. These ultrasonic speakers create targeted sound zones, allowing visitors to hear the exhibit’s information in their preferred language (Finnish, Swedish, or English) simply by standing in the designated circle on the floor. Photo by Matti Viirimäki The space between the circles measures approximately a meter, nevertheless, the person, listening to the audio, can... --- Directional speakers serve as a more effective and modern alternative to traditional physical barriers for queue management and crowd control. Monitoring people is a tricky task, as comprehensive instructions are required at any given time. Queue management and crowd control are essential for the supervision of large groups of people in various settings, such as massive events, public transportation, and emergency response situations. These methods are aimed at ensuring the safety, efficiency, and satisfaction of customers or attendees. In addition, queue management involves organizing people in lines to provide a fair and orderly process for accessing goods or services. This can be accomplished by using physical barriers like queue markers or designated crowd controllers. Nevertheless, such barriers can be seen as old-fashioned and outdated. A more effective approach would be the usage of audio signage like directional speakers. Directional speakers serve as a more effective and modern alternative to traditional physical barriers for queue management. They can be strategically placed to guide people towards designated queuing areas, eliminating the need for physical obstructions. Regarding public safety, directional speakers can also aid in emergency communication. By channelling sound to specific areas, these speakers facilitate the transmission of vital instructions and warnings to those in need, mitigating the potential for confusion. This ensures that safety messages are delivered efficiently to the targeted audience, contributing to operative crowd control and queue management during emergencies. As well as transmitting warnings, ultrasonic speakers can be used to disclose localized information regarding ticketing, passport control, or even weather forecasts. This approach is not only more visually appealing but also more space-efficient, as it allows for better... --- Focusonics® directional speakers are capable of acting as a powerful tool for creating an audiovisual art installation. These speakers emit a focused beam of sound, which can be directed to a specific audience or area. Focusonics® directional speakers are capable of acting as a powerful tool for creating an audiovisual art installation. These speakers emit a focused beam of sound, which can be directed to a specific audience or area. This makes them ideal for creating immersive soundscapes that surround the listener, or for delivering targeted messages. In November 2022, a Focusonics® speaker was used at the "Kunst Lokal Rheinfelden" exhibition in Switzerland. Mounted on a robotic arm, the speaker was integrated into a site-specific sound sculpture that explored the critical global issue of diminishing freshwater reserves and escalating climate-induced sea level shifts. The kinetic interplay between the robotic arm's movements and the water sounds coming from the Focusonics® ultrasonic speaker created a powerful and evocative experience that raised awareness of the issue. hyd~ by Fabrizio di Salvo In this audiovisual art installation, an artist used a speaker called Model A, mounted on the robotic arm. It's a larger version of what we offer and works well when sound needs to travel up to 30 meters. This long-distance capability made the beam reflect from the walls and ceiling creating virtual source effects and sound multipaths and making it a truly immersive experience. For shorter distance operation (1 to 5 meters), there's Model B, a compact version that is typically mounted above a visitor’s head to create a localized spot of sound. However, directional speakers aren't just for art – they have many other practical uses, including: Retail environments: Ultrasonic speakers can be used to create... --- Focusonics® was showcased at the opening of SIC to demonstrate an immersive sound experience of directional speakers. Focusonics® directional speakers made an exhibition appearance: this time, in the realm of innovative technology and digital transformation. These audio devices were showcased at the opening of the Digital Innovation Center (SIC) in Klaipėda’s "Lighthouse hub", on June 2nd, to demonstrate an immersive sound experience of directional speakers. The Focusonics® ultrasound speakers were displayed in the Sensory Technology Exhibition, the first of its kind in Western Lithuania. Visitors were treated to diverse innovative exhibits, including BrainAccess devices, 3D printers, virtual reality glasses offering various experiences, and the Focusonics® speakers, among others. For the exhibition, two Model A ultrasonic speakers served an integral role in creating an immersive sound experience for attendees. Both of the speakers emitted distinct audio tracks, and despite being one meter apart, the sound localization ensured that only individuals positioned within the sound beam could hear the respective recordings. The technology allowed guests to delve into the realm of concentrated sound where, despite being surrounded by various noise-emitting technological exhibits, listeners could hear clearly detailed sounds from the speakers. At the same time, just a few steps away from the audio beams no sound could be heard. Owing to their size, Model A speakers are perfect for larger areas where sound needs to travel between 3-15 meters. They are particularly effective in situations requiring attention-grabbing, like command and control centers, exhibitions, and showrooms. The smaller Model B speakers are optimized for operations within a distance of up to 5 meters. These speakers find their sweet spot in... --- Focusonics® speakers were used in a collaborative audio exploration project between the artists from the three Baltic countries, Ukraine, Poland, Finland, and the Netherlands. The project “Difficult Pasts. Connected Worlds” was designed to look for novel approaches through which art and culture can help the general public become more aware of the connections between the past and present. Difficult pasts. Connected worlds Focusonics® directional speakers were used in a collaborative audio exploration project between the artists from the three Baltic countries, Ukraine, Poland, Finland, and the Netherlands. The project “Difficult Pasts. Connected Worlds” was designed to look for novel approaches through which art and culture can help the general public become more aware of the connections between the past and present. The main objective of the audio exploration project is to convey and explore the relationship between the past and the present by addressing the current armed conflicts and histories of colonialism, the precarious balances between modes of survival and collaboration, and the ways in which post-soviet countries have managed to deal with the shadows of the past.   The artists have used several Focusonics® Model A focused sound speakers to tell the story of where the past and the present collide to discover new strategies on which art and culture may increase public awareness of these issues and help shape today's reality. The audio spotlighting technology allowed the listeners to be immersed in music while no sound was heard just a few steps away. Foto autorė - Gintarė Grigėnaitė Other use cases Focusonics® Model A speaker is ideal in larger spaces where the sound needs to be transmitted between the range of 3-15 meters. Being a more powerful speaker, it is well-suited for applications where visitors' attention needs to be attracted, such as public address systems, retail, or tradeshows and exhibitions. The smaller Model B version of... --- Throughout the summer, Focusonics® directional speakers were present at The London Open 2022 exhibition in Whitechapel Gallery. The sound system was a part of the London-based artist Dawoon Kim's art installation telling an audiovisual story of how she sees the world by responding to the time and generation she is a part of. The installation featured a photograph titled Practice (Mirrored) and an accompanying soundtrack. Hyperconnectivity Throughout the summer, Focusonics® directional speakers were present at The London Open 2022 exhibition in Whitechapel Gallery. The sound system was a part of the London-based artist Dawoon Kim's art installation telling an audiovisual story of how she sees the world by responding to the time and generation she is a part of. The installation featured a photograph titled Practice (Mirrored) and an accompanying soundtrack. Dawoon Kim is a multi-media artist who is drawn to notions of identity and desire in the digital era. The showcased photograph is from the series about young women found on Youtube, practicing their dance moves when facing the mirror. When standing in front of the art piece, a visitor is immersed in club-like sound beats and artist-written lyrics exploring how technology and current digital culture shape the human condition.   Installation view, The London Open 2022, Whitechapel Gallery,London, 30th June - 4th September 2022. Photo: Damian Griffiths. Since the audio is being created as the waves pass through the air rather than on the speaker’s membrane, the focused sound immerses the listener in music while no sound can be heard nearby. To form an intimate and personalized relationship with the visitor by telling them the audiovisual story without disturbing other people passing through the exhibition, the artist used a single Model A directional speaker mounted on the wall. It being a bigger version of our offered products, the ultrasonic speaker is better suited for applications that require transmitting the sound for up to... --- Focusonics® directional speakers made an appearance at the Kaunas Artists' House during the Contemporary City Festival AUDRA at the beginning of July. The audio system was integrated into the Lithuanian artist Donatas Norušis' sound installation "Forma_003" to explore the spatial qualities of the sound. Audio installation Forma_003 Focusonics® directional speakers made an appearance at the Kaunas Artists' House during the Contemporary City Festival AUDRA at the beginning of July. The audio system was integrated into the Lithuanian artist Donatas Norušis' sound installation "Forma_003" to explore the spatial qualities of the sound. D. Norušis is an audiovisual artist who explores the sculptural qualities, materiality, and symbolism of sound. His artwork advances away from the soundtracks of linear time frames and toward a spatial body with the help of Focusonics® speakers. The artist used several Focusonics® Model B sound-focusing speakers for the audio installation. Only when standing underneath the ceiling-mounted artwork could visitors hear the focused sound it was designed to make. The implementation is quite common and is often referred to as directional ceiling speakers. Other applications Although on this occasion Focusonics® speakers were incorporated into a sound installation, the focused audio system has many other applications. Retail, innovative museum exhibits, and digital signage applications can all benefit from its implementation. With the help of a clear, precise beam of sound, directional sound speakers provide the chance to target the audience more precisely with music, sound effects, or personalized messages. The smaller version of the Focusonics® audio system, Model B, was installed as part of Donatas Norušis's sound installation "Forma_003". Because of its size, it is best suited for over-the-head installations, where operation distances are relatively small. The larger Model A is designed for applications where reaching people from a larger distance is needed as... --- Several product changes have been implemented into Focusonics® directional speakers aiming to improve the experience for its users. Both Model A and Model B speaker advancements feature a more compact wireless speaker design, sound play trigger from external sensors, and else. Several product changes have been implemented into Focusonics® directional speakers aiming to improve the experience for its users. Both Model A and Model B speaker advancements feature a more compact wireless speaker design, sound play trigger from external sensors, and else. The new Focusonics® ultrasound speaker features’ list includes the following improvements: While the slim form factor is maintained, all electronics are now integrated into the speaker enclosure. This update makes the installation and setup of Focusonics® speakers more convenient. Several engineering improvements were made to the speakers’ transducers. This resulted in an increased maximum volume of sound coming from the Focusonics® sound focusing speakers.   Like their predecessors, new ultrasonic speaker models offer Bluetooth and line-in audio input connections making it easy to integrate the Focusonics® directional speakers into your application of choice. Both models are now available in either black or white colors. This design quality allows for better integration with various interior spaces by color-matching the environments. The new focused sound speakers have an integrated external trigger that can be combined with, for example, a motion sensor to trigger a play of an audio recording on demand. The trigger controls the playback of an audio track on a connected Bluetooth device. This feature is extremely useful in museum and art gallery settings where the same audio track needs to be played over and over again when a visitor is within the sensor range. These advancements have been implemented to make Focusonics® directional speakers more compact, easier to... --- Focusonics® museum solution integrates the NCheck Visitor Management system with Focusonics® directional speakers to create an attention-grabbing experience for its visitors through person recognition and individualized messages. Once an individual enters the art gallery or a museum, they enroll themselves through the NCheck system. While a camera takes a picture of them, they provide some biographic data, such as name, age, and language, and save the information to the database. By combining the capabilities of two of its products, Focusonics® and NCheck, Neurotechnology is presenting an innovative and unique interactive museum solution for its customers. It ensures an unforgettable experience and visitor engagement by personalizing the exhibition for each individual according to their preferences. Focusonics® solution integrates the NCheck Visitor Management system with directional speakers to create an attention-grabbing experience for its visitors through person recognition and individualized messages. Once an individual enters the art gallery or a museum, they enroll themselves through the NCheck system. While a camera takes a picture of them, they provide some biographic data, such as name, age, and language, and save the information to the database. The selected artworks have a camera and Focusonics® Model B speakers hanging above them. Once a visitor enters the camera's field of vision, they get recognized. Based on their data, a personalized text is generated, and a text-to-speech generator converts this text to an audio signal which is then transmitted via the ultrasonic speaker. The possibilities for personalization are endless: generating different tracks based on the visitors' age, welcoming them by their name, and else. NCheck NCheck Bio Attendance is a biometric time and attendance management system providing an accurate and efficient solution for registration, time, and attendance management purposes. By using award-winning face, iris, and fingerprint recognition technologies, it can quickly and accurately identify individuals by their biometric records stored in the database. Focusonics® Directional speakers use ultrasound to reproduce the actual sound. The speakers were designed... --- This article predominantly focus on the top 5 use case applications of Focusonics® speakers. Directional speakers, also commonly referred to as parametric or ultrasonic speakers, are unique when it comes to use case applications across various industries. Conventional loudspeakers, such as woofers and tweeters, are more equipped for applications where sound is required to be widespread at festivals, announcement systems and car-built speakers. This is in direct contrast to Focusonics® directed audio speakers which emit directional sound in a narrow beam. For more information on this process, please visit our sound technology page. Due to this function, Focusonics® directed audio speakers have a different set of specialized applications, whereby directional sound can be harnessed across various industries to attract the attention of passers-by, emit factual information to relevant individuals and can be part of interactive art displays plus much more. This article will predominantly focus on the top 5 use case applications of Focusonics® speakers, as sampled in the following graphic: 1. Museums & Art Galleries Museums & art galleries are flooded with fascinating features and displays. Each piece is more often than not accompanied by a sign or plaque with relevant information providing context and background.   A Focusonics® directed audio speaker provides an alternative method for delivering information to visitors. Those standing within the target range of the speaker, in close proximity to the display, will be able to hear the designated information messages emitted by the speaker. The speaker user has complete control and freedom to alter the audio messages. Importantly, it is compliant with tranquil venues such as art galleries,... --- In 2022, Kaunas will become the European Capital of Culture. Throughout the year, over a thousand events will take place around the city including several internationally-known artists, such as Yoko Ono, William Kentridge, and Marina Abramović. Kaunas V. Kudirkos Public Library has joined the opening program and introduced an interactive art installation, incorporating the use of Focusonics directional speakers, for “The face - the number - the word” (lit. „Veidas - skaičius - žodis“) that took place at the end of January. The face - the number - the word In 2022, Kaunas will become the European Capital of Culture. Throughout the year, over a thousand events will take place around the city including several internationally-known artists, such as Yoko Ono, William Kentridge, and Marina Abramović. Kaunas V. Kudirkos Public Library has joined the opening program and introduced an interactive art installation, incorporating the use of Focusonics directional speakers, for “The face - the number - the word” (lit. „Veidas - skaičius - žodis“) that took place at the end of January. Based on artificial intelligence technologies this art installation features the first-ever robot poet that writes prose to the library’s visitors in Lithuanian. To prepare for the exhibition, the robot’s algorithm was sent through the library’s archives to analyze thousands of pages of existing Lithuanian literature. On the day of the event, the poet analyzed a visitor’s face and composed a text inspired by its features. These texts have been collected and are on the track to becoming an AI-generated prose book. Authors of the interactive art installation: Ignas Dovydaitis, Gytis Dovydaitis, Matas Gumbinas, and Rūta Petrauskaitė. According to the authors, the installation demonstrates how a robot’s visual sensory system sees a person, how it understands language, and what its writing is built on. This is the first artificial intelligence algorithm in Lithuania that can “speak” Lithuanian, and the first one in the world that can write prose based on human facial characteristics. To attract more people, the authors have used... --- Focusonics® directional speakers were used to develop an interactive art installation during the Ars Electronica 2021 - a festival for art, technology, and society. The festival was introduced in 1979 and after more than 40 years of experience, it evolved into one of the world’s most important media art festivals, which includes exhibitions, performances, and installations. Ultrasonic Whisper Focusonics® directional speakers were used to develop an interactive art installation during the Ars Electronica 2021 - a festival for art, technology, and society. The festival was introduced in 1979 and after more than 40 years of experience, it evolved into one of the world’s most important media art festivals, which includes exhibitions, performances, and installations. For the exhibition, a team of bright engineers and researchers from the University of Auckland and ShanghaiTech University have developed an Ultrasonic Whisper that creates an invisible landscape. By using four GPS beacons they have defined an operational space of 20m x 20m in an open outside area. Focusonics® ultrasonic speaker was mounted on a robotic arm, tracking the position and movement of an individual visitor carrying the fifth GPS beacon within the operational space. The operational space included several sound trigger areas. When walking around them, visitors were welcomed with an ambient sound loop coming from the Focusonics® directional speaker attached to the robotic arm. Entering the sound trigger areas would change the tone to the sound of animals, such as birds, living in an imaginary garden. The main sound switching area would trigger whisper sounds. During the whole experience, sounds were transmitted via a directional sound beam that was constantly tracking an individual holding a GPS beacon. More information about the project is available on the Ars New Zealand website. To implement an invisible landscape idea, a Model A directional speaker was used for the art installation. Being the larger... --- This fall Focusonics® team had an opportunity to work with the composer Jonas Jurkūnas and playwright Kristina Savickiene to bring the idea of a journey through sound and light to life. The directional speakers were used to create a sound installation for a phonic contemporary opera’s Nida School Chronicles collective rehear. Nida School Chronicles This fall, the Focusonics® team had an opportunity to work with the composer Jonas Jurkūnas and playwright Kristina Savickiene to bring the idea of a journey through sound and light to life. The directional speakers were used to create a sound installation for a phonic contemporary opera’s Nida School Chronicles collective rehear. Throughout the summer of 2021, the general public was able to attend this contemporary opera performance in Nida, Lithuania. Designed as a sound route conveying Nida’s history, it was based on authentic residents’ stories, portraying day-to-day teachers’ life between the years 1923 and 1944.   After the summer opera was revived as a collective record rehear in Klaipeda Drama Theatre. Filled with parametric sound and light beams it illustrated sand, water, wind, and electrostatic landscapes intertwined with actors’ voices and orchestra performance. Binaural beats and cinematographic music composition created a feeling as if the act was being performed in front of the visitor’s eyes.   During the performance, two Model A speakers were used for the sound installation. It is a larger version of the speakers well suited for operation over greater distances, ideally ranging from 3 to 15 meters. A localized beam of sound allows for the creation of a unique sound effect, personalizing the experience for the visitors. A smaller Model B version is able to create the same sound effects in less spacious areas with an operating range between 1 to 5 meters. Focusonics® ultrasonic speakers were designed to focus sound to... --- During the month of October Focusonics® directional speakers appeared in the Vilnius Art Academy (VDA) gallery Artifex. The sound system was integrated into an exhibition “Intuitive instructions”, created by a Lithuanian artist Donatas Norušis. “Intuitive instructions” consisted of four sound installations that used physical features of sound to tell the artist’s stories about the mythology of the art field. Photography by lightstrokephoto. com Intuitive instructions During the month of October Focusonics® directional speakers appeared in the Vilnius Art Academy (VDA) gallery Artifex. The sound system was integrated into an exhibition “Intuitive instructions”, created by Lithuanian artist Donatas Norušis. “Intuitive instructions” consisted of four sound installations that used physical features of sound to tell the artist’s stories about the mythology of the art field. For one of his sound installations, D. Norušis used Focusonics® Model A directional speakers. To create a feeling of sound as a spatial body, six speakers were integrated into the art piece, all playing unique focused sounds. This allowed visitors to hear how different musical notes were combined into harmony. Since the art installation was hung on the ceiling, visitors could listen to localized sounds only when standing beneath it.   Photography by lightstrokephoto. com Inside Donatas Norušis’ exhibition “Intuitive instructions”, the larger version of the Focusonics® sound system was installed. Due to its size, it is most appropriate in spacious areas for operating in the range of 3-15 meters from the speaker, yet it can reach distances of up to 30 meters. Its size and features allowed the creator to express his art from a sound perspective. The more compact Model B would be suitable for smaller areas for operating in the range of 1-3 meters from the speaker. There is a possibility to create a custom-built Focusonics® sound system with integrated biometric technologies that can be used for targeted advertising without disturbing passers-by. Other... --- The majority of households around the world have a sound system in place. This could be a loudspeaker, a TV, a computer or even a mobile phone. As many contemporary technologies pack certain sound features, it appears that sound systems have become indispensable elements underlying our everyday life. The majority of households around the world have a sound system in place. This could be a loudspeaker, a TV, a computer or even a mobile phone. As many contemporary technologies pack certain sound features, it appears that sound systems have become indispensable elements underlying our everyday life. But it has not always been this way. The evolution of sound technology involves a long history of innovations in sound recording, recreation, quality, and control. Such interminable development can be evidenced in the currently thriving contemporary sound technologies market.   This article will shed light on the key historical milestones that shaped the evolution of sound and resulted in the current contemporary breakthroughs manifested through an array of sound technologies, as well as outline some possibilities for future development. Hopefully, this will help us better appreciate the fortunate position we are in to listen to crisp, high quality sound when not so long ago, it was a very different story... What were some of the first audio inventions? David Edward Hughes is one of the pioneers of sound technology. Hughes invented and constructed a carbon microphone in 1875. Although this invention was not patented, it had the name ‘microphone’ to simulate the name ‘microscope’. Just a year later, in 1876, Alexander Graham Bell constructed and patented the very first electric loudspeaker as a part of a telephone. One year later, in 1877, Thomas Edison patented a system that relies on compressed air as an amplifying mechanism for cylinder phonographs. At the... --- Before the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic in 2019, you would typically expect to see perspex screens used in banks to help ensure the safety of employees behind the work station. Similarly, perspex screens could be found on public buses so bus companies could improve the welfare of their drivers. Before the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic in 2019, you would typically expect to see perspex screens used in banks to help ensure the safety of employees behind the work station. Similarly, perspex screens could be found on public buses so bus companies could improve the welfare of their drivers.   Nowadays, due to the rise of Covid-19 there are perspex screens being deployed across an array of industries to help prevent the transmission of the virus. Whether that’s in offices or the retail industry, stores and establishments must ensure they meet the necessary social distancing guidelines set out by respective governments across the globe. This article will outline why hygiene screens are more important than ever, what is lost through the use of these and how directional audio technology can help combat this issue to offer a solution for all involved.   Why are perspex/social distancing screens important? In order for economies across the world to begin functioning to the levels prior to the pandemic, it is crucial all various sectors are back in the workplace. For this to happen, hygiene screens act as an important mediation for the following reasons:  Flexibility for workplace arrangements: Protective screens do not come in one size for one specific area of space. Depending on the surroundings, either full-standing screens fixed to the floor can be erected between work desks or alternatively, smaller screens can be fixed on top of desks to separate employees or customers within shops.   Simple to clean: Most... --- The technological development of sound systems have increased their utility in various fields. As a result, several governmental institutions around the world, such as the military and police, invented and adopted various devices that implement sound technologies for peacekeeping, surveillance, and other purposes. The technological development of sound systems has undoubtedly increased their utility in various fields. As a result, several governmental institutions around the world, such as the military and police, invented and adopted various devices that implement sound technologies for peacekeeping, surveillance, and other purposes. This article will look at some examples of sound control technologies that can create discomfort and negatively affect people’s health, along with some examples of where such technology has already been used. Ultimately, this article will attempt to tackle the following question: Can sound be used as a weapon? How does it work? Sonic devices can be separated into 2 main categories: Audible sound: this refers to the sound that can be heard by humans (usually between 20Hz and 20kHz). and inaudible. Inaudible sound: meaning the sound that cannot be picked by human ears. This encompasses audio frequencies that can either be lower than 20Hz (Infrasound) or higher than 15kHz (Ultrasound). Ultrasonic soundwave devices have been used as theft or misbehaviour repellents. Such devices create very high frequency soundwaves that are not heard by human ears but can cause headache or nausea. Like directional speakers, these devices can direct soundwaves to a specific area rather than emit audio waves which disperse more and more over a wide area the longer it travels. Hence, ultrasonic speakers can prevent people from accessing certain protected zones without negatively impacting the surrounding areas in ambient sound. Another well-known piece of equipment utilising high-frequency sound waves to create discomfort, disorientate or... --- Speakers are devices that convert electric audio signals into mechanical vibrations that create sound waves. The current variety of speakers available in the market utilise different technological solutions to recreate sound. Speakers are devices that convert electric audio signals into mechanical vibrations that create sound waves. Sound speakers available on todays market utilise different technological solutions to create sound. There are a wide variety of different speakers available - this article will focus on the following: Cone (loudspeakers): subwoofers, woofers, tweeters Component speakers (loudspeaker enclosure systems) Coaxial drivers Directional speakers Cone speakers (such as subwoofers, woofers, or tweeters) can be combined in component speakers (loudspeaker enclosure) or work as coaxial drivers. There are speakers available for sound localization purposes, such as sound domes, but directional (or parametric) speakers have a higher capability to localize sound, particularly at larger distances, compared to sound domes. Parametric speakers make use of ultrasound waves to create sound in a relatively narrow area compared to the conventional cone loudspeakers. This emitted sound is commonly referred to as directional sound. Below, we will outline the different applications, technical specifications and limitations of the most common speaker types. Loudspeaker Enclosure Systems (Component Speakers) Advantages: The limited frequency range speakers (like woofers or tweeters) are usually combined in loudspeaker enclosures (sometimes referred to as loudspeaker cabinet) and work together to produce a full variety of sounds. Individually, these drivers are only able to create a limited range of audio frequencies: the subwoofers are designed to create extremely low frequencies (16-100Hz), woofers are used for low frequencies (50-1000Hz), mid-range drivers are designed to recreate middle frequencies (250-2000Hz), and tweeters produce the highest audio frequencies heard by human ear (2kHz-20kHz). The... --- ---