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Harman International has patented a robotic speaker system for VR environments

By Wong Chung Wee - on 8 Mar 2019, 11:07am

Harman International has patented a robotic speaker system for VR environments

Image source: Harman International

Audio specialist Harman International has been awarded a patent by the US Patent and Trademark Office for its robotic speaker system. This sound system is intended for virtual reality (VR) environments.

Image source; USPTO

The system works by mapping the sound that emanates from a virtual object in the VR environment, after which the robotic speaker is positioned according to the audio source. According to the patent, the robotic speaker may be moved into position by a “hovering platform” or a drone. In some embodiments, the robotic speaker may also be tethered from the overhead ceiling and its suspension height will be controlled by a motorized system.

Image source: Harman International

The robotic speaker system will also feature noise-cancellation features, in order to mask presence of the mechanical system that is responsible for the positioning of the speakers. The Harman International researchers have listed a whole host of intriguing systems to position the speakers; however, as noted by the Variety report, such patents may not necessarily lead to real products.

Source: USPTO, Harmon International, Variety

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