Latin America. The ears are the most efficient sensory organs of humans. We can only smell or feel things that are in our immediate proximity. The eye only works under good lighting conditions. In contrast, our ears are never closed.
They are continuously in use, and even hear sounds over considerably long distances. So far, we have not optimally taken advantage of this extraordinary capacity in public spaces: it is very recurrent that travelers have missed a flight at least once because it was impossible to understand the ads and this does not have to be the case. Modern technology in the speakers makes it possible to target people with direct and clear communication. For airport passengers, this means more comfort and more security.
Clear communication
At Germany's Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology, researchers develop programs that analyze acoustic conditions at a specific location, record background noise, and then adjust the frequencies and dynamics of advertisements in the public address system. These messages, as clear as glass, could make everyday life at the airport much easier, and in the event of an emergency, they would also ensure that passengers receive and understand information effectively.
As if whispering in your ear
"Special speakers called 'Beam Steering' or 'Vari-Directional' can be adjusted so precisely that they only sound an area of a few square meters," says Dirk Noy of the Swiss engineering office WSDG. "So, you can specifically reach out to the 'right' individuals." Noy has implemented several public address systems called "multizone" for sports stadiums, concert halls, among others. He also works for airports in Europe, North America and the Gulf region.
For example, information on boarding delays only concerns those passengers waiting in front of the door of the corresponding flight. So why bother other passengers too? If there is a group of people at the airport, one part of the group could be asked to go out to the left and recommend the other party to move to the right with the help of such "multi-zone" public address systems. Experts agree that the functionality of directing crowds of people using acoustic signals is currently not used enough.
Great opportunities
The opportunities seem almost endless. The concept of "wave field synthesis" offers the possibility of equipping a room with a speaker circuit. Within this circuit and from the control console, a voice can be directed so that it appears to practically move through the area. Therefore, the voice of an airport security staff member could say "Please follow me" to a group of passengers and the illusion would be created that the message would move to where the exit is located. The person wouldn't even have to be in the room. It is quite possible that such or similar innovations will soon be used in an airport. One thing is clear: modern airports attract the eye with stunning architecture and bright facades. Maybe the time has come to take care of tourists' ears.
Leave your comment