Science

New sound may ensure privacy, but could also help bank robbers

New sound may ensure privacy, but could also help bank robbers
The sound is composed of multiple tones that interact with a mic's mechanics
The sound is composed of multiple tones that interact with a mic's mechanics
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The sound is composed of multiple tones that interact with a mic's mechanics
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The sound is composed of multiple tones that interact with a mic's mechanics

Most microphones are designed to emulate the human ear, hearing sounds that we hear, and not hearing ones that we don't. Scientists from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, however, have created a new sound that we can't hear but that is picked up by mics of all kinds. It could have some valuable applications, although there's also the potential for misuse.

The university's Coordinated Science Laboratory states that the sound is produced by combining multiple tones that interact with a microphone's mechanical workings, creating what is known as a "shadow" – this is a type of white noise that is detectable only by the microphone, as it's formed within the mic itself.

Transmitted by ultrasonic speakers within a room, the sound could be used to keep confidential conversations from being clearly picked up by hidden listening devices. The people talking would still have no problem hearing each other, as the sound would be inaudible to them.

It could also thwart illegal audio recordings in movie theaters or music venues, plus it could be used in place of Bluetooth for wireless communication between Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

On the downside, it might additionally be used to jam hearing aids, or to keep phone calls from being made during criminal activities such as bank robberies. The scientists state that they are aware of such potential misuses, and are developing strategies to prevent them.

The research was led by PhD student Nirupam Roy, Prof. Romit Roy Choudhury and Prof. Haitham Hassanieh.

Source: University of Illinois

4 comments
4 comments
Tanstar
Cool tech and I'm glad they are looking at possible conflicts and misuses.
ljaques
Why are they broadcasting this, giving these potential misuses of tech global attention? Oh, it's Illinois, home of many infamous criminals.
Rustin Lee Haase
You could text/sms-message the authorities during a bank robbery. It is much more discrete anyway and could be in the favorites, contacts. Voice directed sms sending can work too. Also, there is diversity in "microphones". Lots of things can function as microphones but the best think I'd want to consider is piezoelectric devices of various sizes. Make phones that use them for the banks and you're golden.
Ralf Biernacki
They are looking to make a bundle selling units to movie theaters to block illegal recording, with the RIAA pressuring theater owners into buying them. As soon as the majority of theaters have them installed, hackers will inevitably come up with a counter. End result: theaters losing money on now pointless equipment, but the inventors making a killing. Real cool tech indeed. /sarcasm