Carnegie Mellon unveils device to visualise soundwaves
Scientists at Carnegie Mellon University have developed an innovative device that captures sounds in a visual form. This groundbreaking technology opens up new possibilities in the field of sound imaging.
29 November 2024 09:41
The device, created by a team of scientists from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, is a true revolution. It is not just an ordinary camera—it can capture sounds and convert them into images through specialised laser technology. The absence of a conventional microphone makes this camera a truly extraordinary tool.
Synesthesia and science
Synesthesia is a phenomenon in which the senses combine in unusual ways—some may see sounds or hear colours. Scientists decided to use this concept to create a machine that mimics this phenomenon. Although it does not offer a biological experience, the machine has gained the ability to “see” sounds.
The technology is based on laser measurements, which allow the camera to capture vibrations with exceptional precision. It's possible to reproduce the sound of an entire orchestra, not just individual instruments. All of this is achieved without traditional methods of recording sounds, like microphones—in transforming sound into image, the camera uses only light and precise measurements.
Innovations by Mark Sheinin’s team
Mark Sheinin and his research team from the Image Lab of the Robotics Institute have made a huge leap in imaging technology. Utilizing previous projects, such as optical visual microphones developed by MIT, they have created a whole new quality in sound recording. The new system is not only more efficient but also cheaper to produce.
The device captures changes in noise structure through global and rotational snapshots. Algorithms process these changes into visualisations of vibrations, such as those from a guitar's soundboard, capturing even the most subtle deviations.
This discovery has the potential to significantly impact the music, scientific, and technological industries. This technology is not just a curiosity but provides new tools for analysing and imaging sounds unprecedentedly. The website dedicated to the invention provides more details about the project. Scientists believe this is only the beginning of a long journey in developing this new technology.
