3D Sound From Ordinary Speakers

Edgar Choueiri, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, has developed a way to play true three-dimensional sound recordings over regular loudspeakers, such as those found in computer laptops and televisions.

In one demonstration, two microphones were placed on a dummy’s head who is made to sit in a conference table with several other people.

The recorded sound from the two microphones were played back through two ordinary speakers - after processing them using Choueri's 3D filter - in another room where the listener is.

The listener was able to correctly locate the position of each speaker.


The technique may one day be used to allow 3D televisions to produce lifelike sound and to help people with certain types of hearing impairments locate noises.