A research team led by Columbia Computer Science Professor Changxi Zheng is working on an interesting project that involves implanting sound data in 3D-printed objects.
The 3D-printed objects created by the team work as vehicles for acoustic filters through voxels that allow sound to flow back and forth through it. By creating uniquely shaped internal chambers, this shapes the way that sound data is filtered.
In contrast to computationally designed chamber shapes, Zheng says: "Our algorithm enables new designs of noise mufflers, hearing aids, wind instruments, and more–we can now make them in any shape we want, even a 3D-printed toy hippopotamus that sounds like a trumpet." The team's Acoustic Voxels project is set to be presented at SIGGRAPH 2016 in Anaheim, California this summer.
Acoustic 3D Printing Implants
These 3D-Printed Objects are Brought to Life with Sound Data
Trend Themes
1. Sound Data Implants - Using sound data to create 3D-printed objects with unique acoustic properties opens up opportunities for innovative applications in noise reduction, hearing aids, and musical instruments.
2. Customizable Acoustic Filters - The ability to 3D-print objects with uniquely shaped internal chambers for sound filtration allows for the development of personalized noise mufflers, hearing aids, and wind instruments.
3. Shape-shifting Sound Objects - The integration of sound data into 3D-printed objects offers the potential to create interactive toys and other objects that produce different sounds based on their shape and design.
Industry Implications
1. 3D Printing - The use of acoustic data in 3D-printing presents disruptive innovation opportunities for the manufacturing and design industries, with applications in aerospace, healthcare, and consumer products.
2. Audio Technology - The development of 3D-printed objects with unique acoustic properties opens doors for disruptive innovations in the audio industry, including noise-canceling headphones, personalized hearing devices, and musical instruments.
3. Entertainment - The creation of shape-shifting, sound-producing objects through a combination of 3D printing and sound data integration offers disruptive innovation opportunities within the toy industry, interactive installations, and immersive experiences.