The unique 'invention' helps people 'look' with ... ears

Scientists at Ecole Polytechnique Federale University (EPFL) in Switzerland have created algorithms to help people locate by sound.

Sound positioning is the process used by some animals, especially bats, to identify their surroundings based on the sound they emit.

Dokmanic prepares to explode the ball in Lausanne church in Switzerland.By measuring echoes, he can easily calculate room shapes.

Now scientists have created an algorithm that gives us the opportunity to 'see' objects with sound. Ivan Dokmanic, the lead author of the research and work at EPFL, said: "The project starts with the question: " Can sound be made and through it, we can imagine objects? " Now, Dokmanic and the team have made that happen.

First, they put a few microphones around a room. Microphone is connected to amplifier. The computer makes some sounds and calculates the shape of the room based on echoes from the walls of the room.

Research results can be applied in architectural acoustics. Dokmanic said: 'Suppose, you are building a concert hall and know what sound you want to achieve. Just apply our algorithm, it will show you the room you need. "

This technology also helps the visually impaired. It can tell them the layout of the room or obstacles in any position to be easily moved. The results of this study can also be used in forensics. If the sound of the crime is recorded, it can be used to reconstruct the room, providing evidence for investigators.

However, the applications of this study are only in the form of ideas. Dokmanic and his team are raising capital to expand this technology and hope to turn it into a smartphone application.

"I hope this research will be applied in a practical way in people's lives soon," Dokmanic said.