The US Navy invents a device that makes people unable to talk

The US Navy has invented a new device to stop people from chatting. Handheld Audio Intermittent and Disruptive Devices (AHADs) record a person's conversation and play it out again, interrupting their concentration and preventing them from speaking further. While it's an interesting concept, it's unlikely this technology will be used on the battlefield.

This device interrupts their concentration and prevents them from speaking further.

AHAD was developed by engineers at Naval Surface Warfare , Crane Division, a Navy research and development facility in Indiana that develops firearms. As reported by New Scientist, the patent was granted in 2019.

As illustrated in the present invention, the target's chat will be played back to themselves twice, once immediately and once after a short period of time. This delay produces delayed auditory feedback (DAF) , which alters speakers' normal perception of their voice. In normal speech, speakers hear their own words with slight delay, and the body gets used to this feedback. By introducing another source of audio feedback with a sufficiently long delay, the speaker's concentration is disrupted and it is difficult to continue speaking.

The patent application even includes a link to this video, illustrating the process:

SpeechJammer

If you grew up with siblings, then you might recognize this 'technology' right away. AHAD is basically an annoying sibling, repeating whatever your friend says right away, in a funny or annoyed voice. The only difference is that siblings do it simply to annoy another family member, while a government agency using this system may use the system to prevent riots. or other illegal meetings.

The system can be used in a very stealthy way, as the patent filing explains: By using directional microphones and speakers, the system will capture only the target's voice and only the target speaker can hear it. transmitted sound. A person targeted by AHAD may be shocked by this technology and confused that no one nearby can hear what they are hearing. People around can be equally confused when the person suddenly stops talking and acts strange. In other words, it can make you think you're crazy and make people around you think you're crazy.

Interval techniques work best if the machine repeats speech one syllable after the speaker's beat. Oddly enough, it doesn't work at all for some people, perhaps people with extremely high levels of confidence, and actually makes some people even better at speaking. The effect is not consistent enough to make the technology valuable in practice.

Long Range Audio System aboard the command ship USS Blue Ridge

This technology has several other applications. It could be used as a conventional audio signaling device, be it to give directions to a ship or initiate a conversation. More interestingly, by aiming the AHAD system at a wall or corner, the AHAD system can also deliver the sound to the target surface so that the sound comes from the target.

AHAD belongs to the category of non-lethal weapon systems , weapons designed to achieve the desired effect without causing permanent damage. The US Navy has deployed other types of non-lethal sonic weapons, including the Long Range Acoustic Device, which can transmit focused sound waves at very high, painful decibels. The pain causes people to flee an area and can cause long-lasting physical effects, including migraines and ringing in the ears, for up to a week.