Reference #: 01491
The University of South Carolina is offering licensing opportunities for Artificial Cochlea for Mechanical Processing of Sound
Background:
So far in our society, the artificial processing of sound is achieved through microphones and digital electronics systems, which are not always reliable. However, natural organisms do it differently. Biology uses a mechanical device to process the sound in various ranges of frequencies dependent on different animals’ evolutionary history. A cochlea inside our inner ear is responsible for our hearing and by nature’s choice it is a mechanical device.
Invention Description:
With this invention, we present artificial means to mimic the functionality of the human cochlea to enhance the capability of processing sound mechanically for various sonic and ultrasonic sensor applications and create artificial ears for future humanoid robots. This technology presents a bio-inspired acoustic bandpass sensor with a user-defined range of frequencies.
Potential Applications:
About 1 in 54 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to estimates from CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. In the future it is possible to use such device as artificial cochlea for selective human hearing, helping autistic kids to hear only specific range of frequencies. This product will benefit all autistic kids of the world. Also, implanting the artificial cochlea to humanoid robots for more effective and efficient human-robot interaction like in our human society.
Advantages and Benefits:
This product offers a revolutionary approach to hearing aid and reproduction of the human experience. The humanoid robot market is emerging and demand for this product would be increasing in years to come. Almost all futuristic Humanoid Robots would need some form of artificial hearing device.