Methods, systems, and computer readable media for a phase array directed speaker

1. A system for generating directed sound, the system comprising:

at least one sensor configured to obtain location information associated with a target;

a controller configured to determine, using the location information, an area to send directed sound and to generate input instructions for a phase array to send directed sound to the area, wherein the input instructions indicate that at least one speaker in the phase array is to delay outputting an audio signal relative to at least one other speaker in the phase array; and

the phase array comprising speakers for emitting ultrasonic signals, wherein the phase array is configured to generate, using the input instructions and the ultrasonic signals, the directed sound, wherein the speakers in the phase array are arranged in columns, wherein the columns of speakers in the phase array are spaced at an integer multiple of the emission wavelength, wherein the integer is greater than one, wherein the ultrasonic signals are generated by splitting an input audio signal into multiple channels, wherein each channel is associated with one of the columns, wherein the phase array generates directed sound by using different time delays between different adjacent columns of speakers, wherein the directed sound is audible to humans and has a frequency range between about 20 Hz and about 20 kHz.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one sensor includes a camera, a computer vision system, a laser rangefinder system, or a sonar detection system.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the controller includes at least one processor or at least one field programmable gate arrays.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the target is a pedestrian, an automobile, or a computer system.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the controller updates the input instructions as the location information changes so as to adjust the directed sound while the target is moving.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the directed sound is less audible outside of the area designated to receive the directed sound.

7. A system for generating directed sound, the system comprising:

a controller configured to determine an area to send directed sound and to generate input instructions for a phase array to send directed sound to the area, wherein the input instructions indicate that at least one speaker in the phase array is to delay outputting an audio signal relative to at least one other speaker in the phase array; and

the phase array comprising speakers for emitting ultrasonic signals, wherein the phase array is configured to generate, using the input instructions and the ultrasonic signals, the directed sound, wherein the speakers in the phase array are arranged in columns, wherein the columns of speakers in the phase array are spaced at an integer multiple of the emission wavelength, wherein the integer is greater than one, wherein the ultrasonic signals are generated by splitting an input audio signal into multiple channels, wherein each channel is associated with one of the columns, wherein the phase array generates directed sound by using different time delays between different adjacent columns of speakers, wherein the directed sound is audible to humans and has a frequency range between about 20 Hz and about 20 kHz.

8. A method for generating directed sound, the method comprising:

receiving, using at least one sensor, location information associated with a target;

determining, using the location information, an area to send directed sound;

generating input instructions for a phase array to send the directed sound to the area, wherein the input instructions indicate that at least one speaker in the phase array is to delay outputting an audio signal relative to at least one other speaker in the phase array; and

generating, using the input instructions and ultrasonic signals emitted by the speakers in the phase array, the directed sound using the phase array, wherein the speakers in the phase array are arranged in columns, wherein the ultrasonic signals are generated by splitting an input audio signal into multiple channels, wherein the columns of speakers in the phase array are spaced at an integer multiple of the emission wavelength, wherein the integer is greater than one, wherein each channel is associated with one of the columns, wherein the phase array generates directed sound by using different time delays between different adjacent columns of speakers, wherein the directed sound is audible to humans and has a frequency range between about 20 Hz and about 20 kHz.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the at least one sensor includes a camera, a computer vision system, a laser rangefinder system, or a sonar detection system.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein generating the input instructions is performed by a controller, at least one processor, or at least one field programmable gate array.

11. The method of claim 8 wherein the target is a pedestrian, an automobile, or a computer system.

12. The method of claim 8 comprising:

updating the input instructions as the location information changes so as to adjust the directed sound while the target is moving.

13. The method of claim 8 wherein the directed sound is less audible outside of the area designated to receive the directed sound.

14. A method for generating directed sound, the method comprising:

determining an area to send directed sound;

generating input instructions for a phase array to send the directed sound to the area, wherein the input instructions indicate that at least one speaker in the phase array is to delay outputting an audio signal relative to at least one other speaker in the phase array; and

generating, using the input instructions and ultrasonic signals emitted by the speakers in the phase array, the directed sound using the phase array, wherein the speakers in the phase array are arranged in columns, wherein the columns of speakers in the phase array are spaced at an integer multiple of the emission wavelength, wherein the integer is greater than one, wherein the ultrasonic signals are generated by splitting an input audio signal into multiple channels, wherein each channel is associated with one of the columns, wherein the phase array generates directed sound by using different time delays between different adjacent columns of speakers, wherein the directed sound is audible to humans and has a frequency range between about 20 Hz and about 20 kHz.

15. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon executable instructions that when executed by at least one processor of a computer causes a computer to perform steps comprising:

receiving, using at least one sensor, location information associated with a target;

determining, using the location information, an area to send directed sound;

generating input instructions for a phase array to send the directed sound to the area, wherein the input instructions indicate that at least one speaker in the phase array is to delay outputting an audio signal relative to at least one other speaker in the phase array; and

generating, using the input instructions and ultrasonic signals emitted by the speakers in the phase array, the directed sound using the phase array, wherein the speakers in the phase array are arranged in columns, wherein the columns of speakers in the phase array are spaced at an integer multiple of the emission wavelength, wherein the integer is greater than one, wherein the ultrasonic signals are generated by splitting an input audio signal into multiple channels, wherein each channel is associated with one of the columns, wherein the phase array generates directed sound by using different time delays between different adjacent columns of speakers, wherein the directed sound is audible to humans and has a frequency range between about 20 Hz and about 20 kHz.

16. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon executable instructions that when executed by at least one processor of a computer causes a computer to perform steps comprising:

determining an area to send directed sound;

generating input instructions for a phase array to send the directed sound to the area, wherein the input instructions indicate that at least one speaker in the phase array is to delay outputting an audio signal relative to at least one other speaker in the phase array; and

generating, using the input instructions and ultrasonic signals emitted by the speakers in the phase array, the directed sound using the phase array, wherein the speakers in the phase array are arranged in columns, wherein the columns of speakers in the phase array are spaced at an integer multiple of the emission wavelength, wherein the integer is greater than one, wherein the ultrasonic signals are generated by splitting an input audio signal into multiple channels, wherein each channel is associated with one of the columns, wherein the phase array generates directed sound by using different time delays between different adjacent columns of speakers, wherein the directed sound is audible to humans and has a frequency range between about 20 Hz and about 20 kHz.