SonyPatent applicationAudio & voiceInterest 6/10

Sony patents sound system using special material to track sound direction

Sony has filed a patent for a sound processing device that uses a specific type of material called an acoustic metamaterial. This material is attached to a microphone and changes how sound waves pass through it based on the direction the sound is coming from. The device then captures this modified sound to help determine where the noise originated.

Why it mattersThis technology could improve how devices like phones or speakers identify where sounds are coming from, which is useful for features like noise cancellation or voice assistants.

In the filing’s own words

A sound processing device is provided, which includes a first sound collection unit configured to acquire a sound; an acoustic metamaterial attached to the first sound collection unit; and an output unit configured to output the sound acquired by the first sound collection unit. The acoustic metamaterial gives a predetermined characteristic to the sound according to a direction of arrival of the sound, and the first sound collection unit acquires the sound having the predetermined characteristic.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A sound processing device comprising: a first sound collection unit configured to acquire a sound; an acoustic metamaterial attached to the first sound collection unit; and an output unit configured to output the sound acquired by the first sound collection unit, wherein the acoustic metamaterial gives a predetermined characteristic to the sound according to a direction of arrival of the sound, and the first sound collection unit acquires the sound having the predetermined characteristic.

Facts

Company: Sony (SONY GROUP CORPORATION)
Official title: SOUND PROCESSING DEVICE AND SOUND PROCESSING SYSTEM
Publication number: US20260270624A1
Application number: 19166613
Filed: Dec 26, 2023
Published: Sep 10, 2026
Inventors: 5
Claims: 20

Classified under

H04R 25/402 Electricity & electronicsH04R 25/405 Electricity & electronicsH04R 25/505 Electricity & electronicsH04R 2430/01 Electricity & electronics

Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.