Hiwave Technologies PLC HiWave launches new audio transducer
26 Julio 2012 - 3:00AM
RNS Non-Regulatory
TIDMHIW
Hiwave Technologies PLC
26 July 2012
HiWave launches platform for next generation headsets that
delivers clear audio without obstructing the ear canal
Audio transducers turn 3D-gaming and sports glasses into
multimedia headsets
Cambridge, UK, July 26, 2012: HiWave Technologies (LSE:HIW), a
provider of innovative audio amplifier ICs, full frequency range
speaker drivers and next generation haptic touch devices, announces
the Farina(TM) platform - a combination of bending wave transducer
and electronics that revolutionises the way audio signals are
delivered to the listener. When mounted onto the frames of
spectacles, such as those used for 3D gaming, the Farina transducer
stimulates the outer ear, or pinna, with a broadband audio signal,
turning the spectacles into headsets. The user then hears via a
fusion of airborne sound and soft tissue conduction into the inner
ear. There are potential health benefits too. In-ear 'buds' have
been reported to cause long-term hearing damage due to high sound
pressure levels that are created close to the eardrum. Farina
technology does not generate damaging pressure transients inside
the ear. Where glasses are not needed, the platform can also be
used to produce other types of headset.
Farina transducers effectively turn the ear into a
micro-loudspeaker but do not block external sounds that are
received in the normal way via the ear canal. The human brain is
adept at differentiating between the audio sources so the
technology is ideal for sensory-immersive applications such as
multi-user gaming, and augmented and virtual reality. It also
provides safety benefits for sportsmen such as cyclists because
they can enjoy music on the move whilst maintaining complete
awareness of their surroundings, including approaching cars.
A suite of patent grants and applications protects HiWave's
developments in the Farina transducer. These encompass techniques
for delivering multi-octave audio from a vibrating beam of
miniaturised dimensions, and the methodology for matching the
mechanical impedance of ceramic materials to the soft tissues of
the human ear.
HiWave's expertise in low-power audio will now be extended into
semiconductors that combine audio signal processing,
high-efficiency amplifier technology and high-voltage drive for
piezoelectric transducers.
James Lewis, HiWave's CEO commented:
"Glasses that combine visual and audio input to the user are
going to be a huge opportunity for us. The goal for our customers
will be to create eyewear that incorporates miniaturised display
and audio components, and are completely wireless. With Farina
audio, the mini-transducers will be embedded into the arms of the
glasses where they touch the ears, and the amplifier circuitry will
be a single chip that, together with the Bluetooth or other
wireless chip will disappear into the frame. Our low-power
techniques minimize the battery size so that this to can become an
integral part of the frame. I believe that technology will open the
eyes of product planners, marketing executives and industrial
designers to consumer electronics concepts that have never been
possible to implement before."
HiWave is currently demonstrating proof of concept to large
companies and will have production-ready transducers available in
Q4 2012. The Farina ceramic vibrating beam measures 25mm x 3mm x
0.6mm and delivers a multi-octave audio frequency range with strong
bass and clear mid-to-high frequencies.
Ends
HiWave Technologies plc +44 (0)1223 598 490
James Lewis
http://www.hiwave.com
Technology PR agency +44 (0)1225 470 000
Publitek Limited
Bob Jones or Rob Ashwell
Email: hiwave@publitek.com
Financial media enquiries +44 (0)20 7831 3113
FTI Consulting
Sophie McMillan
Clare Thomas
About HiWave
HiWave Technologies PLC develops and sells electronic components
and devices with innovative audio and haptic touch technologies to
add outstanding user appeal to consumer electronics.
HiWave's audio amplifier chips and modules are as much as 20
times more efficient than other sound technologies and its
loudspeaker drivers create extremely high quality sound using
bending wave technology. HiWave's patented haptic 'touch'
technologies can transform a flat screen on a smartphone or tablet
computer so that the user can feel the switch or click of a keypad
but without any moving parts.
Founded in late 2010, in the rebirth of NXT, the company is
headquartered in the UK and has offices in Hong Kong. It is listed
on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:HIW).
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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