ANC Bubble
A speaker-based active noise cancellation system designed to create a quieter personal space without requiring earbuds, headphones, or physical contact with the listener.
Project Overview
Active noise cancellation is a growing field that already provides useful features in everyday life. However, there are situations where earbuds—the current most effective way to deliver ANC—simply do not work or are far from ideal.
We are designing a speaker system that uses active noise cancellation to form a sort of “bubble of quiet” around a person, with no physical contact necessary. The system listens to incoming noise and produces an opposing sound field intended to reduce it within a focused area.
At a Glance
How ANC Bubble Works
Detect
Microphones measure the incoming sound near the target area.
Calculate
The processor determines the anti-noise signal needed to oppose it.
Cancel
Speakers project the signal to reduce noise around the listener.
System Concept
The concept uses a feedback loop between microphones, a processing unit, and multiple speakers. Together, they aim to control sound within a specific region rather than across an entire room.
Engineering the Quiet Zone
The Challenge
Earbuds can control sound very close to the ear. A contact-free system has to manage sound across open space, where reflections, movement, and distance can change the result. The quiet zone must remain focused without making nearby areas less comfortable.
Current Focus
- Timing and phase: generate anti-noise quickly and accurately.
- Speaker placement: shape cancellation around a defined area.
- Adaptation: respond as the noise source or listener moves.
Interested in ANC Bubble?
We're exploring how acoustics, signal processing, and hardware design can make personal quiet spaces more practical. Get in touch if you'd like to collaborate or learn more.