Focusonics utilize innovative state-of-the-art sound control technologies to design and manufacture directional ceiling speakers that are fit for a variety of purposes.
What exactly is a directional ceiling speaker?
Not much needs to be said about where the speaker is set up - the ceiling. However, you might be wondering what exactly is meant by the ‘directional’ aspect of the product. Essentially, a directional ceiling speaker will emit a narrow beam of sound in the direction of where it has been overhung. Those standing beneath the directional speaker will be able to hear the audio as they are within the radius of the sound beam, whereas those standing outside the speaker's radius will not be able to hear any sound emitted from the device. These differ from conventional ceiling speakers used in places such as cinemas and venues producing sound for all in the room to hear. These types of speakers emit sound waves that are not constricted to a sound beam and disperse wider as they spread.How does a directional ceiling speaker work?
The process by which these devices emit directional sound is complicated but nonetheless interesting. Focusonics speakers, also commonly referred to as ultrasonic speakers, utilize a parametric array, which is a nonlinear transduction mechanism. This does not actually generate sound directly, but uses ultrasonic waves to reproduce sound. These ultrasonic waves modulated with an audio signal are generated by ultrasonic transducers, and as they pass through air or encounter objects, they de-modulate and sound can be heard. The higher frequency of ultrasonic waves means the diffraction is much lower than conventional sound waves, so the waves coming from the directional ceiling speaker spread minimally and are confined to a narrow beam.How far can the sound travel?
At Focusonics, we have developed speakers that differ in functioning capabilities. Our more powerful device, the Model A, has an optimal operation distance of 3-15 meters, but can comfortably reach distances in excess of 30 meters. On the other hand, the smaller Model B device has an optimal operation distance of 1-5 meters. Our Model B speaker tends to be the more popular option for deployment as a directional ceiling speaker due to the more suitable optimal distance operation in buildings where the ceilings are not in excess of 5 meters.The Focusonics™ range of Directional Ceiling Speakers
Focusonics™ Model A
- Best suited to larger distance operations (3-15 metres).
- Maintains directivity over larger distances.
- Perfect for larger displays and or larger exhibit halls in museums and galleries.
Focusonics™ Model B
- Optimal operating distance ranging from 1-5 metres.
- Perfect for conversation-level volume of sound
- Perfect for a directional ceiling speaker to deliver sound to the person directly below.
Where are directional ceiling speakers most commonly used?
These unique devices are not limited to just a few applications, in fact there are numerous different ways directional ceiling speakers can enhance and improve an environment including:
Museums and Galleries
Typically, a museum/gallery tends to be an informative and interesting experience, but a quiet one also so visitors can absorb the attractions on display fully. Fitting a Focusonics directional ceiling speaker above where a group of people stand to observe a display is a great way to communicate an informative message about the attraction without bellowing lots of ambient noise across the room and distracting other visitors in the venue. Rooms that contain multiple displays can benefit hugely with these speakers so different information, relevant to each attraction, can be transmitted to users standing within the target radius and not be disturbed by other directional ceiling speakers also in the room.
Exhibits and Showrooms
Similarly to museums and galleries, these speakers can be implemented for innovative display and product promotions in exhibits, showrooms and trade shows. Different vendors all are marketing their product to potential new customers which can result in increased background noise. A directional ceiling speaker can help provide a solution to this by marketing your product when intrigued users stand beneath the device, also freeing up the salesman in the meantime to attend to any other interested visitors. Importantly, the speaker can also be harnessed to attract the attention of passers-by to come and visit the vendor that the speaker is transmitting messages and information on behalf of. Simply point the overhung speaker in the direction of where most people are walking past. When people walk within the target radius of the directional ceiling speaker they will unexpectedly hear the information or message transmitted by the device, sparking an interest to discover more at the exhibit.
Command and Control Centers
These centers are imperative for ensuring businesses run smoothly, whether it's in the manufacturing plant on the production line or ensuring public safety by monitoring cameras installed on the premises. A big team is required for running a command and control center efficiently and effectively, and to do this each member of staff requires a working environment that can extract their best work. A directional ceiling speaker overhung each employee will deliver all the necessary information they need to hear, without disturbing any other users situated at different desks.
These are just three examples of how our speakers can transform a workplace or attraction. For more information on these specific applications and alternative use cases please click here.
If you are unsure whether the example you have in mind of how you would like to integrate a directional ceiling speaker into your business is viable, then please do not hesitate to contact us and one of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
