Abstract

Two researchers at the Université de Sherbrooke have developed a laboratory prototype of an active anti-noise device, which like the headphones of a portable cassette player, has on "open" design. This technological breakthrough will allow many workers to enjoy acoustic comfort at work without depriving themselves of outside communication. Although active anti-noise devices are available, current models have serious drawbacks: they are relatively heavy and uncomfortable, and reduce all incoming sound, regardless of its communicative value. This active feed-forward device was specifically developed to overcome these limitations. It is lightweight and only attenuates harmful noise, which is correlated to its reference signal. Workers therefore retain their ability to hear other acoustic inputs (conversations, alarms, etc.). The next step in this research will be the design of an industrial prototype and the performance of workplace trials.