An "electric ear" has a couple of different meanings, depending on the context:
- Sound Intensity Measurement: It can refer to a specialized microphone equipped with accessories designed for measuring sound intensity. (Reference 1)
- Automatic Control Device: It can also describe an apparatus resembling an electric ear that's used for the automatic control of machinery. (Reference 2)
Let's break down each meaning:
Electric Ear as a Sound Measurement Device
This type of "electric ear" isn't just any microphone. It's specifically designed to quantify how powerful a sound is at a given location.
Key Features:
- Directional Sensitivity: These microphones are often designed to be highly directional, focusing on sound coming from a particular direction.
- Precision: They are calibrated to provide accurate measurements of sound pressure and intensity.
- Accessories: The "accessories" mentioned in the definition might include windscreens to reduce wind noise, calibration devices to ensure accuracy, and specialized amplifiers to boost the signal.
Usage Examples:
- Environmental Noise Monitoring: Measuring noise levels in urban areas or near industrial sites.
- Acoustic Research: Studying the properties of sound waves in different environments.
- Industrial Hygiene: Assessing noise exposure levels in workplaces to protect workers' hearing.
Electric Ear as an Automatic Control Device
This application of the "electric ear" acts as a sensor in automated systems. The device "listens" for specific sounds or sound patterns, which then trigger actions in the machinery.
How It Works:
- Sound Detection: The device uses a microphone to pick up sounds from the environment.
- Signal Processing: The sound signal is processed to identify specific patterns or frequencies.
- Action Trigger: When the desired sound pattern is detected, the device sends a signal to the machinery to initiate a specific action (e.g., start, stop, adjust).
Examples of Use:
- Voice-Activated Machinery: Imagine a robot that starts working when it hears a specific verbal command.
- Sound-Triggered Alarms: A security system that triggers an alarm when it hears the sound of breaking glass.
- Production Line Automation: Machinery that automatically adjusts its speed or operation based on the sound produced by the products being manufactured. For example, a bottling plant might use sound to detect when a bottle is full.
In summary, the term "electric ear" refers to either a specialized microphone for measuring sound intensity or an automated control device that reacts to specific sounds.
