How 21st century technology can improve sound level measurement
Regular paper
Brüel & Kjær S & V Measurement A/S
Wednesday 3 june, 2015, 08:40 - 09:00
0.8 Rome (118)
Abstract:
We are all familiar with the relentless advance of technology. To a certain
extent, sound level measurement has taken advantage of this in a number of
areas. The computing power and communication possibilities in a handheld
device far surpasses that which was on our desktops 20 years ago and this has
tremendously increased the flexibility of measurement applications that can be
met in the field. Logging sound level meters previously capable of storing
only days of processed data (e.g. broadband and 1/3-octave values and
statistics) effectively now offer unlimited storage up to and including full
recordings Technology has helped right through to post processing where data
can now be easily post processed into different metrics and reports to ensure
the data communicates what was really happening at the measurement location.
Unfortunately there is a significant time lag. Technology developments often
take years to make it through to the sound level meter and the market. This
creates a mismatch between market expectations and what is available.
However this time lag is shrinking. This paper describes how the latest
technology advances in wireless communications, cloud data management and
smart devices are capable of not just transforming the sound level meter
itself, but the way in which it is used. The next adoption cycle will deliver
greater measurement accuracy and consistency as well as significantly
improving efficiency enabling users to get more done with their sound level
meter.