Collaborative R&D project with Fujitsu to develop communication tools and environments for people both with and without hearing disabilities that began in 2012 with the participation of people with hearing disabilities.
The progress was presented in four exhibits at the 4th International Association for Universal Design 2012 in Fukuoka
1 : Tangible Sound Unit [ Touched by Sound ]
Device that converts sound to vibration. The moment that someone starts speaking, and the atmosphere of a place can be felt. The prototype model and the latest wireless model were exhibited.
2 : Sound Visualization [ Viewing the Characteristics of Sounds ]
Sound information collected by a microphone array is added to the image taken by a camera. The mood of conversations and sound environments can be visually shown. The direction, volume and height of voice are shown with the size and color of a balloon on the screen at real time.
3 : Direction Chaser [ Knowing the Direction of Sound ]
The source of sound is indicated by a bird model to help people be aware of the beginning of a speech or sound. An actuator and a microcomputer are connected to a microphone array to make the device compact and portable.
4 : Word Spotting [ Picking out Words ]
Calling of one’s name that a person with a hearing disability needs to notice, and words to call for attention are shown on the screen. Word Spotting, a sound recognition technology, by Fujitsu Laboratories that enables to extract only pre-registered words is employed.
Device that converts sound to vibration. The moment that someone starts speaking, and the atmosphere of a place can be felt. The prototype model and the latest wireless model were exhibited.
2 : Sound Visualization [ Viewing the Characteristics of Sounds ]
Sound information collected by a microphone array is added to the image taken by a camera. The mood of conversations and sound environments can be visually shown. The direction, volume and height of voice are shown with the size and color of a balloon on the screen at real time.
3 : Direction Chaser [ Knowing the Direction of Sound ]
The source of sound is indicated by a bird model to help people be aware of the beginning of a speech or sound. An actuator and a microcomputer are connected to a microphone array to make the device compact and portable.
4 : Word Spotting [ Picking out Words ]
Calling of one’s name that a person with a hearing disability needs to notice, and words to call for attention are shown on the screen. Word Spotting, a sound recognition technology, by Fujitsu Laboratories that enables to extract only pre-registered words is employed.
commissioned work: planning, design, production
client: FUJITSU LIMITED
technical cooperation of Word Spotting: FUJITSU LABORATORIES LTD.
GK Report
client: FUJITSU LIMITED
technical cooperation of Word Spotting: FUJITSU LABORATORIES LTD.
GK Report
