What challenge/problem are you trying to solve through your application:
Individuals with partial or complete hearing disability will find it difficult to respond to acoustic stimuli present in the environment. This will render them prone to accidents and will require another individual to accompany them when commuting. They cannot respond to stimuli such as their name being called or a vehicle approaching from behind. A wearable sound visualization device which can indicate the direction and nature of sound by augmenting the available visual information will be of much help to such individuals. Through training and practice, users of this device will be able to categorize and locate the direction of the source of sound from the visual information available to them, and eventually learn to recognize their name being called from the visual pattern. The device will also give them better chances to identify and respond to acoustic sources around them.
How does your application solves the above mentioned challenge/problem:
Information about the nature and direction of sound is made available to the user through a transparent display module placed in front of his/her eyes. With proper training, the user may learn to make use of this information for better navigation/estimation of the environment.
Description of Project:
Abstract: Here we present a possible design of a device that will enable people with hearing incapabilities to recognise and interact with sound sources around them by augmenting the visual information available to them. The design involves a 'wearable' monocle-like device that is capable of displaying color and a sound sensing device. The frequency , direction and intensity of the incident sound will be analyzed and a corresponding color and a location indicator will displayed at the monocle, enabling the user to differentiate between various sources of sound in the environment such as traffic and thunder.
