VibroSonics: Haptic Audio Sensations (EE Team)

As part of the  VibroSonics team, you will work in a multidisciplinary design environment across Computer Science and Electrical Engineering teams to design and prove a device that translates musical and other sounds from the human spectrum of hearing into tactile-haptic vibrations for the human body. This will be the basis for an open source wearable device that enables Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, gamers, and workers in high-noise situations feel critical sonic cues and music through vibration.

Objectives

As part of the  VibroSonics Electrical Engineering team, you will:

  • Rapidly Prototype an initial proof of concept using breakout boards that include: Audio Amplifier, microphone, audio jack input, sub woofer, ESP32 Arduino-programmable microprocessor
  • Deliver the prototype to the Computer Science team to commence on initial firmware and audio encoder development.
  • Create your owncustom PCB that includes an audio amplifier, battery power supply, switching circuity for microphone and audio hack, volume sensitivity knob, and hookup for the ESP32 that lasts about 2 hours at 5 lbs or less.
  • Consult with CS team on application features
  • Collaborate with mechanical engineering team to embed the system in a wearable format like a back pack, wrist band, or other form.

 

Motivations

One of the most exhilarating aspects of experiencing live music events is “feeling” the sound pump against your skin. What if you could experience this sensation from your own playlist anywhere you go? Vibrosonics translates audio from the spectrum of human hearing into the tactile sub-audio range to drive vibrations through the body. This is accomplished through a unique audio encoding process that you will help improve. 

What would be some of the benefits of this technology? Ludwig Van Beethoven was famous for being a deaf composer who overcame the condition of his ears by using touch on the piano. This technology could enable Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals to dance with and experience music in new ways; gamers in VR-AR to feel and react to more aspects of their environment, and workers in high-noise situations feel critical sonic cues to help them avoid accidents.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

 

  • Good organizational skills
  • Collaborative
  • A desire to learn listed Preferred Skills to accomplish goals
  • Eager to learn new skills and adapt in a dynamic product development environment

 

  • basic circuits and soldering
  • Amplifiers, Power Supplies
  • PCB design

 

Preferred Qualifications:

Familiar with

  • ESP32
  • PCB Design
  • Arduino IDE and Arduino Libraries
  • Microphone, Speaker driver, and other Audio Circuits


Details

Project Partner:

Chet Udell

NDA/IPA:

No Agreement Required

Number Groups:

1

Project Status:

Accepting Applicants

Website:
https://subpac.com/what-is-the-subpac/
Keywords:
Open SourceMusicAudiovibrationhaptics
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