VibGrip++: Haptic device allows feeling the music for hearing impaired people

Abstract

We improved a haptic device called “VibGrip (VG)”. The VG allows feeling the music by vibration for hearing impaired people. This device converts audio signal into vibrations that can be felt with the use of the 5 fingers. With 5 actuators, it is possible to feel the different musical part on each finger. The past version was only providing vibrations. “VibGrip++ (VG+)” has 5 pressure sensors it detects how strong grasping the device. This system allows controlling the intensity of each finger’s vibration and also controlling filter-effect intuitively. With this function, people with hearing impaired can feel the vibration of each musical part more clearly and enjoy in the concert.