Tension-Based Wearable Vibroacoustic Device for Music Appreciation
We propose a new vibroacoustic device that consists of a string and two motors, called a wearable tension-based vibroacoustic device (WTV). To demonstrate the superior performance of the WTV over conventional wearable devices, which contain vibrators, we
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Abstract. We propose a new vibroacoustic device that consists of a string and two motors, called a wearable tension-based vibroacoustic device (WTV). To demonstrate the superior performance of the WTV over conventional wearable devices, which contain vibrators, we conducted two experiments. First, we measured the amplitudes of vibration of the skin while subjects wore the WTV and Haptuators. We found out that WTV is better than Haptuators at transmitting low-frequency waves over a wide range throughout the body. Second, we examined subjective evaluations of acoustic vibration for both devices. Almost all participants considered the WTV to be a better option as a vibroacoustic device. We thus conclude that the WTV is a good option for applications requiring high-quality and strong stimuli, such as listening to music and virtual-reality gaming.
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Introduction
When listening to music, we can feel excitement not only because of the sounds that we hear but also the vibrations that we feel in our body. Such a case is attending a live music performance, which can be more exciting than listening to the same music at home. The heightened excitement might be due to a number of factors, such as the sense of unity with other fans and the vibration of the music transmitted through the body. This paper focuses on this vibration, known as acoustic vibration. Acoustic vibration is a phenomenon perceived by our somatosensory system. The joy of listening to music is enhanced by low-frequency vibrations. To simulate such vibrations for the benefit of music listeners, indoor vibroacoustic devices (some of which are referred to as body sonic systems) have been developed [1]. Conventional vibroacoustic devices take the form of chairs or beds with transducers that are located along the user’s back and enhance the musical experience. In addition, the effects of these vibroacoustic devices relating to relaxation and the suppression of pain are appreciated [2–5] and many dental clinics and relaxation facilities have thus introduced such systems. Similar systems, which transmit sound vibration effects, are used in entertainment facilities such as theme park attractions and 4DX movie theaters. Despite their effects, vibroacoustic devices are only used in special facilities and are not yet popular in terms of the daily experience of listening to music. c Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2016 F. Bello et al. (Eds.): EuroHaptics 2016, Part II, LNCS 9775, pp. 273–283, 2016. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-42324-1 27
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This might be explained by the size, cost, and usability of such systems. The present paper proposes a light, wearable and effective vibroacoustic device that contains a string and two motors and can be used as easily as earphones. We believe it has the potential to become a new standard tool for music appreciation. 1.1
Previous Works
There are wearable products that can display the vibration of music. One example, SUBPAC [6], has vibration transducers and can be worn as a backpack. The user can feel a
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