Ontenna: Design and Social Implementation of Auditory Information Transmission Devices Using Tactile and Visual Senses

Abstract

Abstract Ontenna is a device that can be worn on the hair, earlobe, collar, or sleeve, and it transmits sound characteristics to the human body using vibrations and light. It can serve as an auxiliary acoustic sensory device for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH), whereas for others, it can serve as a novel acoustic perception device. A condenser microphone mounted on the main body of Ontenna acquires sound pressure data and drives the vibration motor and light-emitting diode in real-time according to the input signals. This allows the user to perceive various sonic features such as the rhythm, pattern, and strength of sound. Furthermore, by simultaneously controlling several Ontenna devices using a controller, rhythms can be transmitted to each user. In this paper, we present the design of Ontenna for DHH and its fabrication process, which was improved through digital fabrication methods. Additionally, we present case studies regarding the usage of Ontenna in a hearing-impaired school and case studies on the application of Ontenna in the entertainment field for hearing-impaired people and others. Furthermore, we discuss the effects of programming education using Ontenna.