Tactile Vibration Language Learning System for Deaf Users

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication methods for deaf individuals, such as sign language, written methods, and auditory aids, face limitations in speed, accessibility, and effectiveness, with existing tactile replacement methods focusing primarily on device development rather than language learning technology.

Innovation Solution

A deaf-specific language learning system that converts voice-type learning data into pattern information and uses a vibration actuator to enable deaf individuals to learn language through tactile means, incorporating a sound input device, learning server, signal processor, learning processor, and actuator controller to analyze and visualize similarity between learning and voice patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cochlear implantation surgery is performed to improve hearing ability, then hearing function is improved, but surgical costs and maintenance costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehearing functionVSAvoidsurgical and maintenance costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/surgical cochlear implantation system with a tactile vibration-based language learning system. Instead of surgically implanting devices to restore hearing, the invention uses vibration actuators to deliver tactile feedback that enables deaf individuals to learn and communicate through touch, eliminating surgical costs and complex medical maintenance requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a tactile vibration system as an intermediary between sound sources and deaf individuals. The vibration actuator serves as a mediator that converts auditory information into tactile patterns, allowing deaf people to perceive language without requiring hearing restoration through surgery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If sign language is used for communication, then communication accessibility for deaf people is improved, but communication speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication accessibilityVSAvoidcommunication speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual sign language communication with an automated tactile vibration system. The system uses vibration actuators controlled by a processor to deliver language patterns through touch, eliminating the time-consuming manual gestures of sign language while maintaining accessibility for deaf individuals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables deaf individuals to learn and communicate through self-directed tactile feedback. The vibration actuator provides immediate tactile responses to language inputs, allowing users to independently learn and practice language without requiring interpreters or manual signing partners

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If written method is used for communication, then communication accessibility is improved, but communication speed and usage flexibility decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication accessibilityVSAvoidcommunication speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces written text communication with tactile vibration communication. Instead of requiring deaf individuals to read written text, the system converts language into tactile vibration patterns that can be perceived through touch, enabling faster communication that maintains the accessibility benefits of written methods while eliminating their speed limitations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates effective language learning for deaf individuals by providing a tactile communication method that improves communication speed and accessibility, allowing deaf people to learn and communicate through vibration patterns, enhancing their ability to interact with hearing individuals without the need for surgical interventions or expert assistance.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration actuator to enable deaf individuals to learn language through tactile means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration actuator: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS11508260B2Deaf-specific language learning system and method

Publication Date: 2022.11.22 ELECTRONICS & TELECOMM RES INST

AI summary

Disclosed is a language learning technology for deaf people. A deaf-specific language learning system includes: a sound input device configured to receive a voice from an external source; a learning server configured to store learning data and correction information; a signal processor configured to output voice pattern information corresponding to a voice signal received from the sound input device; a learning processor configured to output learning pattern information regarding the learning data received from the learning server and also output a learning result through similarity analysis; and an actuator controller configured to vibrate a vibration actuator according to the voice pattern information and the learning pattern information.