Applications and Implications

Week 17

What will it do?

The device will use two microphones, one placed on each side of the head, to detect the direction of incoming sounds. It will help identify whether someone is speaking from the left, right, or directly behind the user. The device will provide directional feedback through vibration motors. It will also include a second mode in which the vibration motors respond to music, creating a more immersive and sensory experience.

Who has done what beforehand?

A similar project is Ontenna, a wearable device that allows users to experience sound through vibration and light. Ontenna can be clipped onto hair, clothing, or accessories and translates sound characteristics into tactile feedback. My project differs by focusing on a practical everyday application: helping people with hearing loss identify when someone is calling them and from which direction the sound is coming.

What sources will you use?

Datasheets for the XIAO ESP32-C6 and the MAX4466 microphone module.
Documentation for Python libraries and serial communication.
Information about analog sensors and signal processing.

What will you design?

I will design a comfortable headband that can be worn throughout the day. The system will use custom PCBs based on the XIAO ESP32-C6 to control the microphones and vibration motors. I will also design 3D-printed enclosures in SolidWorks to protect the electronics and give the device a more polished appearance, including a dedicated enclosure for the battery.

What materials and components will be used?, Where will they come from?, How much will they cost?

Product	Quantity	Price (USD)	Source
Male Pin	28	6	Mercado Libre
10k Resistor	1	-	-
303 Resistor	7	-	-
10uF Capacitor	1	-	-
XIAO ESP32-C6	1	7	Unit Electronics
LED	4	-	-
Push Button	1	-	-
Switch	1	-	-
RGB LED	1	-	-
MAX4466 Microphone Module	2	4	Mercado Libre
Battery LiPo 3.7V	1	2	Steren
Vibration Motor	2	1	AliExpress
Elastic Band	1 m	1	Parisina
PLA Filament	-	20	Inova Market

What parts and systems will be made?

Structural System
- 3D-printed enclosures.
- Adjustable fabric headband.
Electronic System
- Custom PCB fabrication and soldering.
- A main PCB containing the XIAO ESP32-C6.
- A secondary PCB connected by wires to house the microphone and vibration motor on the opposite side of the head.
- Battery power system.
Software System
- Embedded firmware for sound detection and vibration control.
- Interface for calibration and mode selection.

What processes will be used?

PCB fabrication.
Electronics soldering.
3D printing.
Sewing and textile integration.
3D modeling.
Embedded programming.
Interface development.

What questions need to be answered?

Can two microphones accurately determine the direction of a sound source?
How much will environmental noise affect sound localization?
Will the vibration motors provide enough feedback to alert the user?
How long will the battery last during normal daily use?
Can music be represented effectively using only two vibration motors?
How comfortable will the device be during extended use?

How will it be evaluated?

The microphones can reliably detect the direction from which a sound originates.
The vibration motors successfully alert the user when someone is speaking to them.
The wearable is comfortable to use for extended periods.
The application correctly changes operating modes and calibration settings.
The music mode produces noticeable and meaningful vibration feedback.

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