New device can help the deaf feel music
A new speaker dubbed the Vibrato is designed to help the deaf "feel" music,
by providing a series of finger pads that allow the user to get as physically close as possible to the vibrations
created by the music. Vibrato's developer, Brunel University design graduate Shane Kerwin, also says that by connecting
the device to a computer, a deaf user would be able to compose music. Of course, the Vibrato builds on ideas that date
back at least to the 19th century, when a deaf Ludwig van Beethoven supposedly cut the legs off of his piano and
composed while sitting on the floor so he could more easily feel the instrument's vibrations.
[Thanks, GLN]
Filed under: Misc. Gadgets
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Rusty Shackleford @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM
Piano legs come off using common bolts. There'd be no need to cut them off.
Tariq @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM
*a deaf Ludwig van Beethoven supposedly cut the legs off of his piano and composed while sitting on the floor so he could more easily feel the instruments vibrations*
That's amazing....that Beethoven did that. It's similiar to how blind people dream in only sound, and deaf people have dreams without sound. Kind of strange I guess.
It's amazing what humans are capable of even in the face of adversity and limitations.
wako @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM
wouldnt a subwoofer provide the same feeling, except it can be felt through the whole body.
David @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM
I attended a couple of semesters at RIT in Rochester, NY, which has a large institute for the deaf. I remember the deaf students dancing in the school pub. As long as there were strong bass and drums, they could feel the beat of the music.
Arthur @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM
funny, i just saw "It's all gone Pete Tong" last night. Frankie Wilde woulda (or would) loved this...
ozcaN @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM
ahh i want that movie where u get it?
Ian @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM
Yeah, this definitely reminded me of "It's All Gone Pete Tong", except this set-up seems like a handheld version of his stereo.
anonymous @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM
Rusty, the most pointless comment EVER.
How about those of us on drogas? E, maryjane? This thing could be cool...
Phil Hollenback @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM
I think ba-boom-a-rang-rang-rang is the only relevant comment I can make about all this.
Lawyers @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM
This company should be sued, for giving false hopes.
EM @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM
It's time you guys hear about cochlear implants. They are the closest thing to a human-computer hybrid.
Wired Mag has a great article about a guy who got engineers to push the limits of his implant in order to hear Ravel's Bolero again. Read it and, please, stop cutting piano legs.
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/13.11/bolero.html?tw=wn_tophead_4
Arthur @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM
yeah anonymous, this would be great to try out when we be trippin on mdma dontcha think? bala eh coisa boua pra caralho...
Unomi @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM
Actually there are quite some initiatives to let deaf people enjoy the magic of music on other levels.
Like there are people who build a platform (something like in Saturday Night Fever). This platform vibrates according to the bass and drums of the music played (because lower tones are felt more intensive than higher ones).
Also the lights dim and light to the music and even VJ's compile moodenhancing clips. Even more, there are translators on the dance floor who translate the lyrics into signs and body language so the crowd can sympathise with the mood the music is trying to accomplish.
Remember, deaf people are also beings with sexual feelings. Music can do a lot to get people into a certain mood. Why do you think nightclubs are full of people trying to get a o.n.s.? And why wouldn't deaf people get a chance to get into the mood by music?
I think this is good signal to the deaf community (yes, it IS a community in much respect), that hearing people try to give those people a new perspective of entertainment.
- Unomi -
Tom @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM
It's like "Mister Holland's Opus" all over again.