Importance

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Abstract

Inexpensive wideband transducers convert low frequency components (i.e., approximately 50 Hz through 800 Hz) of an audio signal to mechanical vibrations at the same frequencies so that the vibrations may be perceived at the user's skin, typically at a hand or finger. The transducer may be a small permanent magnet moving coil loudspeaker with most of the diaphragm cone removed to minimize soundwave generation, or it may be a small d.c. or stepping motor arranged to have its drive shaft rotated in alternate directions through small angles corresponding to signal amplitude. Vibrations may be applied to the user's hand through a hand-held case vibrating with the motor, or to a finger via a contactor extending outside the case from the motor or loudspeaker. The transducer has particular utility in conjunction with closed captioned in television programs to enhance appreciation of speech therein while also training the user in utilizing the transducer. One or more fixed frequency transducers may additionally be employed vibrations at a single frequency representing all of the higher frequency components in the audio signal.

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First Claim