Desenvolvimento de um dispositivo para auxiliar a percepção de melodias a pessoas com deficiência auditiva total através de sinais táteis

Abstract

Music is one of the most universal forms of human expression and emotion. However, for individuals with profound deafness, traditional musical experiences remain largely inaccessible. This work presents the development of a non-invasive electronic device capable of translating digital musical signals into tactile stimuli, enabling users to perceive rhythm and melody through vibration, with a strong focus on accessibility and sensory inclusion. The system was designed using the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B as the central processing unit, Vibracall 1027 vibration motors for tactile output, piezoelectric sensors for feedback, and a user-friendly human-machine interface (HMI). The actuators were strategically positioned on the fingers, a region rich in mechanoreceptors, to maximize vibration perception. The graphical interface allows users to select music, visualize realtime signal plots, and adjust vibration parameters, providing an interactive and intuitive experience. Tests revealed that the device is lightweight, easy to use, and offers fast tactile response. Participants highlighted the clarity of distinct rhythmic patterns and emphasized that using the device without the glove was more comfortable. Some challenges were observed in differentiating very similar frequencies, which were attributed to the natural perceptual limits of Pacinian and Meissner corpuscles. Overall, the experience was described as exciting and emotionally impactful, granting users access to sensations previously deemed impossible. This project represents a promising alternative in the field of assistive technology, with potential applications in inclusive music education, sensory performances, and multisensory therapy. It contributes meaningfully to the discourse on cultural accessibility and reinforces the role of engineering in promoting sensory equity.