Smart Textile Laboratory, led by Assoc. Prof. Yuya Ishii, developed “OTO Mask”
Smart Textile Laboratory, led by Assoc. Prof. Yuya Ishii of Faculty of Fiber Science and Engineering of Kyoto Institute of Technology (Department of Advanced Fibro-Science, Kyoto Institute of Technology), has developed “OTO Mask” using the Lab.’s developed electret[a] submicrofiber mat, comprising ultra-fine fibers with the average fiber diameter of several hundred nanometers. “OTO Mask” generates electrical signals through the wearer’s voice. When “OTO Mask” is connected to a commercial headset or wireless microphone, it transmits these signals wirelessly; then, the signals are converted into text on a tablet. One of the unique features of “OTO Mask” is that it picks up only the wearer’s voice almost without outside sound, allowing for phone calls without interference from external noise. It is expected to be useful for making phone calls and recording voice memos in noisy environments. Furthermore, when an audio signals, including music, is input into “OTO Mask”, it plays music functioning as a speaker.
Introduction movies of “OTO Mask” are available on Smart Textile Laboratory’s YouTube channel following:
Introduction Movie (English): https://youtu.be/Vdb-Qic7gaE
Introduction Movie (Japanese): https://youtu.be/qU5B3wk38PA
“OTO Mask” will be exhibited at the following event:
– Hokuriku Yarn Fair 2024
Date: 13th, Nov. 2024 – 14th, Nov. 2024
Location: Ishikawa Industrial Exhibition Hall, Building 4
(193 Minami Fukurobata-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan, 920-0361)
Exhibitor: Center for Fiber and Textile Science, Kyoto Institute of Technology
Glossary:
[a] Electret: A material that stores electrical charges semi-permanently.
For more information, click here (PDF).
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