Voice Mask

Device That Mutes Your Voice for Innovation Laboratory, Inc.

Voice Mask is a concept wearable device that mutes whatever users say aloud while wearing it. It utilizes noise-cancelling technology to mask their voice by emitting the opposite sound wave. Voice Mask is used to participate in online meetings while in a public space. It can prevent confidential information from leaking and avoid bothering others. When in use, Voice Mask is worn around the neck and positioned to cover the user's mouth. It can be folded and carried around.

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Download Press Kit № 137061 Device That Mutes Your Voice for Innovation Laboratory, Inc. by Kunihiko Sato to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.

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Voice Mask by Kunihiko Sato

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Device That Mutes Your Voice by Kunihiko Sato

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Kunihiko Sato Voice Mask

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Kunihiko Sato Device That Mutes Your Voice

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Innovation Laboratory Inc Brand Logo

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Kunihiko Sato Corporate Logo

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Voice Mask Device That Mutes Your Voice Press Releases

Press releases tailored for Voice Mask are available in the languages: English.

Voice Mask Device That Mutes Your Voice Media Articles

For immediate use: Voice Mask articles, available in languages such as Turkish, Arabic (Standard), Spanish, Korean, Indonesian, Japanese, Russian, Chinese (Mandarin), Italian, Portuguese, English, French, German, Hindi and Dutch, to enrich your content.

Unique Properties

Voice Mask is a concept wearable device that mutes whatever you say aloud while wearing it. It utilises noise-cancelling technology to mask the user's voice by emitting the opposite sound wave. Voice Mask can be used when participating in online meetings in a public space to avoid bothering others and to protect confidential information. When in use, the Voice Mask is worn around the neck and positioned to cover the user's mouth. As it is foldable, it is also easy to carry around.

Tags

Wearable Device, Product Design, Social Design, Invention, Mask, Covid-19, Home Office, Privacy, Headset, Microphone

Production Technology

Plastic Injection Molding

Design Challenge

Another design challenge was figuring out the best solution for securing a heavy device around the mouth. We researched similar devices that already exist in the world, such as headphones and mouse shields to finally decide on a necklace-like design inspired by harmonica holders used while playing the guitar.

Project Duration

The idea was created in 2015. It was filed for a patent in Japan in 2016 and it was and successfully registered in 2018. The design of the product started in May 2021 and was completed in February 2022.

Research

In the process of applying for a patent for an idea, the inventors conducted interviews with acoustic experts (PhD students in audio technology) to verify the technical certainty. Their feedback was that although technically challenging, it was possible to cancel sounds that are diffusing into open space. This encouraged the inventors to go forward with filing for a patent. In the process of considering the design, the team created product renders and wearable prototypes using a 3D printer and conducted user interviews. A total number of 4 interviews with potential users were conducted. Research revealed that the Voice Mask will likely be used in various locations that are busy with people, such as a large office or a café. This meant that it was essential for the product to be portable so that it can be carried around easily. It also meant that the people were highly conscious of how the device looked wearing it. With consideration for portability and fashion, the product design was revised from a headphone-like shape to one like a harmonica holder.

Inspiration

In 2015, the team conducted research on the future of work in 2025. A future scenario was envisioned in which work from anywhere has become the norm. The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the change. People can now work from the comfort of their home or their favourite cafe. However, this created a new problem: meetings at home or a cafe can disturb others and lead to unwanted information disclosure. The research insights led to Voice Mask patent registration and the subsequent concept design.

Image Credits

all Image Creator(Rendering Image) Kunihiko Sato, 2022.

Project Overview

Voice Mask Device That Mutes Your Voice has been a Bronze winner in the Social Design award category in the year 2021 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Bronze A' Design Award is given to outstanding designs that showcase a high degree of creativity and practicality. It recognizes the dedication and skill of designers who produce work that stands out for its thoughtful development and innovative use of materials and technology. These designs are acknowledged for their professional execution and potential to influence industry standards positively. Winning this award highlights the designer's ability to blend form and function effectively, offering solutions that enhance people's lives and wellbeing.

Bronze Recognition

Kunihiko Sato was recognized with the coveted Bronze A' Design Award in 2022, a testament to excellence of their work Voice Mask Device That Mutes Your Voice.

Kunihiko Sato Press Releases

Attention press members and journalists: We offer a collection of press releases on Kunihiko Sato and their notable work, available for your unrestricted use. Now available: Immediate access to 1 press releases for journalists.

Voice Mask: A Concept Wearable Device for Confidential Online Meetings

Kunihiko Sato Introduces Voice Mask, a Wearable Device That Mutes Your Voice

Kunihiko Sato Newsroom

Dive into Kunihiko Sato Newsroom to explore celebrated designs and projects.