A Comparison Between Separated Electrodes and Concentric Electrodes for Electrotactile Stimulation

Stephens-Fripp, Benjamin; Mutlu, Rahim; Alici, Gürsel

doi:10.1109/tmrb.2020.3045502

Cited by 6 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 64 publications

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“…However, the electrodes in these studies were also disposable with limited durability. On a positive note, the recent studies of Stephens et al, (2018b,2020) showed that concentric electrodes coated with a conductive graphene ink are equally flexible and efficient in delivering tactile sensations, and, importantly, are reusable with an estimated durability over a year [106], [107]. However, more research is required for elucidating on these promising findings of concentric graphene electrodes.…”

Section: Technical Improvementsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Electrotactile feedback applications for hand and arm interactions: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and future directions

Kourtesis,

Argelaguet,

Vizcay

et al. 2021

Preprint

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Haptic feedback is critical in a broad range of human-machine/computer-interaction applications. However, the high cost and low portability/wearability of haptic devices remains an unresolved issue, severely limiting the adoption of this otherwise promising technology. Electrotactile interfaces have the advantage of being more portable and wearable due to its reduced actuators' size, as well as benefiting from lower power consumption and manufacturing cost. The usages of electrotactile feedback have been explored in human-computer interaction and human-machine-interaction for facilitating hand-based interactions in applications such as prosthetics, virtual reality, robotic teleoperation, surface haptics, portable devices, and rehabilitation. This paper presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of electrotactile feedback systems for hand-based interactions in the last decade. We categorize the different electrotactile systems according to their type of stimulation and implementation/application. We also present and discuss a quantitative congregation of the findings, so as to offer a high-level overview into the state-of-art and suggest future directions. Electrotactile feedback was successful in rendering and/or augmenting most tactile sensations, eliciting perceptual processes, and improving performance in many scenarios, especially in those where the wearability/portability of the system is important. However, knowledge gaps, technical drawbacks, and methodological limitations were detected, which should be addressed in future studies.

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Section: Technical Improvementsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Electrotactile feedback applications for hand and arm interactions: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and future directions

Kourtesis,

Argelaguet,

Vizcay

et al. 2021

Preprint

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“…Such development would greatly enable haptic effects in epidermal circuits, where devices in wearable form factors would otherwise have to be made thicker to accommodate components with moving parts (12)(13)(14)(15). Here, we used an integrated materials design strategy that combines a purpose-synthesized, stretchable, conductive block copolymer; concentric electrodes in a stretchable layout; and a psychophysical design strategy for consistent stimulation of mechanical sensations in human participants (8,16,17). Using these tools and a large dataset, we were able to show extraordinarily low stimulation currents (≥6 μA), improved spatial localization, greater acuity by the participant, and the ability to toggle between sensations characterized as pressure or vibration by modifying the frequency of the signal.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Conductive block copolymer elastomers and psychophysical thresholding for accurate haptic effects

Blau,

Abdal,

Root

et al. 2024

Sci. Robot.

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Electrotactile stimulus is a form of sensory substitution in which an electrical signal is perceived as a mechanical sensation. The electrotactile effect could, in principle, recapitulate a range of tactile experience by selective activation of nerve endings. However, the method has been plagued by inconsistency, galvanic reactions, pain and desensitization, and unwanted stimulation of nontactile nerves. Here, we describe how a soft conductive block copolymer, a stretchable layout, and concentric electrodes, along with psychophysical thresholding, can circumvent these shortcomings. These purpose-designed materials, device layouts, and calibration techniques make it possible to generate accurate and reproducible sensations across a cohort of 10 human participants and to do so at ultralow currents (≥6 microamperes) without pain or desensitization. This material, form factor, and psychophysical approach could be useful for haptic devices and as a tool for activation of the peripheral nervous system.

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“…A major drawback and a current barrier to a wider practical use of electrotactile stimulation systems is the need for system calibration before every use, which could be tedious and time consuming, especially when using multi-channel interfaces. Here, stimulation parameters need to be adjusted individually for each channel to avoid imperceivable, uncomfortable or even painful sensations [ 17 , 18 , 19 ]. A simple approach to bypass these shortcomings in certain applications is to apply mechanical stimulation by directly activating mechanoreceptors through piezoelectric, pneumatic, hydraulic, electromagnetic or vibration motors [ 20 , 21 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Electrotactile Communication via Matrix Electrode Placed on the Torso Using Fast Calibration, and Static vs. Dynamic Encoding

Malešević¹,

Kostić²,

Jure

et al. 2022

Sensors

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Electrotactile stimulation is a technology that reproducibly elicits tactile sensations and can be used as an alternative channel to communicate information to the user. The presented work is a part of an effort to develop this technology into an unobtrusive communication tool for first responders. In this study, the aim was to compare the success rate (SR) between discriminating stimulation at six spatial locations (static encoding) and recognizing six spatio-temporal patterns where pads are activated sequentially in a predetermined order (dynamic encoding). Additionally, a procedure for a fast amplitude calibration, that includes a semi-automated initialization and an optional manual adjustment, was employed and evaluated. Twenty subjects, including twelve first responders, participated in the study. The electrode comprising the 3 × 2 matrix of pads was placed on the lateral torso. The results showed that high SRs could be achieved for both types of message encoding after a short learning phase; however, the dynamic approach led to a statistically significant improvement in messages recognition (SR of 93.3%), compared to static stimulation (SR of 83.3%). The proposed calibration procedure was also effective since in 83.8% of the cases the subjects did not need to adjust the stimulation amplitude manually.

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A Comparison Between Separated Electrodes and Concentric Electrodes for Electrotactile Stimulation

Cited by 6 publications

References 64 publications

Electrotactile feedback applications for hand and arm interactions: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and future directions

Electrotactile feedback applications for hand and arm interactions: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and future directions

Conductive block copolymer elastomers and psychophysical thresholding for accurate haptic effects

Electrotactile Communication via Matrix Electrode Placed on the Torso Using Fast Calibration, and Static vs. Dynamic Encoding

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