Multi-Sensory Stimuli Improve Distinguishability of Cutaneous Haptic Cues

Sullivan, Jennifer L.; Dunkelberger, Nathan; Bradley, Joshua; Young, Joseph; Israr, Ali; Lau, Frances; Klumb, Keith; Abnousi, Freddy; O’Malley, Marcia K.

doi:10.1109/toh.2019.2922901

Cited by 32 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…Consequently, presenting more than one channel of information within a single sensory feedback modality may cause participants to decompose their movements by strategically processing each dimension one at a time. We speculate that it can be possible to avoid decomposition using cross-linked, multimodal sensory stimuli (see [ 97 ]), such as vibrotactile, auditory (cf., [ 98 ]), and skin-stretch feedback (cf., [ 99 ]) to obtain smoother, more efficient movements. Future studies should examine the effects of extended training with supplemental kinesthetic feedback in three-dimensional workspaces to examine the extent to which the technology can support functional interactions with real-world objects.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Utility and Usability of Two Forms of Supplemental Vibrotactile Kinesthetic Feedback for Enhancing Movement Accuracy and Efficiency in Goal-Directed Reaching

Rayes,

Mazorow,

Mrotek

et al. 2023

Sensors

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Recent advances in wearable sensors and computing have made possible the development of novel sensory augmentation technologies that promise to enhance human motor performance and quality of life in a wide range of applications. We compared the objective utility and subjective user experience for two biologically inspired ways to encode movement-related information into supplemental feedback for the real-time control of goal-directed reaching in healthy, neurologically intact adults. One encoding scheme mimicked visual feedback encoding by converting real-time hand position in a Cartesian frame of reference into supplemental kinesthetic feedback provided by a vibrotactile display attached to the non-moving arm and hand. The other approach mimicked proprioceptive encoding by providing real-time arm joint angle information via the vibrotactile display. We found that both encoding schemes had objective utility in that after a brief training period, both forms of supplemental feedback promoted improved reach accuracy in the absence of concurrent visual feedback over performance levels achieved using proprioception alone. Cartesian encoding promoted greater reductions in target capture errors in the absence of visual feedback (Cartesian: 59% improvement; Joint Angle: 21% improvement). Accuracy gains promoted by both encoding schemes came at a cost in terms of temporal efficiency; target capture times were considerably longer (1.5 s longer) when reaching with supplemental kinesthetic feedback than without. Furthermore, neither encoding scheme yielded movements that were particularly smooth, although movements made with joint angle encoding were smoother than movements with Cartesian encoding. Participant responses on user experience surveys indicate that both encoding schemes were motivating and that both yielded passable user satisfaction scores. However, only Cartesian endpoint encoding was found to have passable usability; participants felt more competent using Cartesian encoding than joint angle encoding. These results are expected to inform future efforts to develop wearable technology to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of goal-directed actions using continuous supplemental kinesthetic feedback.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Utility and Usability of Two Forms of Supplemental Vibrotactile Kinesthetic Feedback for Enhancing Movement Accuracy and Efficiency in Goal-Directed Reaching

Rayes,

Mazorow,

Mrotek

et al. 2023

Sensors

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“…This approach has proven efficient for haptic communication and applications that require large haptic cue sets. For instance, the authors of [1] combined vibration elements with a lateral skin stretch component (which performs a rotation motion) and a radial squeeze element (which tightens a band wrapping the user's arm), and showed that incorporating multiple forms of tactile stimulation improved perceptual distinguishability in comparison to only vibration signals. A subsequent evaluation of this system demonstrated its substantial success in identifying phonemes and words [2].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Thermal Cues Composed of Sequences of Pulses for Transferring Data via a Haptic Thermal Interface

Shani,

Lineykin

2023

Bioengineering

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This research study is the preliminary phase of an effort to develop a generic data transfer method via human haptic thermal sensation (i.e., a coded language such as Morse or Braille). For the method to be effective, it must include a large variety of short, recognizable cues. Hence, we propose the concept of cues based on sequences of thermal pulses: combinations of warm and cool pulses with several levels of intensity. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of basing a generic data transfer method on haptic thermal cues using sequences of short pulses. The research included defining the basic characteristics of the stimuli parameters and developing practical methods for generating and measuring them. Several patterns of different sequences were designed considering the relevant data known to date and improved by implementing new insights acquired throughout the tests that were conducted. The final thermal cues presented to the participants were sensed by touch and clearly recognized. The results of this study indicate that developing this new method is feasible and that it could be applicable in various scenarios. In addition, the low impact measured on the user’s skin temperature represents an inherent advantage for future implementation. This report presents promising findings and offers insights for further investigations.

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“…Vibration actuators [8], [9] can be incorporated to stimulate Meisner's and Pacinian Corpuscles. Bands or strings can be used to create sensations of stretch, stroke, or pressure [10], [11], which could also be accomplished by a pneumatic system [12]. Peltier elements can be used for temperature sensation by free nerve endings [13].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development and Validation of a Wearable Device to Provide Rich Somatosensory Feedback for Rehabilitation After Sensorimotor Impairment

Buist

Mastinu

Ortiz-Catalán

2021

Preprint

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BACKGROUNDThis study describes the development and validation of a non-invasive wearable device to provide haptic feedback and train sensory discrimination. The ultimate aim of this device is to be used as part of a treatment for functional and/or pain rehabilitation due to sensorimotor impairment.METHODSThe development was guided by a structured design control process to ensure the verifiability and validity of the design outcomes. Two sub-systems were designed to systematically provide various types of somatosensory stimulation: 1) a tactile display for touch and vibration, and 2) a set of bands for sliding, pressure, and strain sensations. The device was designed with a versatile structure that allows for its application on different body parts. We designed an interactive computer program to command the device and enable training sessions. The validation of the device was performed with 11 able-bodied individuals whose upper arm tactile sensitivity was measured over 5 training sessions conducted daily. Tactile discrimination and perception threshold were measured using the standard 2-point discrimination and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament tests, respectively.RESULTSThe development and verification procedures ensured that the device successfully complied with the pre-established requirements, which were selected to enable the device clinical application. The results on tactile discrimination and sensitivity showed high subject-dependent variability but trended towards improvement (p=0.05). This trend was also confirmed by the scores achieved during the training sessions.CONCLUSIONSWe introduced a wearable device to deliver somatosensory stimulation and to train sensory discrimination. The design is versatile enough to allow for its application on different body parts. The device was found robust enough for clinical application, and it showed to increase tactile sensitivity on upper arms of able-bodied individuals. Further studies will be conducted to determine if our current findings transfer to individuals with sensorimotor impairment and if this approach is suitable for functional and/or pain rehabilitation after sensorimotor impairments.

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Multi-Sensory Stimuli Improve Distinguishability of Cutaneous Haptic Cues

Cited by 32 publications

References 30 publications

Utility and Usability of Two Forms of Supplemental Vibrotactile Kinesthetic Feedback for Enhancing Movement Accuracy and Efficiency in Goal-Directed Reaching

Utility and Usability of Two Forms of Supplemental Vibrotactile Kinesthetic Feedback for Enhancing Movement Accuracy and Efficiency in Goal-Directed Reaching

Thermal Cues Composed of Sequences of Pulses for Transferring Data via a Haptic Thermal Interface

Development and Validation of a Wearable Device to Provide Rich Somatosensory Feedback for Rehabilitation After Sensorimotor Impairment

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