Physiological Responses Evoked by Fabric Sounds and Related Mechanical and Acoustical Properties

Abstract

This study is performed to determine the characteristics of fabric sounds and the mechanical properties to predict their auditory comfort. In order to obtain quantitative information about emotional changes evoked by fabric sounds, physiological signals are acquired and analyzed when each fabric sound is presented to participants. Physiological parameters employed in this study are electroencephalogram and autonomic nervous system activities, including photoplethysmogram (PPG), skin conductance level (SCL), and the ratio of low frequency to high frequency (LF/HF) from the power spectrum of heart rate variability. As sound parameters, the pressure level of total sound (LPT), loudness(z), and sharpness(z) are calculated. Mechanical properties of the fabrics are measured with the KES-FB system. Bending hysteresis and weight. reflect negative sensations, influencing slow alpha, LF/HF, and SCL. Among sound parameters, LPT, loudness(z), and sharpness(z) influence negative sensations, causing the increment of SCL and LF/HF with the decrement of slow alpha and PPG.

A Fabric Sound Evaluation System for Totally Auditory-Sensible Textiles

“…Table I lists the characteristics of the fabrics. To upgrade sound generation, fabric sounds were generated by a measuring apparatus for fabric noise (MAFN) completed by upgrading the sound generator used in previous works [3,2,13]. The MAFN was patented in 2000 in Korea as a utility model with the application number 0212605.…”

“…Each subject rated six different fabric sound stimuli, including wool and other fabric sounds, in random order, and each stimulus was scored repeatedly by three different subjects. Before data analysis, FMME data were transformed by a procedure described by Hass [6] [3], LPT values of wool suiting fabrics were generally higher than silk for women's blouses, but lower than nylon taffeta for outerwear. As a sound color factor, the level range over the broadband (3L) ranged from 20.55 dB (W4, flannel) to 34.48 dB (W6, tropical).…”

“…On the other hand, mechanical properties as well as the sound parameters of fabrics affecting sound sensations should be identified for use in the manufacturing process. In a previous study [3], we found that each fiber type, such as wool, cotton, silk, and nylon, has its own mechanical properties connected with its sound parameters. The results strongly implied that mechanical measurements could be used to predict sound characteristics of fabrics.…”

A preliminary experiment to assess the fear value of preselected sound parameters in a survival horror game

“…Nevertheless, several approaches have been documented that identify quantifiable sonic parameters that can be associated to a sound's emotionality. Cho et al [7] provided evidence that pressure level, loudness and sharpness of a sound can directly affect emotional valence and intensity. Loudness and sharpness are admittedly, perceptual, psychoacoustic properties, however, using a model outlined by Zwicker and Fastl [8], such properties can still be measured to provide objective values.…”

“…Xu et al [24] state that an audio shock is most effective when it is preceded by silence -a technique utilized in the aforementioned example. Cho et al [7] insist that acoustical properties of audio (specifically intense loudness and sharpness) can produce quantitative increases in negative emotional valence. These sonic characteristics are typically descriptive of audio designed to shock.…”