Super-resolution wearable electrotactile rendering system

Abstract

The human somatosensory system is capable of extracting features with millimeter-scale spatial resolution and submillisecond temporal precision. Current technologies that can render tactile stimuli with such high definition are neither portable nor easily accessible. Here, we present a wearable electrotactile rendering system that elicits tactile stimuli with both high spatial resolution (76 dots/cm 2 ) and rapid refresh rates (4 kHz), because of a previously unexplored current-steering super-resolution stimulation technique. For user safety, we present a high-frequency modulation method to reduce the stimulation voltage to as low as 13 V. The utility of our high spatiotemporal tactile rendering system is highlighted in applications such as braille display, virtual reality shopping, and digital virtual experiences. Furthermore, we integrate our setup with tactile sensors to transmit fine tactile features through thick gloves used by firefighters, allowing tiny objects to be localized based on tactile sensing alone.

Suppressing Discomfort Caused by Electrical Stimulation Using a Local Anesthetic Cream

“…In Experiment 4, we confirmed that the ratio of the pain threshold to the tactile threshold (dynamic range) was increased by the application of a local anesthetic cream, even with multipoint electrical stimulation. Multipoint electrical stimulation differs from single-point electrical stimulation in that it also enables the presentation of patterns and motion of these patterns [25]. Vection-like movements can be presented by electrical stimulation as a typical display pattern.…”

Softness presentation by combining electro-tactile stimulation and force feedback

“…Electro-tactile displays also allow for portable setups due to their simple mechanism (Cornman, et al, 2017). Some studies have used electro-tactile stimuli as wearable devices, presenting them to the fingertips and the entire palm (Lin, et al, 2022;Yao, et al, 2022). Takei et al (2015) attached a film pressure distribution sensor under a film electro-tactile display, measured the pressure applied to each electrode by a pressing finger, and used it as feedback for electrical stimulation.…”

Skin-Inspired Ultra-Tough Supramolecular Multifunctional Hydrogel Electronic Skin for Human–Machine Interaction

“…With the emerging of metaverse, human-machine interaction (HMI) attracts more and more attentions as the indispensable element in metaverse, even robotics, VR/ AR and human-machine systems [1][2][3][4]. Current research on bio-organic interfaces has contributed significantly to the realization of HMI [5,6].…”