Hand Vibration Threshold Mapper (HaViThreMa): a Haptic Vibration System

Abstract

This paper describes the design aspects of a system created to assess vibration perception thresholds (VPT). i.e., the minimum thresholds of mechanical vibration that humans can perceive on their hands. The system can carry out these assessments on various areas of the hand, such as the fingertips and the palm, and assessments are conducted according to pre-established psychophysical protocols. The technical specifications of this system, referred to as Hand Vibration Threshold Mapper (HaViThreMa), are discussed throughout this paper, as well as its advantages and disadvantages when compared with similar systems that have already been used in other studies. The HaViThreMa uses piezoelectric actuators to produce vibration stimulus, and can acquire VPT data from one area while, at the same time, also delivering stimuli to one or more other areas. When carrying out assessments on multiple areas of the hand, this platform allows these areas to be tested in a randomized order, reducing subjects’ expectations regarding the location in which the next stimulus will be actuated, and increasing data consistency. By making use of these capabilities to design and carry out psychophysical studies, the information obtained from the gathered VPTs can help elaborate guidelines on how to better use piezoelectric actuators to design more effective Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs).

Keywords: Minimum Vibration Threshold, Data Acquisition Platform, HMI Design

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005357