Abstract
Background: Vibrotactile stimuli are widely used to study the functional characteristics of the haptic sense. Although many vibrotactile stimulators are commercially available, most are expensive. Objective: We developed a low-cost vibrotactile stimulation system using a Nintendo Wii Remote and a personal computer. In the present study, we examined the validity and accuracy of this vibrotactile stimulation system. Method: In the first experiment, we measured the linearity of vibration amplitude and changes in peak vibration frequency generated by the Wii Remote as a function of activation intensity. In the second experiment, the effect of vibrotactile stimuli applied to the dorsal surface of hand on two-point discrimination threshold at the index finger was examined in twelve participants. Results: The peak vibration frequency was about 150 Hz irrespective of vibration intensity, which would effectively activate fast adapting type II (FAII) cutaneous mechanical receptors. The two-point discrimination threshold measured at the third pad of the index finger decreased significantly when a near-threshold vibrotactile stimulus was applied to the dorsal hand, a response termed stochastic resonance (SR). These SR results are consistent with findings in the other sensory systems, such as auditory, visual, and somatosensory systems. Conclusion: This newly developed stimulation system produces controllable vibrotactile stimuli useful for study of the haptic sense.
Highlights
Vibrotactile stimulation is widely applied in the study of haptic sensory function [1 - 3] as well as for tactile sensors and displays [4, 5]
We have developed a new vibrotactile stimulation system consisting of a Wii Remote under personal computer (PC) control
We examined the linearity and reproducibility of vibration amplitude and the stability of the frequency spectrum with stimulator (Wii Remote) activation intensity
Summary
Vibrotactile stimulation is widely applied in the study of haptic sensory function [1 - 3] as well as for tactile sensors and displays [4, 5]. Most are expensive or a frequency characteristic changes with amplitude To mitigate this problem, we have developed a low-cost vibrotactile. The Open Psychology Journal, 2017, Volume 10 119 stimulating system using the Nintendo Wii Remote and a personal computer (PC). This wireless device is the man–machine interface for Nintendo Wii and Wii U consoles and is equipped with a small oscillator as well as an infrared sensor and multiple acceleration sensors. Vibrotactile stimuli are widely used to study the functional characteristics of the haptic sense. Many vibrotactile stimulators are commercially available, most are expensive
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