Development and Experimental Validation of a Haptic Compass Based on Asymmetric Torque Stimuli

IEEE Trans Haptics. 2017 Jan-Mar;10(1):29-39. doi: 10.1109/TOH.2016.2580144. Epub 2016 Jun 13.

Abstract

This paper presents the design, control, and experimental validation of a haptic compass, designed as a guiding device for all environments. The proposed device uses the principle of asymmetric torques. Its design is based on a direct drive motor and a pre-calibrated open-loop control, which allows the generation of stimuli in a wide range of frequencies. User studies are presented and show optimum effectiveness in the frequency range 5-15 Hz and for torques over 40 mNm. The use of a haptic feedback proportional to the angle error is then shown to significantly improve the results. An experimental validation by a group of' subjects with the portable device using these stimuli is reported. The results show that all subjects met all route objectives with small lateral deviations (avg. 0.39 m).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Algorithms
  • Computer Simulation
  • Equipment Design
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Taxis Response / physiology*
  • Torque
  • User-Computer Interface
  • Young Adult