Title :
Investigation of significant interface parameters involved in the electromechanical transfer of tactile information
Author :
Jarmul, E. ; Nunziata, E. ; Perez, C. ; Lipetz, L.E. ; Weed, H.R.
Author_Institution :
Biomed. Eng. Center, Ohio State Univ., Columbus, OH, USA
Abstract :
The authors describe work toward the implementation of a tactile vision information system (TVIS). The prototype system consists of a video camera for image acquisition, a microcomputer for image processing, and a 16×16 vibro-tactile array for image transfer to the skin. The characteristics of the TVIS are discussed and proposed modifications are analyzed to determine the optimum configuration. The mechanical impedance of both vibrator and selected skin sites are discussed and related to the image-transfer process. This is combined with the published properties of the tactile sensors to determine the overall transfer function of electromechanical-physiological interface
Keywords :
computerised picture processing; handicapped aids; mechanoception; microcomputer applications; sensory aids; skin; television applications; blind person aid; electromechanical transfer; electromechanical-physiological interface; image acquisition; image processing; image transfer; interface parameters; mechanical impedance; microcomputer; optimum configuration; skin; skin sites; tactile information; tactile vision information system; transfer function; vibrator; vibro-tactile array; video camera; Cameras; Image processing; Impedance; Information systems; Machine vision; Microcomputers; Prototypes; Skin; TV interference; Tactile sensors;
Conference_Titel :
Bioengineering Conference, 1989., Proceedings of the 1989 Fifteenth Annual Northeast
Conference_Location :
Boston, MA
DOI :
10.1109/NEBC.1989.36689