Progress: June 12 2007

• Measurement Computing hasn't answered my emails asking after the DAQ card order.
  • calling them on Wed morning and ask about the order (they may want to have someone with a local credit card to pay the order).
• Otherwise everything concerning the outputs should be ok; just wondering if the 40mA current per channel is enough to drive the C2-tactors/DC-vibras or do I need an amplifier..
  • I've compiled and edited some simple example apps written in C that should read and write IO data, but there's not much sense in that without the card.
  • with Matlab it'd probably be easier to drive e.g. sinusoidal pulses to the actuators.
• I've thought about having three different output conditions with a linear array of tactors to try to simulate the movement: static sequential feedback, discreet saltatory feedback (w/ 2 & 3 actuator locations), and control condition.
  • possibly I need to test with some kind of dynamic sequential condition as well to be able to provide smoother/flowing transition of vibration.
  • frequency should maybe be somewhat lower than the optimum perceived frequency of 200-300 Hz. Also the effect of amplitude should be tried out.
  • area of stimulation: larger area = more intense sensation, less accurate localization
  • location on the forearm: sensitivity, intimacy, ..
• Input issues are still open; possibly best option is to purchase an analog input card.
  • could this be used together with the Phidgets' sensors (force sensing resistors)?
  • acceleration sensor to measure vibration

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