Information Encoding Methods for a Balance Assist Device Using Vibrotactile Feedback

This study investigates the applicability of information encoding methods for a balance assist device using vibrotactile feedback. In the device, two motors were employed to provide information on the model's sway angle in each of the forward and backward directions. In the experiment involving ten healthy volunteers, two encoding modes with different vibration patterns were compared using an equivalent body model. The influence of proficiency level was also investigated. The results indicated that a simple encoding method outperformed a complex one even after the proficiency level was improved. Further analyses on the input and output of the model indicated the necessity of a time domain signal for encoding feedback information with the complex encoding methodology.