Title: Systems to support relaxation by using tactile, acoustic and visual stimuli

Authors: Esko O. Dijk; Alina Weffers

Addresses: Department of Distributed Sensor Systems, Philips Research Laboratories, High Tech Campus 34, NL-5656 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands ' Department of Brain, Body & Behavior, Philips Research Laboratories, High Tech Campus 34, NL-5656 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands

Abstract: There are indications that well-chosen tactile and acoustic stimuli may help people to relax. Technology can be used to apply such stimuli. In this paper, we present a technology platform that we have designed to support research into multi-sensory stimulation systems for the purpose of relaxation. One particular component in this platform is a novel tactile actuator array, the Touch Blanket. Besides technology, we also present the 'Breathe with the Ocean' concept, which defines a system to help a user to relax by providing an immersive experience. In this concept, an illusion of being present at an ocean shore is achieved by using multi-sensory stimuli. We describe three system prototypes, each implement the concept and also use our technology platform. All three systems provide tactile, acoustic and visual stimuli to a user. Results of the initial evaluation of these prototypes are presented.

Keywords: haptics; multi-sensory perception; tactile actuators; prototype systems; scripting languages; immersive experiences; virtual reality; multi-modal stimuli; paced breathing; therapies; relaxation methods; biosignals; tactile stimulation; acoustic stimulation; visual stimulation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJAACS.2013.056819

International Journal of Autonomous and Adaptive Communications Systems, 2013 Vol.6 No.4, pp.324 - 341

Published online: 13 Sep 2014 *

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