Compression is ubiquitously experienced in many facets of our lives, and is also used in healthcare applications to improve physical or emotional wellbeing. Compression is also currently being explored as a novel form of haptic interaction modality, due to its similarity to common human behaviors (e.g., a hug) and less disruptive nature.
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Current research using compression intersects many fields such as human-computer interaction, affective haptics, and occupational therapy, but the use of compression in many applications are still poorly understood and highly non-quantified. The focus of this research is on expanding our understanding and ability to enable remote human-human interaction through novel application of computer-mediated compression. Recent advances in compression garment technology have produced dynamic, low-mass, highly mobile, controllable compression garments (through integration of shape memory alloy (SMA) active materials) capable of interfacing wirelessly with remote users. This technology has the potential to enable new modes of interaction between users separated from one another but who seek to physically interact, including the potential to be applied in novel technologies targeted at enriching the lives of those with disabilities through remotely-activated computer-mediated devices.
Effects of Computer-Mediated Compression as a Novel Haptic Modality/Interface
In order to maximize the use of compression in a variety of applications, the effects of compression when applied to the human body has to be better understood. Broadly, the experience of compression can be modulated by varying inputs including (i) location, (ii) duration, (iii) magnitude, and (iv) rate of compression. Using an SMA-based garment architecture equipped with on-board power systems and wireless control, the objective (physiological) and subjective (emotional/comfort) effects of varying compression inputs will be investigated. The goal is to determine how each operating parameter affects the user experience of computer-mediated compression.
A second facet of this research will center on understanding how compression can be used as a mechanism to remotely persuade (behaviorally/emotionally) or physically affect a user. In occupational therapy treatments for individuals with sensory processing difficulties, there has been evidence showing a direct link between stimulation (compression) and behavioral/emotional changes (e.g., calming effect). Therefore, if coupled with a feedback mechanism that can autonomously detect context or the onset of triggers, such actuatable compression systems have huge potential for growth as novel forms of persuasive and tele-rehabilitation technologies.
Related Publications
- Foo, E. W., Lee, J. W., Compton, C., Ozbek, S., & Holschuh, B. (2019, September). User Experiences of Garment-Based Dynamic Compression for Novel Haptic Applications. In Proceedings of the 23rd International Symposium on Wearable Computers (pp. 54-59). ACM.
- Foo, E. W., Lee, J. W., Ozbek, S., Compton, C., & Holschuh, B. (2019, September). Iterative Design and Development of Remotely-Controllable, Dynamic Compression Garment for Novel Haptic Experiences. In Proceedings of the 23rd International Symposium on Wearable Computers (pp. 267-273). ACM.
- Lee, J. W., Foo, E., Ozbek, S., & Holschuh, B. (2019, July). Investigation of Subjective User Experiences of Applied Passive Compression on Varying Upper Body Locations. In 2019 Design of Medical Devices Conference. American Society of Mechanical Engineers Digital Collection.
- Ozbek, S., Foo, E., Lee, J. W., Schleif, N., & Holschuh, B. (2019, July). Low-Power, Minimal-Heat Exposure Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) Actuators for On-Body Soft Robotics. In 2019 Design of Medical Devices Conference. American Society of Mechanical Engineers Digital Collection.
- Foo, E., Lee, J. W., Ozbek, S., & Holschuh, B. (2018, October). Preliminary study of the subjective comfort and emotional effects of on-body compression. In Proceedings of the 2018 ACM International Symposium on Wearable Computers (pp. 128-131). ACM.
Active Compression Clothing for Sensory Processing Disorder
Many medical conditions, including sensory processing disorder (SPD), employ compression therapy as a form of treatment. SPD patients often wear weighted or elastic vests to produce compression on the body, which have been shown to have a calming effect on the wearer. Recent advances in compression garment technology incorporate active materials -- shape memory alloys (SMAs) -- to produce dynamic, low bulk compression garments that can be remotely controlled. In this study, an active compression vest using SMA spring actuators was developed to produce up to 52.5 mmHg compression on a child’s torso for SPD applications. The vest prototype, designed for a representative child-sized form, incorporated 16 SMA spring actuators that constrict when heated, producing large forces and displacements that can be controlled via an applied current. This study demonstrates the viability of SMA-based compression garments as an enabling technology for enhancing SPD (and other compression-based) treatment.
Related Publications
- Duvall, J. C., Schleif, N., Dunne, L. E., & Holschuh, B. (2019). Dynamic Compression Garments for Sensory Processing Disorder Treatment Using Integrated Active Materials. Journal of Medical Devices, 13(2). doi:10.1115/1.4042599
- Duvall, J. C., Dunne, L. E., Schleif, N., & Holschuh, B. (2016, September). Active hugging vest for deep touch pressure therapy. In Proceedings of the 2016 ACM International Joint Conference on Pervasive and Ubiquitous Computing: Adjunct (pp. 458-463). ACM.
