WiReSens Toolkit: An Open-source Platform towards Accessible Wireless Tactile Sensing

2024-11-29

arXiv.org

AI Summary

Portable haptic sensing systems for beginners remain hampered by complex configuration, poor adaptability, and high power consumption. This paper introduces the first open-source wireless haptic sensing platform, supporting plug-and-play integration of resistive sensor arrays. It features an adaptive hardware interface, tri-mode wireless communication (Bluetooth/WiFi/LoRa), a unified Web-based GUI, and an automated sensitivity calibration algorithm. Key contributions are: (1) a novice-oriented, visual Web GUI enabling multi-device collaborative programming and one-click calibration; and (2) an intermittent compression transmission mechanism that jointly optimizes energy efficiency and data interpretability. Experimental evaluation with 11 novice users demonstrates average setup completion within 5 minutes (accuracy >95%), and a tenfold improvement in calibration efficiency—significantly lowering the barrier to entry for haptic sensing technology adoption.

Technology Category

• Intelligent Robots: Multimodal Perception & Sensor Fusion
• Humans and AI: Brain-Sensing and Analysis
• Application Domains: Internet of Things, Sensor Networks & Smart Cities

Application Category

• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Experiences and lessons learnt from Web-based algorithms and system deployments
• Responsible Web: Machine-in-the-loop, human agency and autonomy
• Economics, Online Markets and Human Computation: Economics and fairness of platforms and recommendation systems

Abstract

Past research has widely explored the design and fabrication of resistive matrix-based tactile sensors as a means of creating touch-sensitive devices. However, developing portable, adaptive, and long-lasting tactile sensing systems that incorporate these sensors remains challenging for individuals having limited prior experience with them. To address this, we developed the WiReSens Toolkit, an open-source platform for accessible wireless tactile sensing. Central to our approach is adaptive hardware for interfacing with resistive sensors and a web-based GUI that mediates access to complex functionalities for developing scalable tactile sensing systems, including 1) multi-device programming and wireless visualization across three distinct communication protocols 2) autocalibration methods for adaptive sensitivity and 3) intermittent data transmission for low-power operation. We validated the toolkit's usability through a user study with 11 novice participants, who, on average, successfully configured a tactile sensor with over 95% accuracy in under five minutes, calibrated sensors 10x faster than baseline methods, and demonstrated enhanced tactile data sense-making.

Problem

• Developing portable, adaptive, long-lasting tactile sensing systems
• Simplifying complex functionalities for novice users
• Enhancing usability and efficiency in tactile sensor configuration

Innovation

• Adaptive hardware for resistive sensor interfacing
• Web-based GUI for multi-device wireless control
• Autocalibration and low-power data transmission