An ongoing project exploring the potential of haptic vibrations as an aid for sleep at
Vibe Research Labs.
The soothing properties of rhythmic vibrations are combined with an existing product - a weighted blanket - to create a new model for consumer sleep therapies. At present, four vibration modes have been prototyped. Modes 1 and 2 use the principle of apparent haptic motion, in which strategically placed vibration motors produce 'waves' across a user's body. The other 2 modes produce pulsing and heartbeat effects respectively. The intensity and speed of each mode can be controlled via a TouchOSC app on any compatible smart phone or tablet. Currently, the prototype also includes LED-embedded fabric, which produces visual effects that synchronise with the vibrations.
Vibe Research Labs.
The soothing properties of rhythmic vibrations are combined with an existing product - a weighted blanket - to create a new model for consumer sleep therapies. At present, four vibration modes have been prototyped. Modes 1 and 2 use the principle of apparent haptic motion, in which strategically placed vibration motors produce 'waves' across a user's body. The other 2 modes produce pulsing and heartbeat effects respectively. The intensity and speed of each mode can be controlled via a TouchOSC app on any compatible smart phone or tablet. Currently, the prototype also includes LED-embedded fabric, which produces visual effects that synchronise with the vibrations.
1 - Illustration of ViBlanket concept.
2 - Constructing the first iteration prototype of the ViBlanket.
3 - TouchOSC app used to control vibration parameters.
4 - An example pattern generated through LED-embedded fabric.
2 - Constructing the first iteration prototype of the ViBlanket.
3 - TouchOSC app used to control vibration parameters.
4 - An example pattern generated through LED-embedded fabric.
©️ Caiseal Beardow 2020