Development and Application of a Wireless, Networked Raspberry Pi Controlled Head Mounted Tactile Display (HMTD)
Abstract
As the head-mounted tactile displays (HMTDs) efficacy in augmenting Warfighter performance was studied and transitioned from lab-based to field experimentation, the need for a portable and robust system emerged. Previously, a Windows-based netbook computer was used as a tactor controller but its size, weight, and power consumption limited its use as a wearable, outdoor device. Raspberry Pi (RPi), part of the wearable computer trend, became an ideal replacement. The RPis size and weight support HMTD portability; the ad hoc wireless-networking mode allows a network of them to move freely while communicating with one another without a centralized infrastructure. This is critical to field studies where team tactile communication, on the move or in a highly dynamic setting, is a priority. This report details the development of RPi as a tactor controller and fills informational gaps during development of the RPi-controlled HMTD. It lists procedural steps in setting up the RPi and dealing with its functions and operations a guiding manual for the RPi's use as a low-cost controller to power prototypes for field studies. While this report applies specifically to the RPi's development as a tactor controller, we believe the procedures are of general interest and applicable for mobile experimentations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1018440
Entities
People
- David Chhan
- Joel T. Kalb
- Kimberly Myles
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory