Passive Tactile Stimulation as a Tool for Learning and Stroke Recovery

Caitlyn Seim

Human-Centered Computing Ph.D. Candidate
School of Interactive Computing
College of Computing
Georgia Institute of Technology

Date: Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: Tech Square Research Building (TSRB) 132

Committee:
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Dr. Thad Starner (Advisor, School of Interactive Computing, Georgia Tech)
Dr. Gregory Abowd (School of Interactive Computing, Georgia Tech)
Dr. Beth Mynatt (School of Interactive Computing, Georgia Tech)
Dr. T. Richard Nichols (School of Applied Physiology, Georgia Tech)
Dr. Desney Tan (Microsoft Research)


Abstract:

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Passive learning is skill or knowledge acquisition through stimuli that are ”in the background.” For example, with little or no active attention, people who are focused on one primary task can gain knowledge about other things through sounds in their environment. Passive Haptic Learning (PHL) is passive learning through background tactile cues. While a person is engaged in other tasks, tactile stimulation can deliver instruction on how to perform a skill. The user does not need to attend to the stimulation, and after the “passive” learning they retain sensorimotor memory that enables them to perform that skill.

In this dissertation I will study passive stimulation for teaching skills and systems like piano and text entry, and then apply this tactile stimulation to aid stroke rehabilitation.

Wearable computing devices deliver this tactile stimulation.