Looking for Help Understanding Dr. Peter Tass Buzzer Program

[LittleBigPopit]

Hi everyone!

I'm working on the software for my buzzer glove project, aka Penta Buzzer V2.

I need help understanding what kinds of buzzing programs or patterns to put on this. If someone's read up on the different buzzing patterns that have been used and can offer some pseudocode (or some general steps), I would greatly appreciate it!

In previous versions of my buzzer glove, I've done the following pseudocode:

1) Generate a pseudo-random list of non-repeating codes. 1 = first finger, 2 = second finger, up to 5.

2) Loop through each element of that list, buzzing the corresponding finger for 167ms.

3) Repeat step two until each finger has been buzzed 3 times.

4) Pause for 1 second.

5) Return to step 2

As an update, I got the PCB in the picture from JLCPCB and soldered it together. Some improvements need to be made, but overall things are working as expected. I plan to make a smaller version once I'm confident that there are no further schematic edits that need to be made.

[LittleBigPopit]

Also, the DRV2605L chip I'm using can be connected to ERMs, LRAs, and Audio Exciters. I've been able to change the buzzing frequency between 100Hz and 400Hz in the LRAs and Audio Exciters as well as change the intensity. I haven't done too much experimenting with the ERMs yet to state any capabilities.

[Neurosmith]

You should check out the Buzzah! GitHub: github.com/kriswilk/buzzah

That DIY build also uses DRV2605L. The code that runs the program is written in Python. If you have even a little programming experience it's pretty easy to understand what's going on. It's based on the algorithms that Tass has published in his papers. IMO, if you're going to build DIY gloves, reading those Tass papers is essential to understand the details and specifics of how vCR is intended to accomplish coordinated reset.

[CBailey11]

I'd stick as closely as possible to the published timing. My FreedomWavePD uses DRV2605l, Source code is on github if you're looking for ideas.

[Taranto98 in reply to CBailey11]

Hi,

Are you using DIY gloves? I am .Want to join other DIY glove users? I'd like to pull together a group of DIY glove users. Together we can figure how to replace meds with vibration. Please let me know your thoughts.

[CBailey11 in reply to Taranto98]

I don't have Parkinson's, it's my mother-in-law that does. She was using them regularly but then got a brain infection and has been in and out of the hospital and rehab for months. When she is stable, I plan to put her back on them. I'm looking to upgrade the tactors.

I'm always happy to share knowledge. As for active development, my brain is a bit burnt out. I'm going to tweak existing 3D printed housings for tactors, release step by step directions with a BOM for making them, and then I'm mostly done. The hardware and software are finished and stable. I might add features if anyone requests them.

[Taranto98 in reply to CBailey11]

Did you load more than one "buzzing" program? Tass has what he calls noisy vibrotactile CR and another he calls regular vibotactile. Did you load both, one or neither?

[CBailey11 in reply to Taranto98]

I've got both. Basically, what I did was create a parameter. When you turn the parameter down to 0, it's regular. When you turn it all the way up, it's noisy. You can adjust anything in between. It's on my to-do list to make other things changeable. For instance, the overall frequency can easily be changed. I also wrote the code to make it easy to change the patterns. Currently (I think, I've forgotten a lot, working on other projects) it had 3 random patterns of 4 fingers, then one period where it takes a break. Future versions will be able to have one period on, one off, or any variation. I'll have the on period and the off period adjustable separately. My thought was that, while Dr Tass is at the front of all of this, he can't possibly know what settings work for everyone. I wanted to start with his recommended settings, but be able to expand beyond that. I also have ideas for random numbers of periods. Random seems to be a very significant part of this.

[Taranto98]

Thank you for your reply to my question.