Feedback device of temperature sensation for a myoelectric prosthetic hand

In this study, a control system of a feedback device of temperature sensation for myoelectric prosthetic hand users was improved. The device is mounted on a user’s upper arm in contact with the skin, and transfers the temperature sensation in the upper arm corresponding to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor at the fingertip to the user. However, since the feedback device developed in the previous study was controlled in an open loop system, it was difficult to maintain the temperature for a long period. To solve this problem, a closed loop control system was constructed for the feedback device by using a PID controller. In addition, in order to verify the performance of the feedback device controlled in the closed loop control system, performance evaluation experiments were performed. As a result, the sufficient capability of the feedback device controlled in the closed loop control system was indicated. Finally, temperature identification experiments were performed based on psychophysical method to verify an effectiveness of the feedback device. As a result, the difference threshold of the feedback device of temperature sensation, 0.62°C was obtained