This study presents the characterization and validation of the VIBES, a wearable vibrotactile device that provides high-frequency tactile information embedded in a prosthetic socket. A psychophysical characterization involving ten able-bodied participants is performed to compute the Just Noticeable Difference (JND) related to the discrimination of vibrotactile cues delivered on the skin in two forearm positions, with the goal of optimising vibrotactile actuator position to maximise perceptual response. Furthermore, system performance is validated and tested both with ten able-bodied participants and one prosthesis user considering three tasks. More specifically, in the Active Texture Identification, Slippage and Fragile Object Experiments, we investigate if the VIBES could enhance users' roughness discrimination and manual usability and dexterity. Finally, we test the effect of the vibrotactile system on prosthetic embodiment in a Rubber Hand Illusion (RHI) task. Results show the system's effectiveness in conveying contact and texture cues, making it a potential tool to restore sensory feedback and enhance the embodiment in prosthetic users.

翻译：本研究对 VIBES 进行了表征与验证，该设备是一种可穿戴的振动触觉装置，可在假肢接受腔内提供高频触觉信息。研究首先通过一项涉及十名健全受试者的心理物理学表征实验，计算了在前臂两个位置皮肤上传递的振动触觉线索的辨别差异阈值，旨在优化振动触觉执行器的位置以最大化感知响应。此外，系统性能通过十名健全受试者和一名假肢使用者在三项任务中进行了验证和测试。具体而言，在主动纹理识别、滑移检测和易碎物体操作实验中，我们探究了 VIBES 是否能增强用户的粗糙度辨别能力以及手动操作可用性与灵巧性。最后，我们在橡胶手错觉任务中测试了该振动触觉系统对假肢具身感的影响。结果表明，该系统在传递接触与纹理线索方面具有有效性，使其成为恢复感觉反馈和增强假肢用户具身感的潜在工具。