Lieven De Marez

Ultrasound mid-air haptics (UMAH) can create touch sensations without physical contact, but it remains unclear whether they evoke steady-state somatosensory evoked potentials (SSSEPs) that could serve as objective markers relevant to evaluating haptic perception in UMAH interfaces. This study tested whether 20 Hz UMAH delivered with a commercial device at maximum available intensity elicited SSSEPs comparable to those produced by vibrotactile stimulation (VTS). Electroencephalography was recorded from 26 participants during three stimulation conditions: full-intensity VTS, subjectively matched-intensity VTS, and full-intensity UMAH. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and power spectral density (PSD) at 20 Hz were analyzed over contralateral and ipsilateral somatosensory regions using linear mixed-effects models, with baseline estimates derived from no-stimulation intervals. Full-intensity VTS produced clear contralateral SSSEPs, and subjectively matched-intensity VTS yielded weaker but significant responses. In the present setup, UMAH did not yield a detectable 20 Hz SSSEP relative to baseline in either SNR or PSD. These findings support SSSEPs as sensitive markers of contact vibrotactile stimulation, but suggest that, with the present apparatus and analysis approach, they are not yet a robust objective measure for evaluating UMAH interface experience.

Ultrasound mid-air haptics (UMAH) can create touch sensations without physical contact, but it remains unclear whether they evoke steady-state somatosensory evoked potentials (SSSEPs) that could serve as objective markers of user experience. This study tested whether 20 Hz UMAH delivered with a commercial device at maximum available intensity elicited SSSEPs comparable to those produced by vibrotactile stimulation (VTS). Electroencephalography was recorded from 26 participants during three stimulation conditions: full-intensity VTS, subjectively matched-intensity VTS, and full-intensity UMAH. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and power spectral density (PSD) at 20 Hz were analyzed over contralateral and ipsilateral somatosensory regions using linear mixed-effects models, with baseline estimates derived from no-stimulation intervals. Full-intensity VTS produced clear contralateral SSSEPs, and subjectively matched-intensity VTS yielded weaker but significant responses. In the present setup, UMAH did not yield a detectable 20 Hz SSSEP relative to baseline in either SNR or PSD. These findings support SSSEPs as sensitive markers of contact vibrotactile stimulation, but suggest that, with the present apparatus and analysis approach, they are not yet a robust objective measure for evaluating UMAH experience.

1. With automatic systems becoming more effective and cost-efficient, human operators are increasingly being supported by technology. To that end, technology is currently automating multiple aspect...

Objective: Smoking remains a global health challenge, with 1.14 billion active smokers worldwide. Many of these smokers seek cessation support. The rise of mHealth offers novel intervention methods, providing monitoring and tailored feedback. This study aimed to map the opportunities and challenges of integrating digital behaviour change interventions (mHealth) into smoking cessation practices by understanding professionals’ perceptions of these tools. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted involving semi-structured interviews with 11 experienced smoking cessation professionals in Flanders, Belgium. Data collection occurred between January and April 2023. Inductive thematic analysis was performed to identify key patterns and themes in the experts’ views regarding mHealth interventions. Results: The analysis revealed four primary themes: (1) The Inexorable March of Technology – experts acknowledged the inevitability of technology in smoking cessation but varied in enthusiasm; (2) The Shimmering Mirage of Possibility – technology was viewed as supplementary, offering efficiency and support but limited in depth; (3) The Footnotes to Enthusiasm – experts expressed concerns over privacy, inclusivity, and the potential for technology to displace human care; and (4) The Human Anchor – the irreplaceable role of human connection and therapeutic alliance, which digital tools might not be able to replicate. Conclusion: Experts believe mHealth interventions can augment smoking cessation support but should not replace human-driven care. A blended approach, integrating digital tools with traditional therapeutic relationships, offers the most promise. Addressing concerns about privacy, inclusivity, and most importantly the limits of digital therapeutic alliances is essential for successful mHealth implementation in smoking cessation.