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Tap Arduino: An Arduino microcontroller for low-latency auditory feedback in sensorimotor synchronization experiments
Benjamin G Schultz1, Floris T van Vugt2
1International Laboratory for Brain, Music, and Sound Research, Université de Montréal, Département de psychologie, Montréal, Québec, Canada. ben.schultz@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
Behavior Research Methods
|November 7, 2015
Summary
This study introduces an Arduino-based system for precise auditory feedback in timing experiments. The new setup offers lower latency and higher accuracy than traditional methods, improving tapping performance measurements.
Area of Science:
- Auditory perception research
- Human-computer interaction
- Microcontroller applications in neuroscience
Background:
- Traditional timing experiments use electronic percussion pads and software (FTAP, Max/MSP) with unknown latencies.
- Existing setups can miss taps or record multiple responses, distorting performance measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an alternative, low-latency auditory feedback system using an Arduino microcontroller.
- To address limitations of existing setups in measuring tapping performance accurately.
Main Methods:
- Developed an Arduino-based system with a force-sensitive resistor pad for tap detection.
- Auditory feedback delivered via Arduino's pulse-width modulation (PWM) or wave shield.
- Validated by comparing Arduino system latencies and accuracy against percussion pads, FTAP, and Max/MSP with 6 participants.
Main Results:
- Arduino's PWM (0.6 ms) and wave shield (2.6 ms) showed significantly lower latencies than percussion pads (9.1 ms) and software (FTAP: 14.6 ms, Max/MSP: 15.8 ms).
- Arduino system demonstrated significantly less variable latencies and missed fewer taps compared to percussion pads.
- The Arduino system accurately captured all taps, outperforming the percussion pad, especially at lower forces.
Conclusions:
- The Arduino microcontroller offers a high-precision, low-latency, portable, and affordable solution for auditory feedback experiments.
- This system enhances the accuracy of timing ability measurements by overcoming limitations of conventional setups.
- The developed Arduino system is a valuable tool for researchers studying auditory perception and motor control.
