I started the work by getting acquainted with galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) technique. It is a method of driving a small current through the earlobes to affect ones balance. The method itself was discovered already in 18th century by Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the first electrical battery, when he almost electrocuted himself when driving 30 volts through his head. The sensation feels like someone is pulling you to left or right, depending on the flow of the current.
I implemented the circuit in a smart-looking black suit jacket. Electrodes are coming from the collar of the jacket, making them easy to wear. The circuit and the battery are placed in a pocket inside the jacket and the trimmer is easy to access if the amount of current needs to be altered.
The
sensation we got depended mainly on how well the skin was prepared. Feeling of
dizziness and sometimes pulling was achieved, but the effect varied a lot
between different individuals. Also a small sting was received when the trimmer
was on minimum (the strongest current running through). The sting was probably caused by
the rush of electric current turned on suddenly and not little by little.
Although a sensation was achieved, more research and tests are needed in order
to get the jacket to work more reliably.
Introduction to GVS & some schematics:
Some videos from GVS:
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