Multisensory Lab

The multisensory lab is equipped with a sound-attenuated and anechoic booth (Amplifon, 2 x 2.5 m). In addition, it hosts several devices for stimulation in vision, hearing and touch. Equipment for tactile stimulation includes two system for electro-tactile stimulation (Digitimer), and one custom built interface for vibrotactile stimulation (up to 8 stimulators that can be driven simultaneosly with independent signals).A dedicated olfactory lab is also available, equipped with a custom built olfactometer that allows timed presentation of up to 8
different odours. E-prime and Matlab Psychtoolbox are available for programming experiments. Research in the lab includes studies on auditory scene perception, multisensory attention and remapping of touch across spatial locations.

Cabina Silente Modulare Amplifon

Caratteristica principale del laboratorio multisensoriale è la presenza di una cabina silente: Cabina Silente Modulare tipo G 2x2,5 realizzata dalla SISPE per Amplifon

Tactil Stimulation

Among the two main types of devices used for tactile stimulation in the multisensorial lab there are two high-voltage and constant current impulse generators, Digitimer DS7A (Digitimer DS7A), for neural skin and muscular tissue stimulation.
The DS7A stimulators are able to generate constant impulses with voltages varying between 100 and 400V and a constant current of variable intensity between 0 and 100 mA; the impulses can last for anywhere between 50 and 2ms (see pdf). Both stimulators are provided with a dedicated connector (D185-HB1) to which 5 electrodes can be simultaneously connected.
Impulse generation can be started both manually and with a remote trigger (TTL signal). It is also possible to generate two different kinds of impulses, by connecting two generators in parallel, on the same electrode.

The creation of a device that can amplify electric signals was needed for the use of piezoelectric devices for vibrotactile stimulation, where high-voltage signals are needed. The system was created in the electronic lab of the Physics Dept. (Università degli Studi di Trento) and allows to amplify up to four different channels; each channel has three possible amplifying stages x2, x5, x10 with a maximum output signal of ±100V.
The stimulators are connected to the connectors that are on the front panel where the four-channel input connector is. Currently the input signals connected to the amplifier are produced with the assistance of a National Instrument PCI-6229 (http://www.ni.com) data card provided with 4 analogic outputs with a range of ±10V.

Olfactory Lab

The system in the figure can provide at least 8 different odors or combinations of them and can be controlled by a PC through a parallel port. The electronic interface, created at the electronic lab of the Physics Dept. (Università degli Studi di Trento), can read the digital value on the PC port and activates its relative outputs. Once active, the outputs supply a constant signal at 12V which is able to control an ASCO Scientific (LE 065A012) elettro-valvola. In addition the outputs have been duplicated and different logiche di controllo have been added in lieu of possible adjustments to the functioning of the system. Odors are generated by rustling medical air (Air Liquide Sanità) through special bottles where the odorant is diluted in the solvent (propylene glycol, Sigma-Aldrich). In the lab it is also possible to use “Sniffin’ Sticks – Screening 12” (Burghart Medical Technology), an odor identification test used for quickly singling out the possibility of an olfactory disfunction. It is made up of 12 pens containing perfumed substances that are identified by using four multiple choice answers.