Sensing Directionality in Tangential Haptic Stimulation

Few studies have explored haptic sensing on a finger pad as a means of transferring complex directional information. Stimuli presentation using Braille or tactile vibrators use binary ("on/off") signals which require large areas to adequately represent data. Our research seems to support that tangential motion on a finger pad is a promising means of transmitting tactile information more compactly at equal or better rates than current methods. The index fingertips of 62 subjects were stimulated using random pattern of tangential motion in eight directions over two distances. An ANOVA found that distance was statistically significant, and direction was significant for 0.5 mm displacements, but not at 1.5 mm. Age also significantly affected perception of tangential motion. These results suggest tangential motion could transmit certain type of haptic information effectively; but its effectiveness may decrease with user age.

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