Representation of velocity information using tactile apparent motion

Abstract

The objective of this study was to clarify the influence of stimulus characteristics expressed as duration and inter stimulus onset interval(ISOI)to the perception of velocity when a set of successive tactile stimuli were given. The study also aimed at clarifying the effectiveness for the presentation using tactile apparent motion to contribute to the accurate perception of velocity. A total of 10 healthy subjects participated in the study. A set of airjet based tactile stimuli were given at their left fingers and their perceived velocities were collected by using cross-modality matching. By controlling stimulus characteristics, the accuracy of perceived velocity was compared, between the conditions whether or not tactile apparent motions were present. The results revealed that the duration, as well as ISOI, was a significant factor to contributing to the changes in perceived velocity. Empirical results showed that the perceived velocity obtained in the experiment and the velocity estimated by Kolers' equation was well deviated so that the Kolers' equation, which has been known as a good estimator for perceived velocity for visually presented moving stimuli, was not appropriate in the modality of tactile motion perception. The factor of duration was only effective under the condition of apparent motions, specifically in the case between 30ms and 70ms of ISOI. In conclusion, presentation of apparent motion for the purpose of transmitting velocity information to the user by tactile display was effective to present precise velocity information.