抄録
This paper outlines a novel method called virtual light touch contact (VLTC), which helps to mitigate postural sway of the human body during walking. The method involves setting a virtual partition around the user and estimating the virtual force caused when the user touches it. A prototype system was developed using motion-capture technology and a tactile stimulator, and experiments involving young healthy subjects were conducted during periods of standing and walking. In the preliminary experiments reported here, the values of six indices used for VLTC evaluation were significantly lower than those for normal tandem (heel-to-toe) standing. The walking experiments also showed that the RMS of acceleration for VLTC was lower than for normal walking. These outcomes suggest that the VLTC method helps to mitigate body sway and is therefore useful for walking support.
