Tactile Shape Recognition on a Tactile Display Using a High Density Pin Matrix

Abstract

Tactile displays composed of a plenty of pins (pin matrix) are one of the most common types of developed tactile displays so far. However, only a few studies examined the appropriate diameter of pins and the interval between adjacent pins to convey comprehensible tactile information. We conducted an experiment in which participants evaluated the shape primitives either through a pin matrix tactile display or through a bare finger. The interval between adjacent pins (from 1.0 to 2.0mm)and the diameter of pins (from 0.8 to 1.8mm)were manipulated. We found that participants could correctly answered tactile shape primitives as touching with a bare finger when they touched with a pin matrix of 1.0mm spatial interval between adjacent pins. Yet, the time for answering the shape when touching with a pin matrix took about 25% longer comparing when touching with a bare finger.