Information Transmission through Soles by Vibro-tactile Stimulation

Abstract

If shoes or slipper-like interfaces were developed, we could walk in virtual environments by walking in the real world and physical, and psychological discomforts caused by wearing special devices would be minimized. In order to transmit information from the system, tactile sensations by multiple vibrators on the soles were studied. Fundamental characteristics, especially phantom sensation, of human sole tactile sensations by multiple vibro-tactile stimulators were psychophysically measured, and stimulation conditions eliciting phantom sensation were elucidated. It was found that the location, movement and rotation of objects are perceived through the sole, and this concept can be implemented in shoesoles.