The virtual haptic display: a device for exploring 2-D virtual shapes in the tactile modality

Behavior Research Methods
Jason S ChanKarlheinz Meier

Abstract

In order to understand better the processes involved in the perception of shape through touch, someelement of control is required over the nature of the shape presented to the hand and the presentation timing. To that end, we have developed a cost-effective, computer-controlled apparatus for presenting haptic stimuli using active touch, known as a virtual haptic display (VHD). The operational principle behind this device is that it translates black and white visual images into topographic, 2-D taxel (tactile pixel) arrays, along the same principle using in Braille letters. These taxels are either elevated or depressed at any one time representing white and black pixel colors of the visual image, respectively. To feel the taxels, the participant places their fingers onto a carriage which can be moved over the surface of the device to reveal a virtual shape. We conducted two experiments and the results show that untrained participants are able to recognize different, simple and complex, shapes using this apparatus. The VHD apparatus is therefore ideal at presenting 2-Dshapes through touch alone. Moreover,this device and its supporting software can also be used for presenting computer-controlled stimuli in cross-modal experiments.

References

Sep 1, 1988·Perception & Psychophysics·S J LedermanR L Klatzky
Feb 1, 1969·American Journal of Optometry and Archives of American Academy of Optometry·P Bach-y-RitaR Blomberg
Jan 1, 1969·Transactions of the Pacific Coast Oto-Ophthalmological Society Annual Meeting·P Bach-y-RitaL Scadden
Mar 8, 1969·Nature·P Bach-y-RitaL Scadden
Jan 1, 1984·Perception·S Millar
Oct 1, 1993·Acta Psychologica·S J Lederman, R L Klatzky
Apr 11, 2001·Psychological Science·F N NewellH H Bülthoff
Oct 3, 2002·Behavioural Brain Research·K Sathian, A Zangaladze
Nov 1, 1962·Psychological Review·J J GIBSON
Oct 6, 2004·Cognitive, Affective & Behavioral Neuroscience·Minming ZhangK Sathian
May 26, 2006·The Journal of Neuroscience : the Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience·Andrew P Davison, Yves Frégnac

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Oct 17, 2017·IEEE Transactions on Haptics·Valerie S MorashSile O'Modhrain
Mar 21, 2019·Biomedical Optics Express·Chen AbrahamYossi Mandel

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.