Perceived Vibration Strength in Mobile Devices: The Effect of Weight and Frequency

Abstract

Abstract-This paper addresses the question of strength perception for vibration signals used in mobile devices. Employing devices similar to standard cell phones and using pulsed vibration signals to combat adaptation effects, experiments were performed to study the effect of weight and underlying vibration frequency on perceived strength. Results shows that for the same measured acceleration on the device, a heavier box is perceived to vibrate with greater strength. Furthermore, signals with higher underlying frequency are perceived to be weaker for the same measured acceleration. While our results are consistent with previous studies, they are obtained for the specific condition of ungrounded, vibrating objects held in the hand. Our results suggest the need for a systematic correction law for use by designers to specify the vibratory characteristics of a device as a function of its weight and of the desired operating frequency.

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“…This requirement was put in place to standardize the experiment conditions and not necessitate participants to own an iPhone themselves. As device weight can influence the perception of vibration strength (Yao et al, 2009), we sought to keep this consistent.…”

“…This requirement was put in place to standardize the experiment conditions and not necessitate participants to own an iPhone themselves. As device weight can influence the perception of vibration strength (Yao et al, 2009), we sought to keep this consistent. Likewise, Hampton and Hildebrand (2020) find that mobile vibrations can range from 25 ms to 3200 ms and that generally reward perception is increased by vibration length, until 400 ms.…”