Three-Dimensional Encoding Approach for Wearable Tactile Communication Devices

Abstract

In this work, we presented a novel encoding method for tactile communication. This approach was based on several tactile sensory characteristics of human skin at different body parts, such as the head and neck, where location coordinates in the three-dimensional (3D) space were clearly mapped in the brain cortex, and gentle stimulations of vibrational touching with varied strengths were received instantly and precisely. For certain applications, such as playing cards or navigating walk paths for blinded people, we demonstrated specifically designed code lists with different patterns of tactile points in varied temporal sequences. By optimizing these codes, we achieved excellent efficiency and accuracy in our test experiments. As this method matched well with the natural habits of tactile sensory, it was easy to learn in a short training period. The results of the present work have offered a silent, efficient and accurate communication solution for visually impaired people or other users.

Design and Psychophysical Evaluation of a Novel Wearable Upper-Arm Tactile Display Device

“…A tactile display device allows users to feel and reproduce the sensation of tactility through a series of actions, such as force and vibration [ 6 ]. With the support of such devices, people can enjoy a sense of realism and immersion in the game world [ 7 , 8 ]; ensuring the timely and accurate completion of operational tasks in the field of teleoperation [ 9 ]; providing tactile navigation for firefighters in low-vision environments in disaster relief missions; enabling silent command in the battlefield; in the field of car driving, it can provide tactile warning for drivers and passengers to improve driving safety [ 10 ]; and enabling blind people to access a large amount of information, read newspapers [ 11 ], walk and execute simple self-care through tactile functions [ 12 ], which greatly improves their quality of life and reduces the burden on society.…”