Developing A Grid Based Vibrotactile Device Producing Smooth Funneling on the Forearm

Abstract

Apparent motion is a phenomenon that is experienced when multiple distinct vibrations are applied in a sequential order onto the skin via actuators placed near each other. When done correctly the vibrations are perceived as one signal moving along the path formed by the actuators. This can be used in virtual reality or games to enhance experiences. To allow this illusion on the forearm we must test under which conditions smooth apparent motion can take place. We built a prototype device to perform psychophysical tests to research under which conditions people perceive smooth apparent motion, if the proprioception of the forearm has an influence and if walking through an uncontrolled environment has an impact on perception. We found that smooth apparent motion is perceived on the forearm for a range of DOS and that the proprioception of the arm does not greatly influence perception.Trends indicate that when walking and conversing people misinterpreted motion direction more often.