Augmentation of Interpersonal Touch Interactions: Establishing Vibrotactile Localization Control Theory Utilizing Propagation Characteristics of Skin Waves and Sensory Illusions

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K17926
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 61020:Human interface and interaction-related
• Research Institution: University of Tsukuba
• Principal Investigator: Hachisu Taku 筑波大学, システム情報系, 助教 (20810170)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 身体接触 / 触覚 / 振動 / 錯覚現象 / 振動伝搬 / ハプティクス / ヒューマンコンピュータインタラクション

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study analyzed the propagation characteristics of vibrations from the wrist to the fingers and the sensory illusion related to vibrotactile localization in two individuals wearing bracelet-type devices during hand contact. First, the propagation of vibrations from the wrist to the fingers was characterized using accelerometers. Additionally, it was found that the perceived intensity by the contact partner was logarithmically proportional to the root mean square of the acceleration. Next, the vibrotactile localization illusion, previously reported to occur within individuals, was found to occur between individuals who held each other's hands. The perceived location of the vibrations can be controlled by the intensity ratio of the vibrations applied to both wrists.

Free Research Field

ハプティクス

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究の学術的意義は，皮膚の振動伝搬特性と振動位置覚に関する錯覚現象を明らかにし，触覚提示技術の基礎理論を確立した点にある．これにより，従来の触覚研究に新たな知見を提供し，触覚提示技術の発展に寄与する．特に，この二者間の物理的な身体接触に対する触覚提示技術は未開拓領域であり，人の触覚メカニズムの理解を深める重要な成果である．社会的意義としては，本研究成果はエンターテインメントやコミュニケーション技術の分野に応用可能である．例えば，複数名が参加するバーチャルリアリティや発達支援における触覚フィードバックの質を向上させることで印象的な体験を創出し，対人交流の促進に貢献する可能性がある．