Interface for Directional Perception Through Vibrotactile Illusion
Journal
Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems
Information Technology and Systems
ISSN
2367-3370
2367-3389
Date Issued
2025
Type
book-chapter
Abstract
In the present research, directional perception is analyzed using vibrotactile illusions applied by means of a vibrotactile feedback interface incorporating two actuators placed on participants’ wrists. Three stimuli were tested: Cutaneous Rabbit (CR), Phantom Motion (PM) and Funneling (FUN), which were randomly delivered to the hands. We worked with 19 volunteers who underwent a familiarization session and then moved on to the main experiment. White noise was used to avoid auditory distractions, and participants rated the perceived direction and clarity of the stimuli on a Likert scale. Analysis of results was conducted using Friedman's test revealing significant overall differences between conditions (p = 0.02886), and Bonferroni adjusted Wilcoxon post-hoc tests were used as a method of testing and showed no significant differences between pairs of conditions. These results suggest that, although there are minor variations in the perception of the stimuli, they are not marked enough to conclude that one type of illusion is more effective than another. It is concluded that the vibrotactile illusions were perceived by the participants and can be applied in multiple domains using the designed vibrotactile interface, such as assisted navigation for people with visual or hearing impairments, and other areas where sensory feedback is critical, under similar conditions of use