Perception of Electrostatic Friction Stimuli in Free Surface Exploration

Abstract

Assuming the use scenario of free exploration on tactile graphics for people with visual impairments, this study investigated how the users perceive electrostatic friction stimuli on contour-based graphical information. We designed and conducted two experiments with 16 participants (8 visually-impaired and 8 sighted). First, we obtained spatial gap detection thresholds between two lines rendered using the electrostatic display. Second, we investigated spatial numerosity judgement on rendered lines on the display. Results demonstrated that the visually-impaired and sighted participants had similar perceptual performance. We summarize the findings and present suggestions for tactile graphics on an electrostatic friction display.