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Updated: May 10, 2026

Tactile Semiautomatic Passive-Finger Angle Stimulator (TSPAS)
Published on: July 30, 2020
Multiple Factors Underlying Haptic Perception of Length and Orientation
John F Soechting1, Martha Flanders
1The authors are with the Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 321 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455.
Haptic perception of shape is inconsistent; internal angle judgments are biased by segment orientation and active forces. This study reveals how geometric, spatial, and self-produced factors influence the haptic synthesis of object shape.
Area of Science:
- Robotics
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Neuroscience
- Haptic Perception
Background:
- Synthesizing object shape from exploratory movements is crucial for perception.
- Geometric perception of segment lengths and internal angles can be inconsistent.
- Spatial orientation and active forces may influence haptic shape synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- Further characterize the inconsistency between perceived segment lengths and internal angles.
- Investigate the influence of spatial orientation on internal angle judgments.
- Examine the effect of self-produced active forces on haptic shape perception.
Main Methods:
- Robotically guided exploration of virtual polygons and triangles.
- Subjects made judgments about internal angles and segment lengths.
- Analysis of active forces applied by subjects perpendicular to motion.
Main Results:
- Perception of segment lengths and internal angles showed geometric inconsistency.
- Internal angle judgments were influenced by segment spatial orientation, particularly the last segment.
- Active forces biased internal angle judgments: outward force for larger angles, inward force for smaller angles.
Conclusions:
- Haptic synthesis of object shape is a complex process.
- Geometric, spatial, and self-produced factors interact to influence shape perception.
- Active forces play a significant role in modulating haptic shape perception.
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