Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 10, 2026

A Tactile Automated Passive-Finger Stimulator TAPS
Published on: June 3, 2009
Psychophysical Evaluation of a Tactile Display Based on Coin Motors
H Christiaan Stronks1,2,3, Daniel J Parker1, Ashley Stacey1
1Department of Computer Vision, Data61 CSIRO, Canberra, Australia.
Abstract:
Tactile vision substitution devices present visual images as tactile representations on the skin. In this study we have tested the performance of a prototype 96-tactor vibrotactile using a subset of 64 tactors. We have determined the tactile spatial acuity and intensity discrimination in 14 naïve subjects. Spatial acuity was determined using a grating acuity task. Subjects could successfully identify the orientation of horizontal and vertical gratings with an average psychophysical threshold of 120 mm. When diagonal gratings were included in the analysis, the median performance dropped below psychophysical threshold, but was still significantly above chance at gratings of 142 mm wide. Intensity discrimination yielded an average Weber fraction of 0.44, corresponding to 13 discernable "gray levels" in the available dynamic range. Interleaved stimulation of the motors did not significantly affect spatial acuity or intensity discrimination.
Related Concept Videos
Tactile and Chemical Senses
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Motor Units
Motor Units
Motor units come in different sizes, with smaller units...
Motor Unit Stimulation
The latent period of contraction marks the onset of excitation-contraction coupling, when the action potential propagates across the sarcolemma, preparing the muscle fibers for contraction. As the fibers enter the contraction phase, the...
Hierarchy of Motor Control

