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A comparison of vibrotactile patterns in an early warning system for obstacle detection using a haptic vest

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Technical devices can enhance safety by warning people of unrecognized obstacles, particularly in traffic, wilderness, and industrial settings. This study aims to identify the most effective vibrotactile stimuli for localization tasks by developing and evaluating various types of vibrotactile alerts presented through a tactile vest with visual patterns. The study design involved comparing the time and consistency of interpreting visual stimuli and subsequent tactile stimuli. The tactile stimuli included: a ’point’ vibration on the left or right side of the back, a ’column’ pattern of five vibrations on one side of the back, and a ’wave’ pattern of vibrations running along the back from left to right or vice versa. The results indicated that reaction times to visual stimuli were significantly shorter than to vibration stimuli, suggesting that visual stimuli are suitable for alert systems with low cognitive load. The ’point’ and ’column’ patterns were recognized significantly faster and more clearly than the’wave’ pattern. Consequently, the haptic vest was classified as a potentially effective low cognitive load device in localization performance. The findings could inform the design of early warning systems for obstacle detection in real traffic situations. • We explored the potential of wearable haptic technologies as warning systems in road traffic scenarios. • We compared response times and consistency of interpretation of visual and vibrotactile alerts. • Response times for visual alerts were significantly shorter than for vibration alerts. • The ‘wave pattern’ performed worst, as it was the most ambiguously understood signal among the participants. • The participants rated the haptic vest as a useful device for road alert systems.

Source: Applied Ergonomics

DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2024.104396

Authors: Zofia Samsel, Artur Gunia, Milena I. Jäger, Julius Schöning

Institutions: Université Paris Cité, Jagiellonian University, Hochschule Osnabrück

Language: English

Topic: Tactile and Sensory Interactions

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,400