IEEE ToH J2
Representing Egocentric Directions with Torso-Applied Vibrotactile Stimuli
IEEE Transactions on Haptics (IEEE ToH), 2026 · 19(2) · pp. 249–261
At a glance
A vibration has a location on the skin, but what direction does it suggest in the space around us?
How can vibrations on the torso communicate directions in 3D space? Four perceptual experiments connect tactile locations to perceived azimuth and elevation.
The approach
The study examines both stimulus identification and direction association, using physical vibrations and virtual locations created by the funneling illusion. Azimuth and elevation are evaluated within a shared experimental framework.
Key takeaways
More directions, fewer actuators
Illusory stimuli can convey directional information while reducing the number of physical tactors.
Perception has spatial biases
Azimuth shows a lateral bias; elevation shows a downward bias on the back, particularly the upper back.
A basis for directional rendering
Regression models relate stimulus positions to perceived angles. Overall, azimuth cues communicate direction more effectively than elevation cues.
Summary based on Published abstract · PubMed.
Citation
Publication details & BibTeX- Journal
- IEEE Transactions on Haptics (IEEE ToH)
- Year
- 2026
- Volume
- 19
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 249–261
@ARTICLE{Kim26Egocentric,
author={Kim, Junwoo and Park, Jaejun and Park, Chaeyong and Park, Junseok and Choi, Seungmoon},
journal={IEEE Transactions on Haptics},
title={Representing Egocentric Directions with Torso-Applied Vibrotactile Stimuli},
year={2026},
volume={19},
number={2},
pages={249-261},
doi={10.1109/TOH.2026.3667214}}BibTeX: IEEE Xplore · Cite This