Journal article
I. Wald, Donald Degraen, Amber Maimon, Jonas Keppel, Stefan Schneegass, Rainer Malaka
International Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, 2025
International Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, 2025
Semantic Scholar
DBLP
DOI
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APA
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Wald, I., Degraen, D., Maimon, A., Keppel, J., Schneegass, S., & Malaka, R. (2025). Spatial Haptics: A Sensory Substitution Method for Distal Object Detection Using Tactile Cues. International Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems.
Chicago/Turabian
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Wald, I., Donald Degraen, Amber Maimon, Jonas Keppel, Stefan Schneegass, and Rainer Malaka. “Spatial Haptics: A Sensory Substitution Method for Distal Object Detection Using Tactile Cues.” International Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (2025).
MLA
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Wald, I., et al. “Spatial Haptics: A Sensory Substitution Method for Distal Object Detection Using Tactile Cues.” International Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, 2025.
BibTeX Click to copy
@article{i2025a,
title = {Spatial Haptics: A Sensory Substitution Method for Distal Object Detection Using Tactile Cues},
year = {2025},
journal = {International Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems},
author = {Wald, I. and Degraen, Donald and Maimon, Amber and Keppel, Jonas and Schneegass, Stefan and Malaka, Rainer}
}
Abstract
We present a sensory substitution-based method for representing locations of remote objects in 3D space via haptics. By imitating auditory localization processes, we enable vibrotactile localization abilities similar to those of some spiders, elephants, and other species. We evaluated this concept in virtual reality by modulating the vibration amplitude of two controllers depending on relative locations to a target. We developed two implementations applying this method using either ear or hand locations. A proof-of-concept study assessed localization performance and user experience, achieving under 30° differentiation between horizontal targets with no prior training. This unique approach enables localization by using only two actuators, requires low computational power, and could potentially assist users in gaining spatial awareness in challenging environments. We compare the implementations and discuss the use of hands as ears in motion, a novel technique not previously explored in the sensory substitution literature.