On human performance in tactile language learning and tactile memory

This paper reports on the findings from an experiment on human performance in tactile language learning and tactile memory. A set of vibrotactile patterns representing verbal words was presented to a group of 20 voluntary subjects. Upon learning, subjects were capable of recognizing the patterns with high accuracy. Patterns were then combined with the aim of constructing sentences that gradually represent more complex ideas. Recognition rates remained satisfactory. A novel approach of tactile stimuli was explored: podotactile stimulation. For this study, a prototype of wearable electronic tactile display that stimulates the mechanoreceptors in the foot sole with vibrations was used. Results obtained suggest that it is possible to construct tactile languages that could be useful in human-computer interaction and wearable/mobile computing.