A method for altering vibrotactile textures based on specified materials

A vibrotactile texture display produces virtual textures by applying vibratory stimuli to finger pads. In this study, we developed a technique to alter such textures based on certain specified materials. For example, the technique allows us to alter vibrotactile textures using terms such as “wood-,” “cotton-,” or “paper-like” which are familiar to end users of displays. The altered textures feel more similar to these specified materials. We realized this technique by constructing a material space, in which the materials are located based on the features of their vibrotactile spectra. The vibrotactile textures were then modified in this space. Our experimental results show that the technique can be used to alter a virtual wood texture to feel like cloth.