Contributions of Nat Durlach to the field of haptics: Research on tactual communication of speech and manual sensing of mechanical properties

Abstract

As a sensory scientist, Nat’s earliest contributions were through his theoretical and experimental work in the area of binaural hearing. Early in his career, however, he demonstrated an interest in comparative sensory processing as evidenced by a study to determine if the masking-level difference observed in audition would be found for stimulation on the skin (it was). Nat’s interest in the sense of touch continued through his research concerned with the use of the tactual sense as a substitute for hearing in the communication of speech and language for individuals with profound hearing impairment. This research encompassed studies with experienced deaf-blind users of natural methods of tactual communication (to establish an “existence proof” for the information-bearing capacity of the tactual sense) as well as research on methods for encoding and displaying acoustic signals for presentation through tactile aids. In addition, Nat also spearheaded efforts concerned with the development of haptic displays for use in virtual environment and teleoperator systems. His research in this area was concerned with advancements in knowledge regarding manual sensing and manipulation through a set of basic psychophysical studies. In this talk, we will summarize some of Nat’s important contributions in both of these areas.