Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that skin vibration is an important factor affecting the roughness perception of fine textures. For coarse textures, the determining physical factor is much less clear and there are indications that this might be participant-dependent. In this paper, we focused on roughness perception of both coarse and fine textures of different materials (glass particle surfaces and sandpapers). We investigated the relationship between subjective roughness ratings and three physical parameters (skin vibration, friction coefficient, and particle size) within a group of 30 participants. Results of the glass particle surfaces showed both spatial information (particle size) and temporal information (skin vibration) had a high correlation with subjective roughness ratings. The former correlation was slightly but significantly higher than the latter. The results also indicated different weights of temporal information and spatial information for roughness ratings among participants. Roughness ratings of a different material (sandpaper versus glass particles) could be either larger, similar or smaller, indicating differences among individuals. The best way to describe our results is that in their perceptual evaluation of roughness, different individuals weight temporal information, spatial information, and other mechanical properties differently.
Highlights
When we evaluate the characteristics of an object, we attempt to obtain some tactile information by touching the object
A paired t-test showed that the correlation coefficient on roughness vs particle size was significantly higher than that on roughness vs skin vibration (t(29) = 7.2, p = 5.8×10−8)
Since different exploratory movements influence skin vibration, there is some correlation between particle size and skin vibration under the exploratory movement of rubbing
Summary
When we evaluate the characteristics of an object, we attempt to obtain some tactile information by touching the object. The tactile information is based on deformations, vibrations, and temperature changes on the skin, which are elicited by the mechanical interaction between the finger and the object. As mechanical interaction with the skin depends on the material properties of the object and on the individual characteristics of the skin and the contact conditions, there will be individual differences in the induced tactile sensations. Cognitive aspects might cause differences in tactile sensation. Tanaka et al [1] showed that the sensitivity to vibrotactile stimulation and the change of the sensitivity by increasing the skin vibration varied among participants. Hollins et al [2] demonstrated that perceptual space
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
