Force can overcome object geometry in the perception of shape through active touch

• Published in: Nature (London) Vol. 412; no. 6845; pp. 445 - 448
• Main Authors: Robles-De-La-Torre, Gabriel, Hayward, Vincent
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 26.07.2001; Nature Publishing; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Female; Fingers - physiology; Force and energy; Form Perception - physiology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Geometry; Humanities and Social Sciences; Humans; letter; Male; multidisciplinary; Perception; Physiological aspects; Psychological aspects; Psychological research; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychology. Psychophysiology; Science; Sensory perception; Studies; Surfaces; Surfaces (Technology); Tactile perception; Touch; Touch - physiology; Canada; Biomechanics; Human; Geometrical shape; Tactile sensitivity; Finger; Testing equipment; Perception; Experimental study

Haptic (touch) perception normally entails an active exploration of object surfaces over time. This is called active touch 1 , 2 , 3 . When exploring the shape of an object, we experience both geometrical 4 and force cues. For example, when sliding a finger across a surface with a rigid bump on it,...