Producing Method of Softness Sensation by Device Vibration

In this paper, we propose a producing method of softness sensation using device vibration. The basic idea of the softness producing method is to provide a softness illusion of stimulating cutaneous mechanoreceptor by vibration. A prototype device is developed to verify effect of parameters of the vibration: frequency, amplitude and wave shape, on softness sensation. We create a database which indicates relationship between softness sensation and the vibration parameters to control the prototype device. Then subjective experiment is conducted for validation of the softness producing method. Experimental result shows that the proposing method can be used for softness sensation producing with valid resolution.