Three Dimensionally Perceived Planar Tactile Illusion Device and Method

Abstract

Described is a method of three dimensional perception of a two dimensional sweeping planar array of sequentially firing vibro-mechanical stimulators vibrating against the skin or other tactile sensitive areas of the body. The vibro-mechanical stimulators are arranged in a substantially two dimensional array over the skin and are triggered in parallel, three or more stimulators at a time, sequentially. A line of three or more parallel stimulators can produce a sense of depth, elevation and contour on the skin by adding or subtracting stimulators. The wearer cognitively perceives the tactual stimulation as a sweeping and moving continuous wave of tactual stimulation that, as it progresses across the skin, produces a non-veridical perception of variable areas of depth, height and contour. This method of three dimensional cutaneous perception using two dimensional arrays could be used, for example, to represent the flat topographical contour of maps to sight impaired persons.