Abstract.
In the literature only a small subset of the broad range of scales of human haptic perception has been explored. In this experiment, haptic detection thresholds have been investigated over a wide range of spatial scales. Computer-controlled manufacturing techniques have made it possible to produce stimuli with sufficient accuracy to explore the gamut of haptic scales. We used stimuli with a convex or concave Gaussian-shaped profile running over the middle of a strip. The width of the Gaussian profile was varied between 150 µm and 240 mm. In this range of spatial scales a number of mechanisms, ranging from cutaneous mechanoreception to proprioception in fingers, arm and shoulder, contribute to haptic perception. The discrimination threshold between a flat surface and a Gaussian surface was investigated in a series of two alternative forced choice experiments on human subjects. The thresholds run from 1 µm for the narrowest Gaussian profiles to 8 mm for the broadest profile. The same thresholds were found for convex and concave shapes. Over the range of spatial scales, from 1 mm width on, the dependence of the detection threshold on the spatial width of the Gaussian profile was found to be a power function with an exponent of about 1.3.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Electronic Publication
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Louw, S., Kappers, A. & Koenderink, J. Haptic detection thresholds of Gaussian profiles over the whole range of spatial scales. Exp Brain Res 132, 369–374 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002210000350
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002210000350