Effect of Tactile Display on Detection of Softness of Objects by Finger of Human

Response pattern of tactile receptors caused by the deformation of finger tissue when human perpendicularly push objects are needed to be clarified in order to understand the mechanism of tactile perception of softness. In the present study, deformation of the finger tissues when a finger is in contact with an object directly, through pin matrix and/or rubber sheet is calculated using finite element (FE) analysis. Tendency of perception of softness when finger touches an object is also examined using a psychophysical test. Relationship between the deformation of finger tissues, elasticity of the object, and the perception of softness is clarified by comparing results of the FE analysis and the psychophysical test. It is also shown that the rubber sheet on the pin matrix is important to present softness of the object.