Comparison of the Static and Dynamic Vibrotactile Interactive Perception of Walking Navigation Assistants for Limited Vision People

As an effective indication signal, vibration tactile has been widely studied. However, there is still a lack of comparative studies on the use of tactile interaction perception of both static vibration and dynamic vibration as direction indication signals for walking-assistance navigation products for the limited vision. Limited vision people have to perceive the travel environment through nonvisual senses. Besides, vibration and touch can reduce cognitive pressure in complex environments compared with auditory. This study aimed to compare the comprehensive interactive perception of direction indication by both static vibration and dynamic vibration in walking-assistance navigation products for limited vision people. In the tactile interaction perception experiment of static vibration and dynamic vibration, twenty-four participants were involved in the experiment. We measured the direction reaction time, the correct number of direction perceptions, and asked participants to evaluate the degree of perception and perceived comfort in each mode. It can be seen from the results that compared with the dynamic vibration, the static vibration had a higher correct perception numbers (F = 10.394, P = 0.006) and a shorter reaction time (F = 5.276, P = 0.038). And participants' perception degree (F = 21.221, P < 0.001) and comfort degree (F = 47.692, P < 0.001) in static mode were higher than those in dynamic mode. In conclusion, the static vibration is superior to the dynamic vibration in terms of the comprehensive perception of direction indication. The static vibrotactile interactive perception is preferred as a direct indication signal in the walking-assistance navigation products for the limited vision.