Investigation of sensitivity of foot soles to vibrational stimuli: First results for developers of information interfaces

Abstract

This paper gives the first results of basic researches to identify parameters and requirements for the development of a vibrational interface in shoe soles. This interface is an integral part of a system to support orientation and navigation of elderly in new and/or unfamiliar environments. To meet the requirements of the later users it is necessary to know the restrictions, basics and needs of this new technology. For these analyses a test bench was developed to examine the sensitivity of the user’s foot sole to vibrational stimuli, and to determine the amount of information which could be transmitted. Another result of first test runs is the possibility to decrease the number of vibrational actuators beneath the foot sole.