Animated tactile sensations in sensory substitution systems

We have designed and made a computer controlled, electrocutaneously stimulated, tactile display to assist in the interpretation of complex graphical data. This paper covers the initial experiments with the tactile display, complementing the standard VDU. An animated vector was generated and the absolute tactile directional acuity of the observers was measured. Consideration is given as to how the use of animated tactile data would enhance graphical user interfaces for the visually impaired.