Haptic distal spatial perception mediated by strings: size at a distance and egocentric localization based on ellipse geometry.

Participants explored ellipse perimeters defined by fixed-length strings, held taut by their moving finger, with ends attached to two fixed hooks (foci). Participants haptically judged ellipse interfocal distance (IFD; in effect, exocentric separation, or size at a distance) or location of ellipse major axes (i.e., egocentric localization relative to the moving finger). In Experiment 1A, perceivers made reliable and accurate multialternative forced choice IFD judgments. Experiment 1B showed similar reliability for direct estimations but showed greater scaling error. In Experiment 2, perceivers reliably localized ellipse major axes. Both experiments derived from a priori geometrical analysis, consistent with the Gibsonian perceptual research program and previous string-mediated haptic distal spatial studies. Results are discussed with respect to haptic perception as a telemodality and to dynamic touch.