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Haptic discrimination of different types of pencils during writing

This paper describes an investigation into the key aspects of artists’ haptic perception determining their preferences for particular combinations of pencil and paper when drawing. The results indicate that the human haptic system (in this instance, that of artists) may be sensitive to vibrotactile signals arising from the interaction between pencil and paper during drawing, generated by the differences in resistance resulting from the interaction of pencil leads with the paper’s textured surface. Implications for artists, drawing, pencil manufacturing and simulations of virtual writing are discussed.

The work is significant for designers and engineers involved in the development of hand-based tools either for real-world processes or as novel and specialized interfaces for technological systems, e.g., computers, etc. It also advances our understanding of the practical aspects of haptic perception, its sensitivity and scope and potential role in real-world process situations.

Research on human haptic perception relating to process-based material/tool interactions is extremely sparse. The unusually rapid tip wearing/changing shape properties of the pencil and the characteristics of surface deformation of the paper necessitated the development of a novel experimental design that would accommodate and measure this changing perceptual stimulus mimicking real-life rather than an idealized laboratory approach. The mixed methods approach of finely quantitative measurement of the actual interaction and material properties coupled with qualitative feedback from the participants regarding their experience and preferences shows great promise for further development.

The work reported was partly supported by the European Commission under the IMMERSENCE Integrated Project of the Sixth Frame Program (IST-4–027141-IP)

Ergonomics is a highly respected journal in the field of industrial and manufacturing engineering and design, receiving an A rating in its field in 2003.