We developed a unique haptic interface, the "FB-Finger," which enables users to detect the distance to an object. When a user holds the FB-Finger and places his/her forefinger on a link, the finger bends or extends depending on the link's angular motion (which corresponds to the metric distance between the user and the object). We expected the FB-Finger to provide more accurate distance estimation than similar commercial electric travel aids. To test this hypothesis, we conducted psychological experiments with blindfolded sighted participants who were asked to make distance estimations in conditions using three different devices. Results revealed that the FB-Finger allowed participants to make more accurate judgments compared to the other devices. These findings suggest that using the FB-Finger provides significant potential for ETA application among visually impaired individuals.
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