Research Notes - David Morris

Memorite Technical Advancement Division

Subject: Efficiency of Tactile Communication in Data Transfer

Since the founding of the Memorite Academy, five years ago we have been searching for a means of data transference that would not require the recipient to forgo other activities. Upon the suggestion that some form of tactile signal could be used, I have gathered the following information.

While the fingertips, palms, and lips contain the highest concentration of nerve endings, specifically Meissner’s corpuscles, other areas can also be used. The most convenient place for such a device would be under the forearm, which would also allow an output device on the forearm. The nerve endings in the skin in this location, on the soft part under the forearm, are much less dense than those of other areas, nevertheless, the concentration is sufficient for the reception of data. With training, all test subjects were able to distinguish separate movements of blunt pins as close as three millimeters apart. With further training, I believe we can decrease that to as little as one millimeter. Furthermore, the subjects were able to accurately detect the patterns of a single vibrating pin up to a frequency of 20 Hz. One subject was able to detect, with moderate accuracy, the patterns at 35Hz. This also, I believe, can be improved with training.

I also tested the subjects’ pattern recognition with multiple pins. In the short time we tested, the subjects were able to detect ten separate but concurrent patterns at 5Hz.

I recommend that further testing is done to facilitate the development of a tactile communication device that all Memorites could use. This would greatly aid the efficiency of all Memorites, and increase our ability to live up to the goals our Founder envisioned for us.