Two-dimensional Active Type Surface Acoustic Wave Tactile Display On a Computer Screen

We have already proposed a novel method to provide human tactile sensation using surface acoustic wave (SAW). A pulse modulated driving voltage excites temporal distribution of standing SAW. The distribution generates friction shift on the surface of a SAW substrate. When the surface with the burst SAW is explored through a slider by a finger, the friction shift generates a mechanical vibration similar to a stick-slip vibration on the finger. The vibration can be perceived as tactile sensation at mechanoreceptors in the finger skin. Controlling the burst frequency according to measured rubbing motion, reality of the displayed sensation can be enhanced. In this research, we install the tactile display with a transparent stator transducer on a computer screen. Two-dimensional rubbing motion is available for the display. An experimental apparatus with finger motion capture system is fabricated on trial and controlled according to the captured motion. In a demonstration, operators can rub on a solid mark under the display to recognize its shape through tactile sensation.