Hack a Day » hapticfeedback

Nokia Haptikos patent application reveals its technology

Juan Aguilar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:55:00 +0000

We’ve been waiting for more information on the Nokia Haptikos, the haptic feedback touchscreen announced last October and largely forgotten until now. We knew that it would be a device that could raise sections
of its touchscreen to simulate the feel of buttons or keys, we just weren’t sure how Nokia would pull that off.
Now we have a better idea, as Nokia’s recent patent filing for the Haptikos gives away some juicy details.

The secret behind the device’s feedback is a “plurality of closely spaced voltage controllable protuberances,” or in other words, several small fluid filled compartments just under the screen’s surface. Under them are several piezoelectric members that can be controlled independently; when they extend upward, they apply pressure to the fluid compartments, raising the surface of the screen in that area.

Nokia has yet to work out all the kinks, but you can see the parts that do work by downloading the Haptikos patent application (PDF file).

[via Engadget]

Wearable haptic devices bestow sixth senses

Juan Aguilar — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 03:30:00 +0000

Engadget recently posted a story about a flexible tactile display that can be wrapped around any part of the body and give haptic feedback to the user. The research team from Korea’s Sungkyunkwan University that developed the device are focusing on applications like Braille for the visually impaired or transmitting tactile data to a remote user, but this is just the beginning; the applications for wearable haptic feedback are wide open.

The Feelspace tactile compass is a good example. It is little more than an electronic compass hooked to array of vibrators arranged along a belt, but it allows the wearer to know which way is north at all times by pulsing only the northernmost vibrator. It’s intended to be worn at all times, so it creates a sort of directional sixth sense for the user without the need to constantly check a device. If they are able to reduce the size of the housing unit and combine it with these new displays, it could be worn inconspicuously under clothes.

If you want more native superpowers, body modder [Steve Haworth] has a solution. By implanting a silicone-coated neodymium magnet into the fingertip, the owner of the implant becomes capable of sensing magnetism with a degree of sensitivity unattainable by simply holding a magnet. One person who had the magnet implanted reported feeling magnetic sensors at a library and feeling the location of a motor in an electric can opener six inches from his hand.

We’re always curious about input fed to the body by worn or implanted devices, and with these advances, the notion of data and sensory integration is almost a palpable reality. Pun intended, but can you blame us?

[via Engadget]

Haptic feedback roundup

Sean Percival — Sat, 24 May 2008 04:40:00 +0000

Haptic feedback (sometimes referred to as tactile or force feedback) offers what some might call a brave new world of interaction and immersion. The 1932 book of the same name was probably the first introduction many people got to the idea of computer generated touch sensations. In the book, movies are replaced with what are called “feelies”; patrons sit in chairs that provide feedback throughout the screening.

While we don’t see this coming to your local megaplex any time soon, we are starting to see the technology creep into our lives. After the break lets take a look at some examples, talk about projects we’ve covered before, and how you can get started developing your own.

The Novint Falcon is one of the first mass produced and consumer friendly versions of a haptic feedback device. With force capabilities of 2lbs and a resolution of 400dpi the unit can interact with several software programs and video games. The unit sells for around $239 and includes several compatible games.

Some inventors like [Steve Yohanan] feel robots need better response to the basic human touch. His latest creation the Haptic Creature is a small bunny that responds to touch through pressure sensors and then responds. Different forms of touch result in the creature changing it’s breathing, purring, and of course wiggling its little bunny ears.

On the fun side of things, we have several toys making their way into the market with haptic feedback features built in. The Pleo being one for of the more advanced examples with it’s almost unlimited amount of responses and feedback. The toy itself is touted as something to interact with as opposed to simply control. UGOBE is also talking up its therapeutic value for both children and adults.

While some of this technology may seem out of reach of DIY, there is one organization trying to bring open source to the scene. Backed by SenseGraphic the H3D API is an open source initiative to help programmers interface with various haptic devices. Browse their hall of fame page to see what individuals and universities have done with the API. This PDF also provides a broad overview of the history of haptics.

We’ve covered a ton of haptic projects here on Hackaday: D’Groove a force feedback turntable, a personal haptic radar, a PSP with feedback, and even reverse engineering the Falcon we mentioned earlier.

[via Gizmodo]