A Softness Feeling Display with an Active Tensioner Controlling Contact Pressure Distribution on a Fingertip

Abstract:

This paper describes a tactile display for softness feelings with a function of controlling contact area and pressure distribution. Contact area between a fingertip and a display is controlled by wrapping a flexible film around a finger. An active tensioner controls the tension of the flexible film to modify the contact pressure distribution. Controlling both area and pressure distribution realizes rendering of wider range of softness feelings. The effect was verified using photoelastic phenomenon. The experimental results show that the display can render the different contact conditions that arise from two differently-felt sponge samples with different thicknesses.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 162)
• Pages: 463-470
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.162.463
• Online since: March 2012
• Authors: Fuminobu Kimura, Akio Yamamoto
• Keywords: Contact Pressure Distribution Control, Cutaneous Sensation, Haptic Interface, Softness Presentation, Tactile Display

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