Sensing ultrasonic mid-air haptics with a biomimetic tactile fingertip

Abstract

Ultrasonic phased arrays are used to generate mid-air haptic feedback, allowing users to feel sensations in mid-air. In this work, we present a method for testing mid-air haptics with a biomimetic tactile sensor that is inspired by the human fingertip. Our experiments with point, line, and circular test stimuli provide insights on how the acoustic radiation pressure produced by the ultrasonic array deforms the skin-like material of the sensor. This allows us to produce detailed visualizations of the sensations in two-dimensional and three-dimensional space. This approach provides a detailed quantification of mid-air haptic stimuli of use as an investigative tool for improving the performance of haptic displays and for understanding the transduction of mid-air haptics by the human sense of touch.