Comparison of force, tactile and vibrotactile feedback for texture representation using a combined haptic feedback interface

Abstract

In this paper, we compared force feedback, tactile feedback and vibration feedback for texture display. For this investigation, a pen-like haptic interface with a built-in compact tactile display and a vibrating module was developed. The handle of pen held haptic interface was replaced by the pen-like interface to add tactile feedback capability to the device. Since the system provides combination of force and tactile feedback, three haptic representation methods have been compared on surface with 3 texture groups which differ in direction, groove width and shape. Over all the tests, the haptic device with combined with the built-in compact tactile display showed satisfactory results. Vibration feedback was also reasonably effective in texture display. From the series of experiments, applicability of the compact tactile display and usability of pen-like haptic interface in a pen held hapic interface have been verified. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.