Tech giant Fugitsu debuted a prototype tablet at the MWC which can enable a user to feel what he touches on his screen. The development announced that the touchscreen conveys a sense of slipperiness or roughness depending on the image being displayed on it. Fujitsu has developed this new haptic or tactile or sensory technology.
‘While technologies already exist that convey the texture by vibrating the touchscreen display panel itself or by generating static electricity, Fujitsu Laboratories has developed the industry's first technology to use ultrasonic vibrations to convey tactile sensations by varying the friction between the touchscreen display and the user's finger. This technology enables tactile sensations – either smooth or rough, which had, until now, been difficult to achieve – right on the touchscreen display. Users can enjoy realistic tactile sensations as they are applied to images of objects displayed on the screen.’ was reported on the Fujitsu website. The company gave a demonstration at the Mobile World Congress on 24th Feb 2014 in Barcelona.
How it works:
By rapidly cycling between high and low friction in response to touch information on the panel and the screen's display information, this technology can generate a tactile illusion that the screen is bumpy or rough. The combination of tactile information, visual information from the display, and audio information from the speakers enriches the user experience to mimic the sense of touch.
Prototype demo:
The technology has been miniaturized and was equipped on a prototype tablet which was exhibited at MWC. Visitors could experience for themselves the tablet's tactile sensations, as well its visual and audio features, in the following four demonstrations.
Japanese harp: Offer's users the sensation of plucking the strings of a koto, a traditional Japanese harp.
DJ: It Mimics the sensation of moving a CD placed on a mixing deck, and using volume and other controls that feel as if they are sticking out.
Vault: It Gives auditory and tactile feedback as users rotate a combination lock to open a vault.
Alligator: Touching the image of an alligator on the screen will convey the sensation of the skin texture appropriate to the place being touched.
Fujitsu sees this as an opportunity for the future of tablets and phones, which can benefit applications such as product catalog and alike. Fujitsu and Fujitsu Laboratories are continuing with R&D to extend the range of tactile expressiveness, with the goal of commercialization in fiscal 2015.
