UltraHaptics

TLDR

UltraHaptics is a system that provides multi‑point haptic feedback above an interactive surface, investigates the properties of an acoustically transparent display, and explores new interaction possibilities. It uses focused ultrasound to project discrete haptic points through the display onto users' unadorned hands. Psychophysical experiments show that the system can create multiple localized mid‑air haptic points, that users can identify different tactile properties at small separations, and that they can distinguish vibration frequencies with training.

Abstract

We introduce UltraHaptics, a system designed to provide multi-point haptic feedback above an interactive surface. UltraHaptics employs focused ultrasound to project discrete points of haptic feedback through the display and directly on to users' unadorned hands. We investigate the desirable properties of an acoustically transparent display and demonstrate that the system is capable of creating multiple localised points of feedback in mid-air. Through psychophysical experiments we show that feedback points with different tactile properties can be identified at smaller separations. We also show that users are able to distinguish between different vibration frequencies of non-contact points with training. Finally, we explore a number of exciting new interaction possibilities that UltraHaptics provides.