Sonovortex: Aerial Haptic Layer Rendering by Aerodynamic Vortex and Focused Ultrasound

TL;DR

This paper introduces Sonovortex, a novel aerial haptic rendering method combining aerodynamic vortices and focused ultrasound to enhance tactile feedback resolution and perception.

Contribution

It presents a new combined approach for aerial haptics using aerodynamic vortex and focused ultrasound, with user studies on perception and resolution.

Findings

Superimposed tactile perception is achievable without interference.

Resolution and discrimination thresholds are improved through combined stimuli.

System expands possibilities for aerial haptic display expressions.

Abstract

In this paper, a method of rendering aerial haptics that uses an aerodynamic vortex and focused ultrasound is presented. Significant research has been conducted on haptic applications based on multiple phenomena such as magnetic and electric fields, focused ultrasound, and laser plasma. By combining multiple physical quantities; the resolution, distance, and magnitude of force are enhanced. To combine multiple tactile technologies, basic experiments on resolution and discrimination threshold are required. Separate user studies were conducted using aerodynamic and ultrasonic haptics. Moreover, the perception of their superposition, in addition to their resolution, was tested. Although these fields cause no direct interference, the system enables the simultaneous perception of the tactile feedback of both stimuli. The results of this study are expected to contribute to expanding the expression of aerial haptic displays based on several principles.