Multidimensional Tactile Displays and their applications for Wearable Devices

Engaging with visual displays is not always feasible or desired. They could be absent in certain contexts due to their fragility, cost or high battery consumption. Visual attention could be engaged elsewhere in an activity or be impaired due to disabilities. With the rise of wearables that remain in constant, sturdy contact with the skin, and the advances in tactile display capabilities, it is imperative to advance tactile interactions that are as independent and as advanced as visual interactions. This work proposes a novel tactile display that brings the concept of direct manipulation, which is traditionally applicable to visual displays, into the tactile space. The project proposes that two dimensional tactile display can lead to interactions that are analogous to ones that are enabled by visual displays. We expect that the users will be able to perceptually feel thedisplay with ease and perform fast, repatable interactions.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ravin Balakrishnan

Student:

Partner:

Université de Lille

Discipline:

Computer science

Sector:

University:

University of Toronto

Program:

Globalink Research Award