Feeling bumps on a flat sheet

In presenting haptic stimuli with devices such as vibrators and speakers attached to the hands and fingers, issues arise regarding the weight and size of the devices as well as wiring and power supplies for them. Meanwhile, in material-based haptic presentation, a power supply and wiring are not needed; however, it has not been possible to present various tactile stimuli with one structure. We developed a magnetic tactile printing technology that can present various tactile stimuli with a very simple structure. Only two magnetic sheets are used for this tactile presentation. When the sheets are rubbed together, though their surfaces are flat, a feeling of a bumpy surface is presented between them. Since the magnetic printed textures are retained for a long time, it is expected that magnetic haptic printing technology will expand the scope of applications of tactile experiences to toys, books, walls, and floors.

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