Virtual Three Dimensional Tactile Display Based on Electromagnetic Localization and Actuation
The most reliable method for displaying 3D objects to blind people is to actually produce a physical model. While rapid prototyping technology allows production of such models, its cost and size requirements are prohibitively high for everyday use. Therefore, the objective of this project is to investigate ways to convey 3D information without the use of actual physical models. This project investigates the use of human-in-the-loop approach to analyze whether a virtual 3D shape can be transferred correctly to the human. The concept uses a closed-loop system depicted in Figure 1.
Fig.1. Close loop control of 3D tactile display
The reference shape is recorded by its coordinates for comparison. When the operator's hand moves in the predefined space, the finger's position is measured and compared with reference shape in real time. The comparison results in a decision to command the actuator and produce vibratory stimulation to the finger at the positions which coincide with the virtual shape. By perceiving and scanning the boundaries of the 3D shape, human subjects are able to establish a perception of the 3D object.
Fig.2 Experiment apparatus of 1st (top left) and 2nd (bottom left) generation of the tacitle display system and the correspondent perception results