Tactile actuator technology
other
Over time, a wide variety of tactile stimulation devices have been designed and implemented in an attempt
to minimize power requirements and weight while simultaneously maximizing the stimulus effect.
Consequently, the hardware is widely varied and has specific strengths and weaknesses. This section
discusses the basic features universal to particular tactile actuator (tactor) designs and a summary table
indicating the key performance characteristics of each technology. In addition, there are several
characteristics that must be considered when attempting to optimize the tactile actuator design.
When considering the signal itself, it is important to take into account its strength/amplitude, the
amplitude range, power consumption, and the frequency range. Ideally, the available frequency range and
stimulus amplitude range should match that of the human sensory system (see Chapter 2) and its
perceptual characteristics (see Chapter 3). Conversely, the power consumption should be kept to a
minimum, especially when there is a need for portability. In addition, it is ideal to reduce the size/weight
of the individual tactors, physical discomfort, distortion of the signal, and any sensitivity to contact
pressure. Likewise, there is a need to maximize the reliability of the hardware, improve its ruggedness,
and provide the option to protect electrical components from water. Lastly, the amount of acoustic energy
and electromagnetic radiation should be kept to a minimum. However, it should be noted that some of
these design requirements are specific to the type of tactor technology. For example, purely electrical
stimulation typically does not yield acoustic energy radiation. These aspects are discussed in greater detail
in the following sections.
to minimize power requirements and weight while simultaneously maximizing the stimulus effect.
Consequently, the hardware is widely varied and has specific strengths and weaknesses. This section
discusses the basic features universal to particular tactile actuator (tactor) designs and a summary table
indicating the key performance characteristics of each technology. In addition, there are several
characteristics that must be considered when attempting to optimize the tactile actuator design.
When considering the signal itself, it is important to take into account its strength/amplitude, the
amplitude range, power consumption, and the frequency range. Ideally, the available frequency range and
stimulus amplitude range should match that of the human sensory system (see Chapter 2) and its
perceptual characteristics (see Chapter 3). Conversely, the power consumption should be kept to a
minimum, especially when there is a need for portability. In addition, it is ideal to reduce the size/weight
of the individual tactors, physical discomfort, distortion of the signal, and any sensitivity to contact
pressure. Likewise, there is a need to maximize the reliability of the hardware, improve its ruggedness,
and provide the option to protect electrical components from water. Lastly, the amount of acoustic energy
and electromagnetic radiation should be kept to a minimum. However, it should be noted that some of
these design requirements are specific to the type of tactor technology. For example, purely electrical
stimulation typically does not yield acoustic energy radiation. These aspects are discussed in greater detail
in the following sections.
Topics
TNO Identifier
23110
Source title
In: RTO-TR-HFM-122 Tactile Displays for Orientation, Navigation and Communication in Air, Sea and Land Environments, chapter 4
Pages
4/1 - 4/12
Files
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