Creating Embedded Haptic Waveguides in a 3D-Printed Surface to Improve Haptic Mediation for Surface-Based Interaction

Vibrotactile feedback is affected by the properties of the material and structure that transmit vibration from an actuator to the entire device surface. The stimuli felt by the skin may be distorted or attenuated at different locations of the device surface. Therefore, it is important to understand how the source vibration can be properly mediated or guided throughout the device to achieve globally uniform or localized vibrotactile feedback. This research (This work was funded by Business Finland, decision number 8004/31/2018.) evaluates three off-the-shelf waveguide materials and one custom designed 3D-printed ABS structure for creating localized and global vibrotactile signals. The three materials included Gorilla glass, Plexiglas, and aluminum. The 3D-printed waveguide used horizontal and vertical shafts that lowered its impedance load, thereby effectively mediating source vibration along one direction throughout its structure. Results indicate that, compared to the three off-the-shelf materials, the 3D-printed waveguide was more efficient at haptic mediation and creating localized effects using virtual exciter. Our findings support the use of this novel technique of utilizing calibrated 3D-printed waveguides to improve vibrotactile feedback in mobile and handheld devices.