A Novel Shape Deforming Large-Scale Flexible Sensor For Tactile Display

This paper describes a novel shape deforming large-scale flexible sensor for tactile display on a car's armrest. The proposed sensor consists of a linear actuator array and a flexible large-scale sensor for deforming the shape of the sensor surface. Lots of small linear resonant actuators (LRAs), which are covered by the flexible tactile sensor, are arranged regularly. While the sensor has a flat surface in control, many LRAs below the flexible sensor protrude and form specific icon shapes in certain function activated state. Thus, when a user presses the display, the user can conjecture the icon like a braille pad with only finger's feel. Once the user senses and presses protruded icons with a finger, the user can operate specific functions without vision. We expect that the proposed armrest can decrease distractions by vision and ensure better safety during driving.