Creating Tactile Interaction Surfaces for the Origo Steering Wheel Concept using CWI and EHWs

Haptics, one of the key interaction modalities, is often over-looked as it is considered non-functional in a vibration heavy environment, such as a moving vehicle. However, modern techniques of generating, mediating, and delivering tactile feedback have greatly improved in the last five years. Localizing techniques such as Constructive Wave Interference (CWI) and mediation technique of Embedded Haptic Waveguides (EHWs) can be combined to create reliable and consistent tactile output in even the most challenging environments. In this research authors utilize these techniques to create tactile feedback zones on the steering wheel, which can be used to relay haptic signals to the driver with little to no visual demand.acceptedVersionPeer reviewe

Origo Steering Wheel: Improving Tactile Feedback for Steering Wheel IVIS Interaction using Embedded Haptic Wave Guides and Constructive Wave Interference

Automotive industry is evolving through “Electrification”, “Autonomous Driving Systems”, and “Ride Sharing”, and all three vectors of change are taking place in the same timeframe. One of the key challenges during this transition will be to present critical information collected through additional onboard systems, to the driver and passengers, enhancing multimodal in-vehicle interaction. In this research authors suggest creating embedded tactile-feedback zones on the steering wheel itself, which can be used to relay haptic signals to the driver with little to no visual demand. Using “Haptic Mediation” techniques such as 3D-printed Embedded Haptic Waveguides (EHWs) and Constructive Wave Interference (CWI), the authors were able to provide reliable tactile feedback in normal driving environments. Signal analysis shows that EHWs and CWI can reduce haptic signal distortion and attenuation in noisy environments and during user testing, this technique yielded better driving performance and required lower cognitive load while completing common IVIS tasks.acceptedVersionPeer reviewe

Haptic actuation plate for multi-layered in-vehicle control panel

High-fidelity localized feedback has the potential of providing new and unique levels of interaction with a given device. Achieving this in a cost-effective reproducible manner has been a challenge in modern technology. Past experiments have shown that by using the principles of constructive wave interference introduced by time offsets it is possible to achieve a position of increased vibration displacement at any given location. As new interface form factors increasingly incorporate curved surfaces, we now show that these same techniques can successfully be applied and mechanically coupled with a universal actuation plate.publishedVersionPeer reviewe