Towards multi-finger haptic devices: A computer keyboard with adjustable force feedback

Author

Savioz, Grégory ; Markovic, Miroslav ; Perriard, Yves

Author_Institution

Integrated Actuators Lab. (LAI), Ecole Polytech. Fed. de Lausanne (EPFL), Neuchatel, Switzerland

fYear

2011

fDate

20-23 Aug. 2011

Firstpage

1

Lastpage

6

Abstract

This paper addresses the design of a novel computer keyboard embedding 64 miniature actuators providing a programmable force feedback in response to human strokes. A specific electromechanical actuator is designed using a global methodology. Then, a parallel strategy is set to efficiently control all the actuators simultaneously. Finally, two prototypes are presented: the haptic pad and the haptic keyboard. In addition, a graphic interface allows the user to define his preferable force profile: whether he prefers tough or soft keys, smooth of rough sensation or even a buckling-spring like feeling.

Keywords

design of experiments; electromechanical actuators; graphical user interfaces; haptic interfaces; keyboards; buckling-spring like feeling; computer keyboard; electromechanical actuator; force feedback; force profile; graphic interface; haptic keyboard; haptic pad; human strokes; miniature actuators; multifinger haptic devices; programmable force feedback; Actuators; Computers; Force; Force feedback; Keyboards; Microcontrollers; Haptic interface; design for experiments; force feedback; keyboard; miniature actuator; optimization method;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Electrical Machines and Systems (ICEMS), 2011 International Conference on

Conference_Location

Beijing

Print_ISBN

978-1-4577-1044-5

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/ICEMS.2011.6073855

Filename

6073855