A novel ultrasonic haptic device induces touch sensations with potential applications in neuroscience research

Abstract

Haptic devices can bring a sense of touch to virtual interactions, with substantial benefits for communication and health. Mid-air ultrasound can generate acoustic radiation forces for tailored tactile sensations -'touch without touching'. To study the neuroscience of haptics, devices must be compatible with neural monitors. In this study, electromagnetic shielding with a Faraday was created. Our device creates a palpable focus of ultrasound with sufficient spatial resolution (5 mm diameter) and radiation pressure (1.56 or 1.76 Pa without or with Faraday cage lid, respectively) to stimulate small areas of skin. Magnetometer measurements showed minimal field strength variability around the system. Therefore, the proposed system could be compatible with neurological monitoring for neuroscience studies.

User Experience and Mid-Air Haptics: Applications, Methods, and Challenges

“…Going beyond EEG and in order to use advanced neural monitors such as microneurography, Hayward et al developed an electromagnetic shielding (Faraday cage) that can encapsulate the ultrasonic mid-air haptic device therefore reducing any electromagnetic interference (EMI) [85]. This is important since microneurography uses metal microelectrodes to detect neural traffic in nerves leading to or coming from muscle and skin receptors, a process which is very sensitive to EMI.…”

Mid-Air Haptics: Future Challenges and Opportunities

“…Therefore, any hardware product design effort must also consider system performance as well as ergonomics, UX, aesthetics and limit any interactions with nearby sensors, e.g., how the acoustic fields could influence the performance of nearby microphones and earpieces, or how any electromagnetic fields on the driver circuit boards can interfere with nearby electrical and electronic equipment. Hayward et al [7] have for example have proposed enclosing the haptic device in a Faraday cage to enable its use with sensitive neurological monitoring devices.…”