
Researchers created a phone case, computer touch pad and smart watch to demonstrate how touch gestures can convey expressive messages for computer mediated communication
A new interface developed by researchers in Bristol and Paris takes touch technology to the next level by providing an artificial skin-like membrane for augmenting interactive devices such as phones, wearables or computers.
The Skin-On interface, developed by researchers in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Bristol in partnership with Telecomm ParisTech and Sorbonne University, mimics human skin in appearance but also in sensing resolution.
The researchers adopted a bio-driven approach to developing a multi-layer, silicone membrane that mimics the layers present in human skin. This is made up of a surface textured layer, an electrode layer of conductive threads and a hypodermis layer. Not only is the interface more natural than a rigid casing, it can also detect a plethora of gestures made by the end-users. As a result, the artificial skin allows devices to ‘feel’ the user’s grasp – its pressure and location, and can detect interactions such as tickling, caressing, even twisting and pinching.
“This is the first time we have the opportunity to add skin to our interactive devices. The idea is perhaps a bit surprising, but skin is an interface we are highly familiar with so why not use it and its richness with the devices we use every day?” said Dr Anne Roudaut, Associate Professor in Human-Computer Interaction at the University of Bristol, who supervised the research.
“Artificial skin has been widely studied in the ?eld of Robotics but with a focus on safety, sensing or cosmetic aims. This is the first research we are aware of that looks at exploiting realistic arti?cial skin as a new input method for augmenting devices,” said Marc Teyssier, lead author.
In the study, researchers created a phone case, computer touch pad and smart watch to demonstrate how touch gestures on the Skin-On interface can convey expressive messages for computer mediated communication with humans or virtual characters.
“One of the main use of smartphones is mediated communication, using text, voice, video, or a combination. We implemented a messaging application where users can express rich tactile emotions on the arti?cial skin. The intensity of the touch controls the size of the emojis. A strong grip conveys anger while tickling the skin displays a laughing emoji and tapping creates a surprised emoji,” said Marc Teyssier.
“This work explores the intersection between man and machine. We have seen many works trying to augment human with parts of machines, here we look at the other way around and try to make the devices we use every day more like us, i.e. human-like,” said Dr Roudaut.
It may not be long before these tactile devices become the norm. The paper offers all the steps needed to replicate this research, and the authors are inviting developers with an interest in Skin-On interfaces to get in touch.
Researchers say the next step will be making the skin even more realistic. They have already started looking at embedding hair and temperature features which could be enough to give devices – and those around them – goose-bumps.
Learn more: Artificial skin creates first ticklish devices
The Latest on: Touch technology
[google_news title=”” keyword=”touch technology” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Touch technology
- Commentary: Technology is stealing your time in ways you may not realiseon December 9, 2023 at 10:00 pm
LIVERPOOL: Technology is supposed to make our lives easier. Smartphones provide a palm-size window to the world, enabling us to do almost anything at the touch of a button. Smart homes look after ...
- Technology 'regenerated' into Doctor Who sculptureon December 9, 2023 at 2:23 am
An interactive Doctor Who sculpture made from refurbished technology has been unveiled on London's South Bank. The "Art of Regeneration" sculpture shows actor David Tennant regenerating into the 15th ...
- Report: Touch ID Will Not Return on iPhone 16 – MacRumorson December 8, 2023 at 7:09 pm
Apple's iPhone 16 lineup will not see the return of Touch ID fingerprint authentication technology, a new report claims.The information comes from an ...
- Sensi Touch 2 Smart Thermostat Reviewon December 8, 2023 at 5:25 am
No matter the season, you want to be able to keep your house comfortable—cool in summer, warm in winter. The Sensi Touch 2 (available at Amazon for $181.60) can help you do just that—it is one of the ...
- Apple exec behind iPhone screen and touch ID is leaving - Bloomberg Newson December 7, 2023 at 1:01 am
Hotelling is named on multiple patents that relate to the iPhone and iPad's touch screen features along with being one of the inventors of Apple devices' Touch ID feature, according to the Bloomberg ...
- Apple employee who invented Touch ID in iPhones is leaving his jobon December 6, 2023 at 9:26 pm
Steve Hotelling, the Apple executive responsible for groundbreaking features like Touch ID and Face ID, is leaving the company.
- Apple exec behind iPhone screen and touch ID is leavingon December 6, 2023 at 8:00 pm
Apple senior executive Steve Hotelling who oversaw iPhone screen and touch ID technology that transformed the way iPhones feel and function is leaving the company.
- Apple executive behind Touch ID, display multitouch is retiringon December 6, 2023 at 3:49 pm
Steve Hotelling, A lesser-known Apple executive responsible for innovative technologies used in iPhone, iPad, and even Apple Vision Pro, is retiring from Apple.
- Apple Executive Who Invented iPhone Screen and Touch ID Is Leavingon December 6, 2023 at 2:51 pm
Apple Inc.’s senior executive overseeing touch-screen technology, health sensors and the company’s Face ID interface is leaving the company, according to people with knowledge of the matter.
- Euro 2024: Adidas ball technology will enable quicker offside and handball calls, says Uefaon December 5, 2023 at 10:23 am
The ball that will be used at Euro 2024 in Germany will lead to quicker, more accurate decisions by the video assistant referee, says Uefa.
via Bing News