AirHaptics: Vibrotactile Presentation Method using an Airflow from Audio Speakers of Smart Devices

Abstract

We perceive vibrotactile stimuli from smart devices such as smartphones when we use various applications. However, vibrators in these devices can present only a specific nearby resonant frequency with enough intensity to perceive, making it challenging to offer various vibrotactile stimuli. In this study, we propose a method to realize a vibrotactile presentation in a wide range of frequencies using airflow vibration generated by a built-in audio speaker of a smart device. We implemented a system based on the proposed method using a smartphone and experimented with measuring the airflow pressure. Moreover, we also propose the application of texture presentation using airflow.