The PhantomStation: towards funneling remote tactile feedback on interactive surfaces

Abstract

We present the PhantomStation, a novel interface that communicates tactile feedback to remote parts of the user's body. Thus, touch input on interactive surfaces can be augmented with synchronous tactile sensations. With the objective to reduce the number of tactile actuators on the user's body, we use the psychophysical Phantom Sensation (PhS) [1]. This illusion occurs when two or more tactile stimuli are presented simultaneously to the skin. The location of the pseudo-tactile sensation can be changed by modulating intensity or interstimulus time interval. We compare three different actuator technologies to recreate the PhS. Furthermore, we discuss how remote tactile of this kind can improve interaction accuracy. We present our prototype and propose scenarios in conjunction with interactive surfaces.