3D-press: haptic illusion of compliance when pressing on a rigid surface

Abstract

This paper reports a new intramodal haptic illusion. This illusion involves a person pressing on a rigid surface and perceiving that the surface is compliant, i.e. perceiving that the contact point displaces into the surface. The design process, method and conditions used to create this illusion are described in detail. A user study is also reported in which all participants using variants of the basic method experienced the illusion, demonstrating the effectiveness of the method. This study also offers an initial indication of the mechanical dimensions of illusory compliance that could be manipulated by varying the stimuli presented to the users. This method could be used to augment touch interaction with mobile devices, transcending the rigid two-dimensional tangible surface (touch display) currently found on them.