Scattering-compensated single-channel time reversal for highly designable surface haptics

Abstract

Haptic feedback is a critical aspect of the immersive virtual reality experience. Time-reversal techniques offer promising applications in surface haptics, enabling precise and localized haptic feedback. However, the current time reversal method is limited by the need for sophisticated synchronized multi-element transducers, leading to high implementation costs and complexity. This paper proposes a scattering-compensated single-channel time reversal approach (SSTR) that incorporates an artificial structural boundary with randomly distributed cavities. The excitation in the form of a pulse sequence, after undergoing varying degrees of scattering, converges at the same moment and location, achieving focusing. The focusing capabilities were evaluated and found to be comparable to those of eight-channel time-reversal techniques. Our method modulates a single driving signal to freely control the focal position, focusing moment, and focusing sequence within a fixed structure. Further validation was provided by experimental results. In conclusion, the SSTR, augmented by artificial structural boundary, offers a cost-effective solution for localized haptic feedback. It provides a significant advancement in the field of haptic feedback technology, with also potential applications in medical imaging, non-destructive testing, and telecommunications.