Fur interface with bristling effect induced by vibration

  • Authors:

  • Masahiro Furukawa;Yuji Uema;Maki Sugimoto;Masahiko Inami

  • Affiliations:

  • The University of Electro-Communications, Chofu, Tokyo, Japan;Keio University, Yokohama-city, Kanagawa, Japan;Keio University, Yokohama-city, Kanagawa, Japan;Keio University, Yokohama-city, Kanagawa, Japan

  • Venue:
  • Proceedings of the 1st Augmented Human International Conference
  • Year:
  • 2010

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Abstract

Wearable computing technology is one of the methods that can augment the information processing ability of humans. However, in this area, a soft surface is often necessary to maximize the comfort and practicality of such wearable devices. Thus in this paper, we propose a soft surface material, with an organic bristling effect achieved through mechanical vibration, as a new user interface. We have used fur in order to exhibit the visually rich transformation induced by the bristling effect while also achieving the full tactile experience and benefits of soft materials. Our method needs only a layer of fur and simple vibration motors. The hairs of fur instantly bristle with only horizontal mechanical vibration. The vibration is provided by a simple vibration motor embedded below the fur material. This technology has significant potential as garment textiles or to be utilized as a general soft user interface.