Fujitsu announces touchscreen tablet prototype development with haptic feedback
Interface Design

The Japanese manufacturer Fujitsu Limited and Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd are relying on their industry-first technology of ultrasonic vibrations in their touchscreen tablet prototype development with haptic feedback, which was announced in February.

Specifically generated ultrasonic effects provide tactile sensations (perception through the skin). These are mediated by friction variations between the touchscreen and the user's fingers. So the user actually gets the feeling as if he feels resistance as soon as he swipes the touchscreen. The result is feelings of smoothness or roughness.

Trade visitors to the Mobile World Congress 2014 in Barcelona last February were able to see for themselves how the prototype works. If you didn't have the opportunity to attend the congress, you can watch the promotional video to see what Fujitsu has done for customers and partners.

Marketing of the prototype for the touchscreen industry planned for 2015

Fujitsu has developed the following two tactile technologies:

  1. Creating a realistic feeling of smoothness
  2. The sensation of uneven and rough surfaces

To give visitors to Mobile World Congress 2014 an idea of the capabilities of the Protos haptic touchscreen tablet, the company provided four demonstrations:

  • the feeling of plucking the strings of a Japanese harp.
  • the feeling you get when you open a combination lock on a safe when you turn it.
  • the feeling of playing DJ and huffing at the different volume and control knobs of a mixing console.
  • the feeling of touching the skin of an alligator.

According to the manufacturer, marketing of the prototype for the touchscreen industry is planned for the 2015 financial year.