Thermal Cues Composed of Sequences of Pulses for Transferring Data via a Haptic Thermal Interface

Abstract

This research study is the preliminary phase of an effort to develop a generic data transfer method via human haptic thermal sensation (i.e., a coded language such as Morse or Braille). For the method to be effective, it must include a large variety of short, recognizable cues. Hence, we propose the concept of cues based on sequences of thermal pulses: combinations of warm and cool pulses with several levels of intensity. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of basing a generic data transfer method on haptic thermal cues using sequences of short pulses. The research included defining the basic characteristics of the stimuli parameters and developing practical methods for generating and measuring them. Several patterns of different sequences were designed considering the relevant data known to date and improved by implementing new insights acquired throughout the tests that were conducted. The final thermal cues presented to the participants were sensed by touch and clearly recognized. The results of this study indicate that developing this new method is feasible and that it could be applicable in various scenarios. In addition, the low impact measured on the user’s skin temperature represents an inherent advantage for future implementation. This report presents promising findings and offers insights for further investigations.

Keywords

• data transfer
• haptic thermal interface
• thermoelectric cooler
• thermal cues
• thermal patterns
• thermal pulses