Image credits- IIT-Madras
A new generation of touch screen displays is introduced by IIT Madras that enables getting touch and feel images or products.
iTad is an Interactive Touch Active Display created through software to give textures similar to the product, with this it enables a touch-and-feel experience for consumers. This invention is said as ‘iTad’ which is interactive touch active display. Current technology tracks finger movement and enables touchscreen features but the future will enable touch and feel a way of interaction.
How iTad work?
According to researchers at IIT-M, a next-generation touchscreen display has been invented where it enables’ feel’ features for users. A new touchscreen display through which the user can feel the texture from images as the finger moves across the touch surface. By using the software the researchers can develop textures such as crisp edges, switches, and rich textures ranging from smooth to gritty. A higher level of interaction coming alive.
Up to now, touch feedback was only available as vibrations, like the “Vibrotactile” vibration found in mobile phones. The familiar buzz of alerts and confirmations from a smartphone is produced by a resonating voice coil. According to the press announcement, iTad is a completely integrated solution with a single controller and solid-state actuator, thus there are no moving parts in surface haptics.
A built-in multi-touch sensor tracks finger movement, and software regulates surface friction. The programme modifies friction locally as fingers move across a smooth flat by manipulating electric fields via a phenomenon known as “electroadhesion.”
Credits- The Indian Express
Professor M Manivannan, CoE on Virtual Reality and Haptics, Department of Applied Mechanics, IIT-M, led the invention. Merkel Haptics, a start-up based in the IIT-M Research Park, has been collaborating with Touchlab researchers to advance the technology.
Speaking on the latest technology and its impact on electronic appliances, prof M Manivannan said, “This is the era of iTad” and it has a scope of carrying the shopping experience to another level. At present e-commerce faces, 30% of returns on account of a mismatch of the product shown to that is delivered.
Currently, the hopes are that iTad technology shall reach wider audiences in a year with help of the application. Dr PV Padmapriya, CEO of Merkel Haptics, also added about the prototype from the touch lab that can be around us in a year or so. The objective is to develop a small device like a computer mouse on every desk to get the best user experience. They are supporting IIT-M researchers by field testing and providing valuable feedback on the improvements in the technology that will enhance its functionality.
Automotive, consumer electronics, digital signs, home automation, medical, industrial, gaming, and assistive technology for the blind are a few industries where “iTad” will be used extensively.
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