Mudpad

In this paper, we present an active haptic multitouch input device. Its touch surface is a malleable pouch filled with a smart fluid. The viscosity of this fluid can be controlled to provide localized active haptic feedback. Magnetic fields can stiffen the liquid locally, thus creating an invisible "labyrinth that can be felt when a user tries to displace the liquid at an activated location. The user feels this labyrinth as a relief when running her fingers over the surface. We believe there are promising applications for this kind of haptic feedback. Hence, we intend to further investigate them in comparison to traditional vibrotactile feedback techniques.