Exploring surround haptics displays

In this paper we present the design and evaluation of a two dimensional haptics display intended to be used for enhancing experience for movies and rides. The display, haptics surface, utilizes an array of vibrators contacting the skin at discrete locations and creates static and dynamic haptic sensations derived from scenes and situations. For this regard, a set of haptic morphs are introduced that can be used as building blocks to create new sensations on the skin. A novel haptic sensation, haptic blur, is also introduced that gives an illusion of continuous motion across the skin using discrete vibrating points. A pilot study investigating the reliability of haptic blur along a two dimensional skin surface is presented along with conceptual discussion on future haptic feelings rendered through the haptics surface.