Tactile mouse using friction control

This paper describes a novel method to indicate tactile sensation through a PC mouse using friction control applying surface acoustic wave (SAW). For the friction control, a wave-circulating SAW transducer is proposed. In the structure, the wave excited by the oscillator can circulate around the substrate surface to improve energy efficiency. In this research, a tactile mouse, which is a computer mouse with tactile feedback, is proposed. The tactile feedback applying the friction control is described. The friction between the mouse and a mouse pad can be controlled by mechanical vibration of the SAW. Fabrication and characteristics of the SAW transducer are indicated. Successful work of the tactile mouse is also reported.