Representing Fine Texture of Pencil Hardness by High-Frequency Vibrotactile Equivalence Conversion Using Ultra-Thin PZT-MEMS Vibrators

This study aims to represent fine texture differences in pencil hardness using intensity segment modulation (ISM), a sensory equivalent conversion method of vibration from high to low frequencies. This method enables the presentation of delicate tactile sensations even with small transducers. We integrated this approach in the world's thinnest ultra-thin PZT-MEMS vibrator with a stylus-type device. The vibration waveforms of four types of pencil hardness were captured under the same conditions, and the differences in the frequency components were confirmed. We compared the fine texture feelings under raw signal, ISM, and ISM below 1 kHz conditions by conducting discrimination tests and subjective similarity evaluations. The results showed that ISM could reproduce similar feelings of the pencil hardness.