Applications.

There are miltiple applications where Surround Haptics technology can be used. Below, we present some of the sketches for future applications that we are currently investigating.

Movies and Attractions.

Surround Haptics can be used to enhance movies and rides expereinces. By combining hi-fidelity moving tactile sensations on user body with three-dimensional visuals and sound we can dramatically increases the sense of immersion and realism, create the illusions of being present inside of the story.

In such applications the The Surround Haptics hardware could be embedded inside of chairs in movie theaters or ride vehicles in parks.

Wearable Haptics and Navigation.

Surround Haptics displays can be also wearable and by combining them with location-based services, they can provide navigation cues for motocycle or bycilce riders or persons with limited vision. With just a few light-weight actuators Surround Haptics can provide a rich vareity of spatial cues that would increase user awarness in complex navigation scenarious.

In this spesific type of application the The Surround Haptics hardware would be embedded in vests, jackets, belts and so on.

Gaming Controllers.

Game controllers and accessories can be enahnced with Surround Haptics displays to provide rich tactile feedback in various gaming scenarious. An array of small actuators embedded in hand-held controller can display various dynamic tactile effects when user is interacting with vritual objects. A gaming chaircan provide effect when virtual car is scraping on the side of the road. A gaming west would let user feel when he or she were hit by a bullet or collide with walls in the environment.

The Surround Haptics hardware could be embedded into hand-held controllers, vests or chairs.

Handheld Devices.

Few light-weight actuators can be embedded into handheld computing devices, such as mobile phones, still or video cameras, and provide additional feedback on interaction with the device. The user could feel lists scrolling inside of the device, a game character walking or pictures sliding. A collaborative uses are also possible, where two users could remotely "draw" on each other palms.

The Surround Haptics hardware could be embedded into the back or sides of the handheld device.