[CEATEC 2015] We have certainly come a long way since we worked with a computer interface, haven’t we? From using data cards which have specially punched codes in different orders to typing out commands using a keyboard, the graphical user interface proved to be a huge leap in ease of use. However, more recently, the newer generation have grown up on a diet of touchscreen interfaces, and the next level of interactivity would include the introduction of haptics – that is, tactile feedback whenever you touch something. Miraisens has got our backs with their 3D haptics technology, and we will explain it right after the jump.
Right now, if you were to enable tactile feedback on a touchscreen, anywhere that you touch would result in the whole device vibrating for example. 3D haptics technology changes all that – the touch surface is still as smooth as a regular touchpad, but when you choose a button, dial or switch icon on the display, you can then actually press the touchpad itself and the touchpad will go down. If the cursor hovers over areas that are outside of the switch, dial or button, then the touchpad cannot be pressed down, no matter how much pressure you put on it. This makes it a wee bit more interactive and bears a closer resemblance to real world usage, although it might not be enough to be the next big thing.
The touchpad itself is not as sensitive as I would have liked, as the cursor has a tendency to jump around – I am not sure if this is due to the sensitivity issues involved, or the touchpad is worn out after countless fingers hovered over it and gave it hearty presses.
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