The Future Interfaces Group, also known as FIG at Carnegie Mellon University presents its new Flat Panel Haptics technology. It falls under an OLED panel that is able to create protrusions that inflate and deflate with fluid on demand. This adds a new textile function that includes features such as pop-up m4eia controls, virtual gamepads, and keyboards.
The EEOPs, which stands for Embedded Electroosmotic Pumps are filled with fluid pumps that are activated on a thin actuation layer developed into the touchscreen device. When it requires a pop-up button, the fluid fills only a section of the EEOP layer and the OLED panel that lays on top then takes on the shape. This creates a 'button' that physically protrudes out of the flat surface.
Fluid-Filled Tactile OLED Screens
The PIG Flat Panel Haptics Can Inflate and Deflate
Trend Themes
1. Fluid-filled Tactile OLED Screens - The development of PIG Flat Panel Haptics technology introduces a new way of integrating tactile feedback into electronic devices through the use of fluid-filled OLED screens.
2. Virtual Controls and Interfaces on OLED Screens - The new textile function provided by the EEOPs technology offers innovation opportunities for the creation of pop-up media controls, virtual gamepads, and keyboards on OLED screens.
3. Thin Actuation Layers and Embedded Electroosmotic Pumps - The development of thin actuation layers coupled with embedded electroosmotic pumps can potentially revolutionize touch screen technology, enabling it to create dynamic 3D shapes on demand.
Industry Implications
1. Electronics and Technology - The PIG Flat Panel Haptics technology can be incorporated into various electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles, providing an immersive tactile feedback experience.
2. Gaming and Entertainment - The incorporation of virtual gamepads and other interactive features using the EEOPs technology can enhance the gaming and entertainment experience on OLED screens.
3. Industrial Design and Manufacturing - The technology behind thin actuation layers and embedded electroosmotic pumps presents opportunities for new design and manufacturing techniques for touch screen devices, opening new markets for manufacturers and creators.