>>IMMR partner SMK has a fantastic looking automotive haptic touch screen. The demo screen shows the implementation for dual climate control. The article claims Daimler AG, makers of Mercedes-Benz, and others, are interested.
[SMK Exhibits Force Feedback Touch Panel
Jul 25, 2008 19:00
Motohiko Hamada, Nikkei Automotive Technology
SMK Corp showcased the "Force Feedback Panel," a touch panel that vibrates in response to a touch on the screen to give the user a sensation of clicking a button.
The panel was exhibited at AT International 2008, which took place from July 23 to 25, 2008, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. A number of auto makers, including Daimler AG of Germany, are considering employing this panel.
As the number of operation items is increasing, many switch functions must be mounted in a limited area on displays and touch panels. However, when operating a touch panel, drivers have to direct their eyes to the panel, because buttons can't be located by touch. Touch panels are not convenient for drivers, because they have to take their eyes off the road for operation.
The newly developed panel vibrates responding to the operation, allowing the drivers to confirm that the buttons are correctly pushed without looking at the panel. However, users still have to look at the panel to locate the buttons.
It is driven by a piezo element mounted on the back of the long side of the panel. When the switch is pushed, actually the "entire panel" vibrates. However, because the user only touches the button he/she presses, he/she thinks only the pressed button is vibrating. The vibration feeling can be selected from "trembling," "ticking," etc.
It is compatible to sizes between 2.5-15 inches. The operating load is 0.05-2N, while the driving voltage is 5V DC. The power consumption during vibration is 300mA, while that of idling is 300μA.]
Beautiful picture, button functions very clear (click pic to enlarge). Also, you can see a tiny Immersion logo in the upper right of the picture!
http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20080725/155450/
pdf file from SMK's website which shows the simplified design for their "Force Feedback Touch Panel."
Text line 3 reads: "Development with lmmersion co. Ltd, able to make user expected touch feelings in a short time."
http://www.smk.co.jp/product_e/pdf/touchpnl/ESF431207.pdf
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