Identification of primitive geometrical shapes rendered using electrostatic friction display

Electrostatic displays are an effective platform in enabling programmed haptic feedback on a touchscreen using variable friction. In this work, we investigate the extent to which users can correctly recognize 3D primitive geometrical shapes rendered using only the tangential friction force produced by an electrostatic display. The algorithm for that was based on a previous study that demonstrated using a force-feedback interface that lateral force has a dominant role in shape perception. The main findings of this study are two-fold: 1) Users do not naturally associate electrovibration patterns to primitive shapes unless guidance or context for that is given; and 2) Users can map electrovibration patterns to primitive shapes with moderately high accuracy if they are asked to do so. These results provide some promise that electrostatic displays can further improve the user experience of exploring the visual content displayed on a touchscreen.