Acoustic radiation creates a focal point of concentrated acoustic pressure in a three-dimensional field producing a tactile sensation in mid-air. We have developed a system called UltraSendo using an array of ultrasonic transducers cooperatively emitting ultrasonic waves to a focal point. UltraSendo is the first application of this technology in the context of medical training simulators.
The video shows the components used to build Ultrasendo:
We used this tactile interface to provide the sensation of a pulse and a thrill (a vibratory sensation felt on the skin overlying an area of turbulence) within an augmented reality training simulator. A face validation studywas carried out at a Catheter Laboratory in a major regional hospital.
This is one of the projects from when the Medical Graphics group was based at Bangor University.