New Haptics Platform for Aerospace Displays

By DE Editors

HiWave Technologies has launched a new haptics platform for control panels and touch displays in aerospace applications. The integrated hardware/software platform enables systems designers to replace conventional mechanical buttons with touch switches, the company said.

For cockpit electronic systems, HiWave's Bending Wave touch/haptics enable touch detection and tactile sensation from non-moving touch switch arrays, even with gloved hands. As no mechanical movement is present there is no physical wear, reducing maintenance costs, the company says. HOTAS (Hands On Stick And Throttle) functions can be contextually mapped onto sensor arrays, and MHDDs (Multi Function Head Down Displays) can have full multi-level touch and gesture recognition with 3D haptic response.

The evaluation platform incorporates HiWave's HIHXC14C02-8 or HIHXC09C005-8 haptic actuators, which attach to the touch interface panel or switch array, and a HiWave haptic controller integrated circuit, which resolves touch input and delivers the haptic signals to the actuators.

HiWaves Bending Wave actuators create waveforms across the touch panel or switch to create any of a range of switch sensations, such as the feel of a mechanical switch or button. Additionally, audio cues can be simultaneously overlaid.

The company's algorithms processed in its haptic control chip enable feedback responses to be defined by the designer and implemented by HiWave to replicate a wide range of button or key-press press sensations, or textures, to convey information to the user.

For more information, visit HiWave.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.