Switch Characterization and the Haptic Profile

David Weir

A Thesis Submitted to the Dept of Mechanical Engineering
Master of Science
Northwestern University, Evanston Illinois
May 2003

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Abstract:

This thesis presents work performed to characterize the haptic properties of pushbutton switches.   I designed and built a human-actuated, as opposed to mechanically-actuated, measurement device to capture the relevant haptic information generated during switch actuation.   The device was calibrated and the resulting data is displayed using signal versus time and also a three dimensional time-independent plotting technique.   I call this three dimensional technique the haptic profile.   Studying the haptic profile can provide insight into various haptically discernable features present in the switch and can also easily distinguish between switches that feel different.




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Last updated: DW 03/05/2007