This project involves studying and trying to measure, characterize, and simulate the haptic properties of linear switches and pushbuttons. For my masters, I designed and built a human-actuated (as opposed to mechanically-actuated) measurement device to capture the relevant haptic information generated during switch actuation. I calibrated the device and the resulting data can be displayed using traditional signal-versus-time plotting techniques and also a using three-dimensional time-independent plotting technique I developed. 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. We are now working to build a linear haptic display, allowing us to close the loop by being able to play back and simulate the feeling of the switches we measure and characterize.

David Weir's Masters Thesis (2003):
Switch Characterization and the Haptic Profile (PDF, Abstract)

"The Haptic Profile: Capturing the Feel of Switches", Weir, D.W.; Peshkin, M.; Colgate, J.E.; Buttolo, P.; Rankin, J.; Johnston, M.; IEEE Proc. 12th Int. Symp. on Haptic Interfaces for Virtual Environment and Teleoperator Systems, 2004. HAPTICS '04. 27-28 March 2004 pp186-193 (PDF, Abstract)

David Weir's PhD Research Page...