South Korean scientists develop new LED technology to locate tactile feedback in specific areas on the touch screen

Although most smartphones now have built-in tactile feedback on their screens, the entire screen emits a buzzing sound, limiting the application of this technology. However, a new touch screen film utilizes LEDs to vibrate only in specific areas. In ordinary smartphones or tablets, vibration is generated by a small motor. This is effective for reminding users to pay attention to tasks such as incoming calls or messages. However, vibrations are felt on the entire surface of the screen - they cannot be emitted from precise positions within the display screen. Scientists from the Korea Institute of Electronic Communications have begun to address this deficiency by developing a flexible display consisting of a touch screen film laid on a small low-power near-infrared LED grid.

The film is coated with a polymer that can absorb light energy, convert it into thermal energy, and then expand and bend due to the generated heat.

When specific LEDs flash rapidly in a specific area, the film above these LEDs will quickly bend and flatten as they alternate heating and cooling. The user's fingertips can feel this action, which is a local vibration.

Now scientists hope that once further developed, this technology can be applied, such as providing adjustable Braille displays for blind people, or allowing users to feel the different textures of various materials in screen images.

Scientists are currently working to improve the efficiency of the light to vibration conversion process and reduce the energy demand for this technology.

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