In this study, we introduce a haptic communication method using two-dimensional (2D) arrayed thermal haptic module. The 2D thermal haptic module delivers real-time information to user through the thermoception of the user's skin. Such 2D thermal haptic module could be realized using flexible thermoelectric (TE) device and independent temperature control of individual unit cell that are arranged in the form of 2D array. The independent temperature control and access to the specific TE unit cell could be achieved using active matrix addressing and serial H-bridge circuit. For the optimal design of the 2D thermal haptic module, an analysis of the spatial precision of human sense on temperature has been implemented. As a demonstration, the 2D thermal haptic module is attached to blind-assistive cane to inform the position of obstacles to the user. This study demonstrates that the flexible TE device can find a new application field as an information transfer tool, not only just as an energy generator or cooler, which are the conventional applications of TE device.

中文翻译：

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基于柔性热电装置的二维热触觉模块

在这项研究中，我们介绍了一种使用二维（2D）阵列式热触觉模块的触觉通信方法。2D热触觉模块通过用户皮肤的热感受向用户提供实时信息。这样的2D热触觉模块可以使用柔性热电（TE）装置和以2D阵列形式布置的单个单元的独立温度控制来实现。使用有源矩阵寻址和串行H桥电路可以实现独立的温度控制和对特定TE单元电池的访问。对于2D热触觉模块的最佳设计，已经实现了对温度的人感空间精度的分析。作为演示，将2D热触觉模块连接到辅助盲杖，以向用户告知障碍物的位置。