Thermal Perception for Information Transmission: Theoretical Analysis, Device Design, and Experimental Verification

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
• Thermal Perception (TP)
• Sensory Feedback

Background:

• Traditional HCI methods (visual, voice, force haptics) are well-established.
• Thermal perception (TP) in HCI remains an underexplored area.
• A need exists for novel sensory channels in HCI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate a framework for information transmission using thermal perception (TP) in HCI.
• To investigate human hand-object heat transfer and temperature perception.
• To develop and test a device for spatiotemporal temperature stimulation.

Main Methods:

• Investigated human hand-object heat transfer and hand temperature perception resolution.
• Developed a thermal device with a 7x5 Peltier array and water cooling.
• Conducted experimental studies with 20 subjects using the thermal device for pattern recognition.

Main Results:

• The developed device accurately displays static and dynamic spatiotemporal temperature patterns.
• Subjects demonstrated high precision and speed in recognizing temperature values, icons, codes, and waveforms.
• Validation of TP-based information transmission through successful user training and recognition.

Conclusions:

• The proposed TP-based framework offers a viable new method for information transmission in HCI.
• This technology has potential applications in areas like information feedback, virtual reality, and augmented reality.
• Thermal perception provides a precise and rapid channel for human-machine interaction.