UK Scientists Develop New Deformable Touchscreen Technology

According to TapTechNews on May 31, scientists at the University of Bath in the UK have developed a new deformable touchscreen technology called DeformIO, which can be deformed by finger pressure and can become softer or harder according to the force applied by the user.

This touchscreen is still a concept prototype at present, and the relevant paper was published in the latest Journal of ACM Modeling and Computer Simulation. (TapTechNews attached the paper link: click here to enter).

DeformIO is made of silicone, and it uses pneumatic and resistive sensing (a technology that converts physical forces into electrical signals) to detect pressure. Users can press the screen and then move their fingers'smoothly' and continuously on the surface of the screen.

Users can apply pressure to multiple areas of the screen simultaneously, and the screen is able to distinguish pressure levels to create a softness that is commensurate with the detected force.

James Nash, a DeformIO researcher, said, 'You will directly manipulate digital objects just like operating physical objects as usual. Our screen allows users to feel rich tactile feedback on a soft surface.'

Researchers hope that DeformIO can be widely applied, such as in video games, medical training simulations, and even remote physical contact through video calls.

This deformable screen may also change the way users interact with devices. For example, before online shopping, shoppers only need to press the DeformIO mobile phone display to 'touch' the fabric of a new sofa or 'feel' the softness of a pillow.