Fingertip communication: A tactile communication device for a glove

Tactile communication is possible using a phenomenon known as a tactile illusion (TI). illusion of movement on the skin is produced through fixed vibrating points (actuators) using parameters including vibration on-and off-time, number of vibrations, and intervibrating point time delays. Multiple actuators (solenoids) can produce the TI of movement between actuators that are sequentially activated to produce the illusion of motion on the skin. This illusion of movement can be made to form alphanumerics perceived on the fingertip that will allow for an alternate method of communication to auditory or visual receptive communications. A thimble is designed using piezoelectric bimorphs (piezo) or microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) to produce alphanumerics in the glove of a flight or space suit and on control surfaces, for immediate feedback communications. Solenoid devices have been made and tested and background research has been completed to aid in the design and production of piezo and MEMS fingertip devices.