In this paper, we demonstrate that a laser irradiated on a thin light-absorbing elastic medium attached on the skin can elicit a tactile sensation of mechanical tap. First, we present simulation results that show laser irradiation to the elastic medium creates inner elastic waves on the basis of thermoelastic effects and these elastic waves trigger the bending deformation of the medium, which then stimulates the skin. Second, we analyze the physical properties of the associated stimulus by measuring its force profile. Third, we identify the perceptual characteristics of the stimulus in comparison to those of mechanical and electrical stimuli by means of a perceptual experiment employing dissimilarity rating. All the evidence indicates that indirect laser radiation provides a sensation of short mechanical tap. Furthermore, little individual difference was observed in the results of the perceptual experiment. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first in reporting the feasibility of indirect laser radiation for mid-air tactile rendering.

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In this paper, we report the results of a study on the design and fabrication of a light-guiding plate (LGP) using a hybrid light-emitting diode (LED) and sunlight source that can be applied to a photobioreactor.LGP patterns for the LED source were designed and engraved on an LGP, together with previously reported patterns for a sunlight source. A control system for the hybrid LGP was designed to maintain the output photon flux density (PFD) from the LGP at a constant value. When the target value of the output PFD was set to 70 μE/(m 2 ·s), the error range of the output PFD was found to be within ±2%.