Taxel is a term derived from the words "tactile" and "pixel" and refers to a discrete unit or element in a tactile display or haptic interface. It is the touch equivalent of a pixel in visual displays, essentially representing a localized point of contact or interaction with a tactile or haptic surface.
Taxels are used in various technologies, such as tactile displays and haptic interfaces, to create a sense of touch or enable users to feel virtual or remote objects. These devices utilize arrays of taxels arranged in a grid or patterned layout to simulate different textures, pressure, or vibrations on the user's skin or fingertips. Each taxel can be controlled individually, allowing for realistic tactile feedback.
Taxels can be implemented using different technologies, including piezoelectric materials, microfluidics, or vibration motors. The resolution of a haptic device, in terms of the number of taxels, affects the fidelity and precision of the touch sensations it can produce.
The term "taxel" is commonly used in the fields of virtual reality, robotics, and human-computer interaction. Advances in taxel-based technologies have opened up opportunities for immersive gaming experiences, remote surgery simulations, teleoperation of robots, and other applications where tactile feedback plays a crucial role. By manipulating the taxels, these systems can provide users with a more engaging and realistic interaction with the virtual or remote environment.
