Ultrahaptics’ STRATOS™ Inspire is a fully integrated device, providing end users with the ability to bolt mid-air haptics onto their application. With a rugged, splash-proof enclosure and with regional safety and electrical certification (CE, FCC, NRTL, PSE), STRATOS™ Inspire is designed to deliver ‘plug-and-play’ mid-air haptics functionality without the need to develop custom hardware.
Tip: Go to the bottom of this post to download the full STRATOS™ Inspire Integration Guide.
Connections and power requirements
The STRATOS™ Inspire requires two wired connections to operate:
DC power
STRATOS™ Inspire requires a DC power supply, which is connected at the rear of the unit. A universal mains (100 to 240V AC) DC power supply is supplied with the unit. An alternative Limited Power Source may be used as long as it fulfills the following specification:
- 24V DC ±10% 3.75A max.
- 5.5mm × 2.1mm barrel connector, connected centre-positive
- A Limited Power Source (LPS) in accordance with IEC 62368-1:2014
USB type-C
Data is sent from a connected PC to the STRATOS Inspire using a USB type-C cable. A suitable cable is supplied with the unit. An alternative USB type-C compliant cable may be used as convenient.
Haptic interaction zone
STRATOS™ Inspire can be used to create haptics on a user’s hand in a 3-dimensional zone.
Depth | Width | ||
Best haptic quality |
Green |
50 to 475 mm (2” to 19”) |
0 to 400 mm (0” to 16”) |
Good haptics |
Yellow |
475 to 630 mm (19” to 25”) |
400 to 480 mm 16” to 19” |
Acceptable haptics |
Orange |
630 to 700 mm (25” to 28”) |
480 to 560 mm (19 to 22”) |
We do not recommend attempting to create haptics outside this zone as they may be inconsistent or feel weak to the user.
Mounting / integration
When designing a mid-air haptic experience, it is important to ensure that a user’s hands will intersect with the haptic interaction zone in a way that naturally complements other elements, such as visual effects, audio effects or holograms.
Mounting positions
STRATOS™ Inspire should always be used with the array in ‘landscape’ format. It can be mounted at any angle from flat (horizontal) to upright (vertical), depending on the intended interaction zone and surrounding equipment. Should security be a concern, a security bolting position is incorporated at the rear of the STRATOS™ Inspire. A security M4 bolt can be used to fit an appropriate security leash or tether (not supplied with the product) to this point. Always connect the power and USB cables to the STRATOS™ Inspire once installation is completed, and before turning on the power supply.
Installation height
While every installation is likely to utilise different equipment (screens, plinths, etc.), the flexibility offered by the size of the STRATOS™ Inspire interaction zone enables convenient installation with haptics focused at the operators’ hand.
- When the intended use is primarily for standing adults, we recommend that the centre of the interaction zone should be approximately 900mm / 3’ from floor level.
- If the intended use is primarily for seated adults, wheelchair users or standing children, the centre of the interaction zone should be approximately 750mm / 2’ 6” from floor level.
Caution – cooling
The STRATOS™ Inspire casing incorporates cooling fans that pull air in from one side of the unit and out at the other, through the fan inlets / outlets.
To avoid unnecessary noise, the fans operate according to the internal temperature of the unit. In normal use, the fans will usually operate at slow speed. Intensive use or elevated external temperatures will cause the fans to run faster.
STRATOS™ Inspire is rated to operate at ambient air temperatures between 0°C and 40°C / 32°F to 104°F. A thermal cut-out is used to restrict operation should internal temperatures reach an unsafe level (see Troubleshooting). Below 0°C, condensation may affect the performance of the LEAP Motion® camera.
When installing STRATOS™ Inspire, take care not to block or obstruct the fan vents. For this reason, when mounting the unit part-recessed (see below), the wall thickness in the area of the fan vents should not exceed 10mm (3/4”). Ensure that no solid objects block airflow for a distance of at least 50mm / 2” in any direction from each fan vent.
Using a VESA mount
STRATOS™ Inspire incorporates a standard VESA 100 x 100 mount (also known as a VESA MIS-D, 100 mount), similar to that found on televisions, monitors, soundbars and other AV equipment. This makes it compatible with a broad range of branded and generic mounting devices (‘VESA mounts’).
VESA mounts are usually supplied with a range of hardware, including the M4 bolts required to fit STRATOS™ Inspire to the mount. Four M4x10mm bolts are also supplied with the product for this purpose.
When using a VESA mount with STRATOS™ Inspire, ensure that the surface it is mounted on can support the unit weight of 3.1 kg (4 lb), plus the weight of any stand or mounting hardware used.
Mounting slung under a display
In installations that use a TV or monitor mounted directly to a wall or vertical plinth, STRATOS™ Inspire can be fitted directly to the screen using a conventional soundbar VESA mount connected to the VESA mounts on the screen used. Soundbar VESA mounts (also called ‘Soundbar Fitting Kits’) are generally universal, i.e. designed to fit multiple screen sizes, soundbar layouts and VESA patterns. This makes them ideal for this purpose.
When mounting below a screen, ensure that the screen’s own mounting bracket or stand can support the additional weight of the STRATOS™ Inspire and the chosen mounting hardware.
Soundbar VESA mounts are fitted to the displays’ own VESA mount, normally at the two lower bolt positions. The soundbar mounts are then fitted to the STRATOS™ Inspire using suitable M4 bolts (maximum penetration 9 mm (3/8”).
By taking advantage of the universal nature of soundbar mounts, it is possible to vary the height and orientation of STRATOS™ Inspire relative to the screen to optimise the position of the haptic interaction zone.
Wall mounting using a VESA mount
Using a standard TV or monitor mount, you can fix the STRATOS™ Inspire to a solid or hollow wall. Any mount that is compatible with the VESA 100 standard can be used for this purpose, although a version with tilt adjustment and/or an adjustable arm position may be preferable to give flexibility of haptic positioning.
Once the desired position of the STRATOS™ Inspire has been established, wall VESA mounts are first fitted to a wall using suitable fixings, generally supplied with the mount. The STRATOS™ Inspire is then fitted to the mount using the VESA 100 mount.
Mounting to a monitor stand or desktop using a VESA mount
VESA mounts that incorporate a clamp to fit a vertical monitor stand pole or a desktop are also available. These mounts often incorporate tilt and position adjustment, providing a high degree of flexibility.
These mounts are first clamped to the pole or desk, then the STRATOS™ Inspire is fitted using the VESA 100 mount bolts.
Mounting direct to a wall or cabinet
STRATOS™ Inspire can be screwed directly onto a plinth, cabinet front or hollow wall.
To do so, first establish the desired position of the haptic interaction zone. Should a tilt be required, for example, to project haptics in front of a display mounted above the array, this should be accounted for in the design of the cabinet or plinth in use.
Next, mark and drill 4 holes in the mounting surface spaced as shown at right. A template is provided with the product for this purpose; for automated cutters or CAD, Ultrahaptics provides .dxf and .pdf files of the required hole positions in our download area, as well as a .STEP file of the complete product.
If preferred, this operation may be replaced by the use of a generic ‘flat-to-wall’ VESA 100 compatible mount, such as that shown at left.
A 5th hole will be required to enable the power and USB cables to pass through the wall. This should be positioned below the USB and power cords. A suggested position is shown in the template shipped with the product, and in the CAD available from Ultrahaptics. A minimum hole size of 25mm / 1” is recommended to simplify connection.
A 6th hole (shown in CAD and mounting template) may be required should a security leash be used with the security bolting point.
Part-recessed mount
STRATOS™ Inspire is designed to fit part-recessed into a cabinet, hollow wall or plinth. This provides a minimalist appearance, similar to a speaker grille.
A hole is required to be cut into the outer surface to facilitate this. A cutter guide is provided on the installation template shipped with the product. For automated cutters or CAD, Ultrahaptics provides .dxf and .pdf files of the required hole positions on our developer site, https://developer.ultrahaptics.com, as well as a .STEP file of the complete product.
Once the hole has been formed, the body of the STRATOS™ Inspire is mounted inside the unit, with the lip of the mounting hole resting against the flange around the front of the array. A silicon or foam seal may be used behind the flange to provide protection for the rest of the enclosure.
Should additional retention be required, use bolts fitted to the VESA mount at the rear of the enclosure, fixed to an appropriate internal surface or bracket.
Desk stand
STRATOS™ Inspire can be mounted on a desk or alternative horizontal surface. A desk stand is provided with the unit for this purpose, which angles the device at a fixed 40° from horizontal.
Alternatively, numerous VESA 100 compatible monitor stands are available which sit on, or clamp to, a horizontal surface. When used with appropriate M4 bolts, usually supplied with the mount, these enable the STRATOS™ Inspire interaction zone to be positioned to suit your requirements.
Use the security bolting point with an appropriate leash or cable should additional security be required.
Service and maintenance
The STRATOS™ Inspire requires minimal ongoing maintenance and is not user serviceable. Do not attempt to open the casing. Should you encounter problems when using or installing STRATOS™ Inspire, contact Ultrahaptics, or the vendor from whom you acquired the unit.
The only regular maintenance required is to remove lint or debris from the fan inlets and outlets, or from the front grille. Use a vacuum cleaner or soft brush to do this. Avoid stiff bristle brushes.
Cleaning
Use a clean, damp cloth to clean the unit. Mild detergents will not damage the STRATOS Inspire. Avoid the use of solvents and abrasive cleaners which may damage the unit. Do not use jets of water or submerge the unit.
Casing materials
The STRATOS™ Inspire casing is manufactured from the following materials:
- Rear casing: die-cast, powder-coated aluminum
- Front fascia: anodized aluminum
- Front grille and fan covers: stainless steel
- Desk stand: powder-coated steel
STRATOS™ Inspire is compliant to both RoHS and REACH directives.
Troubleshooting
STRATOS™ Inspire has been designed to operate with minimal user intervention. However, should you encounter any issues, the following guidance may help you to resolve it. If you need help, please refer to our general troubleshooting guide.
Downloads
CAD files are available in our download area:
- dxf & pdf front panel cutter guide
- dxf & pdf mounting hole positions
- dxf & pdf dimensioned image
- STEP file of the product
For the full Integration Guide, login to your account to access the download below.
FIle Type: .PDF
File SIze: 1.05Mb
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