Systems and methods for optically induced cutaneous sensation

A system configured to induce a cutaneous sensation in a user of an electronic device based upon a tactile application executable on the electronic device, the system comprising:

• a stimulation system configured to generate an output operable to excite neural tissue;
• an interface component configured to direct the output of the stimulation system onto a target area of skin of the user;
• and
• a controller configured to generate a control signal to cause the stimulation system to modify one or more characteristics of the output of the stimulation system in order to induce a cutaneous sensation based on:
• a tactile application executable on the electronic device, the tactile application configured to generate a representation of a simulated object, and
• a stimulation profile representing at least one present stimulation area and at least one prior stimulation area, the profile further representing a time associated with a prior stimulation of the prior stimulation area.