Showing papers on "Haptic technology published in 2008"

State-of-the-Art in Force and Tactile Sensing for Minimally Invasive Surgery

Abstract: Haptic perception plays a very important role in surgery. It enables the surgeon to feel organic tissue hardness, measure tissue properties, evaluate anatomical structures, and allows him/her to commit appropriate force control actions for safe tissue manipulation. However, in minimally invasive surgery, the surgeon's ability of perceiving valuable haptic information through surgical instruments is severely impaired. Performing the surgery without such sensory information could lead to increase of tissue trauma and vital organic tissue damage. In order to restore the surgeon's perceptual capability, methods of force and tactile sensing have been applied with attempts to develop instruments that can be used to detect tissue contact forces and generate haptic feedback to the surgeon. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art in force and tactile sensing technologies applied in minimally invasive surgery. Several sensing strategies including displacement-based, current-based, pressure-based, resistive-based, capacitive-based, piezoelectric-based, vibration-based, and optical-based sensing are discussed.

Biological sensing with haptic feedback

Abstract: Systems and methods as described the present disclosure are capable of generating haptic feedback in response to sensing a biological signal from a vertebrate. A method according to one embodiment, among others, includes detecting a neural signal from a vertebrate. The method also includes generating a haptic effect on the vertebrate corresponding to the neural signal.

Report Young Children Do Not Integrate Visual and Haptic Form Information

Abstract: Several studies have shown that adults integrate visual and haptic information (and information from other modalities) in a statistically optimal fashion, weighting each sense according to its reliability [1, 2]. When does this capacity for crossmodal integration develop? Here, we show that prior to 8 years of age, integration of visual and haptic spatial information is far from optimal, with either vision or touch dominating totally, even in conditions in which the dominant sense is far less precise than the other (assessed by discrimination thresholds). For size discrimination, haptic information dominates in determining both perceived size and discrimination thresholds, whereas for orientation discrimination, vision dominates. By 8-10 years, the integration becomes statistically optimal, like adults. We suggest that during development, perceptual systems require constant recalibration, for which cross-sensory comparison is important. Using one sense to calibrate the other precludes useful combination of the two sources.

Biomimetic Tactile Sensor Array

Abstract: The performance of robotic and prosthetic hands in unstructured environments is severely limited by their having little or no tactile information compared to the rich tactile feedback of the human ...

Does Touch Affect Taste? The Perceptual Transfer of Product Container Haptic Cues

Abstract: We develop a conceptual framework regarding the perceptual transfer of haptic or touch-related characteristics from product containers to judgments of the products themselves. Thus, the firmness of a cup in which water is served may affect consumers' judgments of the water itself. This framework predicts that not all consumers are equally affected by such nondiagnostic haptic cues. Results from four studies show that consumers high in the autotelic need for touch (general liking for haptic input) are less affected by such nondiagnostic haptic cues compared to consumers low in the autotelic need for touch. The research has many implications for product and package design.

Multi-touch display screen with localized tactile feedback

Abstract: Systems, methods, computer-readable media, and other means are described for utilizing touch-based input components that provide localized haptic feedback to a user. The touch-based input components can be used and/or integrated into any type of electronic device, including laptop computers, cellular telephones, and portable media devices. The touch-based input components can use, for example, a grid of piezoelectric actuators to provide vibrational feedback to a user, while the user scrolls around a click wheel, slides across a trackpad, or touches a multi-touch display screen.

Haptics in minimally invasive surgery – a review

Abstract: This article gives an overview of research performed in the field of haptic information feedback during minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Literature has been consulted from 1985 to present. The studies show that currently, haptic information feedback is rare, but promising, in MIS. Surgeons benefit from additional feedback about force information. When it comes to grasping forces and perceiving slip, little is known about the advantages additional haptic information can give to prevent tissue trauma during manipulation. Improvement of haptic perception through augmented haptic information feedback in MIS might be promising.

Method and apparatus for haptic enabled flexible touch sensitive surface

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an electronic interactive device having a haptic enabled flexible touch sensitive surface are disclosed. In one embodiment, the electronic interactive device includes a flexible touch sensitive surface, a flexible screen (or display), and an actuator. The flexible touch sensitive surface is deposited over the flexible screen and is capable of receiving an input, such as, for example, from a user. The flexible screen displays an image via a displaying window. The actuator is coupled to the flexible screen and provides haptic feedback in response to the input.

Multi-touch device having dynamic haptic effects

Abstract: A system for generating haptic effects senses at least two generally simultaneous touches on a touchscreen and, in response, generates a dynamic haptic effect.

Human haptic perception : basics and applications

Abstract: Haptic perception: an historical approach.-German pioneers of research into human haptic perception.-British pioneers of research into human haptic perception.-Early psychological studies on touch in France.-Haptics in the United States before 1940.-Anatomy of receptors.-Physiological mechanisms of the receptor system.-Neural basis of haptic perception.-The neural bases of haptic working memory.-Neuronal plasticity of the haptic system.-Haptic perception in the human fetus.-Haptic behavior in social interaction.-Learning effects in haptic perception.-Implicit and explicit memory effects in haptic perception.-Attention in sense of touch.-Haptic object identification.-Haptic perceptual illusions.-Haptic perception in interaction with other senses.-Haptically evoked activation of visual cortex.-Haptic perception and synaesthesia.-Haptic perception in sexuality.-Haptic perception in space travel.-Phantom sensations.-The neuroscience and phenomenology of sensory loss.-Focal dystonia: diagnostic, therapy, rehabilitation.-Self-injurious behavior.-Haptic perception in infancy and first acquisition of object words: developmental and clinical approach.-Haptic perception in anorexia nervosa.-History of haptic interfaces.-Principles of haptic perception in virtual environments.-Haptic shape cues, invariants, priors, and interface design.-Design guidelines for generating force feedback on fingertips using haptic interfaces.-Haptic rendering and control.-Haptic perception in human robotic systems.-Haptic design of vehicle interiors at AUDI.-Visual-haptic interfaces in car design at BMW.-Haptics research at Daimler AG.-Haptic design of handles.-Vestibular sensory substitution using tongue electrotactile display.-The blind get a taste of vision.-Tactile ground surface indicators in public places.-Haptic walker - haptic foot device for gait rehabilitation.-Haptic sensing of virtual textiles.-Haptic discrimination of paper.-Haptic banknote design.-Get touched - bodycare as adesign of media for self-perception.-

Method and apparatus for multi-touch tactile touch panel actuator mechanisms

Abstract: A method and apparatus of actuator mechanisms for a multi-touch tactile touch panel are disclosed. The tactile touch panel includes an electrical insulated layer and a tactile layer. The top surface of the electrical insulated layer is capable of receiving an input from a user. The tactile layer includes a grid or an array of haptic cells. The top surface of the haptic layer is situated adjacent to the bottom surface of the electrical insulated layer, while the bottom surface of the haptic layer is situated adjacent to a display. Each haptic cell further includes at least one piezoelectric material, Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (“MEMS”) element, thermal fluid pocket, MEMS pump, resonant device, variable porosity membrane, laminar flow modulation, or the like. Each haptic cell is configured to provide a haptic effect independent of other haptic cells in the tactile layer.

Perception-Based Data Reduction and Transmission of Haptic Data in Telepresence and Teleaction Systems

Abstract: We present a novel approach for the transmission of haptic data in telepresence and teleaction systems. The goal of this work is to reduce the packet rate between an operator and a teleoperator without impairing the immersiveness of the system. Our approach exploits the properties of human haptic perception and is, more specifically, based on the concept of just noticeable differences. In our scheme, updates of the haptic amplitude values are signaled across the network only if the change of a haptic stimulus is detectable by the human operator. We investigate haptic data communication for a 1 degree-of-freedom (DoF) and a 3 DoF teleaction system. Our experimental results show that the presented approach is able to reduce the packet rate between the operator and teleoperator by up to 90% of the original rate without affecting the performance of the system.

Designing Large Sets of Haptic Icons with Rhythm

Abstract: Haptic icons (brief tangible stimuli with associated meanings) are a new way to convey information, but are difficult to design in large quantities due to technological and perceptual constraints. Here, we employ rhythmin combination with frequency and amplitude to systematically produce 84 distinguishable tactile stimuli for use as icons. The set's large size is made possible by an analysis of how users perceptually organize tactile rhythm. Through our evaluation, we find that the two primary characteristics by which users distinguish its tactile rhythms are note lengthand unevenness.

Method and apparatus for generating and interfacing with a haptic virtual reality environment

Abstract: A method for generating a haptic interactive representation including the steps of defining a haptic interaction space and building a hierarchical construct, for use within the haptic interaction space, using a plurality of underlying constructs. In one embodiment the method includes determining the forces to be applied to a user by generating a haptic interactive, sensing a position of a user in real space, determining a haptic interface location in the haptic interaction space in response to the position of the user in real space and determining whether the virtual object collides with the haptic interface location. The invention also relates to a method for interacting with a haptic interactive representation. The method includes creating a haptic process having the haptic interactive representation, associating a callback with the haptic process, connecting to a second process which interacts with the haptic process and associating the callback which is associated with the haptic process with the second process. The method further includes requesting the callback by the second process, and returning, by the haptic process through the callback to the second process, at least one parameter associated with the haptic interactive representation.

Haptic Guidance Can Enhance Motor Learning of a Steering Task

Abstract: Haptic guidance can improve the immediate performance of a motor task by enforcing a desired pattern of kinematics, but several studies have found that it impairs motor learning In this study, we studied whether guidance from a robotic steering wheel can improve one's short-term learning of steering a simulated vehicle We developed a computer algorithm that adapted the firmness of the guidance based on ongoing error Training with "guidance-as-needed" or "fixed guidance" allowed participants to learn to steer without experiencing large errors and produced slightly better immediate retention than did training without guidance, apparently because participants were better able to learn when to initiate turns Training with guidance-as-needed produced slightly better results than training with fixed guidance: the guidance-as-needed participants' errors were significantly smaller when guidance was removed However, this difference quickly dissipated with more practice We conclude that haptic guidance can benefit short-term learning of a steering-type task while also limiting performance errors during training

Haptic-feedback support for cognitive mapping of unknown spaces by people who are blind

Abstract: Mental mapping of spaces is essential for the development of efficient orientation and mobility skills. Most of the information required for this mental mapping is gathered through the visual channel. People who are blind lack this information, and in consequence, they are required to use compensatory sensorial channels and alternative exploration methods. In this study, people who are blind use a virtual environment (VE) that provides haptic and audio feedback to explore an unknown space. The cognitive mapping of the space based on the VE and the subject's ability to apply this map to accomplish tasks in the real space are examined. Results show clearly that a robust and comprehensive map is constructed, contributing to successful performance in real space tasks.

The effect of haptic guidance on curve negotiation behavior of young, experienced drivers

Abstract: Haptic feedback on the steering wheel is reported in literature as a promising way to support drivers during steering tasks. Haptic support allows drivers to remain in the direct manual control loop, avoiding known human factors issues with automation. This paper proposes haptic guidance based on the concept of shared control, where both the driver and the support system influence the steering wheel torque. The haptic guidance is developed to continuously generate relatively low forces on the steering wheel, requiring the driver's active steering input to safely negotiate curves. An experiment in a fixed-base driving simulator was conducted, in which 12 young, experienced drivers steered a vehicle - with and without haptic guidance - at a fixed speed along a road with varying curvature. The haptic guidance allowed drivers to slightly but significantly improve safety boundaries in their curve negotiation behavior. Their steering activity was reduced and smoother. The results indicated that continuous haptic guidance is a promising way to support drivers in actively producing (more) optimal steering actions during curve negotiation.

Method and apparatus for providing Haptic feedback from Haptic textile

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating haptic feedback over a surface of a haptic textile are disclosed. The flexible haptic structure includes a group of sensing circuits and a haptic textile. The sensing circuits, such as touch sensitive detector or motion detector, provide at least one activating signal in accordance with a sensed event. The haptic textile is structured with interlaced woven threads and/or yarns and capable of generating haptic feedback in response to the activating signal.

Haptic Guidance Improves the Visuo-Manual Tracking of Trajectories

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Learning to perform new movements is usually achieved by following visual demonstrations. Haptic guidance by a force feedback device is a recent and original technology which provides additional proprioceptive cues during visuo-motor learning tasks. The effects of two types of haptic guidances-control in position (HGP) or in force (HGF)-on visuo-manual tracking ("following") of trajectories are still under debate. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPALS FINDINGS: Three training techniques of haptic guidance (HGP, HGF or control condition, NHG, without haptic guidance) were evaluated in two experiments. Movements produced by adults were assessed in terms of shapes (dynamic time warping) and kinematics criteria (number of velocity peaks and mean velocity) before and after the training sessions. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: These results show that the addition of haptic information, probably encoded in force coordinates, play a crucial role on the visuo-manual tracking of new trajectories.

Electroactive polymer transducers for sensory feedback applications

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To further improve haptic feedback capabilities, particularly in the context of user productivity and efficiency in data entry, through further improvement in characteristics and quality of haptic sensation communicated to a user.SOLUTION: Electroactive polymer transducers for sensory feedback applications are disclosed. A user interface device having sensory feedback includes; a user contact surface; an electroactive polymer transducer having an output member coupled to the contact surface; a sensor for sensing mechanical force on the user contact surface and providing an activation signal to the transducer (activation of the transducer moves at least a portion of the user contact surface); and a sealing material adapted to substantially hermetically seal the transducer.

Blind hero: enabling guitar hero for the visually impaired

Abstract: Very few video games have been designed or adapted to allow people with vision impairment to play. Music/rhythm games however are particularly suitable for such people as they are perfectly capable of perceiving audio signals. Guitar Hero is a popular rhythm game yet it is not accessible to the visually impaired as it relies on visual stimuli. This paper explores replacing visual stimuli with haptic stimuli as a viable strategy to make games accessible. We developed a glove that transforms visual information into haptic feedback using small pager motors attached to the tip of each finger. This allows a blind player to play Guitar Hero. Several tests have been conducted and despite minor changes to the gameplay, visually impaired players are able to play the game successfully and enjoy the challenge the game provides. The results of the study also give valuable insights on how to make mainstream games blind-accessible.

Customizing haptic effects on an end user device

Abstract: Systems, methods, and associated software are described herein for enabling a regular user of an end user device, such as a cellular telephone, to customize parameters associated with haptic effects applied to the user by the end user device. In one implementation, among several, a method described herein includes enabling a user of an end user device to access software adapted to design or modify haptic effects of the end user device. The method further includes enabling the user to open a haptic track file and enter or modify parameters associated with the haptic effects of the opened haptic track file.

Haptic Interaction Design for Everyday Interfaces

Abstract: This chapter sets about to provide the background and orientation needed to set a novice designer on his or her way to bringing haptics successfully into an interactive product. To define appropria...

A Haptic Feedback System for Lower-Limb Prostheses

Abstract: A haptic feedback system has been developed to provide sensory information to patients with lower-limb prostheses or peripheral neuropathy. Piezoresistive force sensors were mounted against four critical contact points of the foot to collect and relay force information to a system controller, which in turn drives four corresponding pneumatically controlled balloon actuators. The silicone-based balloon actuators were mounted on a cuff worn on the middle thigh, with skin contacts on the posterior, anterior, medial, and lateral surfaces of the thigh. Actuator characterization and human perceptual testing were performed to determine the effectiveness of the system in providing tactile stimuli. The actuators were determined to have a monotonic input pressure-vertical deflection response. Six normal subjects wearing the actuator cuff were able to differentiate inflation patterns, directional stimuli and discriminate between three force levels with 99.0%, 94.8%, and 94.4% accuracy, respectively. With force sensors attached to a shoe insole worn by an operator, subjects were able to correctly indicate the movements of the operator with 95.8% accuracy. These results suggest that the pneumatic haptic feedback system design is a viable method to provide sensory feedback for the lower limbs.

Providing haptic feedback on a touch surface

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing haptic feedback to a touch surface are described herein. In one embodiment, among many, a layered structure comprises a first conducting layer electrically coupled to a first terminal of a power source and a second conducting layer electrically coupled to a second terminal of the power source. The layered structure also comprises a spacing layer electrically isolating the first conducting layer from the second conducting layer. Also, an actuation layer is positioned between the first conducting layer and the second conducting layer. The actuation layer includes a material that reacts to an electrical stimulus.

Haptic feedback system with stored effects

Abstract: A haptic feedback system that includes a controller, a memory coupled to the controller, an actuator drive circuit coupled to the controller, and an actuator coupled to the actuator drive circuit. The memory stores at least one haptic effect that is executed by the controller in order to create a haptic effect.

Dynamic 3-D Virtual Fixtures for Minimally Invasive Beating Heart Procedures

Abstract: Two-dimensional or 3-D visual guidance is often used for minimally invasive cardiac surgery and diagnosis. This visual guidance suffers from several drawbacks such as limited field of view, loss of signal from time to time, and in some cases, difficulty of interpretation. These limitations become more evident in beating-heart procedures when the surgeon has to perform a surgical procedure in the presence of heart motion. In this paper, we propose dynamic 3-D virtual fixtures (DVFs) to augment the visual guidance system with haptic feedback, to provide the surgeon with more helpful guidance by constraining the surgeon's hand motions thereby protecting sensitive structures. DVFs can be generated from preoperative dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) or computed tomograph (CT) images and then mapped to the patient during surgery. We have validated the feasibility of the proposed method on several simulated surgical tasks using a volunteer's cardiac image dataset. Validation results show that the integration of visual and haptic guidance can permit a user to perform surgical tasks more easily and with reduced error rate. We believe this is the first work presented in the field of virtual fixtures that explicitly considers heart motion.

Eddy Current Brakes for Haptic Interfaces: Design, Identification, and Control

Abstract: We describe the design of an eddy current brake for use as programmable viscous damper for haptic interfaces. Unlike other types of programmable brakes, eddy current brakes can provide linear, programmable physical damping that can be modulated at high frequency. These properties makes them well suited as dissipative actuators for haptic interfaces. We overview the governing physical relationships, and describe design optimization for inertial constraints. A prototype haptic interface is described, and experimental results are shown that illustrate the improvement in stability when simulating a stiff wall that is made possible using programmable eddy current dampers.

Testing a prosthetic haptic feedback simulator with an interactive force matching task

Abstract: Prosthetic technology is a prime candidate for the integration of sensory feedback. Functional user testing of various haptic feedback modes is a necessary step to encourage commercial adoption. A haptic feedback simulator, using both a visual and vibrotactile representation of force, is cou