Haptic technology

About: Haptic technology is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 18818 publications have been published within this topic receiving 306713 citations. The topic is also known as: haptics & haptic media.

Haptic apparatus and coaching method for improving vehicle fuel economy

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that includes a haptic actuator operatively associated with a pedal assembly of the vehicle, a human-machine interface (HMI) for enabling the driver to select between a plurality of fuel savings settings, and a controller coupled to a data interface in the vehicle and the HMI interface for causing the haptic actuator to provide feedback to the driver when an aspect of vehicle operation crosses at least one of a plurality of speed and acceleration thresholds responsive to the HMI setting. Additionally, a coaching method provides haptic-based feedback that will not interfere with the operation of the vehicle. This method of closed-loop feedback provides a timely signal to the driver in a way that will encourage a change in driver style over time, such as backing off the accelerator pedal to accelerate at a lower rate and braking earlier with less intensity. As not all driver preferences are the same under all conditions, the HMI selector will help coach the driver by providing feedback that best fits their driving preference at the particular time.

Feature Detection for Haptic Exploration with Robotic Fingers

Abstract: The authors consider the detection of small surface features, such as cracks, bumps, and ridges, on the surface of an object during haptic exploration and dexterous manipulation. Surface feature de...

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.

Characterisation of the Novint Falcon Haptic Device for Application as a Robot Manipulator

Abstract: The Falcon is a relatively inexpensive 3-DOF haptic device made by Novint for the gaming industry. The controller uses a form similar to that of the delta-robot conguration and because of this form, makes an interesting apparatus for research into control and estimation problems for robots involving parallel linkages. This paper presents the results of work conducted by the Autonomous Systems Lab at CSIRO in characterising the Falcon’s geometric, inertial and actuation properties for application to future model-based robotic algorithm development. Some comments are made towards assessing the Falcon’s suitability as an easily accessible research platform for these tasks. The aim of the paper is the presentation of the key kinematic and dynamic parameters for the device.

Upper limb motion analysis using haptic interface

Abstract: An objective test for evaluating the functional studies of the upper limbs (UL) in patients with neurological diseases (ND) is presented. The method allows assessment of kinematic and dynamic motor abilities of UL. Our methodology is based on creating a virtual environment, using a computer display for visual information and a PHANTOM haptic interface. The haptic interface is used as a kinematic measuring device and for providing tactile feedback to the patient. In virtual environment, a labyrinth in patient's frontal plane was created at the start of each test. By moving the haptic interface control stick the patient was able to move the pointer (a ball) through the labyrinth in three dimensions and to feel the reactive forces of the wall. The new test offers a wide range of numerical and graphic results. It has so far been applied to 13 subjects with various forms of ND (e.g., Friedreich Ataxia, Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis) as well as to healthy subjects. The comparison in performance between right and left UL has been carried out in healthy subjects.