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.

A unified treatment of elastostatic contact simulation for real time haptics

Abstract: We describe real-time, physically-based simulation algorithms for haptic interaction with elastic objects. Simulation of contact with elastic objects has been a challenge, due to the complexity of physically accurate simulation and the difficulty of constructing useful approximations suitable for real time interaction. We show that this challenge can be effectively solved for many applications. In particular global deformation of linear elastostatic objects can be efficiently solved with low run-time computational costs, using precomputed Green's functions and fast low-rank updates based on Capacitance Matrix Algorithms. The capacitance matrices constitute exact force response models, allowing contact forces to be computed much faster than global deformation behavior. Vertex pressure masks are introduced to support the convenient abstraction of localized scale-specific point-like contact with an elastic and/or rigid surface approximated by a polyhedral mesh. Finally, we present several examples using the CyberGlove™ and PHANToM™ haptic interfaces.

Towards full-body haptic feedback: the design and deployment of a spatialized vibrotactile feedback system

Abstract: This paper presents work we have done on the design and implementation of an untethered system to deliver haptic cues for use in immersive virtual environments through a body-worn garment. Our system can control a large number of body-worn vibration units, each with individually controllable vibration intensity. Several design iterations have helped us to refine the system and improve such aspects as robustness, ease of donning and doffing, weight, power consumption, cable management, and support for many different types of feedback units, such as pager motors, solenoids, and muffin fans. In addition, experience integrating the system into an advanced virtual reality system has helped define some of the design constraints for creating wearable solutions, and to further refine our implementation.

The phone lock: audio and haptic shoulder-surfing resistant PIN entry methods for mobile devices

Abstract: Tangible user interfaces are portals to digital information. In the future, securing access to such material will be an important concern. This paper describes the design, implementation and evaluation of a PIN entry system based on audio or haptic cues that is suitable for integration into such physical systems. The current implementation links movements on a mobile phone touch screen with the display of non-visual cues; selection of a sequence of these cues composes a password. Studies reveal the validity of this approach in terms of task times and error rates that improve over prior art. In sum, this paper demonstrates the potential of non-visual PINs as a mechanism for securing access to a range of systems, ultimately incorporating mobile, ubiquitous or tangible interfaces.

Feeling is Believing: Using a Force‐Feedback Joystick to Teach Dynamic Systems

Abstract: As an innovative approach to providing physical demonstrations in the engineering classroom, we present the haptic paddle: a low-cost, single-axis force-feedback joystick. Using the paddle in the laboratory component of an undergraduate course on dynamic systems, students not only learned to model and analyze dynamic systems, but they also felt the effects of phenomena such as viscous damping, stiffness, and inertia. By interacting with virtual environments using their sense of touch, students improved their understanding of dynamic systems, modeling and control. In addition, the paddles added entertainment and excitement to the course. In this paper, we describe the purpose and design of the haptic paddle, show examples of how the paddle was integrated into the course, and present the results of preliminary student evaluations.

Enabling People with Visual Impairments to Navigate Virtual Reality with a Haptic and Auditory Cane Simulation

Abstract: Traditional virtual reality (VR) mainly focuses on visual feedback, which is not accessible for people with visual impairments. We created Canetroller, a haptic cane controller that simulates white cane interactions, enabling people with visual impairments to navigate a virtual environment by transferring their cane skills into the virtual world. Canetroller provides three types of feedback: (1) physical resistance generated by a wearable programmable brake mechanism that physically impedes the controller when the virtual cane comes in contact with a virtual object; (2) vibrotactile feedback that simulates the vibrations when a cane hits an object or touches and drags across various surfaces; and (3) spatial 3D auditory feedback simulating the sound of real-world cane interactions. We designed indoor and outdoor VR scenes to evaluate the effectiveness of our controller. Our study showed that Canetroller was a promising tool that enabled visually impaired participants to navigate different virtual spaces. We discuss potential applications supported by Canetroller ranging from entertainment to mobility training.