Technion: Force patterns forming the basis of an haptic language

The Israel Institute of Technology (Technion) developed a methodology for the identification of re-occurring force-sensation patterns when a human is manipulating an invisible and remote object through a haptic telepresence system with the intention to recognise it. While moving the object, the operator sees and feels forces as if s/he touches the object directly. These forces as well as the generation of the virtual working space are controlled by a computer. The normal and tangent forces are recorded through a chart recorder. At the same time the operator is videotaped while explaining what s/he thinks the object is. Technion created couples of force patterns and the concepts mentioned, and identified the events when each of the force patterns is coupled with the same concept. The results provide specific patterns that correspond to particular interpretations (meanings) that are valid across subjects, and consistent across situations. Hence such patterns can be defined as a valid and consistent haptic reference system, similar to a primitive language (without considering syntax at this time). In the future, this study is to construct a function that relates force sensations and corresponding meaning. It is designed to provide both a methodology and a basic building block for understanding the patterns of interactions in all interaction scenarios of IMMERSENCE: at first in person-object manipulation, later on also in person-to-person and person-through object-person interaction.

Related deliverables: Report on first specification of haptic modeling language for person-to-person interaction.

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