Synergistic Visual/Haptic Computer Interfaces

该项目研究视觉和触觉(触摸)相结合的界面，以显示由物理系统的计算机模型生成的多维数据。重点放在难以直观传达的数据特征上，例如填充体积、矢量场和张量场的标量数据。首先，进行测试以更好地理解触觉渲染元素的感知：虚拟表面和约束、力和扭矩以及机械阻抗。其次，开发了新的触觉渲染模式，可以通过组合触觉渲染元素来传递多维数据。使用流体力学、电磁学和固体力学中的典型可视化问题对这些模式进行了测试。第三，开发了可视化谜题，量化了触觉渲染模式的感知附加值。探讨了协作和互补的视觉/触觉渲染。该项目寻求发现协同渲染模式，这种模式比单独的视觉渲染更容易产生理解。改进的视觉/触觉界面实现了对计算机模型的直观调试、建模结果的高效可视化以及改进的物理理解。这种能力有利于在许多领域进行科学研究，有利于工程系统的设计和分析，也有利于培养未来的科学家和工程师。

This project investigates combined visual and haptic (touch) interfaces to display multi-dimensional data generated by computer models of physical systems. The focus is on data features that are difficult to convey visually, such as scalar data which fills volumes, vector fields, and tensor fields. First, tests are conducted to better understand the perception of haptic rendering elements: virtual surfaces and constraints, forces and torques, and mechanical impedances. Second, new haptic rendering modes are developed which can convey multi- dimensional data via combinations of haptic rendering elements. These modes are tested using representative visualization problems in fluid dynamics, electromagnetics, and solid mechanics. Third, visualization puzzles are developed which quantify the perceptual added value of haptic rendering modes. Both cooperative and complementary visual/haptic rendering are explored. The project seeks to discover synergistic rendering modes which produce understanding more easily than visual rendering alone. An improved visual/haptic interface enables intuitive debugging of computer models, efficient visualization of modeling results, and improved physical understanding. Such a capability benefits the conduct of scientific research in many fields, the design and analysis of engineered systems, and the education of future scientists and engineers.