Synergistic Visual/Haptic Computer Interfaces

本项目研究结合视觉和触觉（触摸）界面 显示生成的多维数据 物理系统的计算机模型。 重点是难以可视化表达的数据特征，例如填充体积的标量数据，矢量场和张量场。 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，开发了新的触觉呈现模式，其可以经由触觉呈现元件的组合来传达多维数据。 这些 模式 使用代表性的可视化问题进行测试 在 流体力学，电磁学， 和 固体力学 第三，可视化难题的开发，量化触觉渲染模式的感知附加值。 合作和互补的视觉/触觉渲染进行了探讨。 该项目旨在发现协同渲染模式 这比单独的视觉呈现更容易产生理解。 改进的视觉/触觉界面可以直观地调试计算机模型，有效地可视化建模结果，并提高物理理解。 这种能力有利于许多领域的科学研究，工程系统的设计和分析，以及未来科学家和工程师的教育。

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.