This touch-related innovation, which has been termed haptics by researchers, is the science of integrating touch to human/computer interactions. This gives users the ability to process information based on both visual and physical sensations, providing a higher level of reaction and cognitive ability.

Many users who try haptics for the first time are taken aback at the new sensation and interaction. This is termed “the wow effect” as many new users are heard to exclaim “wow” and other similar phrases of astonishment. However, as they explore this new method of interaction they quickly realize that this is a great leap forward in HCI and soon relate the experience to “As it should be.”

This technology is being demonstrated during the symposium’s demo days (13th and 16th) and is an excellent opportunity to try haptics. Two pieces of software have been developed to demonstrate the potential of haptic (touch) and spacial virtual environments for creative interaction.

One is a virtual ‘ammonite’ that can be ‘touched’ using the stylus of a robotic arm that gives the sensation of touch to the user. The ammonite can be rotated so that the user can feel it as a true three dimensional object, and explore its ridged form.

The second is a small programme for sketching in three dimensions which gives the user the full experience of 3 dimensional space and tangibility within virtual environment and in a more natural working position (co-located).

The haptic device being used creates tactile sensation by exerting small, precise amounts of force on to the point of the stylus being held, a technique known as force-feedback. Haptics is a very young technology so this most commonly used device for ‘haptic’ interaction in the virtual environment has just one point so the virtual touch you will experience is synonymous with exploring the environment using the end of a pointer. But force feedback can give the sensation of such properties as hardnes and softness, textures, mass and form. Haptic gloves permit users to only sense ("feel) that there is an object there, and other features, for example, basic surface properties and temperature, as even the most advanced robotic "fingers" might harbor just a few hundred receptors.

"There are about 2,000 receptors in each of our finger tips whose only role is to gauge qualities like texture, shape, and the ability to cause friction," says Dr. Mandayam A. Srinivasan from MIT Touch Lab. "There may be even more sensors for gauging warmth or coolness, and for detecting mechanical, chemical or heat stimuli."

Research work in the area is involved with the development, testing, and refinement of tactile and force feedback devices and supporting software that permit users to sense ("feel") and manipulate three-dimensional virtual objects with respect to such features as shape, weight, surface textures, and temperature.

The Tacitus Project aims:

• develop a haptic virtual environment more in touch’ with creative working practices
• discover degrees of multi-sensory feedback required to work intuitively
• develop software applications to enhance the creative practice
• promote the evolution and realization of innovative concepts

For more information about Tacitus and haptics go to:

www.eca.ac.uk/tacitus

www.eca.ac.uk/hands_on/HapticDescription.htm