Haptic technology
Haptic technology (also kinaesthetic communication or 3D touch)[1][2] is technology that can create an experience of touch by applying forces, vibrations, or motions to the user.[3] These technologies can be used to create virtual objects in a computer simulation, to control virtual objects, and to enhance remote control of machines and devices (telerobotics). Haptic devices may incorporate tactile sensors that measure forces exerted by the user on the interface. The word haptic, from the Greek: ἁπτικός (haptikos), means "tactile, pertaining to the sense of touch". Simple haptic devices are common in the form of game controllers, joysticks, and steering wheels.
Not to be confused with Tactile technology.Haptic technology facilitates investigation of how the human sense of touch works by allowing the creation of controlled haptic virtual objects. Most researchers distinguish three sensory systems related to sense of touch in humans: cutaneous, kinaesthetic and haptic.[4][5][6] All perceptions mediated by cutaneous and kinaesthetic sensibility are referred to as tactual perception. The sense of touch may be classified as passive and active,[7] and the term "haptic" is often associated with active touch to communicate or recognize objects.[8]
Types of mechanical touch sensing[edit]
Human sensing of mechanical loading in the skin is managed by Mechanoreceptors. There are a number of types of mechanoreceptors but those present in the finger pad are typically placed into two categories. Fast acting (FA) and slow acting (SA). SA mechanoreceptors are sensitive to relatively large stresses and at low frequencies while FA mechanoreceptors are sensitive to smaller stresses at higher frequencies. The result of this is that generally SA sensors can detect textures with amplitudes greater than 200 micrometers and FA sensors can detect textures with amplitudes less than 200 micrometers down to about 1 micrometer, though some research suggests that FA can only detect textures smaller than the fingerprint wavelength.[18] FA mechanoreceptors achieve this high resolution of sensing by sensing vibrations produced by friction and an interaction of the fingerprint texture moving over fine surface texture.[19]
Applications[edit]
Automotive[edit]
With the introduction of large touchscreen control panels in vehicle dashboards, haptic feedback technology is used to provide confirmation of touch commands without needing the driver to take their eyes off the road.[36] Additional contact surfaces, for example the steering wheel or seat, can also provide haptic information to the driver, for example, a warning vibration pattern when close to other vehicles.[37]
Art[edit]
Haptic technologies have been explored in virtual arts, such as sound synthesis or graphic design, that make some loose vision and animation.[38] Haptic technology was used to enhance existing art pieces in the Tate Sensorium exhibit in 2015.[39] In music creation, Swedish synthesizer manufacturer Teenage Engineering introduced a haptic subwoofer module for their OP-Z synthesizer allowing musicians to feel the bass frequencies directly on their instrument.[40]
Aviation[edit]
Force-feedback can be used to increase adherence to a safe flight envelope and thus reduce the risk of pilots entering dangerous states of flights outside the operational borders while maintaining the pilots' final authority and increasing their situation awareness.[41]
Medicine and dentistry[edit]
Haptic interfaces for medical simulation are being developed for training in minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopy and interventional radiology,[42][43] and for training dental students.[44] A Virtual Haptic Back (VHB) was successfully integrated in the curriculum at the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine.[45] Haptic technology has enabled the development of telepresence surgery, allowing expert surgeons to operate on patients from a distance.[46] As the surgeon makes an incision, they feel tactile and resistance feedback as if working directly on the patient.[47]
Haptic technology can also provide sensory feedback to ameliorate age-related impairments in balance control[48] and prevent falls in the elderly and balance-impaired.[49] Haptic Cow and Horse are used in veterinary training.[50]