06-04-2010, 12:32 AM
Abstract
Most of us interact with computers using our senses of sight and hearing. In some cases, however, the most appropriate sense to use is that of touch. Increasingly, computer technology is recognizing this today and incorporating haptic technology. Haptics deals with controlling human movements and getting feedback through the sense of touch. A Haptic interface transmits forces to a personâ„¢s hand or fingers in a way that mimics the sensation of touching real objects. Virtual Haptic touch can be particularly useful for people with visual impairments. It makes it possible for a blind person to touch virtual objects, corresponding to the way a sighted person can see objects on a computer screen.
Introduction
Haptics is the science of applying touch (tactile) sensation and control to interaction with computer applications. It is the science of simulating sensory perceptions like pressure, texture, temperature, vibration and movements like poking, squeezing, sticking, heaving metal in IT enabled applications used for design, testing and diagnostics in various fields. It actually refers to the ability of equipment to produce an output that is felt, rather than seen or heard. Haptic output is usually a force or vibration.