With the evolution of the world of computers, the convergence of numerous budding technologies led to the invention of Haptic Technology. It is the science of applying tactile sensation to human interaction with computers that coordinates movements and enables perception. This post gives a detailed description of Haptic Technology, Haptic Feedback, how it works, types of devices, applications, pros, and cons.
What is Haptic Technology
The word Haptic comes from the Greek verb haptesthai, which means “to contact or to touch”. Haptic technology adds the consciousness of touch and feeling to computers. It is a tactile feedback technology that takes advantage of the sensitivity of touch which could be by applying forces, vibrations, or motion to the user and recreates actions.
A Haptic gadget gives individuals a feeling of touch with computer-generated conditions, with the goal that when virtual items are contacted they appear to be genuine and real. This communication or the interaction between the Haptic device and the control system is referred as “Haptic Feedback”.
Fig. 1 – Haptic Technology
Haptic Feedback or Haptic Information
This technology is actualized through various kinds of associations with a Haptic gadget speaking with the control system. Haptic information or Haptic Feedback that is provided by the system is a combination of two types of information:
1. Tactile Feedback
2. Kinesthetic Feedback
Tactile Feedback
It is referred as the information obtained by the sensors when it comes in contact with the skin of the human body i.e with the sense of touch.
Kinesthetic Feedback
Kinesthetic Feedback in Haptic Technology is related to awareness of the position and movement of the parts of the body via sensory organs. It also refers to the information acquired by the sensors in the joints and muscles. It allows a person to feel the force/ torques exercised upon contact with a body through the receptors.
Fig. 2 – (a) Tactile Feedback (b) Force Feedback in Haptic Technology
Types of Haptic Devices
Haptic Devices are broadly categorized in to two types:
- Active Haptic Devices
- Passive Haptic Devices
Active Haptic Devices
The devices that are controlled by the computer that supply tactile or force feedback to the user through electronic, electric or mechanical means are called as Active Haptic Devices. These devices are equipped with actuators that actively generates the force. E.g. Force Feedback devices like Phantom, Cybergrasp.
Fig. 3 – Active Haptic Device
Passive Haptic Devices
Passive Haptic Devices are human controlled and these devices are equipped with passive actuators which generates torque only against its motion. E.g. Virtual Reality/ Tele-robotic based devices such as Gloves and Wearable Devices, Exoskeletons etc.
Fig. 4 – Passive Haptic Device
How does Haptic Technology System Work
A typical Haptic Technology System is an assembly of several sub-blocks namely:
- Touch screen device with capacitive buttons
- Processor
- Driver circuit
- Actuator
The input to the Haptic Technology System may be a touch, a press on the capacitive buttons on the touchscreen. This serves as an input or the trigger signal which is sent to the touch screen controller. The sensors in the device sense the change in the amount of force applied, change in the angle of the input and sends the information to the processor.
The information is further processed generating a waveform which could be either analog or digital which acts as an input to the driver circuit and specific instructions are given to actuator to generate a pattern that creates a vibration. This feedback from actuator which is given back to the touchscreen device acts as a force feedback. The user thus feels this force feedback virtually.
Fig. 5 – Typical Haptic Technology System
Applications of Haptic Technology
Haptic has not spared any field from its impact. The applications include:
1. Gaming Industry uses this technology widely in video gaming.
2. Medical Applications make use of Haptic interfaces which are designed for medical simulation which helps in remote surgery and virtual medical training.
3. It is used in Military Applications where a virtual reality environment is simulated to provide versatility in military field which includes training in virtual reality environments.
4. It serves as Assistive Technology for the blind and visually impaired where the visually disabled person feels the maps that are displayed over the network. And also, learning mathematics is also made simpler by tracing touchable mathematical source.
5. Haptic Technology is extensively used in Museums where the priceless artifacts displayed are visualized in 3D manner and objects from their sculpture and decorative arts collection are made available through CD-ROM.
6. Haptic Technology finds its diverse application in the field of Entertainment, Arts and Design, Robot Design and Control, Neuroscience, Psychophysics, Mathematical modeling and simulation.
Advantages of Haptic Technology
The advantages are:
- Digital world can be experienced and perceived.
- Easily accessible and user friendly.
- Accuracy and precision is high.
Disadvantages of Haptic Technology
The disadvantages include:
- Involves complex designing as Haptic devices requires precision of touch.
- High initial cost involved.
Also Read: Wiring Color Codes – USA, UK, Europe & Canada Codes, When to Apply Global Positioning System (GPS) – Architecture, Applications, Advantages Underground Power Cables – Architecture, Applications and Advantages
