Visuo-haptic tool for collaborative adjustment of selections

Abstract

Mutual awareness between users working in collaborative virtual environments is an important factor for efficient collaborations. Several studies have reported that haptic feedback improves performance in collaborative tasks. However, few researches have tried to evaluate the influence of haptic feedback on mutual awareness, and to link the corresponding measures with the performance and efficiency factors. In the context of collaborative 3D polygonal modelling, we present a collaborative interaction method that dynamically adjust the selection area of the different involved partners. The aim of this interaction method is to improve the efficiency of collaborative working by improving the partners' mutual awareness. The experimental evaluation compares the proposed collaborative method of selection with a standard and individual method of selection used in most polygonal modelling software. The experimental results show an improvement in working efficiency and a better work distribution between the partners. Moreover, the analysis of awareness measure shows that the proposed approach balances self awareness and mutual awareness. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.