Computer Graphic and PHANToM Haptic Displays: Powerful Tools to Understand How Humans Perceive Heaviness

Abstract

The development of human/computer interfaces related to human haptics is subject to greater degrees of difficulty and complexity than those related to human visual and/or auditory senses. Such interfaces require direct contact and/or interaction with humans as opposed to visual and/or auditory devices that do not require such direct contact, manipulation and other force-related interactions. Therefore, without a deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved in haptics, such interfaces may be far from being user-centered or easy-to-use.