Haptic Computer Interaction

Describe Haptic Computer Interaction

Haptics technologies provide force feedback to users about the physical properties and movements or virtual objects represented by a computer. A haptic joystick, for example, offers dynamic resistance to the user based on the actions of a video game. Haptics incorporates both touch and motion elements (Educause, 2007). With the exception of input devices such as the mouse, computer interaction relies on skills similar to those needed for using typewriters. Haptic interfaces may be viewed as an approach to address this limitation. Unlike traditional interfaces that provides visual and auditory information, haptic interface generate mechanical signals that stimulate human kinesthetic and touch channels. Haptic interfaces also provide human with the means to act on their environment (Haptic Interface, 2004). Humans and machines can communicate by haptic interface with the association of gesture to touch and kinesthesia. This is robotics, experimental psychology, biology, computer science, systems and control, and others.

Haptic Interface Negative and Positive

According to Educause, the interface between human and computer has been described as an information bottleneck. Computers can store and process vast amount of data and humans experience and learn through five senses. Haptics also has a growing role in assistive technologies. The downsides of haptics interface application can be extremely complex requiring highly specialized hardware and considerable processing power (Educause, 2007). It also requires that all of the physical properties and forces involved be programmed into the application. According to Educause, costs for haptic projects can be considerable.

Use or Non-use of Haptic Interface

According to Educause, research indicates that a considerable portion of people are kinesthetic or tactile learners. They understand better and remember more when education involves movement and touch. Haptic interface can be...