Skip to main content
Kent Academic Repository

Prototyping 3D Haptic Data Visualizations

Panëels, Sabrina, Ritsos, Panagiotis, Rodgers, Peter, Roberts, Jonathan C. (2013) Prototyping 3D Haptic Data Visualizations. Computers and Graphics, . pp. 1-15. ISSN 0097-8493. (doi:10.1016/j.cag.2013.01.009) (KAR id:33256)

Abstract

Haptic devices are becoming more widely used as hardware becomes available and the cost of both low and high fidelity haptic devices decreases. One of the application areas of haptics is Haptic Data Visualization (HDV). HDV provides functionality by which users can feel and touch data. Blind and partially sighted users can benefit from HDV, as it helps them manipulate and understand information. However, developing any three-dimensional haptic world is difficult, time-consuming and requires skilled programmers. Therefore, systems that enable haptic worlds to be rapidly developed in a simple environment could enable non-computer skilled users to create haptic 3D interactions. In this article we present HITPROTO: a system that enables users, such as mentors or support workers, to quickly create haptic interactions (with an emphasis on HDVs) through a visual programming interface. We describe HITPROTO and include details of the design and implementation. We present the results of a detailed study using postgraduate students as potential mentors, which provides evidence of the usability of HITPROTO. We also present a pilot study of HITPROTO with a blind user. It can be difficult to create prototyping tools and support 3D interactions, therefore we present a detailed list of ‘lessons learnt’ that provides a set of guidelines for developers of other 3D haptic prototyping tools.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1016/j.cag.2013.01.009
Subjects: Q Science > QA Mathematics (inc Computing science) > QA 76 Software, computer programming,
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences > School of Computing
Depositing User: Peter Rodgers
Date Deposited: 19 Feb 2013 08:55 UTC
Last Modified: 08 Dec 2022 13:43 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/33256 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Rodgers, Peter.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4100-3596
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Roberts, Jonathan C..

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:
  • Depositors only (login required):

Total unique views for this document in KAR since July 2020. For more details click on the image.