Exploration of High Fidelity and Volumetric Haptics

This dissertation explores high fidelity and volumetric haptics, a frontier in interactive technology that aims to enrich our sensory experience and transform how we engage with digital content. By bridging the gap between physical stimuli and haptic perception, it seeks to enhance tactile communication and create more intuitive user interfaces. Situated within the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), the research focuses on advanced haptic interfaces, particularly over non-planar surfaces. The primary goal is to understand and implement dynamic haptic signals for improved user experiences in education, entertainment, art, and communication.

We delve into high fidelity and volumetric haptics, exploring advanced solutions for haptic imagination—how we perceive and manipulate tactile sensations in the absence of physical stimuli.

Each of the six studies in this dissertation investigates a unique aspect of haptic technology, ranging from the development of a universal platform to the impact of materials on tactile detection, and the generation of haptic sensations on various surfaces. The research approach is a blend of constructive and experimental methodologies.

We are witnessing a shift from standard flat touch screens to molded, curved, and flexible interfaces. We have documented methods for replicating dynamic haptic signals across flat and spherical surfaces, demonstrating successful prototypes. Our work aims to improve user experience and performance by introducing advanced haptic solutions.

The background, along with the research and accompanying active engineering of solutions here should help build a framework as well as answer fundamental questions around the perception and implementation of High Fidelity and Volumetric haptics into the future.

Statement of Contribution: Patrick Coe conceived the main research questions, designed, and conducted experiments, analyzed, and interpreted results, and was the primary author of the dissertation. Grigori Evreinov offered close collaboration on development and implementation of research ideas and contributed to editing and revision of papers. Mounia Ziat advised on data collection, processing, statistical analysis, and helped improve the clarity and quality of the papers. Finally, Roope Raisamo supervised the overall research project, provided direction and advice, and secured funding and resources for the research.