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Abstract

The present invention provides a method of generating haptic interface experiences that is capable of generating haptic companions to existing two-dimensional images. The method exploits the dominance of visual over haptic in humans: human tactile, proprioceptive, and kinesthetic senses do not supply as much fine detail as human vision, and consequently haptic representations do not have to be as detailed as the corresponding visual images to be believable to a human user. An existing two-dimensional image can be used as the visual component of a human-computer interface. A three-dimensional haptic model that is topologically similar to the image can be selected, where topological similarity means that the haptic model provides an acceptable approximation to important characteristics of the haptic experience desired to accompany the two-dimensional image. A relationship can then be established between the image in the visual component of the interface and the haptic model in the haptic component of the interface such that interaction with the image in the visual component is linked with interaction with the haptic model in the haptic component. As an example, a two-dimensional image of a ball can have a haptic model of a sphere associated therewith, and the center and radius established as a relationship such that visual cursor motion at the boundary of the image of the two-dimensional image of the ball is linked with haptic force feedback as the cursor encounters the surface of the haptic model.

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First Claim