Volume haptization

Abstract

The authors describe haptic representation of volume data. Volume visualization is a powerful tool in the field of scientific visualization. However, visual representation of full three-dimensional volume is hard to comprehend because of occlusion. Higher-dimensional and multi-parameter data sets are also difficult to present by visual image. The authors propose methods for presentation of volume data by force sensation. A six degree-of-freedom force reflective master manipulator is used for haptization. The manipulator is combined to real-time visual image of volume data. Methods of haptic representation of scalar, vector, and tensor data are discussed. Recognition performance tests of scalar and multiparameter volume data are examined.<>