Using force feedback for multi-sensory display

This paper describes an investigation into the application of Virtual Environments to enable multi-sensory interpretation of data. The data being interpreted is a multivariate mathematical model of fluid flow and temperature within a blast furnace. Temperature and blast furnace structure is displayed in a visual 3D model while force feedback is used to display the fluid flow field. The application was developed for a specific Virtual Environment called the 'Haptic Workbench'. This technology is described along with the specifics of the application. Observations and feedback were collection from a small group of users. The user appraisal of haptic displays for abstract data interpretation was not conclusive. Indications from this study are that haptic concepts like surfaces, vibration and object inertia are easily comprehended by the user, however, more abstract data attributes like 'flow field' are poorly understood.