Output details

Beyond the Visuals: Tactile Augmentation and Sensory Enhancements in an Arthroscopy Simulator

An EPSRC funded project focused on the user-centred design of a virtual reality knee surgery trainer. Haptic feedback techniques were used to study physical properties (e.g. softness, hardness) of a virtual object to be sensed. The tactile augmentation, the addition of a physical object within a virtual environment to provide haptic feedback, was evaluated. A unique rig design and set of experiments demonstrated that the perceived ‘feel’ of a physical surface could be altered by the visual information presented. The findings are relevant to the simulation of touch, and the design of cost-effective virtual environments. The final EPSRC review identified this study as ‘outstanding’ with the potential scientific impact rated as ‘internationally leading’ with the resulting system described as ‘a substantial advance for the training of junior surgeons’. It was disseminated at seven European and International conferences.