Monica Bordegoni

Haptic Cues for Image Disambiguation

Haptic interfaces represent a revolution in human computer interface technology since they make it possible for users to touch and manipulate virtual objects. In this work we describe a cross‐model interaction experiment to study the effect of adding haptic cues to visual cues when vision is not enough to disambiguate the images. We relate the results to those obtained in experimental psychology as well as to more recent studies on the subject.

The Role of Haptic Devices for an efficient Integration of Design, Simulation and Analysis

Some evolution trends in the context of modelling and simulation are the following: the use of Digital Mock Up (DMU) in the design process, and the use of physically-based approach in modelling, and haptic systems as a means for enhancing interaction with virtual models. Within this context our research work intends to investigate the use of haptic devices for interacting with DMUs built on physically-based models. The purpose is to show the added value gained in using simulation augmented with haptic interaction, the technological feasibility of the approach and the usefulness in several industrial fields. In order to achieve that, we have developed a high speed approximated simulator, allowing the haptic rendering of complex physically-based models in real-time.

Evolution of Interaction in Physically-based Modelling

This paper outlines new trends in geometric modelling, showing how systems are moving from a geometry-based approach to a physically-based approach. The possibility to simulate the actual behaviour of a product is at the basis of Virtual Prototypes that are becoming a common practice in today’s product development process. As a consequence, also interaction modalities and techniques have to be improved in order to satisfy new system requirements and functionalities. The research work described in this paper shows how haptic interaction techniques represent an evolution of current interaction technologies providing intuitive and realistic modalities for interacting with virtual applications. In particular, the paper describes a research work we have carried out integrating haptic technologies together with physically-based modelling and simulation techniques.

From solids to particle-based models

This paper addresses the issue of generation mathematical models of flexible objects suitable for NRM simulation. These models should contain proper information not only on the objects geometry, but also on the physical properties of the material they are made of. This paper mainly addresses the geometrical issues of generating particle---based models of flexible objects, but basic methods for determining the material characterization in some special cases are also discussed. The ongoing research work performed by the authors and the related results are presented.

Haptic Augmented Simulation Supporting Teaching Skill to Robots

This paper presents the preliminary results of the experimentation done at the University of Parma, and partially carried out as part of the Brite/Euram III Project Skill-MART, aiming at studying the use of digital simulation and haptic interaction for the purpose of analysing human skill and mapping it into a skilled robotics system.

Gesture-Based and Haptic Interaction for Human Skill Acquisition

This paper describes the preliminary results of the research work currently ongoing at the University of Parma, and partially carried out within a basic research project funded by the European Union. The research work aims at applying the techniques used in gesture analysis and recognition for understanding human skill performed for non rigid object grasping and manipulation. The various grasping gestures have been classified on the basis of some quantitative features extracted from the hand gesture analysis. Finally, it is planned to map the formalized skill into a robotics system, that will be able to grasp and manipulate non rigid objects, also facing unexpected situations.