Haptic Rendering of Sharp Objects Using Lateral Forces

Achieving realistic rendering of thin and spatially sharp objects (needles, for example) is an important open problem in computer haptics. Intrinsic mechanical properties of users, such as limb inertia, as well as mechanical and bandwidth limitations in haptic interfaces make this a very challenging problem. A successful rendering algorithm should also provide stable contact with a haptic virtual object. Here, perceptual illusions have been used to overcome some of these limitations to render objects with perceived sharp features. The feasibility of the approach was tested using a haptics-to-vision matching task. Results suggest that lateral-force-based illusory shapes can be used to render sharp objects, while also providing stable contact during virtual object exploration