Researchers at the University of Geneva are developing a system to give "virtual fabric" the same feel as the real thing. First, professor Nadia Magenat-Thalmann and her colleagues are modeling certain fabrics' physical attributes such as their stress, strain, and deformation properties to create a digital model of the material. Then, in order to feel those simulated properties, the user dons a "haptic" glove outfitted with a mechanically-controlled array of tiny pins under each finger. The force of the pins and the glove provide the wearer with the sensation that he or she is actually touching something real. From New Scientist:
The virtual model of each textile works on two levels – a "global" model of its properties, and a more detailed model of the area being touched. Together these drive the haptic and touching devices.
The second level is more difficult to simulate, says Magnenat-Thalmann. The human visual system will be fooled by images that change 20 times per second, but a realistic touch interface must ideally be able to change 500 times per second or more.
Previously on BB:
• Haptic Arm Wrestling Link
• Haptic athletic outfits Link
• Tactile messaging vest Link
