Electronics Knowledge Transfer Network

This event provides an introduction to haptic technologies (technology that interfaces with the user through touch) and their effectiveness. The University's Engineering Design Centre will demonstrate their research in this area and then two Cambridge companies will demonstrate how they each use haptic technologies in different ways;  NXT designs and manufactures flat panel loudspeakers and whose ambition is to take audio solutions where conventional technology just can't go.  Visual Planet was born in 2001 and designs and manufactures interactive touch foil technology to create touch screens.

Our speakers were:

Dr Patrick Langdon, Senior Researcher, Engineering Design Centre, Cambridge (pictured)
'Haptic modification of disabled cursor movement and "bouncing" interfaces'

Early work on haptics in the Engineering Design Centre looked at  the application of various force-feedback input devices available at the time to assist disabled cursor use. The talk introduces haptics and looks at the haptic technology tested and some of the findings from our research into its effectiveness. For example, a highly successful intervention was discovered using direct force-feedback “haptification” of 2D point and click interfaces by creation of  zones of attraction and observing their interaction with impaired movement patterns. This research led to a better understanding of the parallels between impaired cursor use and the use of interfaces during perturbations in mobile contexts. State-space filtering techniques are a promising approach to modifying  interface properties on the basis of specific inputs. The current funded work is examining the use of this approach for interpreting user input and simulating user actions  in multimodal interfaces with haptic components.

Click here to download a copy of Pat's presentation
 
Dr Neil Harris, Director of Technology, New Transducers Limited (NXT)
'Introduction to NXT bending wave haptics'

Neil graduated from the University of Cambridge in 1982 with a degree in Electrical Sciences, followed by a PhD from the University of Essex in 2002. As Chief Scientist, first with Mission and then with New Transducers (NXT), he was a co-inventor of both the distributed-mode loudspeaker and the balanced-mode radiator. His responsibilities included oversight of all theoretical and numerical modelling issues at NXT, including the design of software for both the DML and BMR loudspeakers. Now, as Director of Technology, he remains responsible for invention, research and consulting activities in a diverse range of technologies, including the relatively new field of haptics.

Click here to download a copy of Neil's presentation

Vernon Spencer, Visual Planet

Visual Planet was established in 2001, born out of the frustration of being unable to access information after closing hours in a high street, and waiting around in business reception areas, unable to access key information on the business being visited. Previous experience in the touch digital signage market included sourcing and developing components and technologies for thru-window interactive solutions.  The ViP Interactive Foil is a flagship of their success and is paving the way for continued development.

Click here to download a copy of Vernon's presentation

Chairman: The event will be chaired by Myrddin Jones from the Photonics and Plastic Electronics KTN.

Click here to download a copy of Myrddin's presentation

If you have any further questions please contact Louise Rushworth on 01223 401585 or email louise.rushworth@cambridgenetwork.co.uk