Car Multimedia

Seiichiro Katsuras laboratory is studying human support systems based on tele-haptics, which is fundamental technology for storing and reproducing haptic information. In particular, the researchers are developing systems to broadcast haptic information in many directions, which have been given the new name Tele-Hapto. The word hapto means touch in Greek. Tele-Hapto systems can reproduce haptic data, the so-called third medium, without limitations on time or place. Q. Tele-haptics uses motors to convert the human force to electrical signals, and the electrical signals can be reproduced anytime, anywhere using motors. If this becomes practical, tele-haptics will become a mainstream technology. TV and radio broadcasting stations transmit video and audio data without spatial limitations, and this data can be reproduced without time limitations, as in CDs and DVDs. These kinds of multimedia signal processing technology have become essential in todays society. However, technology for processing kinesthetic and tactile information in the real world hasnt yet become practical. Q. Recently, in fields such as surgery and skilled industrial processing, its become important to ask whether the human sensation of touch can be handled in the same way as audiovisual information. In particular, its becoming important to handle haptic information regarding degree of force and dexterous finger movement. This tele-haptics technology is getting attention worldwide, because it will have the ...