Evaluating ALPHAN with Multi-user Collaboration

In our previous work we introduced a novel application layer protocol, named ALPHAN, for haptic data communication. In this paper, we present a thorough evaluation of the protocol using a multi-user collaborative haptic application. The benchmark application consists of a simple game where three users attempt to lift a 3D triangular shape and place it in a triangular hole. The performance metrics and the test bed of the protocol evaluation are also discussed. It is found that a delay of 150 ms or higher caused the participating users not even to feel the existence of each other. Also a comparison between the two users and three users scenarios is considered. Finally, we comment on our findings and provide directions for prospective research.

[1]  Leonardo Bonanni,et al.  TapTap: a haptic wearable for asynchronous distributed touch therapy , 2006, CHI Extended Abstracts.

[2]  David Wang,et al.  The effect of time delays on tele-haptics , 2003, The 2nd IEEE Internatioal Workshop on Haptic, Audio and Visual Environments and Their Applications, 2003. HAVE 2003. Proceedings..

[3]  Dimitrios Tzovaras,et al.  Haptic Browser: A Haptic Environment to Access HTML Pages , 2004 .

[4]  Abdulmotaleb El-Saddik,et al.  Evaluating ALPHAN: A Communication Protocol for Haptic Interaction , 2008, 2008 Symposium on Haptic Interfaces for Virtual Environment and Teleoperator Systems.

[5]  Carl Gutwin,et al.  The effects of network delays on group work in real-time groupware , 2001, ECSCW.

[6]  Cagatay Basdogan,et al.  Haptics in minimally invasive surgical simulation and training , 2004, IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications.

[7]  Kyoung Shin Park,et al.  Effects of network characteristics on human performance in a collaborative virtual environment , 1999, Proceedings IEEE Virtual Reality (Cat. No. 99CB36316).

[8]  Wai Yu,et al.  Experimental Study of Haptic Interaction in Distributed Virtual Environments , 2004 .

[9]  Antonio Frisoli,et al.  Haptics technologies and cultural heritage applications , 2002, Proceedings of Computer Animation 2002 (CA 2002).

[10]  Kaoru Sezaki,et al.  The effect of network delay on remote calligraphic teaching with haptic interfaces , 2006, NetGames '06.

[11]  A. El Saddik,et al.  ALPHAN: Application Layer Protocol for HAptic Networking , 2007, 2007 IEEE International Workshop on Haptic, Audio and Visual Environments and Games.

[12]  M. Munih,et al.  HIFE-haptic interface for finger exercise , 2006, IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics.

[13]  Chris Gunn,et al.  Collaborative virtual sculpting with haptic feedback , 2006, Virtual Reality.

[14]  Chris Gunn,et al.  Combating Latency in Haptic Collaborative Virtual Environments , 2005, Presence: Teleoperators & Virtual Environments.

[15]  Robert S. Allison,et al.  Effects of network delay on a collaborative motor task with telehaptic and televisual feedback , 2004, VRCAI '04.

[16]  P.X. Liu,et al.  Design and implementation of a collaborative virtual haptic surgical training system , 2005, IEEE International Conference Mechatronics and Automation, 2005.