Human perception of haptic information in minimal access surgery tools for use in simulation.

This paper describes research on human perception of haptic information in minimal access surgery (MAS) instruments, for use in a MAS simulator. Understanding the thresholds of human perception is important in determining which haptic information must be provided for realistic feedback and which information can be ignored without compromising the immersive quality of the simulator. Initially this research has determined the limits of perception for non-continuous change of force amplitude and frequency in a scissors-grasping position.