An Experimental Implementation of a Networked Hapto-Acoustic Virtual Reality Environment Applied to Surgical Education Using the High Speed CeNTIE Research Network

This paper addresses issues affecting the implementation of a networked Hapto-Acoustic Virtual Reality Environment. This is a Virtual Reality system which combines 3D graphics visualisation, audio and touch interaction and which aims to produce a perceived real time interaction by the user with a computer generated model. Networking systems together makes it possible to collaborate in the virtual environment and achieve a sense of perceived virtual presence. We use a hand-immersive virtual environment where the user directly interacts with objects in the 3D virtual world. We are also able to avoid the need for positional head tracking by making use of a space-ball mouse. The interactive space contains a PHANToM haptic device used to provide force feedback. Issues affecting successful implementation of the haptic virtual environment are mentioned and networking of two such systems is demonstrated using the high speed CeNTIE research network.