Non visual haptic audio tools for virtual environments

In English This paper reports the results of a test involving twelve users of different haptic audio navigational tools for non-visual virtual environments. Analysis of the test results confirms the usefulness of a constant attractive force as well as of haptic fixtures to help users locate objects in a virtual environment. The 3D audio turned out to be less useful due to the design of the environment. However, user comments indicate that this type of sound feedback helps spatial understanding. Contrary to expectations, no significant tool effects were seen on spatial memory.