Haptization on Numerical Simulation of Plasma

Scientific visualization is an indispensable method for the study of complex phenomena. However, conventional display methods cannot be used for studying extremely complex phenomena. To overcome this problem, we have used an immersive projection technology (IPT) display for scientific visualization. Haptic display is another device that can be used to virtually simulate “reality,” and it has been employed in many studies. Thermal display, which is a type of haptic display, is also effective in providing intuitive information. However, the observer assumes a sitting position during the use of most of these devices. In contrast, in the IPT, the observer generally watches and controls 3-D objects while standing. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a thermal display that can be used in a standing position. In addition, in scientific visualization, the response time is very important for observing physical phenomena, particularly for dynamic numerical simulation. One solution is to provide two types of thermal information: information about the rate of thermal change and information about the actual temperature. Using these two types of information, an observer can immediately recognize the change and the actual value of temperature. We developed a thermal display which can show the result (for example, energy and temperature as thermal information) of numerical simulation of plasma in the IPT.