On the Use of Sound for Representing Geometrical Information of Virtual Objects

Abstract

This study is concerned with the use of sound in a multimodal interface that is currently being developed as an aid for product design. By using this interface, the designer is able to physically interact with a virtual object. The requirements of the interface include the interactive sonification of geometrical data, relating to the virtual object, which are otherwise practically undetectable. We propose a classification scheme of the sound synthesis methods relevant to this application. These methods are presented in terms of the level of abstraction between the virtual object and the sound produced as a result of the user's interaction. Finally, we present an example that demonstrates the advantages of sonification for this application.