free web hit counter Independent Study :: Haptic Glove

Haptic Glove

by Kaho Abe and Jung Sin

Version No. 2:


Sounds by Jenks Whittenburg
** This version was shown at the 2nd Beijing New Media Arts Exhibition and Symposium, June 21- July 11, 2005.

Proto No. 1 Demo:


Sounds used:
DJ Krush -- Blank
Aphex Twin -- Blue Calx

What is it?

A simple gesture as a hand wave or a handshake is universal. It's a way to greet and communicate in any social environments. Deriving from this basic human behavior, the Haptic Glove creates a situation where the hand gesture holds or creates another meaning. Through the usage of sensors and sound, the Haptic Glove provides music as another language for the users to interact with.

Music is a form of communication. Music transcends language barriers, creating opportunities for people to communicate even if they do not understand each other's spoken words. The users who wear our gloves can create musical compositions by linking hands together. With this simple physical gesture, the users are able to make a connection with others and feel as if their body is producing the sound.

The hand holding is important for the Haptic Interface attempts to physically bring people together. Due to the simple understanding of a hand gesture, the users will not feel intimidated to try this technology, in result creating an environment that is comfortable and natural. Since the hand gesture is universal, the Haptic Glove hopes to entice people to interact and create an environment that is fun and barrier-free.

Desired Outcome

Interaction through physical touch and mixed sounds create a new level of communication beyond the limits of words and linguistic fence. The Haptic Musical Glove is a work in progress. We hope to develop more gloves so multiple users may participate.


How does it work?




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