[Art_beyond_sight_theory_and_research] McIntosh Gallery, haptics, weather maps

[Lisa Yayla]

Hi,
Including a link about canoing - believe there are some enthusiasts on 
the list. Otherwise links/excerpts to articles about exhibitions, a new 
haptic instrument at Carnegie Mellon University, and an artist in 
Missouri and feeling the wind.
Regards,
Lisa

http://www.lightofthisworld.com/oc1/2008/03/dana-outrigger.html

This year we welcome Makapo Aquatics OC6 Paddlers. Course for visually 
impaired or blind
division is a one lap sprint around Dana Harbor Island

Short course 9 AM - Long Course 11 AM
PFD Required on all OC and Ski
Registration 8 AM Baby Beach Park
Race Fee $25 US - 100% Cotton t-shirt - Lunch
Contact: eric.r.smith at cox.net – (949)436-0467


http://www.gazette.uwo.ca/article.cfm?section=Arts&articleID=1970&month=03&day=07&year=2008

Beyond the red doors of McIntosh Gallery
Currently, the gallery is hosting an exhibition featuring six artists 
from Canada, the U.S. and Great Britain. The exhibition, “A Sense of 
Space: Blind Culture”, focuses on art created specifically for the 
visually impaired.

“Most of the work was created by sighted people with the idea that it 
can be touched and experienced beyond looking at it,” Shaw says. “The 
surfaces of several pieces are highly textured, and the exhibition also 
features a large wooden sculpture created by a blind artist.”


Although the gallery usually only showcases the work of professionals, 
twice a year it features student artwork. The upcoming exhibition in 
April will showcase the work from Fine Arts graduates at Fanshawe 
College. In August, two candidates completing their Master of Fine Arts 
degree will be selected to exhibit their work.


http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/03/04/ap4730292.html
Sense of Touch Comes to Computers
PITTSBURGH - A controller developed at Carnegie Mellon University allows 
computer users to manipulate three-dimensional images and explore 
virtual environments not only through sight and sound, but by using 
their sense of touch.

The device, expected to be used mainly for research, training and 
industrial purposes, comes close to the sensitivity of the human hand.

Using magnetic fields, the so-called haptic device replicates the 
response a hand might have to textures and gravitational forces, said 
Ralph L. Hollis, a Carnegie Mellon professor who developed the 
controller. Haptic refers to devices that convey the sense of touch.

"We believe this device provides the most realistic sense of touch of 
any haptic interface in the world today," he said.



http://arstechnica.com/journals/thumbs.ars/2008/03/05/maglev-refines-haptic-input-technology

Research professor Ralph Hollis and a group of his colleagues have 
produced a prototype of a haptic system called "Maglev." The device 
consists of a "bowl with electromagnets concealed below its base" and a 
levitating bar. The bowl is lined with light sensors while the bar, 
which the user holds, is fitted with LEDs.


on youtube
Magnetic Levitation Haptic Interfaces 2


http://www.informationweek.com/shared/printableArticle.jhtml?articleID=206901952
3-D Computer Designs Take Form With Magnetic Device

Researchers are honing a system that could allow people to feel textures 
and shapes of 3-D designs created on computers -- without awkward 
mechanical gear.


Weather map interface lets you feel the wind
Climate researchers can now physically experience the complex data on 
their maps using a computer system that lets them "feel" wind speeds and 
other weather features using a joystick that simulates touching objects.

A trial of the system shows that it can help people understand how the 
climate works better than purely visual maps.

The system converts climate data into forces that a person can feel 
using a haptic device in the form of a robotic arm with a joystick on 
the end. Previous haptic interfaces have uses from remote medical exams 
to controlling robots.

Haptics researcher Cagatay Basdogan of Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey,
http://technology.newscientist.com/article/dn13413-weather-map-interface-lets-you-feel-the-wind.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isu7r3Ywqp0


Give your computer the sense of touch
http://blogs.zdnet.com/emergingtech/?p=854

Carnegie Mellon Showcases Virtual Touch Technology
http://www.efluxmedia.com/news_Carnegie_Mellon_Showcases_Virtual_Touch_Technology_14818.html


Disabled Artist Inspires Others

The art show featuring Danny's work will officially open at the Ozark 
Regional Library in Fredericktown on March 14th. The display runs 
through April 1st.

http://www.kfvs12.com/Global/story.asp?S=7971740&nav=menu51_2