Overview
IEC TR 63344:2021 - Conceptual model of standardization for haptic multimedia systems provides a structured, high‑level model for vibro‑tactile haptics in multimedia systems and equipment. Published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) as a Technical Report, this document maps potential standardization items for haptic multimedia used in electrical appliances, computer interfaces, automobiles, amusements, and communication devices. It is a conceptual (informative) resource intended to guide future standards development rather than prescribe mandatory technical specifications.
Key topics covered
The report organizes haptic multimedia into practical standardization topics, including:
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Device categories and properties
- Device types (wearables, consoles, vehicle interfaces, entertainment devices)
- Device properties such as spatial resolution, sensitivity diversity, safety and calibration methods
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Haptic data and network considerations
- Data format and network topology concepts
- Timing and quality parameters: acceptable delay (latency), frame rate, quantization and data compression
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Interaction and perceptual aspects
- Purposes of haptic feedback (notification, immersion, guidance)
- Interaction modality and reality class (degree of realism or immersion)
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Standardization items and use cases
- Table of candidate items for standardization and representative examples
- Informative annexes with concrete use cases (vibrotactile vest, vibrotactile IPTV) and step‑by‑step analyses
Practical applications
IEC TR 63344:2021 is directly applicable to sectors implementing vibro‑tactile haptic features:
- Games & entertainment - immersive cinema, VR/AR, e‑sports controllers and wearable haptic vests
- Consumer electronics & user interfaces - smartphone, tablet and PC haptic feedback design
- Automotive - driver support systems, centre console tactile interfaces, alerting and guidance through vibro‑tactile cues
- Broadcasting & IPTV - augmenting video/audio streams with synchronized tactile cues
- Haptic communication & feel transfer - transferring tactile experiences across networks or devices
The report helps designers, system architects and standards developers define interoperability, performance and safety expectations for vibro‑tactile systems.
Who should use this standard
- Standards committees and policy makers (IEC TC 100 stakeholders)
- Product and systems engineers developing haptic hardware or middleware
- UX designers and multimedia integrators working on immersive or safety‑critical interfaces
- Network and codec engineers addressing latency, compression and synchronization for tactile data streams
Related information
IEC TR 63344 is an informative Technical Report intended to complement future normative standards. For normative requirements, consult applicable IEC standards and IEC TC 100 deliverables on audio, video and multimedia systems. The report’s annexes offer practical use cases (vibrotactile vest, IPTV) useful for requirements capture and test case development.
Keywords: IEC TR 63344:2021, haptic multimedia systems, vibro‑tactile haptics, haptic feedback, tactile communication, haptic standards, latency, frame rate, device calibration.