Overview
ISO/IEC TS 23884:2021 is a technical specification from ISO/IEC that defines an information model for representing material properties and parameters used in model-based haptic simulation of objects in virtual, mixed and augmented reality (VR/MAR). It specifies how to express physical and material parameters (e.g., stiffness, friction, micro-textures) and provides a flexible way to specify the haptic rendering algorithm. The document is an information model - it does not mandate file formats, devices, or particular algorithms, but defines the minimal set of properties needed for comprehensive haptic rendering.
Key topics and requirements
- Material properties for haptics
- Stiffness: rigidity and deformation response (including time-dependent behavior and units).
- Friction: tangential contact forces, dynamic vs. static friction and models that capture high-frequency contact response.
- Surface texture: micro-scale surface features that affect tactile sensation and friction.
- Haptic rendering model
- Flexible specification of a haptic rendering node that describes how forces/torques are computed and delivered to haptic devices.
- Support for different levels of physical simulation fidelity and device characteristics.
- Information model constructs
- Extended material node(s) to carry haptic-specific parameters alongside visual material descriptions.
- Definitions, terms and abbreviated terms to standardize vocabulary used by implementers.
- Conformity and extensibility
- Guidance on how implementations can conform to the information model while allowing extensions for application-specific needs.
- Document nature
- Technical specification (first edition, 2021); no normative references are listed.
Applications and users
- Who uses it:
- VR/MAR system architects and developers integrating haptic feedback into simulators and applications.
- Content creators and 3D asset designers who need to embed material parameters for tactile rendering.
- Haptics middleware and device manufacturers implementing interoperable content exchange.
- Practical applications:
- Training simulators (medical, industrial) that require realistic force feedback.
- Gaming and immersive experiences where tactile realism increases presence.
- Remote robotics and teleoperation interfaces that rely on accurate material parameterization for operator feedback.
- Research prototyping where consistent material descriptors enable repeatable haptic experiments.
Related standards
- ISO/IEC 19775 (scene and content description for 3D graphics)
- ISO/IEC 3721-1 (information model for MAR content)
- Derived from concepts in ISO/IEC 18039 (haptic inclusion in VR/MAR)
Keywords: ISO/IEC TS 23884:2021, haptic simulation, haptic rendering, VR, MAR, material property representation, stiffness, friction, surface texture, haptic device, augmented reality.