USAGE OF MULTISENSORY INFORMATION IN SCIENTIFIC-DATA SENSUALIZATION

Multisensory scientific data sensualization methods that utilize virtu al reality technology permit the use of several human sensations, such as visual, acoustic, and tactile sensation to display numerical data. The purposes of multisensory data sensualization can be classified as follows: (a) representing the relationships between different kinds o f data; (b) displaying data utilizing sensory integration; and (c) rep resenting conditions using the compound image. By using multisensory i nformation, computers increase the ability to express data. However, t hese methods lead us to the question of which sensation should be used to display data most effectively. In this study, a multisensory data sensualization environment was developed in which color, loudness, sou nd frequency, and air flow pressure could be used to display scientifi c data. In particular, a wind sensation display prototype using air fl ow pressure was developed to generate tactile sensation. A basic exper iment was conducted on sensory interference when subjects used two kin ds of sensations simultaneously. From these results, guidelines for th e usage of multisensory information for each purpose is proposed.