Intern, Spatial Haptic Rendering based on Haptic Graphs

About InterDigital

InterDigital is a global research and development company focused primarily on wireless, video, artificial intelligence (“AI”), and related technologies. We design and develop foundational technologies that enable connected, immersive experiences in a broad range of communications and entertainment products and services. We license our innovations worldwide to companies providing such products and services, including makers of wireless communications devices, consumer electronics, IoT devices, cars and other motor vehicles, and providers of cloud-based services such as video streaming. As a leader in wireless technology, our engineers have designed and developed a wide range of innovations that are used in wireless products and networks, from the earliest digital cellular systems to 5G and today’s most advanced Wi-Fi technologies. We are also a leader in video processing and video encoding/decoding technology, with a significant AI research effort that intersects with both wireless and video technologies. Founded in 1972, InterDigital is listed on Nasdaq.

InterDigital is a registered trademark of InterDigital, Inc.

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Summary

Our company has recently introduced a novel paradigm for spatial haptic rendering, known as Haptic Tracing. Inspired by traditional ray tracing techniques, this method leverages a dynamically constructed haptic graph that reflects the spatial and connective structure of a virtual scene. This approach enables efficient and scalable rendering of haptic signals across multi-actuator setups. Our initial implementation, focused on vibrotactile rendering, has yielded promising results and opened up a wide range of research opportunities in the field of haptics.

The goal of this internship is to further explore and expand the concept of Haptic Tracing. Depending on the candidate’s interests and background, the work may involve:

Investigating methods for mixing haptic signals coming from different sources.

Extending the model to support other haptic modalities such as electrotactile or thermal feedback.

Exploring authoring tools and workflows for designing haptic experiences using the haptic graph.

Designing and evaluating new propagation functions within the haptic graph framework.

Extending the concept using AI models

Throughout the internship, the selected candidate will work with state-of-the-art haptic technologies, including a wide range of advanced devices such as haptic-enabled seats, headsets, gloves, and vests. These tools will serve as a testbed for developing and evaluating new haptic rendering techniques based on the Haptic Tracing paradigm.

The intern will be fully integrated into a team of experienced researchers, contributing to all stages of the research process. This includes conducting a state-of-the-art analysis, prototyping and developing new methods, designing and running user studies for evaluation, and participating in the writing of scientific publications and patents.

Responsibilities

The intern will be joining the haptic group within the Interactive Media team at Interdigital (Rennes). The work will consist in:

Conducting a state-of-the-art review on spatial haptic rendering and related technologies.

Exploring and implementing extensions or improvements to the Haptic Tracing model.

Designing and running user studies to evaluate the effectiveness and perception of haptic feedback.

Contributing to the writing of scientific publications and patent applications based on the outcomes of the research.

Qualifications

Background in computer graphics, human-computer interaction, or haptics.

Strong programming skills, particularly in C# and experience with Unity3D.

Ability to work collaboratively in a research-oriented environment.

Good communication skills and a willingness to contribute to scientific writing.

Experience with prototyping, user testing, or hardware integration is a bonus.

Keywords: haptics, IA, VR, Raytracing

Expected Outcomes: Research paper, Patents, Software modules, demos

Location: Rennes, France

InterDigital is an equal employment opportunity employer. InterDigital will not engage in or tolerate unlawful discrimination with regard to any employment decision, policy or practice based on a person’s sex, gender, pregnancy (including childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), age, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, military status, veteran status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, assignments, evaluations, coaching, promotion, discipline, discharge and layoff.

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