Force Feedback in Shared Virtual Simulations

Virtual reality is a powerful tool for training, simulation and computer aided design. Replacing the traditional mouse with a force feedback device might enhance the performance of such systems, permitting a more natural interaction. The software interface and the mechanical design of force-feedback devices is critical. The operative system must be real time and guarantee low latency and high sampling rate. Additional constraints are introduced if there is a need for sharing the simulation among multiple players. In this paper we will present two haptic devices, and a distributed architecture that allows operators to manipulate objects in a shared virtual environment. We will conclude with two examples, a multi-player squash game and a shared force-feedback CAD system for airplane manufacturing.

[1]  Ng Hern,et al.  BrickNet: sharing object behaviors on the Net , 1995, Proceedings Virtual Reality Annual International Symposium '95.

[2]  Nadine Miner,et al.  An application of shared virtual reality to situational training , 1995, Proceedings Virtual Reality Annual International Symposium '95.

[3]  Martin R. Stytz,et al.  Providing Situation Awareness Assistance to Users of Large-Scale, Dynamic, Complex Virtual Environments , 1993, Presence: Teleoperators & Virtual Environments.

[4]  P BrutzmanDonald,et al.  MBone Provides Audio and Video Across the Internet , 1994 .

[5]  Blake Hannaford,et al.  Performance evaluation of a six-axis generalized force-reflecting teleoperator , 1991, IEEE Trans. Syst. Man Cybern..