Haptic display for human interaction with virtual dynamic environments

Abstract

Haptics is an emerging technology that permits direct “hands-on” interaction with a virtual environment. A haptic device uses mechanical actuators to physically push a user's finger or hand to give the sensation that he or she would have when interacting with a real physical environment. These force feedback systems have many applications, from training a surgeon to perform an operation, to assisting a child in understanding the behavior of a lever or pulley. In this paper we discuss methods and techniques to allow realistic and robust haptic interactions between a human and a complex dynamic virtual environment. Beyond modeling object penetration constraints, this work demonstrates how shading, friction, texture, and dynamics can be generated to create compelling and realistic virtual worlds. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.