| Force-feedback manipulator technology has been available for several decades. It was originally developed for tele-robotic applications and is now being used with virtual reality (VR) simulations. The three most basic goals of force-feedback technology are safety, realism, and ease of use. The goal in developing this hybrid device is to improve upon the safety and realism of typical force-feedback devices while retaining the ease of use of pen-based devices. The use of a brake improves the safety by increasing stability. The realism is also improved by allowing the model of static friction to be implemented.; The scope of this project includes the design, construction, and implementation of the force-feedback input device as well as the dynamic simulation of a curve. The input device has a pen-like stylus. The computer simulation allows users to probe a virtual object and feel its properties. This hybrid device is the first programmable force-feed back device that allows modeled static friction to be reflected to the user. |
