Research On Human-Computer Interaction Of Virtual Assembly Based On A Force Feedback Device

With the development of VR-based virtual assembly technology, manufacture of large complex electromechanical products is developing with digitization and automation. Haptic technology based on force feedback device is one of the most important interaction way in an interactive virtual assembly system. Operators can obtain important information of virtual assembly system through the real-time interaction between force feedback devices and virtual scenes, so as to guide the design and manufacture of large complex electromechanical products.This paper mainly develops an immersive force haptic virtual assembly interactive system, basing on Omega.7 as the interactive device, Virtools as the virtual software platform and Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 as the developing environment. The system supports functions of real-time collision detection and assembly path planning, making users analyze assembling ability of mechanical and electrical products, verify and plan for assembly sequence of components and train for assembly, etc.In this paper, the following aspects are mainly developed:working principle and structural characteristics of the Omega.7 force feedback device, development of interface program between Omega.7 and Virtools, development of a haptic interactive virtual assembly system.First, the interactive virtual assembly system framework is built and the system design scheme is proposed. The hardware composition and software configuration of the system are introduced. Working principle and structural characteristics of the Omega.7 force feedback device are focused. Operating principle of the software system is also developed.Secondly, the BB interface program between the force feedback device and Virtools is developed basing on the virtual reality software development kit (CHAI3D, SDK in Virtools, etc.). Function and application of Building Block modules of Virtools is introduced. The development process and implementation of specific functions of BB interface program are focused. Programming essentials are also summed up.Then, key technologies in developing of assembly system platform are discussed. Basic principles and methods of these technologies are highlighted, such as technology of modeling, model data conversion, assembly sequence planning, scripting language programming, collisi- on detection, multimedia player, etc.Finally, a set of haptic interactive virtual assembly system based on a speed reducer is developed and tested when running.The results of the system's collision detection, assembly planning and assembly simulation are focused. Haptic technology's promotion to immersive and real-time rendering in virtual assembly is also verified.