3D Manipulation with Force Feedback

3D Manipulation with Force Feedback

Keywords: Force, CAD

Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, Inc. USAPatent number:US5,973,678Publication date: 26 October 1999Title: Method and System for Manipulating a Three-Dimensional Object Utilising a Force Feedback Interface

A method and system for manipulating a three-dimensional object in a computer-aided design (CAD) environment which utilises a force feedback interface is described. A gravitational sphere is defined around each input parameters of a mathematical model defining the shape, location and orientation of the three-dimensional object. A force is applied to the force feedback interface based on the gravitational spheres and the position of the force feedback interface. An input signal is received from the force feedback interface based on the applied force indicating selection of one of the plurality of input parameters. The selected input parameter can therefore be manipulated so as to change the shape of the object in the CAD environment. The edit signal can also be limited according to predetermined constraints via the force feedback interface.