Title: Design and assessment of a 3D visualisation system integrated with haptic interfaces

Authors: M. Bordegoni, U. Cugini, M. Covarrubias

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Via La Masa, 1 – 20156, Milano, Italy. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Via La Masa, 1 – 20156, Milano, Italy. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Via La Masa, 1 – 20156, Milano, Italy

Abstract: The paper presents a system we have studied and developed to aid the stereoscopic visualisation of virtual models of products whose shape can be explored and modified using a haptic interface. The haptic system has a wide working space that allows users to stand in front of the system and to operate as they are used to do in real life for making physical prototypes. The paper also shows several visualisation solutions that have been studied before obtaining the best performing one in which the stereoscopic glasses worn by the user as well as his point of view are tracked in order to enhance the realistic perception of the 3D mixed image. Some initial tests have been performed with end-users, both CAS designers and model makers, with the support of human factors experts in order to correctly assess the usability of the system and to understand how potentially effective it is in aiding product designers in their work.

Keywords: projection based visualisation; 3D visualisation; visuo-haptic display; stereoscopic visualisation; haptic interfaces; virtual prototyping; product modelling; product design.

DOI: 10.1504/JDR.2010.032608

Journal of Design Research, 2010 Vol.8 No.3, pp.235 - 251

Published online: 08 Apr 2010 *

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