Desk-sized immersive workplace using force feedback grid interface

When a three-dimensional object is designed in the virtual world, it is essential that the designer can observe and manipulate the object directly in three-dimensional space. The aim of our study is to develop a virtual workplace in which three-dimensional virtual objects can be observed from various directions, and can be touched directly by utilising force feedback. In this paper, we propose a 3D modelling system that consists of an inclined three-screen display and a force feedback device. Using this system, we propose a force feedback grid that extends the concept of 2D CAD manipulation to a grid that can be used in three-dimensional space, and which integrates with force feedback in order to support modelling in three-dimensional space. Finally, we report the results of an experiment that we conducted in order to verify the effectiveness of the force feedback grid.