Desk-sized immersive workplace using force feedback grid interface

When a 3D object is designed in a virtual world, it is essential that the designer can observe and manipulate the object directly in 3D space. The aim of our study is to develop a virtual workplace in which 3D 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 a 3D space, and which integrates with force feedback in order to support modelling in the 3D space. Finally, we report the results of an experiment that we conducted in order to verify the effectiveness of the force feedback grid.