Virtual reality applications

VR refers to computer-generated, interactive, three-dimensional environments into which people are immersed. Virtual Reality (VR) has been proved to be a powerful technology for solving today’s real-world problems. I am interested in developing virtual reality techniques (Visualization, Haptics, Physics Based Modeling, Constrained Based Modeling) for applications ranging from virtual assembly, factory maintenance, manufacturing to mechanism design and nanorobotics.

  • SHARP (A System For Haptic Assembly & Realistic Prototyping)

    We integrate stereo graphics, haptic feedback and physics based modeling techniques to visualize the design and manufacturing process. Our system SHARP allows designers and manufacturers envision/experience the assembly process while the products and facility are still in digital form in order to better determine the manufacturability and facility layout for optimum production. Click here for a demo movie.

Key features:

    • Physics based modeling of assembly and training process

    The physics computation is based on voxel (small cubes) representation of CAD models obtained from Voxel Point Shell (VPS Boeing Inc.)

    • Haptic force feedback through Phantom devices

    A virtual spring system is attached between the virtual hand and the manipulated object.

    • Dual handed assembly

    • Network module

    The network module has the ability to communicate with multiple VR systems (such as CAVE etc.) at geographically dispersed locations using a non-dedicated network channel.

    • Platform independency

    The system framework is based on VRJuggler, an open source virtual reality package that provides a virtual platform to VR development.

Publications:

    Seth, A., Su, H.-J. and Vance, J.M., "SHARP: A System for Haptic Assembly & Realistic Prototyping," ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conferences , September 10 – 13 2006, Philadelphia , Pennsylvania. (PDF)

    Seth, A., Su, H.-J. and Vance, J.M., "A Desktop Networked Haptic VR Interface for Mechanical Assembly," ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition , November 5 – 11 2005, Orlando , Florida. (PDF)

  • Design of bio/nano devices in virtual environments

    Nanorobotics is an emerging field that deals with the controlled manipulation of objects with nanometer-scale dimensions. Due to the size of machine components, it is very difficult for engineers to imagine and understand the physics in nanoworld. I am particularly interested in applying VR techniques in nanorobotics research as a way to enhance the operator's perception (vision + haptics) by approaching more or less a state of “full immersion” or “telepresence.”

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