Physically-based Manipulation on the Responsive Workbench

This paper describes how a physical simulation can be integrated with our Responsive Workbench system to support complex assembly tasks involving multiple hands and users. Our system uses the CORIOLIS physical simulation package extended to meet the real time requirements for our highly interactive virtual environment. We develop a new set of interface tools that exploit the natural properties of physical simulation (i.e. the superposition of forces). Our tools are based on sets of springs connecting the user’s hand to a virtual object. Visualizing these springs provides “visual force feedback” of the applied forces and facilitates the prediction of the objects’ behavior. Our force-based interaction concept allows multiple hands and users to manipulate a single object without the need for locking the object.