Think3 Supports Approach to Multisensory Modeling

By DE Editors

Think3 (Milan, Italy), which offers technology solutions that combine product concept, engineering, and tooling environments, is one of at least seven members of the consortium implementing the project SATIN (Sound and Tangible Interfaces for Novel product design).

The research develops a new multimodal and multisensory interface system for product design integrating new modeling paradigms based on the fusion of vision, haptic, and sound interface, through a "designer-centered" approach.

The SATIN system consists of a haptic interface, including two FCS-HapticMaster devices connected and integrated with a new haptic strip for shape evaluation and modification. The user can explore and evaluate a surface shape along a trajectory interactively defined by slipping her fingers on the haptic strip that takes the shape of the curve on the virtual model. The shape can be modified by exerting pressure on the haptic strip in single points, or by applying traction/compression and flexion/torsion at the ends of the strip.

The visualization system is rear-projection based. The user wears stereoscopic glasses for 3D models viewing; the viewpoint is driven by an optical tracking system.

The first prototype of the SATIN system (released in September 2008) consists of the haptic interface for shape evaluation. The prototype has been tested by the project users. The next release of the SATIN system will include the possibility of modifying an object shape, locally, or globally, just acting on the haptic strip.

For further information, visit SATIN or think3 Inc.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.